Ready!!!

With the kit locked down, now it is time to lock down a starting date and transportation.  For the Pacific Crest Trail I used Guthooks and Yogi's PCT Handbook.  For the Appalachian Trail, I'll use Guthooks (now renamed FarOut) and AWOL's AT Guide.

I cannot start until sometime after March 4th.  The earlier the better, however.  Tickets to Atlanta airport are quite reasonable.  I found flights for less than $200.  I will need to check in my backpack, however.  (Remember when that was free?)  My pocket knife that is smaller than my pinky and my trekking poles cannot be in a carry-on bag.

I'm also using Reddit this time.  The reviews for Ron's Appalachian Trail Shuttle were excellent.  I texted him.  $140 from the airport, plus he'll sell me iso-butane fuel as I cannot take that on the plane.  He is very knowledgeable, which is always helpful. While this isn't my first rodeo, I really know nothing about the AT.

So, I'm going to finish up looking at flights and get that locked down.  Then I'll Venmo Ron for the transportation and I'll be good to go.

Update 1

I was able to snag a flight to Atlanta for just $98!  My start date is March 6th.  It is a very early flight, but I will be in Atlanta before 9:00 a.m.  I also figured out that I'd rather start at Amicalola Falls instead of the Southern Terminus.  That will give me the full AT experience and cuts down my shuttle cost to $120.  He'll have a medium iso-butane canister for me, so I'll be ready to go.  I'll check in at the visitor's center and get my tag.  Then I'll start making my way.

Ron asked me if I had a trail name.  I said that I was given the name Fine Young Buck, but chose to only use Young Buck unless I reached the finish.  Standing before the Northern Terminus between the United States and Canada, I accepted my full trail name.  I also said the name was a fitting joke as I was in my 50's.  He asked if I would keep it.  I said that I would let the trail decide that.  I sent him my picture at the end of the PCT and he felt I should keep it.

I might.  However, when I take those first steps, I'll just be JP.