OK I understand your opinions about some of the items but as far as the amount of money, time, and days spent off the trail after your walk from Georgia to Maine. For instance I spent about 5 grand on the whole trip including food items and of course the great wonderful 0 days at hostiles and motels anmd maybe even a hotel with a pool split between 3 friends. I also after finshing the AT took about 2-3weeks off and than went and hiked most of the rest of the Long trail only to have to get off with a little less than a hundred miles to go just before camels hump. I figured after 3weeks of rain and almost 2500miles I should give my body a break. I do agree with calling yourself a backpacker and going at least once every 4-6mths. I think the only excuse is if your married and have 2 or more kids. Even than I still know plaenty of ppl. that still are able to do this. Ialso agree with the hitchhiking part its calloed a thru hike not a thru hitch/hike.
vapors