September 11, 2017 – After a few zero days, Tom has been back on the trail and feeling good. While he was in town, we chatted with Tom about what he’s learned and if he’s going to make any changes as a result of those lessons. Here’s what he said.

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.

That’s it for now! Want to get involved? Learn more and consider supporting Trek for Tots!