How did you know it was the right time to do a thru hike? I really want to start mine in March of '12 but it seems like there are a lot of obstacles. I'm single, have a mortgage (complete with the government bonus, telling me I can't move/ rent it until Sept '12 unless I pay it back), 2 dogs, a great job, and student loans. It seems like it will be nearly impossible to take care of all of these in order to start a hike. I would have to sweet talk the IRS, friends to rent from me for 6 months because I cannot afford 6 months of mortgage when I'm not working, work, and the bank. I think I have enough money saved up for the actual hike so far.
I've been looking up info everywhere but am having a hard time finding info about this kind of prep for the trail. I would wait but I eventually want to go back to school which would take another 2 years. I really want to do this before I get stuck and don't have the opportunity. Any suggestions?