[pct-l] Newbie - 'alone in the dark' freak outs on the trail

[Anne Estoppey]

Hello everybody
 
Another newbie question from me, I am afraid.
 
I have been field working, and camping and such, but it was always with people, or at least in some sort of campground with a few people. Planning to hike PCT in 2013 (thru-hike or sections) I know I will be facing the 'alone in the dark' overnight on the trail. Well, errr, yes although I am old enough, I feel unconfortable to camp alone, and I admit that I even freak out a little bit. I know it is silly, and the experienced hikers out there are definitely allowed to have a cheap laugh ;-)
 
Nevertheless, what are your experiences (when you were still a newbie) with coping with possible 'night freakouts'?
How did you deal with this? Was it quickly a solved problem because one is so tired that you just sleep and that's it? Shall I bring a little teady bear with me? Or a little glow in the dark thingie? Are they some 'hiker tricks' that I dont know about yet?
 
Thanks in advance for any answers :-)
Anne