I was planning on hiking the AT this year, but due to life circumstances I wasn't able to this summer. I have a perfect window of time to hike now. I would want to start in Maine August 15th 2017 and finish in GA around mid Decemeber. I am aware I would have to pack exremely warm clothes and gear for the cold weather. All that being said, with the proper gear, is it completely insane to start in ME at this time?