Folks, this is my 5th year in the lottery (thru lots of changes) looking for the golden ticket for SOBO out of Happy Isles. I¡¯ll concede that every year I¡¯ve applied for probably the most popular 8-10 week stretch of the year. But I also have had a lot of scheduling flexibility so have applied for start dates over that entire period, every year for now the 5th year (and will still be applying for late July and August) start dates. Is my experience unusual? Am I particularly unlucky? Could I be doing something wrong? Now 5 years ago I was fortunate enough to do a Horseshoe Meadows to Whitney stretch which only strengthened my desire to do the JMT. And I¡¯ve also been fortunate enough to secure a NOBO permit this year after hearing - thanks to this group - that they are also now difficult to get. But I really would like that SOBO¡¯er. Any suggestions or words of encouragement?
