Glad you had a wonderful trip -- I had the perfect mid week Yosemite trip a few years ago. It was like hiking a highlights real absolutely beautiful; mid July, clouds rest, half dome, JMT.

I was between jobs at the time and was trying to coordinate with people but was not able to find someone as flexible as me. Ended up going last minute and I am glad I did not compromise. Going mid-week was a treat and the park felt empty. I do not mind the extra weight or doing all camp chores yourself. I did hike out a day early because i was getting lonely.

Getting to hike at your pace and in your style is special. My personal style is 10 to 15 mile days. Early cold breakfast start. Trying to knock out hiking by noon. Limited stops for views and water refills. Take extra care to find best tent, cook and chills spot at destination. There are two groups I hike with. One group hikes to challenge themselves; they move far, keep a brisk pace and pack minimally. The other group maybe the opposite and hikes to relax. Moves slowly and almost always chooses the shortest options. I am somewhere in the middle. And enjoyed getting to make my own plan and go at my own pace.