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Re: [at-l] I'm getting excited!



Kahley,

You might have misunderstood -- I've been weekend
backpacking for years.  It's just that I haven't been on
the AT, and don't understand its mores and folkways.


> I have never heard a short time hiker complain that he/she
> didn't bring enough food.  Personally it's the one area where
> I can easily overpack. You won't be out long enough for you

> to develop real hiker hunger so try to keep it minimal.

That is one of my usual weaknesses.  I recently Tuckerized
the heck out of my food packing, and got down to a "norm"
of 3 or 4 ounces for some mashed potato stuff plus jerky
for supper.


> Lipton's noodles in a bag and mac&cheese, in my book, beats the
> pants off of freeze dried (yucky).

I disagree, mildly.  I think that the Polynesian Chicken kicks butt!


> Snacking is good cause you may be too bushed
> at day's end to cook.

I *always* save enough energy to cook.  Part of it, in my
hike-your-own-hike heart of hearts, is that I really enjoy
"primitive" camping, and that I like walking as a way
of getting between campsites.  This is in contrast with
those who love the walk, and who camp as a way of
resting between legs of the journey.


> Should you eat at Skyland???  Money is much lighter than food <g>.

True!  Also, I just learned that some friends of mine will
be driving up Skyline Drive this weekend, and we may
rendezvous (sp?).  So much for solitude. :-)


> Aannnd...speaking of lightweight...I hope you understand the rules
> here <GRIN>.  Before a newbee hits the trail, he's supposed to
> post his complete pack contents so we can tuckerize it.

I'll plead guilty to being a novice, but after 4 years, I
take a tiny bit of umbrage being called a newbie.  OTOH,
I re-upped on this list because I know y'all have a heck of
a lot more experience (thus wisdom) than I.  So I'll take the
bait *next* time -- when I start planning a 4-day or week-long
hike, which will indeed need Tuckerizing.



>
> With great sensitivity,(HAHAHAH) we will go through you pack and
> tell you what we wouldn't take.  It can't hurt....and may make
> your hike more enjoyable.

FWIW, I really do try to re-evaluate what I took, whether
I used it, etc., after every hike.  I eventually determined that
I was never going to make instant pudding with nonfat dried
milk.  Conversely, I'm *still* trying to convince myself that I'll
make some use of the 10 oz Thermarest chair adaptor.

Re: food, I actually *enjoy* trying to have a nice meal,
even if it's a simple one, and I enjoy trying to figure out
how to get that meal with a stove that doesn't simmer. :-)


> One thing,
> the one real big reason to take a full length is for insulation from
> the cold ground in cold times  k.

Yup.  Thus, my wondering: is the PNC ground warmed up yet?
Otter Creek was pretty cold a couple of weeks ago.

--
  -Tom Williams


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