Julia Cook, who will soon head out on a two-week hike along the East Coast Trail, has some helpful hints if you're talking to a woman who's going "wild."

1. Have you ever done anything like this before?



Yes, but nothing this big. I've explored Quebec, Nova Scotia and Peru by myself. Not to mention, I also exercise 6 days a week, have interviewed countless people and have done my research.

I'm ready.

On the Inca trail in Peru. (Julia Cook/CBC News)

2. Unsolicited advice? Be helpful

I appreciate advice, but not when it crosses over into condescension.

Telling me about your water purifier? Helpful. Critiquing my packing techniques? Not helpful.

Here's a litmus test: if you'd feel awkward giving your advice to a man, don't give it to me

3. Are you sure there isn't a guy friend you could bring along with you?

Yup.

4. Oh, you're just looking for the love of your life out there.



Nope.



This photograph was taken at Gander Lake. (Julia Cook/CBC News) Nope.

5. Aren't you scared of getting attacked by a *insert animal here*?



No, not really. There are inherent risks to anything you do, particularly in the woods. I'm more scared of walking down George Street than hiking through the woods, tbh.



6. Aren't you scared of strange men?



Yes. As a woman I'm a bigger target for assaults. But I can't let this stop me from doing something that I love.

So I won't be tweeting out my tent coordinates to invite people for afternoon trail mix, but I can't go through this hike scowling at everyone I meet.

Also, I have a knife.

7. Is this like the book Wild?

Yes, in my case, it is a little bit of a soul-searching thing.

But similar to men, some women just like adventures and hiking. Shocking.

Along the shores of Gander Lake.

8. You're checking in with someone, right?

You mean, am I going off the grid like in the book Into the Wild and the guy dies in his van from starvation? No.

Of course, I'm going to check in with someone! Not only is it safer for my well-being, but it's also just considerate to everyone who's supporting me. Jeez!

9. What happens if it rains?

In Newfoundland, it's not a question of if, but when and how often.

What will happen? I'll be miserable. If there's a hurricane, I'll dial a friend.

10. That's amazing, but I could never do something like that.

Thanks! I think I'm amazing, too.

But you can do something like this. I think women have been raised to live a safe life rather than a brave one, and that's sad. Never be afraid to do what you want. This hike won't be easy, but nothing worth living for is easy.

As Walt Whitman says, "I sound my barbaric yawp over the rooftops of the world," and you should do the same.