[at-l] Early Section Planning Damascus to Allen Gap in November

[thornel at attglobal.net (W F Thorneloe)]

After careful consideration, and some trepidation. I've decided to see if 
AT-L still has some trail lore, or if this is only the political bashing list.

I've been away from the trail for a couple of years involved in 
professional and volunteer activities. I'm also one of those hikers in 
"transition" needing a walk to clear my head.

As most of you know, I've been sectioning for years - on the 20 year plan. 
I've got Springer to Allen Gap (north of Hot Springs) plus a few areas 
further north.

I've been playing with the idea of Nov 13 thru 27 (week prior and the week 
of Thanksgiving) to finish TN and NC. I've chatted some with Ms Janet. My 
thoughts are to come up from Atlanta Nov 12 to Erwin, leave a car there and 
shuttle to Damascus and start a walk south. I'd like to make it to Erwin 
for her Thanksgiving celebration, but primarily I need some fresh air and 
the Zen of walking. I assume I'd arrange with Ms Janet or friends a pick up 
shuttle back to Erwin and the car, returning to Atlanta 11/28.

I plan to let this be the last major walk with my original Nomad, although 
I might see if Ed Spears can put together a Pea Pod for me. I'm planning on 
this being winter given that much of this walk is above 6000 ft. I had back 
surgery earlier this year, with minor residual weakness in my right leg. I 
walk Kennesaw Mtn to train. I found severe knee weakness back in May when I 
attempted a day hike from Allen Gap to Hot Springs, managing only 11 of 
those 16 miles. I am much stronger now. My last big section (2002) was DWG 
-> Hudson River in 6 days. I'm hoping to get 12-16 mile days in, although I 
hope to break myself in initially with a couple of 8 mile days.

So, what sort of things do I need to consider? What trail resources are 
essential?

BTW, I am not petitioning for a hiking partner. I'm one of those silent 
hikers by day, but chatty at night near shelters.

OrangeBug