[at-l] hiking alone

[Paul Magnanti <pmags@juno.com>]

Yep, parents can get worried about their children doing the AT. (No matter what the age of the child!)

THe best way to ease their fears is education. I showed my parents books on the AT, explained how that I would not really be that far from civilization, and that it is far safer in the woods than most downtown areas. 

People tend to project their fears on you. THEY would be insecrure in the woods, and frightened of the unknown. The key is to make the concerned people aware of what the woods are really like.  Also explain that on the AT you are never truly alone, there are always people coming along.

Finally, the AT is a great experience. Completion of this trail is something that will have an effect on the person long after Springer or Katahdin is reached...
* From the AT-L |  Need help? http://www.backcountry.net/faq.html  *

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