I've been wanting to do a section hike for a while and I'm living in North Carolina now so I figure now is the time. My plan is to do Springer to the NC Border, not sure if I want to do NOBO or SOBO though. I live in Raleigh and my girlfriend is going to drop me off and pick me up (she is amazing), so I have some options. I have free time from the 2nd of August until the 11th. My original plan was to start at Springer and have her pick me up near Franklin, NC. But I've been considering going SOBO recently. My questions are these. What is the hiker traffic like at this time of the year, are the shelters going to be full? Any opinion on what direction to go? And last but most importantly, is that section doable in 8-9 days?
Gear Breakdown
Pack - Kelty Pawnee 50 (56z) - not crazy heavy but not an UL by any means, gets the job done
Tent - Sierra Designs Flashlight 2 UL - (56oz) - thinking about leaving if shelters would be empty
Bag - REI PolarPod Lite Long - (48oz) - considering leaving this as it is on the heavy side and it's August; maybe a quilt or light blanket
Pad - Hyalite Adventurer - (30oz) - pretty good comfort, little heavy but not bad
Stove - MSR MicroRocket or Fancy Feast Alcohol - haven't tested the fancy feast out but would save some weight
Clothing - Mountain Hardwear Refueler 2-in-1 short, Mountain Hardwear Wicked Lite T, Smart Wool PhD Run Sock (2 pair), New Balance Minimus Shoes, hat, sunglasses - figured I don't need extra clothes for a short trip (girlfriend is gonna love me), trekking poles
Extras/Hydration - Klean Kanteen 40oz, 2 CamelBak 100oz bladders, Sawyer Mini filter, GSI Haulite Cookset, Gerber multitool, 550 paracord (50ft), bic lighter, spork, food (still planning), GPS, paper map, phone, iPod, first aid kit, microfiber towel, trowel
Any suggestions/tips would be greatly appreciated.