tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47376389283992844782024-03-06T00:31:42.176-05:00Demeter's DishDemeter's Dish : Living Wild and Well at Home and on the TrailDemeterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06579976809815912154noreply@blogger.comBlogger74125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4737638928399284478.post-42634609876976754122023-07-13T13:43:00.003-04:002023-07-13T13:43:44.979-04:00Appalachian Trail Day Day 18 - Fontana Dam to Mollies Ridge Shelter - Smokies and the Bear! (mile 164.3 to mile 177.7) Our stay at the Fontana Lodge is heavenly but way too short. Last night we returned to the hotel around 10pm. I packed and enjoyed a glass of wine, charged my electronics, cleaned up my email, then to bed around 1 am. I am slumbering in my cozy bed when Kelly and Penny alternate knocking on my door each hour starting at 7am. By the third time, at 9am, I give up on sleeping Demeterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06579976809815912154noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4737638928399284478.post-12807655118422238812022-05-24T09:35:00.006-04:002023-07-13T13:44:44.391-04:00Appalachian Trail Day 17 - Brown Fork Gap Shelter to Fontana Dam - Mud, Downed Trees, and Beer! (mile 152.9 to mile 164.3)We awoke rested from 18 hours in the shelter. Everything is damp and smells awful! The only dry clothes are the ones we slept in last night. Today promises to be hot and muggy so I dress in my wet t-shirt and socks, but at least I have dry boxers on! Most of my hiking clothes are quick-drying lightweight wool. The rain has stopped, but the leaves above the trail are laden Demeterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06579976809815912154noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4737638928399284478.post-14535843779754906962022-05-23T12:56:00.007-04:002023-07-13T13:45:29.486-04:00Appalachian Trail Day 16 - Sassafras Gap Shelter to Brown Fork Gap Shelter - Stuck in a Wood Box (mile 143.8 to mile 152.9) The biggest concern about shelter sleeping is the mice. The reports of nocturnal activity of mice walking over one's face and the occasional mouse in a sleeping bag is enough for many hikers to prefer camping outside the shelter. Unfortunately, tenting isn't a guarantee some gear won't get messed with: a few years ago I was at a shelter in Shenandoah when a mouse chewed through a tentDemeterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06579976809815912154noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4737638928399284478.post-3650757843607821652022-05-22T09:10:00.002-04:002023-07-13T13:46:11.175-04:00Appalachian Trail Day 15 - NOC to Sassafras Gap Shelter - Uphill to a Thunderstorm to (mile 136.7 to mile 143.8)To say we lucked out with the weather the last 8 days is the understatement of the century. We hit the weather jackpot so far. Unfortunately, our luck is running out today. Heavy rain is forecast for tonight and all day tomorrow, possibly through tomorrow night as well. Guess we gotta make hay while the sun shines! We leave the NOC. I am reluctant and dragging, the norm for me inDemeterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06579976809815912154noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4737638928399284478.post-10658805826207761032022-05-21T12:49:00.086-04:002023-07-13T13:47:13.336-04:00Appalachian Trail Day 14 - Wesser Bald to NOC - Nirvana in North Carolina (mile 131 to mile 136.7)Life on the trail strips away all the "normalcy" of the modern world. Without the intrusions of TV screens and artificial light, our circadian rhythms have adjusted to the natural world around us. Mother Nature has a volume knob she progressively turns to zero as the sky darkens, and slowly increases the volume again with the next morning. Similarly, hikers go to sleep when it gets dark and wake Demeterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06579976809815912154noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4737638928399284478.post-24579820552016050372022-05-20T18:54:00.003-04:002023-07-13T13:48:11.684-04:00Appalachian Trail Day 13 - Wayah Shelter to Wesser Bald Shelter - Bear in Camp! (Mile 120.4 to mile 131)Last night was a rough one. Around 2 am, in a half-dreaming state, I roll over to go back to sleep, thinking for a second I should get up and water the leaves while I am slightly awake... I drift off, dreaming of fireflies around a campfire, then bolt awake. These