I finally got my permit a few days ago! Though I had given them a huge window (July 23 - Sept 5), I had just about given up hope...
My goal was to finally explore the beautiful drainage north of Triple Divide Pass, and now it looks like I'll have my chance!
REH-REH-ATL-REF-REY-GUN
The route they gave me looks a bit odd on the surface: why stay at REH for two nights and THEN go up over the pass to ATL for one before coming right back the next day? But it is ALMOST what I asked for and upon closer examination I'm thinking they assumed that by giving me an extra night at REH I could change it on walkup to exactly what I asked for, which was:
REH-ATL-ATL-REF-REY-GUN-GUN.
I had figured that two nights at ATL -- which I realize is a kinda blah campground -- would limit the backpacking miles and camp setup/takedown time while still giving me time for some delightfully unencumbered dayhike wanderings in the lovely area between ATL and MOR, and possibly even a chance to try getting up to Katoya.
I'm also hoping that I can extend the trip another couple nights on the far end -- maybe ELL would be available on walkup 7 or 8 nights out? And the nice thing about a route with an out-and-back section like this is that I can potentially save a little weight by cacheing half my food at REF on the way in.
QUESTIONS:
Has anyone been at REF or REH? Can anyone comment on the food storage set up there? Is it a standard cable (more capacity) or a skinny pole (can be crowded) or a bear box? I know the general area was burned, but is there any remaining shade where you hang your food?