Reasons for the Maine start, for me, has more to do with the amount of people on the trail at the start.

Another is that Springer doesn't close, so I can take as much time as I need.

Doing Kathadin, then the 100mile wilderness appeals to me. The mud and bugs, not so much...

I am just another person who has thought about doing the AT for many years and now things are coming together in my life for the chance.
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" Are you suggesting that coconuts migrate? "