Art,
Key thoughts about the AT:
1. At roughly 2,164 miles long, the trail is maintained by AT Clubs in the different states, in VA two big ones are the Tidewater AT Club and the Potomac AT Club. The clubs are responsible for trail maintenance, building lean-to and larger sized shelters. I suppose there is some Fed funding.
2. I thru-hiked the AT and it took 5 months and 4 days. Seldom walked with anyone in particular for more than a day or two. Hiking styles and time mitigate against walking with a partner. Folks I did meet that were "partners" (not necessarily married/engaged) often didn't survive either the trail or the relationship. One older couple (70's) camped and cooked together, but didn't walk together. He said he didn't need the constant buzzzz from his wife. She said she'd already heard all his stories and was ready for new stuff.
3. Plan to hit a large shelter on a Sunday, or last day of a holiday. Large shelters are usually located near a main highway and "weekenders" walk in, carry a lot of stuff and don't want to carry it out. First thru-hiker in gets to divvy up the canned hams, soups, etc. More importantly the box wines, cans of beer and magazines.
4. I did the AT when I was 51 and am now 66...will be 67 in May. I have no desire to rewalk the AT....but the Camino keeps calling me back.
Buen Camino,
Arn