Heading toward Springer tomorrow!
I'm leaving NY tomorrow to begin my Springer to Harpers Ferry hike....plan on finishing to Katahdin next year. Will start on the first or second. The plan is to take my time and really enjoy all that the trail, towns and people have to offer. Definitely plan on hitting Trail Days and hook up with some HF members.
Some of my basic gear is a Dangerbird hammock built by PapaSmurf, a Hammock Gear Incubator and Wilderness Logics Big Daddy tarp. I'll also be using an Emberlit wood stove, a Sawyer Squeeze filter system and an Aarn Natural Balance pack. My weight including food to reach Neels Gap and one liter of water is 24 lbs. plus or minus an ounce or three. As it gets warmer I'll be switching out the UQ for one of Mac's IX UQs and shipping home some cooler weather gear. I'm pretty happy with the weight.
Sadly, my wife had intended to start with me and hike 100 miles or so but due to a family medical emergency she will not be able to make it. We're hoping she can meet me near Erwin for the push to Damascus.
I have a trail journal started at www.postholer.com under the hiker name of Miguel which I'll be updating via my Droid. Hope to see some of you on the trail or at Trail days.
"May the forest be with you", Miguel