Thanks, Jeff. I'll probably stop at Purple Lk. for a while and then go to Virginia because I like more open scenery.
Great HST suggestions, thanks! Are there any good places along the Kern Canyon? I think I'll stop somewhere there my first night. After leaving Whitney, I don't see any lakes for quite a stretch on the map.
I forgot you were going south. In that case you are correct, visit Purple Lake and then head on to Virginia. I cooked dinner at Virginia as the sun was setting and was over to Purple when the colors were still good. It's a short distance, but uphill for you.
You could stay at the north end when you first get into the bottom of the Kern Canyon. I think it's called upper junction meadow or something like that. Early the next morning you'll have two of the hardest crossings over Lower Wallace and Whitney creek, but they will be low when you go by. You may have better odds of encountering a bear here though.
About halfway down the canyon there is also the hot springs, which is the only other really easy place to camp. I stayed there and got to soak in it after dinner and in the morning. From there it is a hot dusty climb out and into the hot, dusty, and probably burned area on the other side. I'd try to make it all the way to Moraine Lake or further before camping once you leave the Kern.
