I am also happy to beta; I can give you whatever type and level of crit/feedback you're looking for. Have seen movie twice, comics canon only through osmosis.

The Trail runs right through the Berkshires, we see a lot of hikers this time of year. I have never been inspired to try it myself, but go you!

eta: The telephone conversation format sounds like it could be fun. Kind of like epistolary-fic, but synchronous. Hmm.