Wow! Thank you for your detailed answer!!! That is a post in itself! Maybe you should write a post about how to prepare for a long backpacking trip. Something like the dos and don'ts in backpacking!
Getting out there, experiencing unspoiled nature and getting through the rougher bits is just so rewarding! It's great that you and other people love it as much as I do!
Finally I have one last question: how often do you get out every year?
Ps: I would love to hear your story about hiking John Muir Trail!!!
Ya, with all those questions I knew my reply was gonna be a long one. Thanks for the post idea! I'll think about doing a post like that. Looking back at this year I think I've got at least 80 days out hiking/backpacking so far. That does include the single day trips. I think last year was a lot more. I probably got over 120 days last year! And according to my Peakery page I've only climbed 9 peaks this year so far as compared to 28 last year. https://peakery.com/members/DerekJayRichardson/summits/#year=®ion=&order=successes&page=1 I'll just have to make up for it next year! I bet I could get 40+ peaks next year if I try. I have a friend who actually climbed 100 peaks in a year as a self challenge kinda thing a few years back. So I think 40 should be doable for me.