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<DIV>"I am sure that this gets asked all the time. I have done a search
but<BR>haven't been able to find anything so here I am asking everyone
here. I am<BR>a 28 year old female in good shape. I am preparing to
hike part of the<BR>trail next summer over 6 weeks. How safe is it for me
to be on the trail by<BR>myself? I am guessing that it is no more
dangerous to hike by yourself than<BR>it is to travel in the US by
yourself. I mostly concerned about sleeping in<BR>a tent rather than in a
car or
hostel.<BR><BR>meags"<BR>---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</DIV>
<DIV>Yes, basically it is safe; very safe. My biggest concern is always injury,
not problems from other people.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>I respectfully disagree with Gail's, if you will allow me, paranoia.
Although I too wear a ring on my left hand; and, if you set up camp and a group
comes into your area you don't feel comfortable, move. Other than that; relax
and have fun. </DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>The AT, from what I've heard, is more dangerous because it is so near major
cities and the trail crosses, crosses and crosses many roads, busy roads. As I'm
sure you know that's not the case with PCT.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>I too use a tent. My intellect tells me it is ridiculous to think a tent
offers any kind of safety; emotionally I won't go without my tent and love using
it. (Sorry guys I guess a woman's thing -sorry to women who don't feel the same-
it feels like I'm playing house and helps me feel safer. Something tells me I'm
going to be sorry for admitting this publically!).</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>Anyway, as a section hiker it is my opinion that you need not worry about
other people. Though it does help if you have some extra "common sense". I
<STRONG>would </STRONG>suggest a very good first aid kit. Regardless, go have
fun and take lots of pictures! :)</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>are we there yet</DIV>
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