Hello! Looking for some suggestions, insight, help for our first backpacking trip to Yosemite and we are planning to hike along the north rim of the valley in early August. This was my son's graduation wish so it will just be the two of us hiking from Aug 3rd - Aug 8th. We will be heading out from Tamarack Creek and planning on coming out at Mirror lake/snow creek. We are both in good shape but will be coming from low elevation, so I would imagine the first 1-2 days are going to be brutal with full packs.
Looking at other forums, it looks like a 20 degree sleeping bag would be a good idea for the night, mosquitoes can be bad, there is some bear issue with the snow creek trail so camping is not possible in that area. We are used to camping in the boundary waters - bears and motquitoes don't really bother me, but this long distance planning is a little stressful.
My major questions are:
1) We will be renting a car in San Fran and driving it in, I will have to call and have them hold our permit ahead of time because we will not be able to be there right at 10 am, I don't think. We are flying in and will have to get propane for our stove and a few other items en-route. Is there a good store for that on our way into the park?
2) Is there parking at Tamarack Creek? It looks like we will take Tioga road to Gin Flat and then hang a right.
3) When we come out on the east end of the valley at Mirror lake, will we be able to take the shuttle back to our parking spot? or at least close to it? Do I need to get tickets ahead of time, or can be pick some up when we get there?
4) Looking at the map, it appears that we will be doing a total of 20 - 25 miles so I think we should be able to take it slow and enjoy some camping - are there any good day hikes along that trail that we should consider? If we do decide to come down to the valley earlier than our exit date, will that be a problem?
5) Water sources - are the streams adequate at that time of year to stock up?
Thanks in advance for any advice or suggestions.