I've studied the map, elevation profiles and know where shelters and water sources are. I've searched and found a few threads that helped. I know the Blood Mountain area pretty well. Never have done a section hike though.
My wife and I are looking at doing Springer (no approach) to Neels Gap for my 40th B-Day, sometime mid March-Mid April. We are avid campers, but with a large family, it's more of the car/popup camper variety. This is some of the reasoning behind wanting to do a hike for my bday- to get back and do it how I used to. I have not backpacked in years, but still in slightly better than average shape for my age. My wife is a few years younger and an active tennis player and jogger. The kids will not be joining us.
The QUESTION: Realistically, can we expect cover the 30.5 miles in 3 full days?
Obviously hope to do around 10 miles a day, but that doesn't exactly put us at a shelter both nights when figuring those distances. We plan to tent, but some form of trail civilization/access to water would make us more comfortable.
Any advice, recommendations, shuttle info (leaving a vehicle at the Neels Gap parking lot) is much appreciated.