Contact Me Assistant :)

Another New Page!

Another New Page!

WhiteBlaze.net Threads
There is a wealth of specific information here - work-in-progress.

New Page!

I've installed a new page!

Cottage Industry Gear & Food Providers

It's a work in progress, but a fine start. :)

Click on the PICTURE above to link.  :)

Protein Bar Find!

A FIND!

I purchased these protein bars a month ago, and I am quickly becoming addicted!

I very rarely step foot in a Walmart, and found these there - priced under $8 for 6 bars.

New Bookmarks Page

All my A.T. Bookmarks condensed to one location here:

BOOKMARKS

ON-Trail Costs List...

Updated List of what MAY cost $$$ during a thru-hike:

A work-in-progress 

Upd 06/01/12

ATM Charges

Batteries

Clothing (new)

Clothing repairs

Emergencies (health, family/friends, etc.)

First aide supplies (sun screen, mole skin, anti-septic, etc...)

Food

Fuel

Gear (new or replacement)

Gear repairs

Hygiene items (soap, toothpaste, toilet paper, etc.)
Insect Products (Premethrin, Picaridin, DEET, tweezers etc)

Laundry services / supplies

Lodging (hotels, hostels, campsites, cabins, shelters, lean-tos / permits)

Mail drops (receiving) incoming supplies/food

Mailing bounce boxes, supplies home, postcards, gifts, etc...

Maps

Phone card / cell phone charges
Restaurants

Showers

Shuttles

Town entertainment (movie, alcohol, etc.)

New Training!

(Someone's Youtube video)

Oh this ROCKS!

My new place to sweat.

196 down, 196 up!

Bloomer Park, Rochester Hills

Creatine

A new addition to my training routine.

More Playin'

Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter

The Sawyer Squeeze Filter System 

http://www.sawyer.com/sawyersaves/products-squeeze.html

The Sawyer Squeeze Filter System is the ultimate combination of high capacity and minimal weight. It includes 3 pouches (0.5 L, 1 L and 2 L) that can be reused hundreds of times. With a total field weight of 3 ounces and ability to roll up, it takes up virtually no space in your bag. 

All Sawyer filters deliver 0.1 absolute micron biological filtration, removing 7 log (99.99999%) of all bacteria like Salmonella, E. coli, Vibrio cholerae and Salmonella typhi (which cause Cholera and Typhoid); and 6 log (99.9999%) of all protozoa such as Giardia and Cryptosporidium. 

Kit Includes:
    3 - Lightweight Durable Collapsible Pouches (0.5 L , 1 L, and 2 L pouch)
    1 - Replaceable Pop Up Drinking Spout
    1 - Sawyer 0.1 Absolute Micron Hollow Fiber Membrane Screw On/Off Water Filter
    1 - Cleaning Syringe
    Cleaning and Maintenance Instructions 

Directions For Use
Simply fill up the pouch of your choice at a lake, stream or river, screw the filter directly onto the pouch and: 

1) Squeeze the bag and filter water into your water bottle or container of choice. 
2) Drink directly from the filter which has a built in push pull cap for on/off functions.
3) Attach the filter onto most threaded water bottles including 2 liter bottles.

A Water Filtration System that looks promising.

Kindle FREE Books!

FREE BOOKS

Amazon Kindle format

Amazon offers many books ON SPECIAL routinely every day.

These books may be offered anywhere from hours to days.

But understand it’s a limited timeframe.

Why am I including this Page in a hiking blog?

There are books offered FREE in all genres covering MANY topics such as:

Hiking

Outdoors

Camping

Food preparation

And more topics specifically desired by hikers

CLICK HERE

To view more information on the page located in the right column:

FREE Kindle Books

Green Tunnel

A video of the Appalachian Trail.

This is pretty cool!

Click ABOVE picture to watch:

Green Tunnel 

Um, Which Way?

Lyme Disease / Prevention

I have constructed a PAGE here with information I will use to devise 

a plan / strategy in preventing / defeating Lyme disease.

Pages are located in the right hand column.

The link to this specific page is:

http://hikingthedream.blogspot.com/p/lyme-disease.html

:)

Humor!

Does this look like fun or what?

