Good luck Gambit...
I am planning on finishing the trail as well this year. I have hiked Springer to Crawford Notch over three hiking seasons...2016, 17, and 19.
I plan hiking Winding Stair Gap (Franklin) to Hot Springs beginning July 5th. I'm flying Asheville to Boston on July 25th. Taking Concord Coach from Boston Logan to Gorham that afternoon, and heading north from Crawford Notch probably on July 27th.
I'm hiking Winding Stair to Hot Springs (165 miles) to get my legs in trail shape. I hiked this section in 2016, but had terrible weather thru the Smokies...so would like to hike this section again, hopefully with better views in the Smokies.
Again, good luck with your final push...maybe I'll see ya on the trail in Maine!