Discussions
I am backpacking 5,000+ miles across America!
Posted by Shuttercraft • 6/04/09 • Subscribe to this Discussion [RSS] • Report This Topic
Topics: Backpacking
The American Discovery Trail (ADT) is a new breed of national trail — part city, part small town, part forest, part mountains, part desert — all in one trail. Its 6,800+ miles of continuous, multi-use trail! The greatest thing about this trail is you get to experience urban areas to wilderness!
Along the way I will be raising money for a few different causes! (Look on my blog)
I need to be ready to leave by June 20th, that is just 18 days away! I only have 18 days to get ready to hike 5,000+ miles. This is going to be crazy!
You can follow me on my blog at
discoverusa.wordpress.com/
User Comments
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I will be picking trash along the trail and I will weigh it at the end of every day. I will then add up how much trash in weight I picked up on the full hike!
Towns are every other day on the trail so I can drop trash off then.-
I will be raising money for holly the house wife's cause.
Here is a link to here BC page- www.blogcatalog.com/user/HollytheHousewife
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This is a good project to proceed and wish you all the best with it! I think you will have some amazing images for sure!-
I will be taking a canon hv 30 and a powershot g10. I needed a light weight p&s that still has functions like ISO shutter speed and aperture! The G10 is perfect!
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Light weight and compact size seems more reasonable as a choice
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Rock on kiddo!
I think you're amazing - make sure you take pictures!
If you want to make a statement: Stop Corruption in Government AND Law Enforcement!
Transparency is a MUST
NO LIES - No hurting others to get ahead... No undercover sneaky stuff.
So you go - I'm proud of you. I hope to hear from you each stop you make with a computer.
BE SAFE!-
I dont plan on stopping or giving up, snow, ice, rain, lightening, bears, Angry hillbillies, crack heads, hail storms, tornadoes, I am doing this thing!
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Best Wishes Mike.-
Come Back With Hel'lot Of Photographs!...
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Thank you!
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I wish I am backpacking with you! Good luck and enjoy yourself! -
Great idea, how long will it take do you think?
Not so sure about the cause.-
If u don't have any thing nice to say then don't say it -
Do you know what the cause he is hiking for?
It is to start a non profit to help the 3 million americans who are in foreclosure.
I kind of don't understand what is bad about that cause.
Maybe you can tell me why your not so sure about that. -
I think he should walk in aid of a well established charity, instead of something that may never come into fruition.
Therefore my interest in this walk is gone. -
Well thank the lord you're the only one. Well u and that other girl,shiela,u kno the one who has the really big smile on her face.
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I can count more than two people that have some problem with the idea behind this jaunt across the country for a 'cause'.
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Yeah, I kind of agree. Why not just fund a group that already does this. There are many out there who employ experienced financial planners, etc. to help people save their homes. -
Exactly, especially for a first time kind of thing. Established charities have a whole load of people working for them, that are ready to help out and provide support and expertise.
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I think you'd get a much better response raising money for a charity with a record of success in this type of thing.
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M'k and what charity would that be jay and criptt? Would that one be where the govt says call 995 hope and has the credit counselor say and I quote "call holly housewife,she help u" that came from a government line via india. Straight to my next door neighbor who is in foreclosure right now.
Yea,not only did the "bailout" money go to the fortune 500,but it was outsourced to credit counselors in another country they can't even call the mort. Co. For u.
U guys obviously know nothing about the housing market or how NOTHING is being done to help the people that truely need help.
Now if u would get out of the protection of ur bc walls and head on over to twitter u would see we are getting an awesome response.
Like I said in my blog,I have marketers mouth's watering for me,but I'm not selling out. I'm gonna make a lagit "grass roots" movement.
I also have been offered a position @ smart girl politics. I'm still thinking about that one, because I am not a dem or a repub. I'm a mama on a mission and come hell or highwater mike and I are gonna make this happen!
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I'm really impressed you are going to do this. Take tons of pictures and really enjoy yourself!
