[pct-l] hiking partners for women a must?

[jamie szewczyk]

Hello fellow hikers,

I am a 29 year old female whose hiking partner just bailed on our planned
thru-hike unfortunately for them.  I was wondering if I could join a hiking
group that is starting at kick-off.  I do not want to be traveling alone in
the woods as I feel I would need to carry a gun to protect me from who or
whatever.  I would feel so much better about this journey inward and
otherwise if I knew some people have my back.  Any ideas??