Lyme Disease

Permethrin - Deet - Lyme Disease (and anaplasmoisis) 

Important Information!

CLICK on picture above for PAGE Link

Doxycycline (dox i sye' kleen)

Why is this medication prescribed?

Doxycycline is used to treat bacterial infections, including pneumonia and other respiratory tract infections; Lyme disease; acne; infections of skin, genital, and urinary systems; and anthrax (after inhalational exposure). It is also used to prevent malaria. Doxycycline is in a class of medications called tetracycline antibiotics. It works by preventing the growth and spread of bacteria. 

Hiking Humor

More Logos

Socks - DarnTough

Darn Tough Vermont 

Merino Wool Mountaineering Extra Cushion Socks

www.DarnTough.com

$20 - $25 per pair!

Unconditional Lifetime Warranty

Nice socks, but I have to think there is a cheaper alternative.

Steps Anyone?

I would really enjoy visiting this place.

Outstanding views with such great elevation.

I would LOVE to train here!

I could see training here 60-90 minutes - 5 days a week.
Wonder if I'd need a helicopter?  :)

Yushan National Park, Taiwan

Go Tigers!

Opening Day - April 5th - Go Tigers!
Tigers WIN 3-2 over Boston in the bottom of the 9th!

Insole Options (2)

SuperFeet – Green  $40

http://www.superfeet.com/products/Green.aspx

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

The Superfeet GREEN is our most popular insole and has been on the market for over 30 years. It is designed primarily for footwear with a removable insole and is the recommended choice for those seeking maximum support and shock absorption.

RECOMMENDED FOOT TYPE

Ideal for feet with medium to high arches.

RECOMMENDED FOOTWEAR

Running, walking, hiking, alpine, industrial, and military footwear.

Sole Softec Ultra  $40

https://secure.yoursole.com/us/footbeds/softec-ultra/

FEATURES

» Moldable Base Layer, 20% Recycled Content
» Softec Cushioning
» Moisture-Wicking Top Sheet With 35% Recycled Content
» Adjustable Arch Support
» Deep Heel Cup
» Heat Moldable
» APMA Accepted

IS THIS PRODUCT RIGHT FOR ME?

Recommended Footwear:
» Hiking Boots
» Steel Toe Boots
» High Volume Running Shoes

Recommended Activities:
» High Impact Activities
» Working On Concrete Floors

Camp Shoes?

Vivobarefoot Ultra Pure Shoe

The debate rages on whether camp shoes are needed / useful.

I have a tendency to want them, and for multiple purposes.

These look interesting, come in various colors, 

and weigh in at 10 ounces for the pair.  Price:  $50

PRODUCT INFORMATION:

Freedom awaits! Slip in and experience the world around and underneath you in the Ultra Pure from Vivobarefoot®!

• A barefoot-inspired running shoe. Ideal for running in wet and dry conditions.
• Features the same single-unit upper as the Ultra, without the removable sock.
• EVA 3D upper is made of a soft, perforated, non-toxic, dual-density, high-abrasion resistant EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate).
• Bungee lacing allows for quick, secure lacing.
• Soft, amphibious, high-abrasion injected EVA outsole delivers lasting durability and traction.
• Outsole Thickness: 7mm.
  Outsole compresses to 3mm over time.
• 100% vegan-friendly construction.
• Weight: 10 oz / Pair

Tyvek Suit?

I have a NEW idea in mind.

And it involves another use of Tyvek.

Hilarious - the Tyvek dude here is wearing hiking boots!  

Stay tuned... :)

Water Filter - Vario

Katadyn Vario Microfilter 

Filtration down to .3 microns

The Vario combines individual efficiency with the simplest possible handling.  The technology is uses consists of three filter levels: a high-performance glass fiber filter, a ceramic pre-filter that can be adjusted individually according to the cloudiness of the water, and active charcoal for eliminating odors.  Anyone who needs up to two liters of drinking water per minute can use the glass fiber and active charcoal filter.  If the water is extremely cloudy, the ceramic pre-filter can be fitted in a moment to extend the service life of the glass fiber filter.  The Vario is compatible with most standard outdoor bottles and hydration bladders.

My Trail Name:

Trail Games?

This has really got me thinking.

