Meal Time

Oh, joy!  It was one of those days when the UPS driver AND the mail carrier bring packages!  First a package from REI with a new windbreaker to try.  It's the Patagonia Houdini, a name that kept coming up on the hiker lists.  It's pink, just like my jacket.  I'm starting to sense a theme...  Love the Houdini, it's a keeper.  Also in the box, a stuff sack that reverses to a very light-weight fleece to use as a pillow.  It's a 2 oz luxury item.  Only marginally related to backpacking, the new strap for my garmin running watch was delivered.  I really don't like running without it--this morning I ran holding it in my hand!

Before I was finished basking in the glow of new items, on my front porch was an envelope from zpacks with a shoulder pouch.  I will use this to hold a water bottle for the hike.  The side pockets are too hard for me to reach easily and I want to make sure I have water readily available.  There is also a little mesh pocket on it for little stuff.  It's made from cuben fiber which is a very intriguing material.  The pouch weighs less than the half-sheet receipt and the sandwich ziploc bag it came in!  Now I'm thinking I might need a tent from this material...

I have saved the best for last.  My mom sent a box with sample dehydrated meals for me to try!  Chicken noodle soup (homemade noodles!!!), split pea soup, chili mac, bean chowder, carrot cake oatmeal...and the list goes on.  There were some little crackers (especially love the sesame, mom!), some kale, dried carrots, spinach...

I'm not sure where to start!  I'm pretty sure it's going to be the chicken noodle soup :)