I am sorry about your upcoming unemployment but hey - You get to start a thru-hike! First off, April 13th is not too late to get to Katahdin. The average thru takes six months, sometimes less, which (in theory) would have you standing on the Mighty K on Oct 13. But don’t concern yourself with finishing. Go with seeing how far you get and having fun.
As for maildrops, I’ll throw my two cents in and tell you what towns I used. Unless otherwise noted, my maildrops for the most part were maps and a few food items sent from home to suppliment my diet (like dried papaya, pemmican bars).
Fontana Dam - The small store in the village isn’t that great on the hiking supplies. I sent myself enough stuff to
get to Hot Springs in 2001 since I don’t have the fondest memories of Gatlinburg.
Hot Springs NC
Damascus VA
Pearisburg VA- a bit of a trek from the PO to the hostel on the hill but not as long as the trek from the trail to the hostel
Troutville VA- I used this in 99 but not 2001 since it was a bit of a distance from the trail and all the other hiker services I used.
Waynesboro VA- A bit of a hitch but there is a good Chinese buffet in town and free camping.
Front Royal VA- Used in 99 but not 2001; it was easier for me to just go all the way to Harpers Ferry from Waynesboro
Harpers Ferry WV- A good idea but not necessary. The markets are a few miles away in Charlestown and supposedly accessable by bus
Boiling Springs PA- I planned to send a maildrop here but logistically speaking it just didn’t work for me. It should be considered since the PO is right on the trail.
Duncannon PA- I recommend sending your hiker food here since it is a dangerous walk to Mutzabaugh’s Supermarket
Palmerton PA- the food selections in town are slim but can get you into New Jersey
Bear Mountain NY- Didn’t use in 99 but did in 2001. An easy walk from the trail as well and a bit of a dry spot between trail supermarkets.
Kent CT - Quite an expensive place
Dalton MA - Used in 2001. A nice town. The PO isn’ too far a walk and you can catch a good breakfast at the Duff n Dell
Cheshire MA - Used in 99. another town where the PO is right on the trail, right near a cheese monument (must be seen to be believed!)
Manchester Ctr VT - The town is a poke from the trail and the PO is a poke from the town. But it is probably the only convenient PO between Bennington VT and Hanover NH.
Hanover NH
Glencliff NH - I never used Glencliff but it deserves a special note as it is the last place to get cold weather gear before heading into the windswept White Mts. Being a NH native and filled to the brim with White Mt Hubris, I put off the cold weather stuff until the next town.
N Woodstock, NH
Gorham, NH
Caratunk, ME - used in 01 as I never got this far in 99, and the last maildrop for me. You just have to send mail to this place! Thru-hiker business keeps it open, I’m sure of it!
Hopes this list helps, Mr Deane. By the way, I had the pleasure of meeting you and your son at Siler Bald Shelter in the Smokeys last year (April 7th I think). I just barely remember the encounter as I was thoroughly drugged up through most of the Smokeys trying to fight off an ear infection. Good Luck!
-Sleepy the Arab
Sleepy the Arab
My wife said to go ahead, so I am making plans to go as far as I wish. I have all the gear I need but have only a short time to prepare mail drops and such. I have no idea how far I’ll go, but I’ll hit Springer Mt on April 13th and go and have some fun. Its a little late to hope to get to the Big K before Winter, but we shall see. My head is still spinning over this, so bear with me. Maybe God is trying to tell me something