I'm 44 and in OK shape. I run, mountain bike, and hit the gym from time to time. Since my early twenties I've obsessed over thru-hiking the AT, but now I'm married and have an 11 and 9 year old so being away for 6 months is unrealistic at the moment. Over the last few months I've been heavy into watching thru-hike videos and my desire for some AT time is through the roof.
As luck would have it my daughter is doing a ballet intensive in Athens, GA for 3 weeks beginning June 7th and Athens is 85 miles from Springer. My son is going to summer camp for 2 weeks beginning on the same date. I now find myself with the opportunity to hike 3 weeks of the AT. Unfortunately, June 7th is about 3 weeks away.
I have no gear and I have no extended camping experience, but I have much desire.
I've been consuming as much of whiteblaze.net as I can, but it can quickly become information overload.
I realize most people prepare for months or years for a thru-hike. Unfortunately, I find myself in a position where I have very little time to prepare for my 3 week adventure.
I'm not sure what I'm asking other than if anyone has any input. The gear list at http://lighterpack.com/r/50uokc seems to be pretty good, but any advice is truly welcomed.