I appreciate your advice. As much as I look forward to this trip, I'd rather skip it than go out unprepared so I've been doing lots of reading; The Complete Walker, Backpackers Handbook, Outdoor Navigation with GPS that also covers map and compass, and I have Stephen Herrero's Bear Attacks book on the way (I love to read). We have all our gear now except for the boots but we still need to get out and test it. I know real life experience will be the best teacher, and I'm a little nervous about the possible scenarios that might come up like lightning, bears, getting hurt or sick, etc...but I don't want my fear to keep us from getting out there.
My husband isn't worried a bit, he just doesn't want it to rain the whole time! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />