Fuel your Body
The biggest personal challenge during my first weeks centered on hydration, due to the high temperatures, and nutrition. I just didn’t have enough calories to fuel my body, especially on the longer days. I am making adjustments now to add more fat and protein in the forms of olive oil, cheese, nuts. I’m also making a few gear adjustments, including and upgraded water filtration system.
The oddest thing I’ve eaten was a packet of instant oatmeal dry as a snack for lunch. It tasted better than mixing it up for breakfast, and I didn’t have to deal with clean up. Same calories. It’s fuel, NOT food.
Adapt to the Weather
Given weather forecast for the next couple weeks (predictions are calling for warm-to-hot days, with overnight lows in the 50’s and 60’s), I’ve left all of my down and extra clothing behind – which will save considerable weight and enable me to hike faster. I’ve also opted for a footwear change to low top light hikers instead of my high tops to save weight and increase foot comfort.
Watch out for Vermin
As you know, I was attacked by mice the first night on the trail, and they chewed through bags to get at my food. After Courage and I chased them off and moved our food into the tent, one ambitious little critter chewed a hole in the side of our tent to get at the cashews! I purchased a critter-proof food bag and will bring along a length cord to hang it with to solve this problem, as I am not likely to encounter wet conditions.
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