Hi All!
I'm hoping to hike the northern section of the LT in August (from Brandon Gap to Journey's End) in about 12 days, which equals to roughly 10-16 mile days. I'm really psyched, though just wanted to do a rough check as to the feasability of the northern section. People seem to either say "yeah, it's pretty hard but not crazy hard..." and "it's crazy hard!" I've been doing training hikes a couple times a week up to Rattlesnake cliffs and back with a heavy pack (near Middlebury) and doing Camel's Hump every weekend. I feel strong, and have been doing burroughs trailhead on Camels Hump to the summit in just a little over an hour. Just curious as to what people thought!
Also, some logistical questions: I'm planning on carrying 4-5 days of food with me and resupplying via mail drops in Jonesville (as I walk through town since it doesn't sound like the Winooski bridge is up yet), and resupplying - and buying white gas - in Johnson. Does that sound about right?
Also, as this being my first long distance hike, what do you do in regards to keeping up with weather forecasts? I'm totally game to hike in the rain and things like that, I'm just wondering what you do if you're plan for the day is to hike Mansfield and you get there and it looks suspicious, and there are in fact thunderstorms scheduled all day. How do you know?
Finally, I have the LT guidebook which states sketchy and sometimes unreliable water sources at certain shelters. Anyone have any first hand accounts of water availability at the shelters north of Brandon Gap?
Thanks so much for the help!!