I have hiked the JMT solo, with a friend, with someone I met on the internet and with someone I met on the trail after starting solo. All of them have been good experiences. I have hitchhiked from several trailheads, and enjoyed the generosity of strangers. I have met the most interesting people on the trail and only once did I ever feel uncomfortable when meeting another hiker. Most of the people I meet while hiking are intelligent, educated, friendly, and adventurous. Like me, most have a career, a family, and a healthy lifestyle. They go hiking for some of the same reasons I do...for the adventure, the challenge, and the joy of experiencing God's creation first hand. I read somewhere that the desire for wilderness is a disease of civilization. If that makes any sense to you then you'll have some idea of the kind of people you are likely to meet in the mountains. And if you think the mountains are only for young people, think again, there are many retired people, both men and women, hiking at their leisure since time is not an issue for them. I am hoping to retire someday and hike the entire Pacific Crest Trail...all 2,650 miles of it.