I'm a mid-lifer who has hiked The Whites and parts of Utah, Arizona, Hawaii and Ireland. I love the outdoors, especially winter in New England (although I haven't given winter in the West a try...yet). My "mid-life-crisis" is requiring that I quit my job and hike the Appalachian Trail this year and I think I'm going to listen to THAT voice since the timid-safe voice hasn't done much for me thus far. I've been reading so much - especially the blogs on The Trek and I can't wait to meet some of this year's thru-hikers!! I'm a little undecided right now about where to start but I'm leaning on flip-flopping, starting at Harper's Ferry. Anyone else?