Good Old Raisins and Peanuts. That is what GORP is.....and I've just made a TON of it for all my hiking adventures. I even bagged it all individually in 1 cup portions.....easy to grab and toss into my day pack. Not only is it my favorite trail snack, it provides me with surprising amount of energy. I enjoy granola, granola bars, apples, dried fruits, nuts and turkey jerky.
It is surprising to me that I am more apt to eat a healthy meal on the days that I hike....I have been trying to eat more healthy anyway because of the diabetes but for some reason...hiking helps me to make better food choices. I know that probably sounds weird or might not make sense to any of you but it works for me. Therefore....I will let it continue to help me make better food choices :)
It is the second day of a wonderful, Fall-like weather. Yesterday it rained all day so it kept me inside. Today has been super cloudy....but not raining. However, I have yet to get out there and take a hike. My stomach has been hurting really bad since last night......and I am hesitant to wander too far away from home. I'm sure that needs no further explanation :)
Anyhoo.....I have to tell you that not only am I in love with the whole hiking activity...I am now addicted to reading all about it. My mind has been a wonderful sponge, taking in everything I can learn about hiking and backpacking. I have read A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson...his hilarious recap of walking the Appalachian Trail. I have read AWOL On the Appalachian Trail but David Miller. I enjoyed this book even more than A Walk in the Woods. They are inspiring to me. Yes...of course the thought of me one day actually hiking the Appalachian Trail HAS crossed my mind. However...it would take a lot more training on my part, as well as the gumption to put my thoughts into actions. I can imagine the trails and adventures that I myself would have if I were to do it. Its a HUGE undertaking....daunting miles, thrilling climbs....it all scares the crap out of me but intrigues me more than anything. It would be a ways off if I were to even consider doing something of that magnitude. I have thrown out the idea of it to Sam as well as my mom. Sam is always supportive...however I know he has reservations of me doing something like that. My mom on the other hand....says anything is possible but in doing so...I can't hike it alone. My thoughts seem a little different on that. It seems that when I think of myself doing something like this....I am doing it alone. In my minds eye, dreaming about it, praying about it.....I AM doing it alone. I think about if I were to do it...and to actually plan it with another person.....who would that person be? Who could I venture out into the woods for long periods of a time with? I mean....lack of everything a person is used to having AFTER a day of hiking is NOT what is out there. You're eating a LOT less than you normally would, you're walking a LOT more than you normally would. You would be going days without a shower....without a TOILET! Yup........that's a lot to think about. Not to mention what kinds of people or animals you will encounter out there in the wilderness. There are a ton of things that go through my head regarding a hike on the AT. As for right now....I will definitely say that I am setting it as one of my goals. Not necessarily anytime soon....but.....within the next 5 years, perhaps? Next 3 years? It is not something that I can enter into lightly. I know its so much hard work.....will I be strong enough to take on such a challenge? I know with God, anything is possible. I know that if I really want it, and I do go through with it....I will never really be alone. He will be with me. Not to mention, I have no idea who the heck would be willing to try with me! LOL.....oh the dreams I have.
So....since I couldn't get out to hike today. I decided to dream about it instead.....eating my GORP as I do so :)
Until next time....
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