Day 112

Thru hiker food.

Food is what keeps me going, literally. When hiking several miles per day, day after day, there are two things I always look forward to, eating and getting to camp to rest and sleep.

Prior to the hike, I've read that the average thru hiker burns about 5,000 to 6,000 calories per day. I have a fast metabolism, as I tend to keep my weight up only when I work out in the gym. I probably consume around 5,000 calories per day on the trail. In the 3.5 months I've been on the trail, I've lost a considerable amount of weight, around 30 lbs. I imagined that 25 lbs was the most I would lose. My attempt to eat as much as I can in towns helped a tiny bit.

Food planning on my part prior to starting the trail was minimal, merely just looking at what towns I needed to send food resupplies ahead. I sent boxes as I went; it's what worked for me. What I eat on the trail is a learning process, my taste changes, my mood changes. I can't imagine opening my boxes and eating the food I thought was good three months ago now. I probably would have thrown it all in the hiker boxes.

A few cashiers at local grocery stores have commented that I eat pretty healthy on the trail compared to what most hikers buy. Leaving Ashland, OR, this is what I've found to work for me. Coffee or tea in the morning, with a Pro Bar or two, or maybe a honey bun to supplement. A Pro Bar meals every two hours throughout the day is what fuels my legs. I must say I've gotten tired of all the other protein bars. My lunch menu includes salmon or tuna, with olive oil and Fritos, a few slices of bread, and a few spoonfuls of Nutella and bites of chocolates. My dinner menu I love. Angel hair pasta, with summer sausage, complimented with pasta sauce, bacon bits, and crispy jalapenos.

Today was a zero day in Ashland, OR. I decided to have my own motel, as I needed some alone time. It was great.

I also got to have new gear. Yes new gear. I decided to pick up a Hyperlite Pack since my Zpacks Arc Blast was done. First it was the carbon fiber struts then the straps. I have heard that the Hyperlite Packs are bombproof when it comes to durability therefore it is time to try it out. I also decided to get some fresh clothes, and a lighter pair of trekking poles.