Thanks for the encouragement Gato.

I'm enjoying the experience so far. I'm determined to see this through, even if the end result is not what I'd hope for.

Some of the success stories on here really do help get over the doubt. I'm definitely guilty of obsessing over the mirror and being impatient.

I would definitely have shaved it off if I hadn't joined this forum and seen others with similar growth patterns grow some great beards.