We just managed to get a week off from work to celebrate our 30th anniversary doing what we love best! Originally were going to Big South Fork, but my husband wants to do a section of Georgia so we can see if we are really cut out for a thru hike in the very near future. I acquiesced because if it goes well, that "near future" may be sooner than if we didn't.
We have a loose plan, but all this is based on reading the AT guide, this forum, scouring the 'net, etc. Suggestions always welcome, and of course we know we'll probably still manage to do something stupid along the way regardless. Due to logistics and wanting as much time on the trail as possible, hiking SB is probably off the table. (Originally considered a shuttle up to the GA/NC border and heading south toward the car.) We will be coming after work on Friday 5/4 and that doesn't get us to the area until close to 9 or 10 at night best case scenario on Friday night. Rather than a good chunk of Saturday shuttling, figured we'd just do what we came there to do -- hike -- and head up the approach trail.
We plan to get a room at the lodge for 5/4 (appears late arrival/check-in is doable). We'll head out the approach trail as early as possible on 5/5 (we're early risers so as soon as we can get breakfast, we'll be gone). At this point, we're trying to be flexible because the rules are first and foremost, don't get hurt; secondly, have fun; thirdly, review rules one and two.
I assume we can make contact with a shuttle driver to bring us back to our car sometime on either 5/12 or 5/13 and firm up the actual pickup spot a day or so before. That may be a completely incorrect assumption, however? The furthest we could make it, I'm sure, is probably 100 mile tower, and that's with very little goofing around on resupply or nights in town. I'd love to do the Georgia section, but not if it means a Bataan Death March mentality. As near as I can tell, you have to either quit at Dick's Gap or go on a good ways. Is that correct?
AFA experience, training, etc., we only got back into hiking last May, after we rediscovered it during a trip to the Grand Canyon, Page & Sedona for my 60th birthday. We went back last October to GNCP and did a rim to rim with camping at the bottom and had a great time. (We hiked out from BA to the South Rim in 6 hours with packs.)
We've done most of South Cumberland, including "The Gizz" in an out and back. We're a little out of condition after a lousy winter here, but we're back on toughest trails we can find and will stay there until we leave. We walk, run, bike, hit the gym as much as possible. We're pretty lightweight as well.
Anyway, resources, suggestions, tips, etc., as we prepare for this are very much appreciated! I have lurked and read so much on this forum for a long time. I appreciate the wealth of knowledge and information y'all freely share!