gc from Columbia on 11/26/2006 5:54:19 PM:
You should have a blast.
I can only speak for the 160-mile stretch from McKittrick to Clinton. I am planning to do the stretch from McKittrick to St. Charles (or Machens) sometime the coming Spring.
In no particular order, here are some thoughts:
--Are you going to have a support person or go self-contained? I live in Columbia, so I was able to sleep at home for five nights. I didnt have to carry a lot of gear on those days.
--Camping or B&Bs? I did a little of both. Campgrounds are pretty sparse in some areas. I hear great things about Steamboat Junction in Bluffton. I camped in Steedman. The bar was OK, but don't expect it to be quiet on weekend nights. Those folks like to party! Pilot Grove allows camping in their park, and it has restrooms and a pool in the summer.
If you are doing B&Bs/hotels, I can recommend Birk's in Hermann (across the river from McKittrick). Rick will pick you up from the trail, and they are great. I stayed at the Hotel Bothwell in Sedalia, and it was pretty cool.
--Water is a problem at times. Many of the trailheads don't have running water, especially in the eastern part. Many of the businesses nearby do offer water, but that means getting off the trail. Never very far, but after 10-15 miles, it gets a little long, and you have to consider when these places are open for business. Another consideration is restroom availability. A good portion of the trailheads are outhouses. Some were pretty clean, but others were frankly beyond filthy. I am not squeamish, but when there is excrement encrusted toilets and floors (Mokane, I am thinking of you), I am not using them.
You probably already know about the best resources for planning the trip, this website. I could not have done what I did without it. High Kudos to Ray for all his work!
I know this is getting long. If you have more specific questions, I will be happy to tell you anything that I know. Have a great walk!