Imager...

Since you seem bent on going, please, when you get back, give us an HONEST appraisal of the trip. We won't "told you so" here... but I think it is only fair after all that has been said here.

A few years ago we had someone come to this forum with dozens of questions about hiking the GC. The plan was for a family trip, kids in the early teen/tween age, taking a "safe" trail using a conservative trip plan. This person had experience backpacking as a family, and after having asked so many questions, felt fully confident and prepared. The trip turned into an EPIC, did not go anywhere near as planned, and resulted in a life-threatening situation for one of the kids. They were essentially rescued by another group, and survived only because of them. They did not encounter any unexpected circumstances, they just weren't able to handle the circumstances they thought they were prepared for.

MNS