Soutbound Thru-Hike in June/July 2011?

[dwalker]

Hello there!
I'm planning my first thru-hike for late June or early July in 2011 (if that isn't already clear, haha). I have limited hiking experience, but I'd like to go at a slightly faster-than-average pace, with lots of 20+ mile days. I'm going to hike for 7+ days in December along the Florida Trail, so I'll have a better grasp of my comfortable pace after that (it's a flat trail though, so I'll take into account how much of a difference the altitude changes of the Appalachian Trail will add).
Some info. about me: I'm a pretty casual guy. I think I have an upbeat attitude in general. Obviously, I love nature. Most of all, I admire the complexity of life- the way things have organized themselves randomly to form these miraculous, self-perpetuating systems (I like to inject casual terms into otherwise high-falutin' sentences too).
As for my interests and hobbies: Cross country, Music (Radiohead, The Strokes, Jack Johnson, others), chit-chat, browsing interesting topics on the web.
I'm going to be eighteen when I plan to hike the trail. Throughout high school, I've felt a bit confined because of my workload, the stress, and the constant assesments. I want a break from this ridiculous competition! I think the trail is simultaneously a challenge, an adventure, a chance for insight and a form of relief from all the self-imposed responsibilities that I pile on for the sake of my resume'. The simplicity of just hiking forward, enjoying the sights, feeling the athletic rigor, reading and thinking is a perfect fit for me. Besides, it will be a bridge in my life, between high school and college. It's a chance for me to speculate on my direction and reminisce on the past before heading into independence.
So, if I seem like a comfy match for you, please contact me and we'll acquaint ourselves! Thanks, see ya'!

[bigcranky]

Sounds great. BTW the Florida Trail may be flat, but it's surprisingly tough. I enjoyed the section I did last March, though. Good luck.

[IronGutsTommy]

good luck. by florida trail do you mean the Tamiami trail? thats the maine trail in florida i believe, at around 300 miles. i dont get calling the tamiami the florida trail. kinda like calling the appalachian trail the east coast trail. not quite the same ring to it.

[dwalker]

nah, specifically, I'm going to hike the S. Florida section along the Big Cypress Trail then the Lake Okeechobee portion. But I'll modify the plans according to schedule issues.

[dear_jesskah]

Hey,
My name is Jess and I will be 18 too when I start the trail. I live up in Northern Va, but Im looking for a partner to go SOBO with too. Some things about me: I play soccer, run and cycle. I also love music anything from folk to metal (Greg Laswel, Underoath, Death Cab for Cutie, Rise Against). I have several years of backpacking experience mostly weekenders and and a few 5 day trips up in the Adirondack Mountains in NY. Maybe we could plan a trip together.