SPECIAL Mail Delivery, and FOOD (2/19/17)

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[@Tribune43]

You can always make a mark on the outside of your pot for measures of water. Instead of cooking things in your pot you can use a freezer bag (or 2) and a cosy. Stops you having to clean out your pot every meal.

[@UnclePaul]

I agree. That is what I plan to do if I take my stove. Thanks.

[@ritazimmermann2918]

Well done! Loved the photo bomb too!!

[@shutterbugsadventures1951]

Love your enthusiasm! Keep on rockin'!

[@UnclePaul]

Thank you.

[@kitcatvt]

Congrats on getting this far! I know my family and I are cheering you on. The kids get excited watching your videos. Maybe it is the teacher in you but whatever it is keep it up. :)

[@UnclePaul]

That's great to hear. Thanks.

[@MagisterCobb]

Check out something called "freezer bag cooking". In a nutshell, you put your food in a ziplock freezer bag, pour the hot water in the bag, and eat right out of the bag when it is done. Really cuts down on cleaning duties in camp. Saves me a lot of hassle and time. There is a website called www.freezerbagcooking.com. A lot easier to just clean off your spoon than to have to clean off the pot after you have eaten those taters.

[@MagisterCobb]

Or try www.trailcooking.com

[@UnclePaul]

That is exactly what I plan on doing...if I even take my stove. I agree. The easier the better.

[@BigFatHike]

I've done this before, with those exact Idahoan potatoes and it works great. I prefer a popware bowl though. It's easy to clean, perfect for holding 2 cups of food, made of silicone so you can pour boiling water right into it, it's light, collapsible and cheap. It even comes with it's own carabiner. Sure it's from a website for pets, but it works. store.dexas.com/collapsible-travel-cup-with-carabiner/

[@emartin945]

Ashley Cobb I've seen bowls like that at Academy in the camping isle.

[@carafarrelly2868]

Really enjoying your videos!

[@UnclePaul]

Thank you.

[@swatsullivan]

Congrats to Regan! And nice photo bomb! You're doing great! You are inspirational. Keep it up!

[@UnclePaul]

Thank you so much, and I'll let Reagan know.

[@GaryV16]

Keep rockin!

[@UnclePaul]

Thank you, brother.

[@okiehobbyfarmer8281]

Great stuff man! Suggestion for the books. Separate them into several page sections and only carry the ones you need. Carry the pages to get from point A to B, have the pages from B to C, waiting for you in the mail at the start of of point B, etc... I kept the current section pages rolled in a ziplock bag in fanny pack on my two week AT adventure last year. I am not an ounce nazi by any means, but every little bit helps.

[@UnclePaul]

Others have suggested that, and I am considering it. I can't wait to get all my gear to check my pack weight. That will help me to make some decisions. Thanks.

[@okiehobbyfarmer8281]

Yes sir. You are going to love the AT. It truly restores your faith in humanity. All that non sense of modern day drama is gone. Just you and the trail, along with others. Everybody is the same, nobody puts anyone down. Just amazing human goodness. You are well on your way to being prepared both mentally and physically. The mountains are calling, you must go!

[@nltmassoh]

Great job brother. Keep it up.

[@UnclePaul]

Thanks.

[@cccross3]

Another good week!! 4 1/2 lbs and you didn't get a lot of hiking in. Congrats on the 3rd place finish!! I agree with Adrian, there is now a very noticeable difference in your body!! you'll have to show us the book next week...i'm sure you'll have every corner rounded over and writing all over the part from Pawling to Katadin. Thanks for the update and have a blessed week!!!

[@UnclePaul]

Thank you.

[@sheepdog0059]

Way to go Paul!

[@UnclePaul]

Thanks.

[@deval0s]

Looking good Paul. On measuring water, take a sharpie and mark a smart water bottle with both one ounce and 50 milliliter markings. Makes preparing meals far simpler. Also one ounce is a quarter cup. A great meal option is to combine the PackitGourmet All American hamburger with half a packet of BearCreek Country Kitchens Family Style Macaroni & Cheese. We would save that for the last day before going into town as it takes some elbow grease to clean the cooking pot afterwards. I highly recommend the PackitGourmet meals. Boil water add to their provided pouches, make a coozie cooking pouch out of reflectix and metal tape. Slide the food pouch in and let it rehydrate. As far as the plastic pouch, zip it closed and put it into a green anti-scent bag available from Walmart. Nice thing is that each meal comes in a bag plus the cooking bag, that allowed us extra cooking bags when we broke down the meals to make bags of various oatmeal with fruit or nuts. The PackitGourmet bags are thicker and built for boiling water, far less concern than a freezer bag going heat wimpy on you.

[@UnclePaul]

Thanks for the advice. I will check them out.

[@SmackNC]

I have a similar issue with my pot. I took a small scratch ahl and made a deep scratch at each 1/4 of a cup inside the pot. Keep up the good work!

[@UnclePaul]

Thanks.

[@thatlarryguy6841]

I found a clear plastic measuring cup at a thrift store. It weighs 6 grams. Since I started carrying it in my pack, my suppers are not as soupy {or dry}.

[@johnnatale2326]

Hey Uncle Paul Congratulations on your continued success! Given the progress you have made so far, far be it for me to give any advice. So instead, allow me to share something I do. As a type 2 Diabetic, I have to pay close attention to the amount of carbs in my diet. Unfortunately, since most "hiker foods" are high in them (potatoes, Pasta Sides, Rice Sides etc.) it can create a bit of a challenge. My go-to trail meal is black beans. Whether it is whole beans in ham stock or re-fried, both dehydrate/rehydrate very well. Also, I always have some packets of real bacon bits and hot sauce to flavor either of them. Because, well, bacon rocks! Additionally, I have just recently begun to experiment with instant dry hummus powder and pita chips.For me this works well, legumes are "slow" carbs, and a great form of protein that is much easier to pack than red meat or eggs. Good luck in your journey. I live within 90 minutes of multiple trailheads in Central Pennsylvania and hope to have a chance to meet you sometime during your thru-hike. You are an inspiration.

[@UnclePaul]

Thanks so much. Thankfully I am no longer on diabetic medication, but I still can't go crazy. Those are some great ideas and I love black beans...very healthy. Love me some legumes :) Thanks for the advice. I'd love to meet on the trail. Let me know when I am getting close.

[@LostOnLandAgain]

That was a great beginning, with the mail call. Imagine how good those instant mashed potatoes will taste on the trail. :) Great idea to do a shake down dinner in the back yard.

[@UnclePaul]

Thanks. I'm still undecided on whether or not to take the stove. Final decision may wait until last day before I leave for the trail :)

[@sharonmarks7192]

BlessingOfAdventure, if you enjoy a hot coffee or a warm meal in the evening to relax after a day of hiking, take the cook set. Some hikers have said that they ate cold meals, but that tends to be toward the end of their hike.

[@UnclePaul]

The only reason for taking it would be for coffee in the morning and hot chocolate in the evening. I am looking at is a luxury item...something for comfort. Probably will take it and send it back home if I decide against it.

[@0zthehikingsailor]

Yes I have noticed a good change in your body. The trail will do the rest and shrink the excess skin. You should be proud of yourself to date.

[@UnclePaul]

Thanks so much.

[@emartin945]

Adrian Redgwell If you're still watching Reddmage he finally was able to weigh in on day27. He has lost 25 pounds in 27days. And you will to I'm sure.

[@0zthehikingsailor]

E Martin yes I am on the weekends. He is looking happier and more relaxed with each passing day eh.

[@GaryTwoKneeDailey]

Paul... from my experience... the fewer food drops the better... if your going into town anyway every 4-7 days you will be able to change your taste. I had a food drop at Neels, Fontana, then resupplied at Standing Bear just out of the smokies, - to Hot Springs, Ewrin, Roan... you will be amazed how any places you can resupply at.

[@UnclePaul]

Gary-DaVille- Dailey That is what I'm thinking. Mainly because I don't want to be forced into going to town just because of a mail drop. it might end up not being convenient. Especially if p.o. is closed.

[@roberthix]

I know we are nitpicking ounces (or less) here but this is my experience. Freezer bag cooking leaves you with wet, soggy, trash. I always cook in my pot, put a little water in the pot, swish the water around to clean off the pot, then drink the water. Some people call this gut sumping. You get the benefit of the extra food (ok, its not much), but even better you don't have wet garbage to carry out. I like it better than freezer bag cooking....much better. If you use this method, make a pot cozy from Reflectix to re-hydrate in so you use less fuel.

[@UnclePaul]

roberthix I have purchased the stuff to make a cozy. I am trying to weigh all options. Thanks.

[@thatlarryguy6841]

Nice choice of words there.

[@MrBrainwashed1]

Awesome progress with the weight loss My 2 cents on cooking: I have been FBC for 10 years and love it Thanks for the videos keep up the good.

[@UnclePaul]

That's great. Thank you.

[@uncleredneck3802]

haven't seen your video for this week hope every thing is ok. keep up the grate work.

[@uncleredneck3802]

BlessingOfAdventure do you have a FB bro. Would like to be FB frinds with you. You are an inspiration to me. Ive droped 60# so far since i started a year a go.

[@UnclePaul]

facebook.com/paul.chapman.1000 This is the link to my personal facebook page. Congrats on the weight loss.

[@thatlarryguy6841]

Try the Idahoan Chipolata cheddar and bacon if you like something with some kick to it. When I'm doing short hikes, I take some Walmart rotisserie chicken to add to it. Love the hat.

[@UnclePaul]

Thanks. I like kick.

[@thomasstordahl-gregory]

Always look forward to your Sunday updates. I was wondering if you have selected a trail name yet? You said something early in this video which made me think of a suggestion. How about "SmallThing." from when you said it is a small thing being able to sit with your arms on your legs. I expect there are a lot more small things to come. You are doing great and much encouragement to many of us.

