Hello everyone, I'm new to this forum- I seek advice because I'm about to undertake a task which will be a serious challenge to my own personal survival....

Ok, so here's the deal- Details aside, I'm being put into a position where I do not know what to do with my life. In order to get a bit of direction, I'm going to set out around the country on foot, moving towards a few people that I wish to talk to...

I am leaving from South Carolina, and have many destinations around the country where the people I wish to talk to are located, my first destination being Illinois. The biggest challenge of my trip will be the beginning, crossing the Appalachian(or Blue Ridge) Mountain range- I'm looking at being in the woods anywhere from one to two months...

I realize that the survival gear I take will be the deciding factor on whether or not I am successful. So far, I've pretty much plotted out what I'll be taking as far as:

FIRST AID: (Neosporin, bandages, band-aids, sunscreen, disinfecting wipes, so forth),

SHELTER: (tent, amy-issue inflatable mattress or mat, not sure which yet,and a wet-weather poncho)

SELF DEFENSE/TOOLS: (Tear gas/pepperspray can of mace, Smith & Wesson survival knife complete with belt sheath and sharpener(also 2 other fixed knives), leatherman, telescopic fork for cooking things, collapsible fishing pole, string, hooks, sinkers)

FOOD: I realize that I'll be in the woods a good while. Due to weight and size restrictions, I'm not going to be able to carry enough food to last the duration of time that I'll be spending in the wilderness. I'll carry a bit for emergency purposes, but I'll have to rely mainly on the things around me to keep myself alive and walking. The emergency foods will include several high-protein and high caloric foods, a bit of stuff from Army MREs will be included as well. There are many streams in the mountains which can help me out with fish. Without a gun, I will not be able to hunt the game that I'd like to... Any suggestions on trapping, or creating snares?

One part of my equipment that I will not put so much reliance on is rescue equipment. I'm going to survive, not be "rescued"... I'll have a mirror and possibly a phone, but am not relying on the fact that it will work way out there.

So if you have any additional questions about the situation, please feel free to ask. Any suggestions that you all may have as far as getting food while I'm going, or any general hiking advice, I'll gladly accept and take into consideration....
:-)