This "tour" is the beginning phase of a month long trip, ending in a family reunion in western Virginia. I had never considered touring until I bought this bike, off craigslist, via a facilitator. That was in October. Effectively it serves to deliver the bike across the state beneath me, as opposed to being in the back of a pick-up.
I very much appreciate all the wisdom here, but I'm old school (66), fixed income, etc. I'd like to think I'll take up touring, and if I do, I'll invest in the proper gear. Wool has always served me well and is relatively cheap. I've worn wool socks year round for the past 25 years. I have a new Cygolite, which I am planning to use during the day. I will carry clothes for the bike trip and nothing more. Clothing for the rest of my month North I will pick up from thrift stores. I'm as big a fan of polypro and polyester as I am of wool, and I will have multiple layers at least in the beginning, until I adjust to the cold (anything below 70 F is cold to me). I will look into silnylon as an option.

This is my rig, during a practice run. I will be practicing and adjusting throughout the coming month. I'm carrying a Kelty tuck 35 degree bag, tools, dry clothes, possibly extra shoes. The mini-panniers are for extra water and bulk foods. A tourist I hosted starts his day with a banana every half hour, for three hours, and then switches over to nuts. And packaged tortillas wrapped around something. I assume he picks up a meal or two somewhere in there. The point of the backpack is that this trip is not a pure tour. I will return with the bike I ride on tour and another frame set packed in the same box. The backpack will serve as my carry on bag.
Keep the advice and suggestions coming, please.