Dude, good luck. I'm sure you have thought of this, but make sure you have a bail out plan. Like if someone breaks a leg or something, know who you are going to call to rescue you in advance.

I'm very intrigued by this crazy ass plan of yours, and I hope you succeed. Most of all, I hope you come through it in one piece. Be as safe as you can, and good luck.

cool

Its no problem at all; I'm the same guy who moved up to a native village in the Alaskan Bush to teach just for the adventure and experience of it, so I can understand at least. Also, I am absolutely in love with the Upper Midwest, so I can totally dig someone wanting to see it on foot. Besides, sometimes you just need to go questing at certain parts of your life to really figure things out.

The only, possibly, negative thing I have to say is just the reminder to do your research and take Mother Nature very seriously. She can be a total bitch if your not prepared, and sometimes even if you are, and is not something to scoff at.

Other than that, though, I more than envy you a little bit. I love traveling, but have never taken to the country on foot. Stop at roadside diners, by the way, some of the best times I've ever had traveling have been when I stop at those to eat and can just sit and watch the people. Its a lot of fun.

Any of the MSR multi-fuel stoves should suit you. The WhisperLite or Dragonfly both weigh about a pound (mius fuel) and burn most anything you put in them. It is also a good idea to carry along a repair/maintenance kit and use it a few times before you head out.

If you are going to head on a northern route, you may wish to reconsider the snow/ice gear. I lived up there for a while and you never knew when you would need it. It may be 70 degrees in the morning but by afternoon you have 6 inches of snow down. A lot of roads are not even open five months of the year because moving 16ft of snow takes a lot of equipment. Once you get out of an area you need it, mail it home.

If you are going to train, don't over do it. Go for a 2-5 hour walk five times a week with a pack filled with full water bottles. If it gets too heavy, empty some out. Once you are sure you can make the trek with a certain amount of weight, add a barbell plate in to the water bladder portion of your pack. Pay attention to your knees and stretch when possible. Stop often and adjust your shoes/socks if you feel any warm or uncomfortable spots. Always make sure your toenails are trimmed down as much as possible. The practice will toughen your feet, silk liners will help prevent blisters and trimmed nails will keep you from losing them.

Oh, and always make sure your shoes are broken in BEFORE attempting this. Anything more than a 30 minute hike in stiff new shoes is a sure fire way to wreck your feet for months. I have cut brand new shoes off some noob hiker 6hrs in to a hike more than once. Worst one lost nails on both feet and had blisters big enough that it looked like they stepped on a hot coal. Never a pretty sight.

Two things to research before you go - where post offices are and what the most popular fitness chain is on the route. The post offices will allow you to send gear home and receive fresh supplies as weather changes. The fitness centers give you somewhere you can shower, relax in a hot tub and chill while your stuff is safe in a locker. For $30 to $50 a month, it is cheaper than a motel and has way more ammenities.

24 hour, Balley's, Gold's . . . whatever is prevelant

I would LOVE them, but i won't be able to afford them for a bit.........that sucks. Sorry. If you still have them next month, i want them.

That sounds like it could be a pain-in-the-ass fun thing to do...

Good luck!

I have lived in Seattle my whole life. I think it's very diverse and the people here are awesome. There is just a whole different vibe and feel to both cities.

No, sorry I have never been to anywhere in California.

Sorry Hamster, I haven't been keeping up with you. But it looks like you haven't been keeping up either, so I don't feel so bad. Hope things are going well for you, stay in touch.

Show me some pics of your hamster

Sounds like a goregasm.

so... I'm assuming you couldn't? haha.

Everyone keeps saying the beats in massive attack are too weird... I guess dating a drummer had it's advantages?

I for one think that kind of music is hot, it's soft, hard, fast, slow.... mix it up some..

I just got your second comment on my journal. And yeah man, I'll totally hetero-hug you too. We're bro's, fo reals. Yes. Plural on that reals. Haha!

Maybe a little hetero ass-squeeze? Hehehe. Kiddin'.

Aaaaaand yeah dude. Cheers! To being single, with a broken heart, and an unrealistic hope for love!

Live it up while you can, aye?

Mainly this one, and this one.