by Phil » Wed Apr 20, 2016 3:31 pm
AlmostThere's suggestions are really solid. Just be ready to do some climbing. You better get a good map and know what the topography holds in store for either route before you commit. With being in "moderate shape" you also have to be realistic about the added issues of how that's going to work for you at altitude, especially for Ten Lakes. DO NOT discount the effects of altitude...without taking time to acclimate, it can take "moderate" to barely able to breath really quickly, even for someone in excellent shape. Another big consideration for both routes is the daily mileage you're looking to do as opposed to how long you plan to be out. You should be able to get in at least for some of either route around that 6 miles at times, but you're going to have to either resign yourselves to more miles per day or being out longer, especially if you want good campsites and water that you don't have to carry. You don't really get a choice beyond that.
As far as permits are concerned, she's also absolutely right- you're getting limited if you want to reserve ahead of time. To make it more likely, Ten Lakes Basin is a good choice, and it's currently going to be easier to enter from White Wolf for the GCT than it is to try to get a pass-through from Glen Aulin. In other words, do it in reverse. With the latter, you also get to avoid that climb which you have very little choice over having to get through at least most of before the end of the day and you find a place to camp.
So look at a map, be realistic, plan your itinerary accordingly. Make it work, it'll be worth it.