So I am planning my thru-hike for 2014, I have a few questions, any help/tips would be greatly appreciated. Sorry I am new to Whiteblaze.net so if these subject have been covered bare with me. First off, What is the best time to start the hike? I don't want to get all the way to Maine and not be able to finish due to weather. My 2nd question is campfires, I see a lot of hikers using the portable stoves and such. But I wanted to go without and use a camp fire is this possible? And would I just be able to set up camp anywhere along the trail get my fire going for my meals? This is all I have at the moment, I will update if anything else comes to mind. Thank you and Happy hiking!