[pct-l] (no subject)

[Gail Francis]

Hi Leni,
Congrats to you on starting what is sure to be a lifelong addiction! Others on this list can give great advice about gear and routes. I'll throw in two cents about being a woman hiking alone on the trail. First, hike your own hike. Being female and young (if I recall correctly) tends to invite a lot of advice. Much of it is excellent, some of it is not. Much of the excellent advice you should discard anyway because it doesn't suit your hiking style, your budget, or your abilities. When reading these lists with very experienced hikers or talking to people who have never hiked, it is easy to get swayed by other people's passions or fears. Respect the wisdom of these folks, but be guided by your own passions, you own fearlessness, and yes, even by your own fears, and you'll do great. 

On a more practical note, probably the only thing that I tend to do a little differently as a female solo hiker that I might not do as a man is that whenever someone (other than a thru-hiker) asks "Are you hiking alone?" I usually respond that I have a few friends a little ways down the trail who will be along shortly. I'm sure it's always been completely unnecessary, but it's a harmless enough lie that seems to me like a wise precaution.  Good luck! And feel free to email me privately if you want any info on the AT. I've done all of Georgia, NC, TN, much of Virginia, all of NJ, and MA, and parts of NH and VT. 

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I am an 18 yr. old high school grad looking to spend my summer
hiking, and was wondering what sort of tips you could give me or
experiences you had when you first set out- this would most likely start
out as a solo trip, and would either be on the PCT, AT, or the Mountains-
to - Sea trail in NC. Additionally, I am a bit nervous about being a
solo woman on the trail, though not enough to keep me from any aspirations.
Advice? Suggestions? I already acquired a Golite Jam, and am thinking about
a tarp tent.
Thanks!
Leni
 
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http://gmfranci.wordpress.com/