I am a 16 year old going to be a junior in high school. I am planning to do the AT right after graduation in 2013. My first question is if I start in late May will I be able to finish, or will I risk hiking after they close the ending in Maine? I am planning to take a gap year so I'm not worried about being back in time for school. I guess my other option is to hike southbound. I also would like to know what I can be gathering or doing to prepare for it this far out. I have one uncle that was halfway thru a thru-hike when his brother died so he pulled off, an uncle that is a national park ranger, and another is avid camper. I'm going out to dinner with these three in a week or so, are there any specific things I should ask them about? Any tips from you guys would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks