Sunday, March 29, 2015
Dehydrate yourself some soup
Yesterday I opened a box of Pacific Foods Cashew Carrot Ginger soup, which is one of my favorites. I ate a cup of it, then poured the rest into my dehydrator. It took longer to dehydrate than usual, probably because of the cashew. But it makes an amazing gingery soup leather, which can be eaten dry or rehydrated. Oh my goodness. Yum.
Saturday, March 14, 2015
You better read up on shipping costs
If you're eating gluten free you're probably doing a lot of mailing. One of the better deals around for shipping is the USPS regional flat rate box. It costs less than the regular USPS flat rate box. There are weight limits, though.
USPS information on weight and cost
You'll need to get a free usps.com account to order the boxes. They aren't available at post offices like the regular flat rate boxes. But they're free to order, and they'll be delivered to you. It's a pretty great setup, all around.
I just ordered size B1 and C boxes. B1 is 12" x 10-1/4 x 5", and you can ship up to 20 lb - after that they charge differently. C is 15" x 12" x 12", and up to 25 lb.
The whole east coast is in zone 8, so if you're mailing from the vicinity of the trail you'd be mailing within one zone. Obviously this is not helpful if you're mailing from California. Here's a link to a post describing zone shipping:
http://mtmailing.com/blog/2008/03/01/save-postage-bound-printed-matter/
Of course, check for yourself! But you might find this a money saving measure. I compare all available rates when I'm shipping. Sometimes flat rate is cheaper, sometimes not.
USPS information on weight and cost
You'll need to get a free usps.com account to order the boxes. They aren't available at post offices like the regular flat rate boxes. But they're free to order, and they'll be delivered to you. It's a pretty great setup, all around.
I just ordered size B1 and C boxes. B1 is 12" x 10-1/4 x 5", and you can ship up to 20 lb - after that they charge differently. C is 15" x 12" x 12", and up to 25 lb.
The whole east coast is in zone 8, so if you're mailing from the vicinity of the trail you'd be mailing within one zone. Obviously this is not helpful if you're mailing from California. Here's a link to a post describing zone shipping:
http://mtmailing.com/blog/2008/03/01/save-postage-bound-printed-matter/
Of course, check for yourself! But you might find this a money saving measure. I compare all available rates when I'm shipping. Sometimes flat rate is cheaper, sometimes not.
Tuesday, March 3, 2015
Easy peasy have it shipped
I haven't done business with them yet, but this business just came to my attention:
http://www.hikerboxresupply.com/
They'll mail to you along the trail, and they have it organized so it's easy to find the gluten free items on their site.
http://www.hikerboxresupply.com/
They'll mail to you along the trail, and they have it organized so it's easy to find the gluten free items on their site.
Sunday, March 1, 2015
Big Score at Wegman's
Food is fuel, and never more so than when I'm hiking up and down mountains for up to 14 hours a day. The problem is, if the food isn't tasty I don't want to eat it, and it doesn't get turned into fuel. I end up carrying a pack with uneaten fuel while my tired legs protest because I'm not feeding them. So variety is key.
If you're shipping mail drops, you have the option of buying in bulk at home, and shipping a different selection of items in each box. Still, I get tired of most of the items if I have them too often. Let this be a warning to you if you're considering sending yourself oatmeal for each and every breakfast. (If you don't have this problem, feel free to buy your food in eight packs and eat the same thing day after day.)
On my way home from the barn yesterday, I stopped in at Wegman's, which is a mid-range grocery. It aims for Whole Foods but still carries Poptarts. It has a small gluten free section, but it also labels gluten free items throughout the store. When you're shopping at home, don't forget the naturally gluten free foods that you can find in the regular aisles. At my local Giant, the gluten free Corn Chex is in the cereal aisle, not in the gluten free section. (Also, be aware that regular Corn Chex is NOT gluten free.)
At Wegman's I also shopped in the organic aisles, and in the asian food section. You can find some great tasting Chinese, Japanese, and Indian foods that you can actually eat.
I'm not quite ready to start packing. I need to pick up a few more staples such as fruit treats, coffee, prunes and raisins, and almonds. But the majority of my foods are purchased. I'm posting photos below to give you an idea of the variety of foods you can find.
If you're shipping mail drops, you have the option of buying in bulk at home, and shipping a different selection of items in each box. Still, I get tired of most of the items if I have them too often. Let this be a warning to you if you're considering sending yourself oatmeal for each and every breakfast. (If you don't have this problem, feel free to buy your food in eight packs and eat the same thing day after day.)
On my way home from the barn yesterday, I stopped in at Wegman's, which is a mid-range grocery. It aims for Whole Foods but still carries Poptarts. It has a small gluten free section, but it also labels gluten free items throughout the store. When you're shopping at home, don't forget the naturally gluten free foods that you can find in the regular aisles. At my local Giant, the gluten free Corn Chex is in the cereal aisle, not in the gluten free section. (Also, be aware that regular Corn Chex is NOT gluten free.)
At Wegman's I also shopped in the organic aisles, and in the asian food section. You can find some great tasting Chinese, Japanese, and Indian foods that you can actually eat.
I'm not quite ready to start packing. I need to pick up a few more staples such as fruit treats, coffee, prunes and raisins, and almonds. But the majority of my foods are purchased. I'm posting photos below to give you an idea of the variety of foods you can find.
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| Lucy's does fairly tasty cookies in single serving packages |
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| A grand overview of my Wegman's haul |
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| Kale for health. Two new to me flavors of meat bar, single serving rice noodle soups with great flavors |
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| Schar single serve wafers, Annie Chun's wasabi flavored seaweed |
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| Rice noodles, regular candy |
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| Balance, Kind, and Honey Stinger bars. Rice based Ramen, a new find for me. Betty Lou's fruit bars for breakfasts. |
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| Retort packaged spinach / cheese dish for the first night out, cookies, Kind bars |
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| Nut thins, Glutino crackers that are sort of Ritz-like |
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| Hey look, cheese sauce! |
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| And gluten free pasta to put cheese sauce on! The small sizes cook quickly |
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| What is camping without S'mores? And what are S'mores without Graham crackers? |
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| Not from today, but varieties of GF jerky I already had. |
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| This picture and below, sadly rotated but GF foods you can get from Packit Gourmet or Backpacker's Pantry |
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| In case you were wondering where I stored all this stuff: I have a dead chest freezer that I use for storing hiking food. |
Saturday, February 28, 2015
Prepping for a trip this spring
I have my dehydrator going. Making things at home where I have control over the ingredients and portions is more work intensive but safe. I had excess spinach and blueberries which were going to waste, so they're taking up most of the dehydrator. One tray is dehydrating some pizza sauce that will do just fine on pasta. The last tray is dehydrating refried beans.
I'll have the refried beans on corn tortillas which keep extremely well. They're a little fragile so I may take small gladware container with me to keep them intact.
I'm also planning to pick up some Krave jerky once I remember which flavors were my favorites. I got a sample pack to try last year but I should have taken notes. They were all pretty good, but some were better than others. I know I liked the garlic chili pepper flavor. Chile lime, too.
I'll have the refried beans on corn tortillas which keep extremely well. They're a little fragile so I may take small gladware container with me to keep them intact.
I'm also planning to pick up some Krave jerky once I remember which flavors were my favorites. I got a sample pack to try last year but I should have taken notes. They were all pretty good, but some were better than others. I know I liked the garlic chili pepper flavor. Chile lime, too.
Sunday, February 22, 2015
GF Resupply stops and recommended maildrops
Nearly any gas station or convenience store will have some gluten free salty snacks and some candy bars that you can eat. Most have jerky, but that jerky probably has soy or teriyaki sauce so read labels carefully.
Examples of gas station / convenience store purchases:
doritos
potato chips
nuts
Planter's trail mix
cheesy poofs
soy snacks
snickers
milky way
ice cream
bananas
canned spam
soda, gatorade
They will probably have instant oatmeal, but it probably isn't gluten free.
Note the complete lack of vegetables.
Based on my experience, here are your options for towns where you can resupply vs should send a maildrop. Note that I haven't been to every town or every store. In almost every place you can count on being able to get candy and salty snacks locally. Mileage from 2013 AWOL guide, noted to help determine how much food to buy.
NB mileage placename options
31.7 Neel Gap maildrop plus assorted snacks
52.9 Helen, GA shop at Betty's Country Store
52.9, 69.6 Hiawassee, GA shop at Ingle's - great selection
109.8 Franklin, NC Lots of options, including the outfitter, a Bi-Lo grocery, a Walmart, and a health food store
137.3 NOC maildrop. Some snacks, possibly freeze dried food at outfitter and tiny, tiny store on site.
164.6 Fontana Dam maildrop, or shuttle to Robbinsville where there is a good grocery. Snacks and unreliable selection at the store at the resort. Check there before shuttling.
