As a 99.9% hiking novice it's my objective to simplify my planned hike; starting at Harper's Ferry, WV and ending at the Northern Terminus, Mount Katahdin, MN. My planned launch will be May 18th and I've only since acquired a pair of hiking boots (an excellent pair of Merrell's just south of $200) and a 78 Liter pack (Osprey, "Crescent 70": Large - 6 lb 9 oz / 2.97 Kg. 4700 cu in / 78 L) Which is - even though used but well kept - an excellent pack! So in lieu of this I have been worrying a bit about financial and logistical matters as I still have gear to purchase and stuff in my pack. My hope is that the trail is intuitive enough that I may just embrace the "just hike" mentality and not worry too much about getting lost, I also hope that I may have enough money by the time my planned launch date arrives to survive for the estimated three months (acceptable for 1,165 mi?) I will be hiking. If you experienced folks would advise me on what to expect considering my circumstances (and maybe even ease my anxieties), I'd appreciate it. I really have a strong desire to hike the trail this summer but I want to be reasonable about what sort of commitments I need to be mindful of...thanks!