[pct-l] Is thru-hiking alone safe?

[stonedancer1 at aol.com]

Hiking alone has its dangers, just as hiking with a group.? No Way Ray was 20 feet away from me when he fell off that cliff above Deep Creek.? He had 50 years experience in the mountains.? Since then, I've hiked both with a partner and alone, 2,000 miles.? I agree with L-Rod that you will bring more fears with you than the dangers you actually encounter.? And that there are more probable dangers in proximity to trailheads, towns and hitchhiking than on the trail.?? One thing the trail offers is the opportunity to walk thru those fears, act prudently, and discover freedom on the other?side.? 
Encourage your family to get involved.? Take the time to let them project their fears on you, but then follow your own trail.? 

Stone Dancer
"If you're going to be a bear, be a grizzly."