Do you intend this as a protest? I can't say I agree with your politics, but I am happy to see young people getting active.-
Wish you all the very best
Hope you have a safe tour and have loads of fun. Looking forward to seeing pictures of your trip. -
@ still thinking Do you know what his politics are? Do you know exactly what the cause is?
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Pack lightly, bring only what you need. Consider scratching even a few things you think are necessities off your list.
You will need a gallon of water per day at least - don't count on always being able to buy water somewhere, make sure you have enough on you. Water is heavy, but it is a must especially in the summer.
Don't rely on always being able to camp - you will probably be able to most of the time, but there are circumstances that can arise like weather and unsafe areas that might make camping impossible. Get a list of every hostel that is on your route and carry enough money for this just in case. Hostels typically cost under $30 per night.
Join www.couchsurfing.com just in case you need to find a real person to stay with along the way. Try to contact people in advance to get their contact information.
The trail passes through several national parks and national forests - strongly consider buying an "America the Beautiful" pass before you leave. For $80 this gets you into every national park, national forest, and most federally run fee-areas for one year. If you are planning on passing through more than just a few of these areas, this pass will likely save you money. You can purchase it online: store.usgs.gov/pass/index.html-
I have all the water drops and resupply drops all planned out. I am shipping ahead gas, food, and shoes. I already have 3 sponsors. The longest trip I have ever done is 2 months on the pct. I am going to love this
Join www.couchsurfing.com ROCKS I will be using it!
Thank you for all the info! -
That couch surfing site is AMAZING - I LOVED IT!
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This is exciting. Wishes for a trip full of valuable experiences.God Bless!-
Thank you!
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This is cool my man. I don't want to be the lone pessimist but 5,000 miles is a little outrageous, this probably would take a year or more.
If you complete it, you will have transformed into a different creature, and I wish you the best of luck.
Oh are you thinking about stopping in towns and cities for prolonged periods of time?-
I will do this in 8 months time.
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Good luck.
I did flick over to your blog but find it a little odd that the blog appeared out of nowhere and is asking for money. 4,000 dollar no less. Makes no sense to ask for donations of 4,000 so you can walk to make money. If you are serious have you contacted the outdoor companies by phone or in person asking for sponsorship? Patagonia is a big sponsor of environmental events they are located out there where you are too and are big into photography especially environmental. Maybe you should contact them. Though as the environment is not where the money is going I doubt they'd be willing to go there.
The last guy the one here that did the Appalachian Trail did post pictures to his blog here and there along the way.-
A young business owner in my town might fund the whole trip!
We are talking and he is thinking of giving me 4k!
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Good luck on your trip - I only give money to organizations who have an actual business plan, mission, and can document exactly how they use the money.
This is a helpful resource for determining how/where to spend your money helping others - all legitimate non-profits post their 990 tax forms on this website www.guidestar.org-
@ doll. I totally know where you are coming from,so please don't donate yet. He is hiking this trail in hopes to help me start a non profit organization. We don't ever want anyone to donate if they don't think its lagit. We can understand where you are coming from. I just hope that maybe seeing how hard I've been working,and mike is willing to hike for this cause,that others will be willing to take a risk and help us. Until we can get the right kind of sponsorship
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@cooper Well I can answer this question a little bit for him and he can add more later.
Yes, he is looking for sposors. Yes,he is contacting out door companies. I also am doing it for him here in MS and Memphis. I have just landed a couple of interviews with radio stations,and was promised by Mayor Greg Davis has already promised me all the press I want until the ap or reauters picks up my story.
Mike is not only taking photos of his journey,but he is also filming it. That is also another reason we are asking for donations. He needs the right hi def,broadcast quality camera. If he is gonna do this then he might as well do it right.
We don't have the sponsors YET,and that is going to happen,but he is leaving in 18 days and he needs all the help he can get. -
I can understand, but certainly you can understand the hesitancy of people who know nothing about him and the fact he was trying to raise money on his blog just this past April to start a business could make people suspicious. .
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Well of corse I can,that's why I just started my last thread,wish me luck
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I know, this was kinda sudden. That is why I will not expect much from people reading my blog.
