I would hardly call you nutty. You are brave to go alone but nothing keeps you from doing what you want to do. I would so love to do that. I envy you. I love the outdoors, I'll bet you did meet some nice people. I have a friend who backpacked alone around the perimeter of England. He had a great time. You are a very fortunate person, but you made it happen yourself. Does the dog set up the tent for you, ride the bike when you are tired, read the map?