206.8 Newfound Gap / Gatlinburg resupply at Food City on outskirts of town (blue route on trolley), at NOC outfitter across from the cheap motels, and possibly at the Whole Earth Grocer
240.8 Standing Bear Farm maildrop, some GF snacks available
273.9 Hot Springs, NC resupply at outfitter and Hillbilly Market
290.7 Hemlock Hollow hostel some snack options, possibly GF options at cafe
341.5 Erwin, TN resupply at Food Lion
391.6 Roan Mtn, TN maildrop. Some GF options at dollar store. Mountain Harbor B&B breakfast not to be missed, btw. Possible resupply at Cloudland Market. I haven't been there.
416.5 Kincora Hostel, get shuttled into Elizabethton to resupply. Note that the shuttle goes in to town fairly early, so you can't show up at 2 pm and expect a ride into town. Call ahead if need to know schedule. Otherwise, they do accept maildrops.
466.6 Damascus, VA resupply at Food City
530.7 Marion, VA Take bus from visitor center to Marion. Resupply at Ingles, Food Lion
542.2 Atkins, VA get a shuttle to Ingles or Food City, else maildrop
587.1 Bland, VA maildrop, snacks at convenience store
605.5 VA 606 resupply at Nature Way
620.4 Woods Hole Hostel - not a resupply point but probably could get an awesome GF meal here if you're nice to Neville
630.8 Pearisburg, VA resupply at Food Lion or Walmart
723.5 Daleville, VA good resupply at Kroger, outfitter, All Things Healthy
780.3 Glasgow, VA maildrop, some snacks.
802.1 Buena Vista, VA resupply at Food Lion
857.5 Waynesboro, VA resupply at magnificent Kroger.
Some GF food available at various waysides in SNP, but don't count on them.
937.4 Luray, VA resupply at outfitter, Food Lion, Walmart. Gathering Grounds coffee shop has some GF food for a town meal
965.1 Front Royal, VA Resupply at Food Lion
998.6 Bears Den Hostel - mail drop, minimal snacks
1019.0 Harper's Ferry, WV maildrop, some snacks in town
1049.9 Smithsburg, MD resupply at Food Lion
1059.6 Waynesboro, PA resupply at Food Lion, Walmart
1097.3 Pine Grove Furnace - snacks at shop, maildrop at Iron Masters Mansion hostel
1116.9 Boiling Springs, PA - resupply at Karn's Foods
1142.5 Duncannon PA - resupply at Mutzabaugh's Market
1187.3 Pine Grove, PA - maildrop
1213.4 Port Clinton, PA - maildrop
1213.7 Hamburg, PA - maildrop, or resupply at Walmart
1253.6 Palmerton, PA - maildrop, sketchy resupply at Country Harvest grocery
1273.7 Wind Gap, PA - maildrop
1289.3 Delaware Water Gap - maildrop, some freeze dried resupply at outfitter
1332.0 High Point State park - maildrop, or stay at High Point Mountain Motel and get shuttled into town for groceries at market whose name I forget
1340.8 Unionville, NY maildrop, snacks at Horler's. In 2013 the pizza place had a gluten free crust.
1367.6 Bellvale, NY possible resupply at Shop Rite or Price Chopper. Closer to get there from Wawayanda
1367.6 Greenwood Lake, NY maildrop
1399.4 Bear Mountain Bridge, NY maildrop. Snacks from convenience store. Pretty great steak place across from Bear Mtn Bridge Motel.
1405.2 NY 403 - I think you could do a full resupply at the Appalachian Market. Tiny but well stocked.
1442.1 Pawling, NY - maildrop, possible resupply at Hannaford 2 miles south
1444.5 Appalachian Trail Railroad station, maildrop to friendly garden shop owner
1462.9 Kent, CT - good resupply at Davis IGA.
1496.0 Salisbury, CT - good resupply at LaBonne's market. Check Country Bistro for GF options for in-town meal
1517.7 Great Barrington, MA - resupply at Price Chopper, Berkshire Co-op, possibly Big Y Foods, Guidos Fresh Marketplace
1565.8 Dalton, MA - maildrop, snacks
1575.1 Cheshire, MA - maildrop to St. Mary's. Say hi to the very nice Father David Raymond.
1583.0 Mt Greylock - probably some GF options for a meal at the cafe at Bascom Lodge
1589.3 North Adams - resupply at Price Chopper
1589.3 Williamstown - resupply at Wild Oats, possibly Stop & Shop
1607.7 Bennington, VT - good resupply at Hannaford on the far outskirts of town, Spice & Nice natural foods, Aldi
1647.8 Manchester Ctr, VT - tourist town. mail drop. some resupply at Mountain Goat Outfitter
1697.6 Rutland, VT - take bus to town. resupply at Grand Union, Rutland Co-op, Price Chopper, Walmart
1699.5 Inn at the Long Trail - maildrop, snacks at gas station
1743.8 Hanover, NH resupply at Co-op Foodstore. Note nearby community center for laundry and showers.
1787.2 Glencliff, NH - maildrop, snacks at gas station if shuttle to town
1812.8 Lincoln, NH - resupply at Price Chopper
1840.5 Crawford Notch - maildrop to AMC Highland Center
Throughout the AMC Hut system, they will serve gluten free food if you reserve a regular (not work for stay) spot, enough time in advance for them to procure it. I was lucky to stay at Mizpah in 2014 when they had a celiac head cook.
