[pct-l] Clover Fire Detour

[Travis Beals]

I'm planning to start a 500 mile section hike of the PCT northbound  
from Walker Pass around the beginning of July. That would put me at  
Kennedy Meadows around July 5. Having never hiked the PCT before, I  
have a number of questions as to how to prepare for the Clover Fire  
(thanks to L-Rod and Halfmile and others who have already posted info).

1) How many miles are added by the detour routes (Jackass Trail and/or  
Monache Jeep Trail)? Are they significantly more challenging than the  
PCT in terrain, quality of trail, or availability of water?

2) Is the fire likely to prevent me from camping or re-supplying at  
Kennedy Meadows?

3) Given weather, fire conditions, etc, is it likely the fire would  
either be controlled & the trail re-opened by July 5? Alternatively,  
is it likely the fire would spread and cause more extensive closures/ 
disruptions?

4) Is the situation bad enough that I should try to change my plans to  
avoid the Kennedy Meadows area altogether? I'm section-hiking, so I'm  
not as concerned about continuity, but I do care about the logistics  
of getting to and from the trail; I picked Walker Pass as a starting  
point because it's relatively easy to get to.

I'm trying to get information now so that I can be prepared for any  
detours (e.g., maps and sufficient supplies), and so that I can notify  
some friends who were planning to meet me in Lone Pine when they might  
expect me to be there (i.e., are delays likely).

-Travis