[at-l] Introduction

[knowhal@netreach.net (Hal Wright)]

I=B9ve been lurking a lot and contributing a little for the past few weeks, s=
o
let me formally introduce myself. I=B9m Hal Wright, aka Pokey Papa. I live in
Pennsylvania near Philadelphia. I=B9ve been hiking for about 4 years, having
done some trails in the Adirondacks (High Peaks region), a little of the
Long Trail, some trails in Central PA, and almost all of the AT from
Harper=B9s Ferry to High Point NJ.

My gear list has evolved from too much (too much weight, too much money,
just too much stuff to carry up and down the mountain; hence =B3Pokey=B2) to
just right for me. I=B9m lightweight but not ultralightweight (my gear that
is, I could stand to lose a few). I have done a great deal of gear research
and tried a number of systems, so I feel well qualified to join in on gear
talk in spite of my relative inexperience. I=B9m proud of having hiked merril=
y
in all sorts of weather, all year round. I credit time in the woods with
having preserved my sanity and enriched my life immeasurably, and I have my
sister to thank for getting me involved with backpacking in the first place=
.

I can do thru-hiker type miles on modest section hikes but am unsure how I
would fare mentally and physically on a thru-hike, though I would love to
try. That will have to wait until my kids are out of college (2007) -- with
my wife accompanying me some or all of the way is the current plan.

Thanks for the seat at the campfire. I think I=B9ll relax and stay awhile...

-- Hal 

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