Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board MR in may

I want to do the MR in early to mid-may, what I want to know is:
---when does the portal store open?
---all these fees and permits are confusing me so could someone tell me what I need for a 2-3 day trip
---If there is a public transport between Lone Pine and Whitney Portal, or would hitchhiking be a better option.
---Do I need a bear canister(and can I rent it at the Portal store?)

cheers

1)The Portal store is usually open by May 15th

2)You can send for a permit 6 months in advance of you trip up the North Fork of Lone Pine Creek. You would apply for an overnight permit, including the Whitney Zone. $15.00 per person.

http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/inyo/recreation/wild/permitsres.shtml

3)There is no public transportation between Lone Pine and the Portal. But there is lots of traffic and you might be able to hitch a ride. Others have.

4)Bear Canisters are not required in the North Fork. They are recommended, though, since bears have been spoted in the past down at Lower Boy Scout Lake. The permit does require keeping food in a safe location, with a picture of how to counter balance.