I am depending on the community I live in for the money.
It looks like everything is going to work out!
I have lots of connections in the local photography industry and if it comes down to it I will use them!
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Good News.
I just got finished talking to someone in my city who might want to give me the 4k I need! He will give me a yes or no tomorrow.
If that does not work out I will be ok with the money I am getting from a few local friends of mine and I will just have to use my huge canon GL2 for the trip... I will hate dragging that thing across America.
My local newspaper is doing a front page feature on me and my trip!
It just seems like everyone i know wants me to do this thing!
I know a Nike rep in Medford Oregon near where I live! He is trying to pull some string too! -
I am due to meet Ken & Marcia Powers at the trail head to brief me on my trip on the 27 of this month!
They are some of the first people to hike the full trail!-
Please take care of your health during this hike as you are essentially hiking a marathon everyday for 8 months.
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I know, I will be doing 20 miles a day. Ken and Marcia did 22 miles a day at a older age and they are helping me plan the trip. I think it will just be one big slow walk. lol
When I did a two month section of the PCT I did 28 miles a day with two 0 days.
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I hope you get some great pictures.-
I will!
Hey I will have my cell and it will work in most of the locations i will be.
You have my number.. everyone does...
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My gear:
CLOTHING
* Synthetic short-sleeve t-shirt
* Midweight synthetic or fleece long-sleeve top
* Wind shell
* Rainpants
* Lightweight synthetic trekking pants
* Lightweight synthetic shorts
* Down jacket
* Socks
* Underwear
* Wool or fleece hat
* Sun hat
GEAR
* Internal frame pack
* Down sleeping bag
* Short closed foam sleeping pad
* lightweight solo tent
* Lightweight shoes with after-market insoles
* Trekking poles
* Headlamp
* Water bladder
* Alcohol stove, fuel, and lighter
* Cookpot with lid (titanium)
* Spoon
* Water treatment drops (chlorine dioxide or iodine) or inline filter
* Single-blade knife
* Small first aid kit (included- Imodium, ibuprofen, and cold medicine)
* Map and compass
* Insect repellant
* Toiletries
* Stuff sacks (siliconized nylon)
* Sunscreen
* Small notebook and pen
* Point-and-shoot digital camera
* HD Video camera
BOUNCE BOX
* Sturdy box
* Extra batteries
* Extra gear (new socks, shoes, warmer clothes, etc.)
* Bulk food (optional)
* Packing tape, labels, and markers
* List of mail drops and addresses-
I would swap out the wind jacket for a gortex shell, then it's wind and rain proof. Gortex lined shoes are also really good. I like to take a multi tool over just a knife anymore. Another must have is a waterproof kayaking bag, you can store you map, camera and what not in it, mever leave home without it, if you need a link let me know.
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HollytheHousewife has a good cause. she seems a little mixed up on her goals at first sight. I thought so too. Her blog seemed a little unclear as well as her motives too. That is what I am going to help her with vary soon. She is a great person and she is vary smart. She has helped people save there homes as well as her own. There is no need to be rude to her. I talk to her on a regular basis and I have come to know her vary well. We have a great friendship now.
You will see her grow and become something that will surprise you. she is so motivated in her goals. you will see.
I LOVE you all!
And thank you for all your awesome support! -
I just got a awesome donation from someone who would like to stay anonymous. This person read my post about the DIY alcohol stove I will be using. They decided to buy me a MSR stove that can run on kerosene, diesel or gasoline! This little stove is still lightweight and can run on almost any fuel! I will be using this on the trip!
THANK YOU!
This is the particular model they got me.
MSR XGK EX
"For over 35 years, the MSR® XGK™ stove has been the world's most reliable extreme-condition stove; trusted by mountaineers everywhere. The XGK EX stove continues that legacy with unrivaled performance, dependability and better multi-fuel burning capabilities than any other stove on the market. It features a flexible fuel line that allows it to pack smaller than ever, as well as stable, retractable legs and pot supports, and a powerful flame that melts snow and boils water incredibly fast. No matter where you're headed, with an XGK EX stove along, you’ll find fuel to burn and the absolute dependability that has made it the first choice in liquid fuels stoves on expeditions for decades." - cascadedesigns.com
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How generous of me.
Er, I mean ... of that anonymous person! -
lol...
IT'S OMAR! Now this discussion is complete now that someone who knows how to be funny is here! -
I have that same stove. Haven't used it in quite a while, though. It's probably all gummed up now, but it worked great.
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It seems like you'll have much fun there. If we could just go with you. hehehehe... -
well can u believe I am trying to find a way to go and meet up with him for a week or so. I mean if he is gonna do this that is the least I could do.
Can u imagine, a housewife roughin' it......... I'm definately gonna meet him in a state where I can have my 22,bc I'm not gonna let the death of me be some bear............I figure if I'm tuff enough to take on some of the people here @ BC then a bear would nothing -
Shuttercraft, are you taking the northern or southern route?
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Holly was correct I will be taking the southern route.
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I think he's doing the southern rt,but I will call and ask him real quick
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Just got his voice mail,must still be asleep
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Good luck on your trip and wear comfortable shoes.-
I will bee wearing lightweight running shoes.
thank you
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@mikey mike, what up w/ ur phone......
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I am talking to you now.
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My local newspaper is doing A feature in me. All my friends and family support me 100%!
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Is there a post that explains exactly where the money raised would go? I couldn't find it. I am also confused about why you would be doing s fundraising stunt to raise money to start a non-profit. Wouldn't you start it first and the take donations.
Not trying to put down your efforts, just confused on what the goal is here and where any money would be going.-
Like Jaybetee I'm not knocking your plan I'm just confused.
I've done and still do a lot of non-profit work and I truly think the best approach would be to found the non-profit organization first. I believe that doing that will insure that all the legal correct protocols will be in place to meet the tax-free status legal requirements. If they aren't then you could be faced with a very big problem in terms of taxation issues. And I'd really hate to see that happen to you.
Basically I'm also confused about what your goal is and where is the money being raised will be going to? -
I agree.
If you aren't registered as a non-profit/charity/whatever this is, you have to pay personal income taxes on money that people donate. I don't know anyone who wants to pay taxes unnecessarily, plus if you are actually trying to raise money for a specific cause and DON'T register as a non-profit, you are essentially pouring a third of all the money down the governmental toilet.
Regardless of whether it is a good cause or not, when you have people giving you money, the government sees this as income and taxes it accordingly.
For what it's worth, there are many books on starting non-profits that you can likely find at your local bookstore or library. The IRS also has extensive information on their website.
From what I understand, this cause is about helping people whose homes are in foreclosure. We're talking tens and hundreds of thousands of dollars to help even one or two people....big sums of money. If you were raising a few hundred bucks to help a homeless guy in a local park, no doubt you could easily fly under the radar, but when you are talking about 5,6, and 7 figure sums of money and publicity regarding the cause...
Better to do it right from the beginning. -
The mayor of my town is helping me get the liscense. We won't have it by the time he leaves but we are working hard on getting it. He has to leave before we get it, because I'm trying to coordinate us being in DC @ the same time.
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I am also working on a way to vet applicants. I have been studying real estate law going on 2 yrs. Now. It wouldn't be a charity where we pay the mort. Off it would be like my hubby and I. I would give people a hand up not a hand out.
The mortgage company won't except money from u if your 3 months behind. My charity will help the families that fall through the cracks like ours. We got 3 mos. Behind but by the time ted got a check in they wouldn't take our money,because it wasn't the total 3 months payment. I am gonna make sure that 1 they can afford their home,as long as someone is working I'm gonna help them.
That's also the reason I have to get to dc and get the taxpayers their money back from places like bank of america,which btw china owns now. Everthing is in a vicious cycle and those barneys in dc ain't doin' a damn thing about it!
That's why I am gonna do something!!!! I'm just gonna do it the legit way! I'm not gonna sell out!