1866.5, 1887.6 Gorham, NH Maildrop. Possible resupply if shuttle to Walmart, Sav-a-lot west of town.
1929.0 , 1939.1 Andover, ME maildrop, some snacks available
1965.5 Rangeley, ME - resupply at IGA, Ecopelagicon
1997.7 Stratton, ME - resupply at Fotter's Market (small), Northland Cash Supply, maybe maildrop some key foods
2034.7 Caratunk, ME - comprehensive maildrop. This is basically just a post office.
2071.4 Monson, ME - DEFINITELY MAILDROP. Some snacks at gas station. Pull out all the stops. This is a long haul - make it your lightest and tastiest food.
2170.8 Abol Bridge, ME - you can buy enough at the little camp store to get you the rest of the way.
Examples of gas station / convenience store purchases:
doritos
potato chips
nuts
Planter's trail mix
cheesy poofs
soy snacks
snickers
milky way
ice cream
bananas
canned spam
soda, gatorade
They will probably have instant oatmeal, but it probably isn't gluten free.
Note the complete lack of vegetables.
Based on my experience, here are your options for towns where you can resupply vs should send a maildrop. Note that I haven't been to every town or every store. In almost every place you can count on being able to get candy and salty snacks locally. Mileage from 2013 AWOL guide, noted to help determine how much food to buy.
NB mileage placename options
31.7 Neel Gap maildrop plus assorted snacks
52.9 Helen, GA shop at Betty's Country Store
52.9, 69.6 Hiawassee, GA shop at Ingle's - great selection
109.8 Franklin, NC Lots of options, including the outfitter, a Bi-Lo grocery, a Walmart, and a health food store
137.3 NOC maildrop. Some snacks, possibly freeze dried food at outfitter and tiny, tiny store on site.
164.6 Fontana Dam maildrop, or shuttle to Robbinsville where there is a good grocery. Snacks and unreliable selection at the store at the resort. Check there before shuttling.
206.8 Newfound Gap / Gatlinburg resupply at Food City on outskirts of town (blue route on trolley), at NOC outfitter across from the cheap motels, and possibly at the Whole Earth Grocer
240.8 Standing Bear Farm maildrop, some GF snacks available
273.9 Hot Springs, NC resupply at outfitter and Hillbilly Market
290.7 Hemlock Hollow hostel some snack options, possibly GF options at cafe
341.5 Erwin, TN resupply at Food Lion
391.6 Roan Mtn, TN maildrop. Some GF options at dollar store. Mountain Harbor B&B breakfast not to be missed, btw. Possible resupply at Cloudland Market. I haven't been there.
416.5 Kincora Hostel, get shuttled into Elizabethton to resupply. Note that the shuttle goes in to town fairly early, so you can't show up at 2 pm and expect a ride into town. Call ahead if need to know schedule. Otherwise, they do accept maildrops.
466.6 Damascus, VA resupply at Food City
530.7 Marion, VA Take bus from visitor center to Marion. Resupply at Ingles, Food Lion
542.2 Atkins, VA get a shuttle to Ingles or Food City, else maildrop
587.1 Bland, VA maildrop, snacks at convenience store
605.5 VA 606 resupply at Nature Way
620.4 Woods Hole Hostel - not a resupply point but probably could get an awesome GF meal here if you're nice to Neville
630.8 Pearisburg, VA resupply at Food Lion or Walmart
723.5 Daleville, VA good resupply at Kroger, outfitter, All Things Healthy
780.3 Glasgow, VA maildrop, some snacks.
802.1 Buena Vista, VA resupply at Food Lion
857.5 Waynesboro, VA resupply at magnificent Kroger.
Some GF food available at various waysides in SNP, but don't count on them.
