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

[Scott Bryce]

On 1/27/2011 8:49 PM, jamie szewczyk wrote:
> 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.

That is actually the best way to find a group to hike with. You will
find your pace and hiking style matching someone else's, and if your
personalities mesh, you will have yourself a partner. Don't expect the
partnership to last the whole trail.

> 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.

You will be safer on the trail than you would be off the trail. There
really is no reason to carry a gun.

> I would feel so much better about this journey inward and otherwise
> if I knew some people have my back.

Whether you have a partner or not, you will be progressing down the
trail at approximately the same speed as dozens of other hikers. There
will be people watching out for you. That is just what we do out there.