[pct-l] new to list

[George (Tin Man) Andrews]

Hello everyone.
I just joined this list and am planning to hike the JMT next month.  My 
name is George, trail name Tin Man and I live in NC.  I normally reside 
on the at-list and have just retired from Civil Service. 
This is my first big get-away as a free man.  The permit is already 
reserved and I'll be leaving from Happy Isles on Aug 14th.

Any help in preparing for the hike is most appreciated.  I have all my 
gear and am sorting the food now.
Questions:  Is denatured alcohol readily available?  How about at the 
Muir Trail Ranch?  How long is the shuttle ride to Mammoth Lakes Resort 
and does it fun more than once a day?  I would like to plan only one 
resupply mail drop and that at the MT Ranch.  Any insight into the 
ranch's mail drop policy?  I have written but not received a reply yet.

Weather?  Snow reports?  How many people were killed last week by lions 
and tigers and bears?
Thanks,
Tin Man