937.4 Luray, VA resupply at outfitter, Food Lion, Walmart. Gathering Grounds coffee shop has some GF food for a town meal
965.1 Front Royal, VA Resupply at Food Lion
998.6 Bears Den Hostel - mail drop, minimal snacks
1019.0 Harper's Ferry, WV maildrop, some snacks in town
1049.9 Smithsburg, MD resupply at Food Lion
1059.6 Waynesboro, PA resupply at Food Lion, Walmart
1097.3 Pine Grove Furnace - snacks at shop, maildrop at Iron Masters Mansion hostel
1116.9 Boiling Springs, PA - resupply at Karn's Foods
1142.5 Duncannon PA - resupply at Mutzabaugh's Market
1187.3 Pine Grove, PA - maildrop
1213.4 Port Clinton, PA - maildrop
1213.7 Hamburg, PA - maildrop, or resupply at Walmart
1253.6 Palmerton, PA - maildrop, sketchy resupply at Country Harvest grocery
1273.7 Wind Gap, PA - maildrop
1289.3 Delaware Water Gap - maildrop, some freeze dried resupply at outfitter
1332.0 High Point State park - maildrop, or stay at High Point Mountain Motel and get shuttled into town for groceries at market whose name I forget
1340.8 Unionville, NY maildrop, snacks at Horler's. In 2013 the pizza place had a gluten free crust.
1367.6 Bellvale, NY possible resupply at Shop Rite or Price Chopper. Closer to get there from Wawayanda
1367.6 Greenwood Lake, NY maildrop
1399.4 Bear Mountain Bridge, NY maildrop. Snacks from convenience store. Pretty great steak place across from Bear Mtn Bridge Motel.
1405.2 NY 403 - I think you could do a full resupply at the Appalachian Market. Tiny but well stocked.
1442.1 Pawling, NY - maildrop, possible resupply at Hannaford 2 miles south
1444.5 Appalachian Trail Railroad station, maildrop to friendly garden shop owner
1462.9 Kent, CT - good resupply at Davis IGA.
1496.0 Salisbury, CT - good resupply at LaBonne's market. Check Country Bistro for GF options for in-town meal
1517.7 Great Barrington, MA - resupply at Price Chopper, Berkshire Co-op, possibly Big Y Foods, Guidos Fresh Marketplace
1565.8 Dalton, MA - maildrop, snacks
1575.1 Cheshire, MA - maildrop to St. Mary's. Say hi to the very nice Father David Raymond.
1583.0 Mt Greylock - probably some GF options for a meal at the cafe at Bascom Lodge
1589.3 North Adams - resupply at Price Chopper
1589.3 Williamstown - resupply at Wild Oats, possibly Stop & Shop
1607.7 Bennington, VT - good resupply at Hannaford on the far outskirts of town, Spice & Nice natural foods, Aldi
1647.8 Manchester Ctr, VT - tourist town. mail drop. some resupply at Mountain Goat Outfitter
1697.6 Rutland, VT - take bus to town. resupply at Grand Union, Rutland Co-op, Price Chopper, Walmart
1699.5 Inn at the Long Trail - maildrop, snacks at gas station
1743.8 Hanover, NH resupply at Co-op Foodstore. Note nearby community center for laundry and showers.
1787.2 Glencliff, NH - maildrop, snacks at gas station if shuttle to town
1812.8 Lincoln, NH - resupply at Price Chopper
1840.5 Crawford Notch - maildrop to AMC Highland Center
Throughout the AMC Hut system, they will serve gluten free food if you reserve a regular (not work for stay) spot, enough time in advance for them to procure it. I was lucky to stay at Mizpah in 2014 when they had a celiac head cook.
1866.5, 1887.6 Gorham, NH Maildrop. Possible resupply if shuttle to Walmart, Sav-a-lot west of town.
1929.0 , 1939.1 Andover, ME maildrop, some snacks available
1965.5 Rangeley, ME - resupply at IGA, Ecopelagicon
1997.7 Stratton, ME - resupply at Fotter's Market (small), Northland Cash Supply, maybe maildrop some key foods
2034.7 Caratunk, ME - comprehensive maildrop. This is basically just a post office.
2071.4 Monson, ME - DEFINITELY MAILDROP. Some snacks at gas station. Pull out all the stops. This is a long haul - make it your lightest and tastiest food.
2170.8 Abol Bridge, ME - you can buy enough at the little camp store to get you the rest of the way.
Why I called you here today
In 2012, I was section hiking the Appalachian Trail in Vermont and New Hampshire, and became violently ill. Afterward I found I had a new sensitivity to gluten, and I had to avoid it or be sick all the time. This is hard enough at home, but on the trail where you never know what your food options will be? Oy.
This blog is intended to document the gluten free food options I find on the trail as well as the places where I think a maildrop is required.
This blog is intended to document the gluten free food options I find on the trail as well as the places where I think a maildrop is required.
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