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I hope your trip goes well and that you have a great time out there. I'm just curious (not asking as a challenge at all), have you done any long-distance backpacking before?
Me, I look at long-distance treks more as a series of three, four, five-day (etc.) hikes, just linked together. I have the end goal in the back of my mind, but I don't focus on that. I just plan for the next section as I come to the beginning of it.
Anyhow, I hope your trek is very successful. Take care,
Deb aka Ramkitten-
Yes, I have done many 4-5 day hikes and a two month section of the pct.
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Great! Thanks for the reply.
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Awesome! I am so glad you decided to make the trip. I'll be following your trek, best of luck to you!!!-
Thank you! It is going to be a crazy trip!
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Awesome, cant wait to hear how it goes.-
I will be making updates on my blog. I will also be mailing in tapes to a good friend who will cut them together and post them on youtube.
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ok
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Good luck.-
thank you!
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I have been speaking to a few different thru-hikers that have been on trails such as the ADT, PCT, and the AT and all of them tell me one thing, FOOD!
I ask questions like, “what tent should I use?” or “What stove do I bring?” and they all say the most important thing to a thru-hiker is the food! Thru-hikers never stop talking about food. We relive our finest food indulges at every turn, and plan in detail what food is to be eaten at the next town. After eating dehydrated meals and dried fruit for a week or more, sitting down in a restaurant to a hot meal is a near-religious experience. Soda, burgers, beer, ice cream, fries, chips, pretty much anything within arms reach is inhaled.
I am planing to dehydrate a lot of my food and ship it.
Here is some of the food I will eat on the trail.
Breakfast Cereal
2 cups Quaker Oatmeal Squares cereal
1/2 cup Grapenut cereal
1 cup dried cherries
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup dried blueberries
1 cup raw almonds
1 cup hazelnuts
1/2 cup macadamia nuts
1/2 cup dehydrated banana slices
3 Tbsp milk powder of your choi
Hangdog Oatmeal
2 1/2 cups Oatmeal
2 Tbsp Brown Sugar
1/2 cup Dried Bananas, powdered
3/4 cup Chocolate chips
Cranberry Orange Rice
1/4 cup instant rice
1 Tbsp dried cranberries
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 packet True Orange�
1 tbsp powdered milk
1 tsp brown sugar
Trail Pancakes
1 cup Biscuit mix
1 Tbsp dry milk
1 Tbsp sugar
2/3 cup water
1 Tbsp squeeze margarine
Peanut Butter & Banana Wraps
1 Tortillas
1 tube squeeze peanut butter per tortilla
1 small banana
Ford Wraps
1 package smoked salmon (the kind in sheets)
2 single serving packages cream cheese
2 large tortillas
Tuna Salad Wraps
1 foil pouch tuna (use the small 3 oz size pkg)
1 packet mayo
1 packet relish
2 tortillas (soft taco size)
Beefy Noodle Bowl
3 Tbsp beef jerky, shredded
1 3-ounce package ramen noodles
1 1-ounce package instant onion soup
2 Tbsp mixed vegetables
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp dried cilantro
1-2 packets soy sauce to taste
Ham and Pea Ramen
1-2 packages Top Ramen
1/2 cup dried peas
Parmesan cheese to taste
Ham to taste
Red pepper flakes to taste
Tuna Spaghetti
1 8-ounce package angel hair pasta
1 6-ounce can of tuna in oil
8 sun dried tomatoes, sliced
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp oregano
1/4 cup parmesan cheese
1/2 tsp garlic powder
4 cups water
Cheesy Bacospuds
2 1/4 cup instant potato flakes
1/2 cup instant dry milk
1 packet Butter Buds
1 1/2 Tbsp dried parsley flakes
1 1/2 Tbsp dried onions
salt and pepper to taste
3/4 cup crumbled bacon
1 package Powdered Cheese spread
Zesty Pasta Salad
4 ounces cooked and dehydrated tri-colored curly/corkscrew pasta
1/4 cup golden raisins
2 Tbsp dehydrated sliced black olives
1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pine nuts, toasted
Couple Tbsp of Parmesan cheese
Dressing:
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 packet lemon juice
1 packet Dijon or regular mustard
1/2 tsp each dried basil, oregano and dill
1 tablespoon dehydrated shallots or onions
1/4 teaspoon pepper
salt to taste, if desired
Cheezy Bacon Potatoes
1 1/2 cup instant potatoes
1/3 cup instant dry milk
3 Tbsp cheese sauce powder
At least 3 Tbsp crumbled bacon
Curried Rice
1 cup instant rice
1/2 Tbsp curry powder
1 Tbsp dried onion flakes
1/4 Tbsp sugar
1/2 Tbsp chicken or vegetable bouillon
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/8 tsp ground turmeric
Salt to taste
Chopped cashews (optional)
Cheesy Chicken Rice Soup
1/2 cup instant rice
3 Tbsp cheese sauce powder
1 Tbsp dried powdered milk
1 Tbsp dried veggie mix or freezedried vegetables
salt to taste, if desired
A 3-5 oz can of chicken.