I could make a 2 oz. version of this.

Maybe one game on each side?  

Hmmm.  Cool!

The Miles!

Sleeping Bag Find!

Bestest sleeping bag ever -

Perfect for a thru-hike!

Abuse!

Normally, I won’t post much of anything grossly negative here.  This issue rather upset me in a hurry.  I saw this post on WhiteBlaze recently.

User: BetsiVi – Torrance California     WhiteBlaze.net     Posted: 03/24/12

I need a trail angel desperately. My boyfriend, Anthony, is hiking the trail right now with his Rhodesian ridgeback dog, Rosie. And I get the pleasure of being his support from the home front. Both Anthony and Rosie are really strong hikers; they usually hike about 20 miles a day. However, this past week they had a number of days in a row that were really long and hard, and they hike more like 25-30 miles a day. Rosie got worn out and a little beat up, and she really needs some rest, but Anthony can't afford to take a week off, or even a few days really. The strain of having to urge Rosie along, and practically carry her is really exhausting Anthony both mentally and physically, to the point that he is debating giving up his dream of finishing this hike to come home so that Rosie can rest and recover. I really don't want Anthony to have to end his hike at only 800 miles in, and I want Rosie to get the rest she needs. Does anyone know a trail angel, somewhere near mid Shenandoah, who would be willing to take Rosie for a few days, or a week maybe, for a little bit of money? We don't have much, and we certainly don't have the $300 that we already paid to have Rosie boarded for 4 days while he went through the Smoky Mountains National Park. But we could pay around 50-100 dollars. I know this is a tall order that is why I need a true angel, who also happens to be a dog lover, and who wants to see this man not have to give up on his dream. I would appreciate any responses, suggestions, people you know, or very affordable pet boarding in the area. Thanks so much.

Banner

Thru Hike Video

This is cool and peaceful.

If you have 10 minutes, you may really enjoy this.

CLICK HERE to see this BIGGER.

Bush Bread :)

Bush Bread Video.  Who needs aluminum foil, ha!

To See Larger, click HERE

ExRx.net – Exercise!

ExRx.net – Exercise!

SITE DESCRIPTION: 

ExRx.net (Exercise Prescription on the Net) is a free resource for the exercise professional, coach, or fitness enthusiast featuring comprehensive exercise libraries (>1400 exercises), fitness assessment calculators, and reference articles.

This site is by far the most comprehensive online resource for exercise fitness I have seen.  It’s libraries of information is utterly mind-boggling.  Vast topics with in-depth coverage include:

Exercise instructions (gifs here taken from the site)

Weight training

Aerobic Conditioning

Fitness testing

Weight Management

Diet and Nutrition

Fitness Calculators

And a whole lot more!

Why this might help you and I alone?

Take a few minutes and read around that site, it’s packed with useful information to learn what you need to get in better physical condition with modern information and correct form exercises.

Why this might help you OR aide you in helping others?

A person could easily teach or show another person a vast amount of information geared towards physical improvements using the site.  This person wouldn’t have to be WITH you personally, nor charge you $50 to $100+ an hour for the education.  With all the data and descriptive methods given, one could easily “train” another person or offer great advice from hundreds or miles away or even countries away via the Internet with NO face-to-face interactions at all.

Cheers!

Shoes Potential

MOAB MID VENTILATOR - WIDES

DETAILS


Extra support around the ankle without compromise of the hyperventilating mesh upper due to trimmed down but efficient Dura leather strapping. Vibram® Multi-Sport Plus sole contains TC5+ rubber compound in traction zones for grip and durability.

UPPER/LINING

• Dura leather and mesh upper
• Bellows tongue keeps debris out
• Synthetic leather toe cap and heel counter
• Breathable mesh lining treated with Aegis® Antimicrobial solution maintains foot comfort
• Ortholite® Anatomical Footbed



MIDSOLE/OUTSOLE 

• Molded nylon arch shank
• Compression molded EVA footframe provides cushioning
• Merrell® air cushion in the heel absorbs shock and adds stability
• 5mm Sole lug depth
• Vibram® Multi-Sport Sole/TC5+ Rubber
• Weight: 1 lb 15 oz. for the pair

Ha!