My first night on the trail should give a good view of Comet Pan-STARRS
The weather looks to be clear with a near new moon!

http://news.yahoo.com/comet-pan-starrs-dresses-night-skies-visible-naked-193717048.html
------
..."Northern Hemisphere sky-watchers will get their chance to see the comet beginning on Thursday, though the best views may come later in the month...

...The comet should be visible in the direction of the setting sun just after the sun slips below the horizon. Twilight and moonlight may make viewing the comet difficult. The best opportunity to see it may be on March 13 when the comet appears just beneath a thin crescent moon, astronomers said...."
-------
What a send off!

 For those who would like to keep up with me on a map, go here -

http://www.appalachiantrail.org/hiking/find-a-hike/interactive-map

Click on Shelters just below the map and all of the shelters will appear.  zoom in for details!

H