Those pedals are nice, I have them on my LHT. I tried on a pair of the M077s and really liked them. I have a pair arriving this tues. If you any questions...

I almost bought that book today. I stopped at the visitor center in Ohiopyle (along the trail) and the volunteer suggested it to me. I didn't have a pack--or enough cash-- with me to bring it back. I'll definitely pick it up the next time I'm through.

Did the M077's fit true to size? I may have to order them online...

Over 6k on my road bike now and on my second set of the Shimano A-530 pedals. Bearing started going bad on one of the pedals on the first set at around 2500 miles. So far so good on the second set. (kept the other pedal that was still good). I have the Shimano SH-M076 shoes.... Really like them.. Tons better for walking in than the last pair I had (Shimano cant remember the model). The size on them was about the same size that I wear. I wear 9 or 9.5 ... But when I tried them on one shoe didn't fit very well so the person at the bike shop swapped out one shoe from another box.. Second one fit great... Weird?? But true.

I wear size 9US. I tried on a pair of 43EU at REI and they fit like a size 9US. so I ordered a pair online.

I don't carry a stove, and I own several. Summer is a great time to just pick up fresh food in any stores you pass, if you will have acess. For the most part the nutritional value of food is actually reduced with a stove. So at the very least, I wouldn't sweat not having one. I know a lot of people say they can't do without coffee or something, but I find touring is a sufficiently disruptive change in my pattern, that I can really start or stop just about any habit.

I would also toss the axe, I don't even carry those in the wilderness, canoeing and such. I own many since I use them regularly for woodworking. There is a lot of stuff that just isn't necesarry.

I guess it depends on how weight conscious you are, how far ahead you need to shop, what you plan to buy, and how often you will do it.

For us we have only bought frozen dinners or that kind of thing once in a while and when they could be bought fairly close to when they will be consumed. Fruits really don't need refrigeration. Frozen dinners will typically remain at least cool for a few hours in a pannier and won't spoil for a a longer period than I would every carry them on tour. Fresh stuff like bag salads keep as long I ever carry them without a cooler.