Basil Parmesan Orzo
1/2 tsp butter flakes
1/2 cup orzo pasta
1 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp dried parsley
2 Tbsp freeze dried corn
3 single serving Parmesan or Romano cheese packets
Four Cheese Hamburger Rice
1 cup instant rice
1/3 cup instant milk
1 package of Four Cheese sauce blend
1/2 tsp butter powder
1/2 cup dehydrated hamburger
Bacon Polenta
1/2 cup instant polenta
2 Tbsp shelf-stable bacon
1/2 Tbsp onion flakes
2 tsp butter powder
1 tsp chicken or vegetable broth powder
2 packets Parmesan Cheese
Chocolate Mangos
1 package semisweet baking chocolate (7 oz.)
10 pieces crystallized ginger
10 slices dried mango
2 Tbsp peanut oil-
Shutter I also pack Cliff Bars in with my food supply. They are good for a snack that breaks up some of the boring we run into while packing. Also you can get single size powered drinks that you just mix in with water, it breaks up the plain ole water that does get boring and they are really small and light weight.
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best wishes .Happy journey.
Would love to see pictures.When r u posting ? -
He is leaving the 28,he isn't just taking pics,he will be filming to.
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I see, look forward to the images.
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Good luck.
I am an armchair hiker. Anything more would be pure masochism... -
@ violet tehehehaha
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Holly, I am religious in my laziness! South Africa is a sportsman's paradise and we have marathons and cycle tours and game farms and hunting lodges and horse treks and shark diving and kite boarding and on and on and on. With the little Yorkie in arms and Hubby at the wheel, I watch them all from the air-conditioned comfort of my Mercedes SUV...
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Very Nice! I hope u will visit Indonesia!-
Indonesia is part of the ADT?
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I would love to visit Indonesia! I just think I will have to swim a little ways to get there from the ADT...
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Do you got a twitter that your blog updates can be twitted from?
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I will be making lots of update via twitter-http://twitter.com/shuttercraft
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Thx
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Yes pls follow him
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that means i need to get on twitter ok.-
You will start a account just for me? awwww
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How ya doin kiddo?
Just checking in on you - sounds like you're going to have a lot of fun! -
Yes and I'm gonna get to have soooooooo much fun living vicariously thru mikey mike.
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Ps mike I had a really really good day 2day. I needed exactly this, so I'm gonna be set to jet on Monday
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Its 2 in the morning here,it's midnight there, so ill call u 2morrow
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- Is this still happening?
Has Mike set up a non-profit society, in advance, so the IRS will not go after him personally for taking donations?
www.blogcatalog.com/discuss/entry/i-am-backpacking-5000-miles-across-americ... -
hmm.. are you going to die in the end or not? -
Wow I just made a new post about this and then you bring this one back to the top... I hope I do not die... Please do not bump this post anymore! Look at the new one! www.blogcatalog.com/discuss/entry/my-hike-across-america
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