Is this an American invention? We generally don't use it in England. I did try it once but it was overrated. We find that its current design mean that when you turn it over to use the other side (fill in the punchline yourself)

to DodgeyKnee:
Mercado Travel & Tours specializes on trips to Amazonia in Bolivia.
I suspect that density of WCs their similar to UK.
And I agree that Google maps is great, though I personally prefer Google Earth. Besides Girl scouts, you can also discover that Appalachian trail is less than 20 minutes away from my place.
I do some hiking about 100-150 miles per month, any season with "open legs" and shorts.
Just to test I made yesterday 10 miles in pants during the rain and 52 F and felt very uncomfortable

Ahh, the Appalachian Trail. Now that's something to aspire to..

I wish you well on your venture. I don't see you having any problems. It's just one long pub crawl compared to the AT.

With a bit of luck I will have meandered through in August with my Son. Also in shorts!

Anything is possible even picking up a Tick, however it very rarely happens in the UK, so I wouldnt be too concerned. I have been walking, mountaineering and Fell running for over 50 years and mostly wearing shorts. Running and walking through all sorts of ground including high heather, long grass and rescueing the odd lamb and sheep. I have never picked up a single Tick in all that time. I think the issue is greatly exagerated, and to pick one up you have tpo be extremely unlucky.
Dave.

Agreed, the chances of picking up Lymes disease is very small, but the important factor is that the incidences of it are increasing significantly. In 2003 there were less than 200 cases, in 2008 there were 813 (as opposed to in America where last year there were just under 29000 cases). I never worry about it. It certainly doesn't affect my walking. A few years ago I gave it no thought as it was almost unheard of but nowadays I always check for ticks after a day on the hills. To be seriously affected (unless you are allergic to them) you have to ignore all the symptoms, which honestly, most people would never do. Caught early it causes minimal problems, left it can turn serious.

If you plan to suck toilet paper it tastes nicer if it is unused. Toilet paper, new or used (one careful owner) is widely available on the C2C.

OK, I guess that ticks and toilet paper are completely covered.
Lots of good advices.
Returning to mud. I want to avoid it as much as possible.
Should I stay on higher elevations, or this does not matter.
Problem with mud, not about being dirty, but moving VERY slow.
Which parts of the trail are muddy?

There is nowhere to purchase toilet paper on the c2c, so I would suggest you bring as many rolls as you can carry.

Maybe you can set up a business for those forlorn walkers searching for guidance.

C2C192m2010, I'm a very caring patient and altruistic person but I find some of your questions a little basic.

Of course there is going to be mud, no there are not going to be restrooms and of course we have loo rolls. Which planet are you from? Are you sure you should be allowed out alone? Just read some of the books that you tell us that you have purchased, read other peoples account of their experiences on the c2c and you will get a good overview.

I don't mind giving advice and I love to read what others advise but I draw the line at silly questions..... mind you they have given me a laugh and most certainly some of the answers have too. Perhaps that's your ploy.... to cheer up the old blighties
HB

from the planet windup.

pay attention HB.

game of marbles anyone ( if they can be found )?