Date: 2007-11-21
To: BlackBerry Lodge, Elijay, Georgia
Miles today: 0.0

FAQ #21)How do you get your food? I have used many ways of acquiring food. I think the most popular way that I have re-supplied is through the US Postal Service. In the past, it would have been the most cost efficient. I would go to SAM's and buy everything in quantity that related to existing for long periods of time. Keeping in mind that I may have to live out of this box. This would include food, toiletries, hygiene supplies, vitamins, cash, books, trail guides torn out, clothing, first aid supplies, tax documents, and so on. Each person "needs" different things. Is it a "need or want"? The USPS used to be the best way to send things. Now, they are actually more expensive than other mail services. Tht USPS also has no recourse for lost packages. Who can afford to insure every item? The other carriers have tracking numbers, even for ground deliveries that take 2 weeks to get to where they are going. Another problem with getting food like this is that a thru hiker's tastes change as you hike. Oatmeal every morning, everyday can lead to putting alot in "hiker boxes" for "Roni". Finally, a package that sits around for awhile at a hostel, inn, etc becomes noticed by local drifters or people that tend to hang around "flop houses". The longer a package sits, the higher the chance that even the proprietor may "lose" the package to make room for other mounds of mail. The next way of getting food is by buying the food in town. Some hikers supply only this way. You can go into town and buy everything that appeals to the eye and starving stomach. It can get expensive; but, if you are frugal and can get out of town before you indulge your hiking hunger; you can eat well and within your budget. Another problem is that some grocers are 20 miles from the trail; so, you will be hitching. The selection of cost effective "hiker food" is also limited at these small stores. I have seen thru hikers eating only BUNNY BREAD and peanut butter. You would be surprised what you can turn into "hiker food". Just about anything if you "want" it enough: raw eggs, bacon, lettuce, etc. You can get creative here. Another way of getting food is through using caches. It is where you bury food, hang food, or set out in a bearproof container. This can be difficult; but, I would take a food cache right by the trail vs. hitchhiking in some areas. These caches do get disturbed or stolen. People will steal the cache; even if you leave a note that says, "this is hiker survival food, if you steal it, I may die". Another way is getting someone to meet you at a trail/road intersection with a "carepackage". It is the safest, least laborious way to get food. It is expensive to get a hostel owner; shuttler; family; or friends to meet you. Also the scheduling is difficult. "I'll be there at 3pm", you are then locked in. This is really difficult if the rendezvous is made weeks ahead. In really remote areas you could have an "airdrop" by plane. You also have "Yogiing" and running into a family reunion. I knew a hiker named "Nick" in Damascus in 2006 that was doing a thru hike. He would only carry enough food to get to a food establish everyday. He would hike 30-40 miles and eat in town and then get some food for the next day and then do it again the next day; over and over! The best way to resupply is a combination of "all of the above".