Life keeps throwing curves at the section hike plans I've made, and now it seems like the best time and location for me would be to hike from Erwin to Damascus starting around the 14th of July. I live on the West Coast, and don't have a good feel for local conditions in that area in mid-July, so I have some questions for those who do!
1. How bad would the heat, and especially humidity be at that time?
2. It appears as though there are plenty of water sources along the way, but how reliable are they in mid July?
3. How much of a factor are could I expect the blood sucking airborne vermin to be at that time?
4. The AT Conservancy website mentions summer lightening as a 'particular danger'... any pointers, tips, or info about how of a concern that may be?
I'd also appreciate any general comments regarding that section and anything beyond my questions that I should be aware of, or look especially forward to!
Thanks!