I'm a real hermit too when hiking outdoors as well. On this trip I did a lot of dry-camping to stay away from the hoards of people camping at popular lakes and trail junctions. I had to bulldoze my way through people on Forester pass! I'm a friendly guy though and would stop and talk to some people because it does get kind of lonely out there after awhile.
In regards to trash, I noticed some people are using "Wet Ones Antibacterial Handwipes" and burying them along with TP, I suppose, which are not decomposing fast enough. I'm almost positive that these wipes decompose at a much slower rate than TP. These wipes are loaded with scents that attract animals that come and dig them up. So pack this product out guys. Plastic speaks for itself. Pack the icky stuff in a couple of zip-lock bags and you'll be fine .
Lori, I saw so many places I want to see now that I have hiked this "highway" trail. It's a real eye-opener to what's out there.
Where are all the bears? Did anyone see one?