[pct-l] 7/08 SOBO suggestions?

[Bill]

Hi PCT friend:
   
  My name is Bill Eckhoff. I'm 55 years old heading SOBO on PCT (Monument 78 to Campo) starting early July '08. I hiked SOBO solo California PCT in 1977, SOBO Washington-Oregon PCT w/brother in 1984 (starting May 23, ouch!), and SOBO solo California PCT again in 1991. I have also hiked over 10K mi in Calif. Sierra's over the past 40 years.
   
  To avoid dealing with U.S. customs and save some money I plan to Fly/Greyhound to Mt. Vernon, WA from Calif. (my home), take local bus to Concrete on Hwy 20, then hitch to trail head. (Any other suggestions welcome). I will not start at Rainy Pass, but shortcut to Monument 78.
   
  Possible shortcuts to M78:  
  1) Catch Boat Taxi ($70 for 1-6 people, Ross Lake Resort) from Hwy 20 (mile post 134) to Lightning Creek Trail. Hike 22mi to Castle Pass (PCT) then 4mi to M78 (26mi Total). Return to Rainy Pass via PCT (63mi)
  2) From Hwy 20 (East of Ross Lake) hike 20mi to Holman Pass (PCT) on Canyon Creek Trail. Hike 17mi to M78 (37mi Total). Return to Rainy Pass via PCT.
  3) Hitch (if possible?) backroads from Hwy 20 (East of Rainy Pass) to Harts Pass (PCT) then hike 31mi to M78 (31mi Total). Return to Rainy Pass via PCT.
   
  All three options save 8mi trip from Manning Park to M78 and U.S. Custom's problems.
  I may even leave food hidden in UraSack near Rainy Pass to resupply after 90-100mi border bounce. Any other suggestions would be highly welcome. Also any current news of Agnes Creek detour (Bridge Creek Campground area) and Glacier Peak detour would be helpful (logs/bridge over Suiattle River?). I do have Yogi's books (w/ 4/08 updates). A guess at Snow levels early July (this year)?
   
  Thanks,
  Bill