Thanks to Lyra for the encouragement.  It won't be til end of summer/early fall but I'll let you all know, if interested, how went the journey.

Christine

Beyond, "Pack it in, Pack it out", and "Leave no trace behind", here's some from the The Lightweight Backpacker:

http://www.backpacking.net/ethics.html

I am sure that to spend time in the woods/hills/mountains would be incredible.   My question, directed mainly to Cameron but to any others who are willing to share their knowledge:   can you recommend ONE good book that could act as a complete bare minimum survival/type guide and where in the Appalachian Mts do you recommend for a 5 day hike.

I'm going to plan to do this sometime this summer/early fall.   I don't envision going for more than 5 days.   I am planning to do this alone.   The thought terrifies me - I'm not crazy about the pitch dark, and things that go bump in the night - but I have a knowingness that this is something I must do.  
Thanks for any suggestions.

Survival Guide - The C's transcripts are a good start.    (half joking)

There are some great website resources for information on backpacking and camping.

Here's a favorite:  http://www.backpacking.net/

For the gearhead:  http://www.backpackinglight.com/

Mainly, I look for information concerning gear and equipment and food.  The philosophy comes with experience.  For example, my philosophy for cooking equipment is quite minimalist:

- 1 Quart Titanium Pot
- 1 Large Plastic Spoon

But I take a hefty sum of spices. 

Some like a tent; others like a tarp.  Some can carry 60 lbs., other prefer 20.  Come to think of it, the majority of gear and philosophy related questions are answered purely with experience.

The best advice is, do just enough to get the gear that you think you'll need, allocate a week of time for having an adventure, try not to prepare mentally (personal experience), and then take the first step.

After the 5th or 6th day, you'll know nearly exactly what you will want and not want to bring "next time".

As for specific hikes and trails, you should email me off board, as this is not really information for 'group analysis'.  (if others are interested, though, I'm glad to post)

Ermolai's post about dreams has prompted me to confront what I know I need to do.

My dreams lately have been me running from room to room in various different houses/hotels/apartments.

According to the dreaming symbols I subscribe to, any type of building is:  "view of the world/point of view" and
public buildings are "common view of the world/social conditioning.

To me - this means that I am trying to break free, yet still stuck in my view of the world and my social conditioning.

Interestingly, again according to the dreaming symbols, forests = adventure, mountain/hills = hope, open areas =
freedom or fear of taking the gap to freedom.

Which leads me to the point of this post.  Cameron spoke of his 1,500 mile journey from Kentucky (I think) to Maine along the Appalaichian Mnts.  When I read this I was WOW!!

I'd be rather pleased with myself if I did 20 miles.  Not that I'm that out of shape -<grin> but rather because I have never spent 14 minutes in the wilderness by myself.  I've spent time in the woods of WA state but it was almost always within earshot of my farm, and never alone overnight.

I am sure that to spend time in the woods/hills/mountains would be incredible.  My question, directed mainly to Cameron but to any others who are willing to share their knowledge:  can you recommend ONE good book that could act as a complete bare minimum survival/type guide and where in the Appalachian Mts do you recommend for a 5 day
hike.

I'm going to plan to do this sometime this summer/early fall.  I don't envision going for more than 5 days.  I am planning to do this alone.  The thought terrifies me - I'm not crazy about the pitch dark, and things that go bump in the night - but I have a knowingness that this is something I must do. 
Thanks for any suggestions.

Christine