Folks I'd like to thank each of you for your comments. I'm an US expat living in Odessa, Ukraine preparing for my first AT thru-hike and your thoughts really add a spring to my step. I'm neck deep in training and it's REALLY helpful hearing all of your suggestions. I plan to return to the U.S. in October 08 with the intent to step off on the AT in April 09 at age 50. I look forward to more sage advice. I just joined WhiteBlaze today and I'm tickled I did. Hope to see you along the way. Cheers, jjcorover.