[pct-l] Re: Not cooking

[danandgailsc at aol.com (danandgailsc@aol.com)]

Dan told me to check the postings regarding not cooking on the PCT. Last year I hiked from Cajon Pass to Walker Pass.  Because of the high winds in the desert, I often did not get to cook at all because of the danger of starting a bigger fire.  So this year when I hiked from Mexico to Cajon Pass, I chose not to cook.  Instead I carried a varied assortment of energy bars.  My uncle bought an case of Cliff bars which I enjoyed a lot.  I felt like I had all the nutrition I needed without all the work.  At the kick off I bought some esbit fuel to heat water but didn't really have the right equipment to use it.  It was cold at the kick off so I just stuck my titanium water bottle in others' fire.  And there were a few other times where someone made a fire at night and I used their fire also.  It was very cold this year and I would have liked something hot to drink, but I could have managed okay without it.  I definitely plan to do it again.  When I hiked the AT I tried going cold for awhile, but used bagels, dried fruits and other snacks.  I did not feel satisfied after eating.  I think the energy bars are more balanced to sustain life.  Of course I ate BIG in town.  Gutsy