Lost pad!
Just wrapped up “the loop” CCW in 4 days/3 nights. Trail was in great shape. Haven’t done it CW, but CCW was just fine. Knocked out a ton of elevation gain with fresh legs by making it all the way to Vidette day 1. Little bit of rain the first day and a little bit of smoke in the valley the last day. Great weather otherwise. Saw rattle snakes, but no bears. It gets hot this time of year at the lower elevations. Prepare accordingly. Overall, it’s a physically challenging but manageable route.
JMT campsite near Vidette was packed. Wandered down the trail a ways to find some privacy. Middle Rae was also packed, but everyone was respectful. Lots of TP blossoms at Upper Paradise Valley - if you’re going to the trouble to spend time in the backcountry, prepare to pack out your shitty TP, it’s really not that inconvenient.
I think somene in our group left behind a Thermarest Neo X-Lite at Upper Paradise Valley - if you happen to see it and also see this post, please reach out! Will provide a small award for return.