[at-l] Solitude and safety, NOBO vs. SOBO? (was: young,Female SOBO)

[kellyswhitman at hotmail.com (Kelly Whitman)]

Every time I read this it makes me reconsider hiking nobo.

Becoming a part of "a shifting coalition of groups" sounds like a nightmare 
to me!  I need plenty of time alone by myself to process new experiences, 
and since thru-hiking is going to be a six-month-long new experience, that's 
a lot of alone time needed.  I don't mind meeting people or passing 
strangers on a trail, but a quick exchange of pleasantries and any important 
trail info is all I need.  I'm not hiking to spend group time in shelters or 
hostels.  Every time someone mentions "trail families," I cringe, imagining 
barking packs of college students drooling in their self-involvement.  Bleh.

I'm planning on going nobo because I have never been on the AT or hiked in 
that part of the country (I've never even been there except to change planes 
in NY), and I'd like to hike during the time when most resources are open 
and available since I'm not really sure how long it's going to take me, or 
how my asthma, fibromyalgic body, and Mr. Wiggly ankles are going to handle 
it all.  I also don't like snow (snow is for playing in, not hiking in) and 
want to minimize my chances of being in it.  I'd rather have people around 
me than snow, if I have to make that choice.

I know the final decision is up to me, but anyone have an opinion about 
whether nobo or sobo would be better?

Kelly Whitman
INTP
-----------
"There ARE no other women like me."  -- 7 of 9


>is greater northbound. You quickly become part of a group -- or more likely 
>a
>shifting coalition of groups. There is safety -- and more important, 
>comfort --
>in numbers.

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