Originally Posted by
gwschenk
Don't stress, and don't overthink it. Get a walk up permit for Horseshoe, mail a bucket to MTR, arrange to meet a packer at Charlotte Lake with a few days food, resupply at VVR, Red's Meadow, and Tuolumne Meadows. Transportation to Horseshoe is not a problem. From Yosemite Valley transport to an airport is not a problem. Spend a night at Horseshoe, next day hike to Rock Creek, you'll be fine with acclimation. There's no good reason to start in the middle and flip-flop around, IMHO. And bear in mind that the traditional JMT hike is from Mt. Whitney to the LeConte Memorial, so NOBO is good.
Relax and enjoy the most beautiful trail in the country.