On Eating!
When you “fast pack” like I am doing, and do not set up a camp, how do you manage food? Today was somewhat typical. I was fortunate to be in a town. The two restaurants in Haines Junction did not open until 7AM. At 6:15 AM I start a two hour walk along the road. Of course I had prepared hot coffee first in my tiny hotel room to give me the required injection of caffeine. Then I drive back into town for a bacon egg and cheese sandwich breakfast. I head back to the road and as usual forget to make adequate preparations for lunch.
After walking for another two and one half hours I require another dose of food and drive to a small sandwich shop. Visitors piling out of a tour bus are stacked outside. After wasting 20 minutes in line I settle for a slice of pepperoni pizza to go. I also take a large cup off freshly brewed coffee in my newly purchased Yukon mug. Liberally salting the pizza I drive back to the “race” start point where left off. I have walked 13 miles and am well fed.
As I continue my walking journey I am reminded of the pepperoni since I have a bad case of indigestion. I continue walking for another two hours and 20 minutes completing just over 20iles for the day. There are no services for a long way in front of me so I return to Haines. After a shower I settle for Chinese food prepared by folks who were actually born in Beijing.
I am fortunate today that Haines Junction is so close. When there are no towns nearby I carry a full day’s food supply in my support vehicle and then search for sleeping quarters, and more food of course, at night. In the support vehicle I always have a large number food and emergency items. Water, bread, peanut butter. crackers, and bananas will be my staples if the going gets rough.