Excellent info Stew, thanks!

So you said you did Eagle to Cisco in 6hrs.  So to be sure I understand correctly, that's all the way in from the entrance, across the water at the "shortcut", then back down the FS roads to Cisco?  That'd mean you got to the crossing in about 4-5 hours I assume; Then I can add on 2-3 for getting to ML.  That comes to a total of 6-8 hours for a small, capable group with no major issues.

1985CRAWLER, how does that sound to you?  And how early can you hit the trail Friday morning?  Assuming you are off that is.