I'm a map geek, I admit it...not to Steve's degree. I'm always fiddling with TOPO! CA to cobble together trips, etc.
What amazes me are the cruise control hikers who show up on a trip clueless and without maps. I always know what to expect...it does not always turn out like I envision it but it is close enough.
I guess that is why nothing really surprised me on my first day hike up the MMWT, other than how difficult it was for someone who thought he was in great shape but wasn't.