aren't fireflies drifting outside my tarp! There are lights shining INTO my tarp. I can't hear anything, then Demeterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06579976809815912154noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4737638928399284478.post-59852627925819167092022-05-19T09:43:00.029-04:002023-07-13T13:48:54.908-04:00Appalachian Trail Day 12 - Franklin, NC to Wayah Shelter - Views for Days!! (Mile 109.4 to mile120.4)We are rested, refreshed, and clean! At least for an hour or two. Karma and I warm up for our hike by walking a mile to a Dollar Store for Gatorade sticks and McDonalds for breakfast while GG is packing!The bus picks us up at the hotel, and we are returned to Winding Stair Gap around 10:30 am. The sun is shining and the temp is heading for 90* as we head up. The one thing about being Demeterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06579976809815912154noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4737638928399284478.post-59410765856076966512022-05-18T10:09:00.012-04:002023-07-13T13:49:40.173-04:00Appalachian Trail Day 11 - Culvert campsite to Franklin, NC - TOWN DAY! (mile 98.2 to mile 109.4)We had a restful and uneventful night at the culvert camp. We head out early knowing tonight's destination is Franklin, NC; a trail town where we will resupply, get a hotel room with shower and do laundry!! And real food and a craft beer!! A Town Day puts a bounce in our steps. We have no idea how we will get into town from the trail, but hitchhiking is always a possibility! But first, we Demeterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06579976809815912154noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4737638928399284478.post-34273981955412111592022-05-18T08:52:00.003-04:002023-07-13T13:50:29.207-04:00Appalachian Trail Day 10 - Standing Indian Shelter to campsite above the Culvert - Our new Tramily!! (Mile 85.9 to mile 98.2)
Last night the wind was wild, but fortunately the only wild encounter. Our food bags are intact. The weather is clear and crisp. We start each day with a general idea of where we want to finish, as Shelters are located approximately every 8 miles. The next shelter is Carter's Gap, which is reputable for a big bear problem.The AT in is section is almost like a path, but then the Demeterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06579976809815912154noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4737638928399284478.post-58416228967458811592022-05-17T00:48:00.000-04:002022-06-06T09:42:14.034-04:00Appalachian Trail Day 9 - Plum orchard Shelter to Standing Indian ShelterThe entire camp is up at 6:30. A quick breakfast and on the trail by 7 Am. NC/GA state line at 9:30. We gained 1200 feet over the last 4 miles. The group we camped with last night is fleeter of foot (and much younger) and continues up the trail. They are planning on 20 miles to get to Franklin to resupply.A huge milestone today! We crossed into North Carolina!! The trail crosses through 14 Demeterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06579976809815912154noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4737638928399284478.post-51259012818203295672022-05-16T22:41:00.000-04:002022-06-06T09:42:38.923-04:00Appalachian Trail Day 8 - Dick's Creek Gap to PIum Orchard Shelter ( miles 69 to 73.7 )We Stayed in a hotel in Asheville, NC last night. 6:30 am we are off to the races. We Packed last night In preparation of an early start this morning. The hotel is 45 minutes from Hot Springs, where Kate is meeting us at 9. We park behind Laughing Heart Lodge. The proprietor, Gabe, is in the kitchen finishing breakfast service. He keeps an eye on the hiker's cars, and we donate the remainderDemeterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06579976809815912154noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4737638928399284478.post-3781261066343201182022-05-14T23:20:00.003-04:002023-07-13T13:36:44.364-04:00Appalachian Trail Day 7 - Unicoi Gap to Dick's Creek Gap and Hostel Around the Bend (mile 52.5 to mile 69)Day#7 10/27/21 Last day of this journey, had to cut it shorter than our plan but will pick up where we left in the Spring. Amy is already planning our trip for our Appalachian Trail continuation. This hike was our longest so far total mileage 18.9 / 11hrs 21 min. We had to finish in the dark the last 2 Miles. We started at Unicoi gap after a shuttle from Lisa, we slacked packed, which is Demeterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06579976809815912154noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4737638928399284478.post-44460347900819885402022-05-14T23:15:00.003-04:002023-07-13T13:36:03.755-04:00Appalachian Trail Day 6 -Low Gap Shelter to Unicoi Gap (miles 42.8 to 52.5) Day 6: Low Gap Shelter to Unicoi Gap. We have 4 days of food, but really need a rest day. We can call Lisa, the owner of Hostel Around the Bend, to pick us up at Unicoi Gap and spend the night at the hostel. Blue Mountain Shelter is only a few miles before Unicoi, and an easy downhill all the way to the Gap. A young couple has obviously been living here. The two have piles of gear in the Demeterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06579976809815912154noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4737638928399284478.post-62171421936238856702022-05-13T09:07:00.000-04:002022-06-06T09:43:03.111-04:00Trail Days 2022 - Damascus, VAWe are back on the trail! Trail Days in Damascus yesterday, with the obligatory dance around the bonfire, Bongo drums beating out ferverish rhythms while a flame dancer tosses his double flaming stick into the air and grabs it one handed then swirls it around his body. No containers of alcohol are allowed, but that has not stopped the imbibing. Solo cups are everywhere and the smell Demeterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06579976809815912154noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4737638928399284478.post-17775324883890648402021-10-24T18:43:00.039-04:002022-06-12T08:52:10.099-04:00Appalachian Trail Day 5 - Neel's Gap to Low Gap Shelter (miles 31.3 to 42.8)The view from the balconyLots of packs waiting to go on a hikeDay 5 of Amy and Penny's Amazing Appalachian Trail Adventure (A&P's AATA)! We spent the night at Neel Gap after the most amazing shower and clean clothes! Because of our shower and spending spree we had to set up in the dark up the hill from Mountain Crossing store. We were able to charge our phones and batteries for theDemeterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06579976809815912154noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4737638928399284478.post-49264313318771242022021-10-23T18:32:00.004-04:002023-07-13T13:30:46.572-04:00Appalachian Trail Day 4 - Woody Gap to Neel's Gap ( Mile 20.5 to 31.3)We woke up from a lovely warm night's sleep and packed in the dark. Woody Gap is a large parking area off a busy scenic highway running through Chattahoochee National Forest. One benefit of the close proximity to a road is the pit toilet. The downfall of being so close is the noise. Normally, mornings along the Appalachian Trail are relatively quiet and relaxed. This morning, Demeterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06579976809815912154noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4737638928399284478.post-57085586246571016842021-10-22T18:31:00.002-04:002022-06-12T08:51:38.804-04:00Appalachian Trail Day 3 - Hawk Mountain Shelter to Woody Gap (Miles 8.1 to 20.5)We are up and packing at sunrise, which is 7 am. The Hawk Mountain shelter area is on a ridge, with dappled sun shining through the sparsely-leaved trees. The best alarm clock ever! The sky is cloudy, the temp cool, and the wind, which howled through the night, continues to blow. Penny is the first one up and halfway packed. I pack quickly, moving fast to stay warm. Within 20 minutes I am Demeterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06579976809815912154noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4737638928399284478.post-83469953524539366372021-10-22T08:36:00.005-04:002022-06-12T08:51:23.078-04:00Appalachian Trail Day 2 - Springer Shelter to Hawk Mountain Shelter (Mile 0 to 8.1)SPRINGER MOUNTAIN! We are at SPRINGER freaking mountain! The Start of the Appalachian Trail! Let me say first we are thrilled beyond belief to be here, however the outdoor camping experience last night was less than ideal. Lightening, thunder, and wind-driven rain so hard that water splashes a foot up against the down quilt under the hammock.Last night I was up almost every hour until Demeterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06579976809815912154noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4737638928399284478.post-52354285045195584082021-10-21T05:55:00.009-04:002023-07-13T13:32:49.408-04:00Amy and Penny's Amazing Appalachian Trail Adventure - Day 1 - Amicalola Falls State Park to Springer Mountain (Mile -8.1 to 0.2)Penny