[@UnclePaul]

That is an interesting idea for a trail name. I have mentioned in many of my videos about recognizing and giving ourselves credit for even the smallest signs of progress. That continues to motivate us and push us toward success. Right now I am going to see what people might come up with on the trail. If I don't like them, I will just have to pick my own. Thanks.

[@JaybelleandM]

Hi Uncle Paul, I've been following your journey. I definitely get it. I start my AT thru hike in 8 days and as soon as I come back we're moving across the country. Big changes, new beginnings. My channel has lots of trail food ideas, check it out when you get a chance. Keep up the good work~ Rooting for you!

[@UnclePaul]

Howdy! Congrats and best wishes on the thru hike. I will check out your channel. Thank you.

[@koegeb16]

Test yourself: get use to sitting on the ground and cooking for a few days. Also, practice using the bathroom in a cat hole outside! Find out what works for you. Keep up the good work and good luck!

[@UnclePaul]

koegeb16 Thank you. Been doing some of that, and have plans to do much more.

[@pjgiantsfan1]

You, sir are doing amazing things. Your videos are excellent and I look forward to your weekly episodes. I will donate to your go fund me page. I live in CT about an hour from the trail and have not once set foot on it although I hike often. please hit me up when you are in the area. I would like to hike a couple of days with you.

[@UnclePaul]

Thank you. If you follow me on the trail, you may have to remind me when I am getting close to you. Thanks again.

[@emartin945]

After about a week of having to make supper for the night you may decide it's just not worth it. Your going to be soooo tired that fetching extra water to cook with becomes somewhat of a chore especially if you get to camp late in the day. I guess what I'm saying is be sure you bring protein bars, dried fruits like raisins that mix well with peanut butter, and nuts.

[@UnclePaul]

I've been going back and forth in my mind for months whether or not I want to take the cook system. I bought it knowing I might not take it, but wanted to try it out to help make up my mind. You hit on my reasoning exactly...water, cleaning, and just being exhausted.

[@emartin945]

BlessingOfAdventure As good as hot food at the end of a hard day sounds, I've noticed the items of food that others carry. The bagels you love so much is fine on the trail. Of corse protein is very important. So packets of tuna and other fish rolled onto a flour tortilla makes a good sandwich. As do peanutbutter and payday bars. Of course there's also protein bars. Shelf boxed bacon is very lightweight. Remember to pack gaderaid and/or Propel packets to mix in your water. And raisins are good rolled in that peanutbutter tortilla. Perhaps you can try different thing at home to determine if you like them. Sometimes the water sorce is a good distance from the camp.

[@emartin945]

One more note - if you decide not to take your cook system, just remember to take your spoon. you'll need it along the way, and a very small pack of baby wipes is also useful.

[@jeppespence1584]

Dude look at some of your first videos! In the small amount of time you've become so much more healthy looking. It's an amazing progress! Oh and also... whats the name of that intro song?

[@UnclePaul]

Thanks. The intro and exit song is from KZbin, and is called Fringe Trimmed Boots.

[@timothycook1119]

Great job Paul, keep at it! What is the name of the song in the intro to your videos?

[@UnclePaul]

Thanks. The intro and exit song is from KZbin, and is called Fringe Trimmed Boots.

[@100milesayear7]

You could look at Pack-It Gourmet - www.packitgourmet.com/ and Outdoor Herbivore - outdoorherbivore.com/ - maybe try a couple of their meals before you go. I've had both and liked them, very easy and tastes fine. Appreciate the variety as well.

[@UnclePaul]

Thank you. I'll check it out.

[@thomaseagen4674]

Uncle Paul, you haven't posted yet today. We are worried about you!

[@UnclePaul]

Thomas Eagen Having technical issues the last couple weeks. Should have it uploaded some time tonight. Thanks😁

[@planner722]

Off topic (a little): How are you loosing the weight. I know you are exercising and moving around more. Are you more focused on calorie counting, or are you restricting certain types of food, or one of the more popular diet trends? Just curious, I know different thing work better for some people than others. What ever it is, you're doing fantastic. Can't wait to see the change as you begin the AT. Thanks for sharing.

[@UnclePaul]

You're not off topic. That is really what my channel is about overall...losing weight and getting healthy. Mostly I am restricting certain types of food, and the amount of food I eat. I eat mostly fresh foods...as few processed foods as possible. Vegetables, fruits, nuts, meat. I stay away from dairy, pasta, rice and bread as much as possible. I eat them occasionally. So, in essence it is a low carb and high protein diet. I don't count calories or weigh foods. I've done this so many times over the years (but without sustained success) that I know what and how I need to eat to lose weight. One change that I think is helping. A few months ago I began Intermittent Fasting. It can be done in different ways, but I eat all my food within an 8 hour window of time. I stop eating at 8p.m., and don't eat anything until noon the next day. This allows me to eat more volume of food and feel more satisfied, and still lose weight. That is what I am doing, and will continue to do as long as it is working for me. Thanks for asking.

[@thicgravy40]

love your video you keep losing weight like that and I may not recognize you on the trail

[@UnclePaul]

Hey...thanks. Hope to see you out there.