I will admit that I have not begun to read the actual trip report; however, I did read your prologue (which may be more of interest to a overly introspective lot such as myself). In a sense, I sort of feel sorry for young adventurers in the USA, because you are caught up beyond your control, by a safety mania that is a country-wide obsession: playgrounds so safe that if you fall, you may bounce 10ft off the ground due to the rubberized "safety mats". Mandatory Helmets on bicyclists, skiers, walkers, sleepers? Of course, you know where this is heading: Liability, litigation, $$$$$....need I say anymore? The second part of the equation is, of course, that no one is allowed to die by their own stupidity in this country. Rather, a whole brigade of honorable folk will be detatched to retrieve your sorry arse, no matter how much you protestith your right to be stupid (meant tongue in cheek). It is the way it is here, thus, people will react with the knowledge in mind that along your merry way, you drag (against your will be it as it may) a whole contingent of folk who are running behind you with a giant safety net at the ready, all the while, risking their lives.
Rogue, you were born in the wrong time and place for the freedom you wish to exercise. Perhaps, someday, you will be able to roam the rest of the world, where people don't give a crap about an individual sorry arse, leaving you to revel in newfound anonymity. However, there are also equally anonymous others who lie in wait hoping to aid and abet in your disappearance -- kind of a check and balance, so to speak.
I digress; I feel for you, man.