and I had a wonderful pre-hike night at Hostel Around the Bend. After getting settled in our shared private room, we drove the 10 minutes into town for a burger and a brew at the aptly named Hiawassee Brew. The burgers were great, the beer even better. We were giddy with excitement for the start of our hike. After a restless night of sleep, our shuttle arrived just as we Demeterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06579976809815912154noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4737638928399284478.post-61473293277022150852021-10-20T07:48:00.000-04:002022-04-11T10:16:20.913-04:00Section Hiking the Appalachian Trail - Amy and Penny's Amazing Appalachian Trail Hike (Introduction)For almost 15 years I read about the Appalachian Trail and dreamed of the adventure of a lifetime. 11 years ago I did the math and knew my youngest would be out of college, so decided 2021 was my year to hike. I originally planned on through hiking, but realized this isn't for me. Firstly, the pandemic and life in general is preventing me from through hiking. I am a nurse in a hospital, and I am Demeterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06579976809815912154noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4737638928399284478.post-55958770625669491862016-04-10T21:59:00.001-04:002016-04-10T21:59:17.852-04:00Backpacking 101: Most Common Mistakes of New BackpackersI love organizing trips for inexperienced backpackers; they are so enthusiastic, just so happy to be outside, like every pretty view is the most amazing thing ever!
Recently I organized a trip of 13 for a little trek on the Appalachian Trail from Maryland to Harper's Ferry. A total of 20-ish miles over three days, so perfect for less experienced packers. Since this was far from my Demeterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06579976809815912154noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4737638928399284478.post-29802807685265461682015-12-27T15:14:00.000-05:002015-12-27T15:14:00.132-05:00Packaging Crackers for the Trail
I love hummus and with homemade flax crackers for lunch. Drying and packing the hummus is easy, but the challenge is keeping the crackers from becoming a crumbled mess in my food bag. Here is a video where I show how I pack crackers in a lightweight Crystal Light-type container.
Enjoy, and Happy Hiking! <3 DemeterDemeterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06579976809815912154noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4737638928399284478.post-51952768493121456422015-07-13T14:18:00.002-04:002015-07-13T14:19:00.941-04:00Backpacking 101: Getting Started - Finding a Hiking GroupI get email messages like this all the time:
"I'm interested in backpacking but don't know where to start. I don't have any gear, anyone to hike with, and don't know where to go. Please help!"
This article will focus on finding someone to hike with. By hiking with other people, you can ask questions about hiking and backpacking, gaining knowledge to make you more prepared for Demeterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06579976809815912154noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4737638928399284478.post-71588143888122107012015-05-10T07:20:00.000-04:002015-05-25T06:43:07.360-04:00DIY Cozy for Freezer Bag Cooking: Gusseted, Stand-Up Bottom, Velcro, and Fashionable!So, I am not a girl that needs to look very cute in the woods. Just camp out with me and you will see that I am anything but "put together" after a night or two in the wilderness.
But there are a few items in my kit that are almost Objets d'Art, like my Zpacks Arc Blast Backpack and my kilt. To the untrained eye, fellow hikers think "hey, that girl looks like she knows what she is Demeterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06579976809815912154noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4737638928399284478.post-28400430888209928222015-05-03T08:38:00.001-04:002015-05-25T06:44:37.515-04:00Quinoa "Grits" for Olddog
Quinoa, Not Just For Dinner
Check out backpacking blogs or forums and the breakfast foods often mentioned are instant oatmeal, bagels with peanut butter, and instant grits.
The Holy trifecta of trail food breakfasts. All easy and ready in minutes. Unfortunately, a dilemma exists for backpackers who follow special diets; whether they eat "clean", gluten-free, or paleo. Instant Demeterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06579976809815912154noreply@blogger.com3