We wanted to get an early start today so we woke up before the sun and did all our in-tent stuff (change into bike clothes, pack up sleeping bags and mats, etc.) with headlamps. Our confidence level had gone back and forth since yesterday afternoon but we were feeling optimistic about finishing the loop today.
Checked the weather this morning and the wind looks ominous. Not sure we are even going to do this, but we figure we're here, we made the camping reservations months ago, let's at least drive to the visitors center and see what the rangers say. They are very encouraging. "Sure, the wind might be a little annoying but you won't blow off a cliff or anything. This is a trip of a lifetime. You got goggles to keep the sand out of your eyes? Just get an early start -- you ought to be able to reach today's camp site by 2 pm."
