Planning on thru hike 2019. Just retired and AT is on my bucket list! I'm fit, active but not a lot of back backing experience so a little nervous. Have my gear, and learning the ropes on how to navigate with a full back pack. Boy those ounces quickly add up to pounds. I want to avoid large crowds, but don't want to be hiking alone (hubby not interested in long distance hiking). Two plans, one is to have later start in Amicalola Falls on April 15th and hike NOBO. The other plan is to start in Harper's Ferry on April 28th, after the flip flop fair. Hike NOBO to Katahdin then transport back to Harper's Ferry and SOBO to Mt Springer. Only thing holding me back from flip flop is the logistics of transport back to Harper's Ferry. To me it looks like the easiest would be car rental. Would love a hiking buddy to start out with until I get a few days under my belt. Anyone else planning late start of Flip Flop would love to hear from you!