Put it off this year, but will take a great deal to make me do so again. Will be 58 this year, not ancient, but not a spring chicken. Am taking an unpaid leave to do the hike, not going to run, but will make more getting back to work sooner than I can save economizing on the trail. I’ll be solo.

1. I understand Katahdin trail opening varies year to year. Is there anyway to have a sense a week or so out? Or a month? I can leave things to pretty much the last minute at work. I want to start early to capture as many hours of daylight as possible. Getting extra miles night hiking doesn’t appeal to me. If I can’t get KSC site for night after,I’m cool paying up for extra night in town.

2. I’ll assume the Covid impact on the 2021 cohort is net neutral. How often would you guess I’d be able to sleep at shelters by myself or with one other? I prefer them for the get up and go aspect in the morning.

Thanks for any wisdom