Patrick, good luck with the hearing! Do you have to hang around for the whole 75 days? If not, this is a great opportunity to take a bunch of shorter trips, get comfortable with your gear, acquire experience and just have fun in the out-of-doors! This last is of course the best reason to get out on the trail!
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May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view--E. Abbey