Read your every word. Thank you thank you. Garrison Keillor tips his hat. My trip begins tomorrow and I hope it mirrors yours.

“use darn tough socks, follow a hiking regimen, and use foot glide. Blisters are the enemy of hiking so I tend to my best tool (feet).”

I second this practice. Also highly recommend the rei silk liners which came as a recommendation from friend who hiked 150 mile trail in Europe w no blisters.