This is a great thread,I started on Febuarary 14 on all three of my Thru-Hikes, ( Flip-Flop 96 & GA-ME 06 & GA-ME 2012 ), my pack on all three weighed 30lbs and it took me three days from AFSP and yes it's cold at first but i would rather beat the Crowds the heat of mid summer and the bugs, I think a mail drop at Neel's Gap would be better than buying your food their. When i do it again i think i would start at the same time.