I am thinking about thru-hiking as a way to test my independence, mettle, and endurance before I go off to college. As a matter of fact, my ambitious plan is to hike up to my future home in Boston. I graduate June 9, and I plan on leaving for Springer Mtn. the day afterwards. This gives me approx. 80 calendar days to complete that "thru-hike" it's really just to Boston, MA. I understand the trail doesn't pass through Boston, but I'll get off the trail and walk/hitch-hike/train ride to Boston w/e. I am 17 and In really good shape, a four year cross country runner at the high school. This will be my first long distance hiking experience, but I feel that I need to do it to transition into adulthood. I am currently saving up money, but I'd like to know if anybody has any specific advice (i really don't care about the usual "follow your heart...do what you want" comments, just solid advice--monetary, equipment, etc.) Is anybody else in the same boat? How are you planning, when are you starting?
Thanks.