half JMT hike

Hey, I'm in the same boat as you. I am planning (somehow) to finish the last 100 or so miles of the JMT from North Lake/Piute Pass. I would recommend to NOT pass up Muir Pass. It's one of the greatest places in the Sierra. I hope that bus is still operating from Lone Pine to Bishop. You still planning on going?

On a recent trip I parked in the town of Bishop, in the public lot behind the police station. Walk into the police station and at the counter they will take your car and trip info, and keep track of your car. Although it's not in the police station lot, it's just a few hundred feet away and not likely to be vandalized. In addition, there's something very satisfying about a police station with such customer service!

About starting at North Lake vs South Lake — I agree that Muir Pass and the lakes just north-west of it is stellar, worth repeating again even if you've crossed Muir Pass five times already. If you've got easy class-2 hiking skills, you can go in via Lamarck Col from North Lake (as described in Secor). Saves a lot of miles compared to entering via Piute Pass.

Amy

I ended up parking on the street behind a hotel in Lone Pine. Walked to the bus, which was real close. Took the bus from Lone Pine at 6:30 am, was dropped off at permit office and had no problem hitching a ride out to the trailhead. It is really easy to get a walk-in permit this time of year.
Exited via Whitney Portal. There were a lot of people at the trailhead and no problem at all to get back to Lone Pine. Careful with your knees, ankles and feet because coming down from Mt. Whitney is a big elevation drop (about 6-7000 ft over 8 miles)!
Just so you know, nights were below freezing, trail was not busy, no bugs. Great trip overall. Enjoy!

Forgot to mention that all streams are at low levels, crossing was easy.

You might want to post this in the more appropriate "Hiking Partners / Trip Announcements" section.