FAQs

I've received a few questions in these first couple of weeks on the trail and figured it might just be time to put together a Frequently Asked Questions post. So here it goes.

Why do you have a blog and a trail journal?

Well, we started our blogspot page some months ago to document our travels to South America. We have a number of friends and family who are used to going to this page. The trail journal is an established site that helps hikers post their daily journal entries, photos and put up what gear they are using. We thought we should be on the trail journals site as well. Plus, once you get to the site you can peruse other hikers' journals.

Why do photos appear on your blog days after the original journal is posted?

We have what is called Pocketmail, a handheld device that allows us to write our daily thoughts. We get to an area with cell phone service or find a pay phone we can place the device up to the earpiece and send our journal to our transcriber via email. Sammy, our transcriber and my sister, then posts the journal on trailjournals.com and blogspot. We can't send photos. When we get to a town Adrian or I will upload some photos. So, check back at some old posts.

Why do you hate rattlesnakes?

I don't. In fact, I appreciate their place in the world. I just have a fear of being bitten by one in the middle of nowhere.

Has your fear of rattlesnakes replaced your fear of the gray squirrel?

No. I respect the rattlesnake and give it distance. The gray squirrel, especially those found in city parks and on university campuses, are aggressive, dangerous and can not be trusted.

Are you happy with your flip flops?

Best decision I've ever made, short of marrying Adrian, of course.

Are you and Adrian losing weight?

As of May 17, I've lost six pounds and Adrian has managed to maintain his weight. PCTers typically need to consume up to 5,000 calories a day - depending on your age, gender etc. - while on the trail. It is difficult to hit that without carrying 50 pounds of food. PCTers can lose 15 pounds or more while on the trail. I met a guy yesterday who has already lost 30 pounds.

What do you eat on the trail?

Every hiker's diet is different. My daily diet is as follows:

Breakfast: Granola and powdered milk

Snack 1: Sweet & Salty peanut granola bar

Snack 2: cheese and peanut crackers of Keebler. You know the ones where the orange color doesn't look right.

Lunch: Tortilla with peanut butter or tuna or salmon, in foil packets. OR I eat mixed nuts and dried fruit.

Snack 3: dried fruit and nuts

Dinner: One of the following, Lipton rice meal, instant potatoes with foil packet of chicken, or mac n' cheese.

Note: We often will start with an avocado or a piece of fruit and eat it right away our first day out of town. We also have a daily multivitamin.