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<DIV><FONT face="Palatino Linotype" color=#000080 size=2><SPAN
class=213454017-01052009>Hello, CDT'ers.</SPAN></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Palatino Linotype" color=#000080 size=2><SPAN
class=213454017-01052009></SPAN></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Palatino Linotype" color=#000080 size=2><SPAN
class=213454017-01052009>First, as a lurker here for several months, I want to
thank those of you who take the time to contribute. The discussions on
this list have been very helpful to me, and I appreciate being able to access
this list's collected wisdom. :)</SPAN></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Palatino Linotype" color=#000080 size=2><SPAN
class=213454017-01052009></SPAN></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Palatino Linotype" color=#000080 size=2><SPAN
class=213454017-01052009>I am a 32-year-old male in great shape -- I'm a runner
and a scuba diver and a martial artist, blah blah blah. I am in the final
throes of a once-in-a-lifetime relationship which was apparently not destined
for this particular lifetime. I have no real reason to stay put; I have no
assets, no real liabilities, no dependents, and no strings holding me in
place. I have thought about doing a long-distance hike for a while, and
now that Cupid has been so cruel to me, I figure that the time is right to think
more carefully whether I should hit the trail sooner rather than
later.</SPAN></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Palatino Linotype" color=#000080 size=2><SPAN
class=213454017-01052009></SPAN></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Palatino Linotype" color=#000080 size=2><SPAN
class=213454017-01052009>That said, I have some questions. I'm wondering
if any of you have advice, or can point me to some solid
resources.</SPAN></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Palatino Linotype" color=#000080 size=2><SPAN
class=213454017-01052009></SPAN></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Palatino Linotype" color=#000080 size=2><SPAN
class=213454017-01052009>1. If my hiking experience has been limited to day
trips (including to the summit of Mt. McLaughlin in Oregon), is a long-distance
or thru-hike of CDT a dumbass idea? Does wisdom suggest a shorter course,
or maybe a different trail?</SPAN></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Palatino Linotype" color=#000080 size=2><SPAN
class=213454017-01052009></SPAN></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Palatino Linotype" color=#000080 size=2><SPAN
class=213454017-01052009>2. Realistically, how much solitude is there on
the trail? Is this the great romantic trip to clear one's mind and re-set
one's priorities that legends are made of, or is it just a long
walk?</SPAN></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Palatino Linotype" color=#000080 size=2><SPAN
class=213454017-01052009></SPAN></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Palatino Linotype" color=#000080 size=2><SPAN
class=213454017-01052009>3. If I self-resupply along the way, how much
cash should I have to get from border to border?</SPAN></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Palatino Linotype" color=#000080 size=2><SPAN
class=213454017-01052009></SPAN></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Palatino Linotype" color=#000080 size=2><SPAN
class=213454017-01052009>4. Are there there any out-of-the-ordinary
selections for gear that would be wise to bring? Or are there things that
might seem helpful at the sporting-goods store that prove utterly useless in the
field?</SPAN></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Palatino Linotype" color=#000080 size=2><SPAN
class=213454017-01052009></SPAN></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Palatino Linotype" color=#000080 size=2><SPAN
class=213454017-01052009>5. Is there a handy resource for permits,
regulations, etc? Or do I have to check
state-by-state?</SPAN></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Palatino Linotype" color=#000080 size=2><SPAN
class=213454017-01052009></SPAN></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Palatino Linotype" color=#000080 size=2><SPAN
class=213454017-01052009>6. I have a mini netbook computer, very small and
light. Is it foolish to bring it along to write and blog while closer to
civilization?</SPAN></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Palatino Linotype" color=#000080 size=2><SPAN
class=213454017-01052009></SPAN></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Palatino Linotype" color=#000080 size=2><SPAN
class=213454017-01052009>Thanks much, in advance, for sharing! And yes, I
know I've asked questions that invoke reasonable judgment and don't have one
right answer -- I'm just looking for some perspective.
:)</SPAN></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Palatino Linotype" color=#000080 size=2><SPAN
class=213454017-01052009></SPAN></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Palatino Linotype" color=#000080 size=2><SPAN
class=213454017-01052009>-- Jason</SPAN></FONT></DIV></BODY></HTML>