So, I'm a 39yo female who, having never backpacked before, got this idea to hike the Long Trail from end-to-end (270 miles along VT's Green Mountains) as my summer vacation. My friends and family think I'm nutty, but what do they know!? I've done day hikes and have most of the necessary backpacking equipment. I'm looking for someone to join me for all or part of this adventure, or for weekend hikes in New England to test my gear and my legs. I'd most enjoy hiking with someone with the following characteristics: flexibility, sense of humor, drug/alcohol-free, left-leaning politics, and respect for nature and other people. A good dose of nuttiness helps, too.