Did you make it up on the 1st? I'm coming in next week from SC, hoping to do the same route as you on either Thurs night 7/11 or Fri 7/12. I'm in the same boat - really prefer not to do it alone. I have lots of experience on what I would call "technical hikes", having done most of Colorado's 14ers. However, from what I read you can do Hood without ropes and harness. Are you interested?
Dave
novakproductions@yahoo.com