I'm looking for a new female hiking buddy. I do plan to start February 1st because my intent is to make it to Katahdin before September 1st so I can jump right into grad school. I realize it's an early start. The SOBO hike will be our payoff. Plus as an added incentive, we are hoping to figure out a good way to 'walk for a cause' and try to raise some money for a couple of our favorite charities.