There's a new article on PMags' blog called "Start Here: My Unofficial Outdoor Guidebook," which has links to all his beginner articles. In addition, he has placed a link, "Where to Start?" at the upper right corner of his blog, which he says will stay there permanently. This will get you to the article once it has disappeared from the current screen.

These are excellent articles, well worth reading.
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May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view--E. Abbey