... living "out there", without a house/home to prepare foods and store stuff,

1. Ought I just pick up dehydrated stuff at whatever supply house is near the trail?

2. Do I need to pick up a topo or two for the AT? I will have the Garmin eTrex, and a Silver Ranger compass. Would a large scale topo be good enough, just to kind of point me in the right direction? What scale? Oh, I'll be headed NORTH. (where it's cooler)

3. How do I keep clean with only 2 pair of undies, 2 pair of socks, one pair of pants convertible to shorts (zippers). I need to look at some gear lists.

4. Yes, the scale tipped, and it looks like I'm outta here.

5. Okay, i'll make a list and post it within 24 hours. I have no idea of the weight, maybe you guys can help.

PS Just jump in and start swimming, huh?