I haven't hiked on the AT before but have had plenty of experience on other trails and as a guide this summer at Philmont in New Mexico and understand the importance for suspending my food and smellables above the ground. My question is about the bear ropes on the AT. I'm planning a thruhikle for 2012 and want to figure out what I'll need. I've got a good waterproof Granite Gear stuff sack that I use as a bear bag but what about the ropes? Are there cables to toss the ropes over at shelters? Will I need to use tree limbs and such at each site? Any insite as to what to expect?