Departure-date-issues

[2009ThruHiker]

Is-a-May-1st-departure-date-realistic?----
i-do-not-and-will-not-feel-rushed-to-complete-my-hike----
so-this-is-of-some-concern....
budget-wise-need0-these-extra-two-weeks...
or-i-can-get-an-extra-job-for-a-bit-and-leave-as-planned---4/17.
your-input-please?

[Blissful]

You could leave May 1st. Should be enough time, depending on your condition. But if time is a concern, up it to mid April. They say it's better to try and hit Katahdin by Oct 1st with changing conditions. Last year snow kept some off in October for a time, but they managed to summit by the time the park was slated to close on Oct 15th.

[RedneckRye]

Get-the-extra-job-anyhow-and-start-the-hike-as-planned.
Having-more-money-is-much-nicer-than-not-having-enough-money.
Why-all-of-the-dashes-between-words???

[Whistler]

May 1 is a great time to leave NOBO. A bit warmer, smaller crowds, and still 5 months of prime hiking season. You'll be fine.

-Mark

[rafe]

If you're fit and persistent, keep the zeros to a minimum, you can finish the trail in five months. May 1 is certainly do-able. The wave will be well in front of you, but that could be a feature, not a bug.

[BookBurner]

May 1 is fine. Be diligent about your hiking (consistent mileage days, reasonable town layovers), but no need to rush.

[Flush2wice]

May-1st-is-a-great-time-to-start. If-your-slow-or-if-it-gets-hot-you-can-always-flip flop.

[2009ThruHiker]

Get-the-extra-job-anyhow-and-start-the-hike-as-planned.
Having-more-money-is-much-nicer-than-not-having-enough-money.
Why-all-of-the-dashes-between-words???

Space-bar--out-of-commission....sorry.



THANKS-everyone-for-the-advice....think-i-will-aim-at-May1st!...and-get-the_extra_job.