JMT dilemma

[markskor]

Another option - all east side.
Fly in to Sacramento - Airport shuttle to Amtrak (downtown off J street) and bus/train (~ $45) to Yosemite Valley. (Yes, travel will take a day but no rental car needed.)
FYI, your bus ticket entitles you to legally stay Valley backpacker site - and next day, take the morning YARTS (8:30) to Tuolumne or...take the evening Hiker Bus (5:00) Valley to Tuolumne and start your JMT from there - going South.

From Whitney Portal, an easy hitch (with a backpack and sign) straight up 395 to Tioga Pass (or, there is a 395 bus (schedule 2014 - ?) with another transfer in Lee Vining that goes up 120 - TM), but hitching is pretty easy on 395. Once in Tuolumne, finish the MUIR going down to the Valley...(still all JMT.)
Again, bus/train to Sacramento, and fly home.