From pctl at oakapple.net  Mon Sep  9 20:46:12 2024
From: pctl at oakapple.net (David Hough reading PCT-L)
Date: Mon, 9 Sep 2024 20:46:12 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: [pct-l 66] you thought the PCT was hard?
Message-ID: <202409100346.48A3kCdl025640@server-f.oakapple.net>


https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2024/09/09/maine-appalachian-trail-hiking-teenage-woods/

There are worse things than 13000' Forester Pass in early season!

From pctl at oakapple.net  Mon Sep  9 20:55:16 2024
From: pctl at oakapple.net (David Hough reading PCT-L)
Date: Mon, 9 Sep 2024 20:55:16 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: [pct-l 67] my digestive problems explained at last
Message-ID: <202409100355.48A3tGnJ025829@server-f.oakapple.net>


I haven't run in many years, 
but I have noticed that by the third day of a backpack
trip, I have frequent bowel urges - that mostly turn out to be gas and almost
clear mucus.

Using Polarpure crystalline iodine probably didn't help - I met a guy in
the Russian Wilderness that determined that was the sourc of HIS problems -
but my problems continued after I discontinued using Polarpure in favor of 
UV purifiers.

So here's an answer - it's mostly the effect of exercise -

https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2024/08/19/running-gut-gastrointestinal-nausea-diarrhea-bleeding/

It just takes longer for hikers than runners.

And now I remember Meadow Ed speaking at ADZPCTKO or on email long ago 
commenting that through-hikers develop "pretty slick innards".     
Aggravated by the
change of diet when they come to a trail town with restaurants and real food!

I've never been a through-hiker but I can relate to the desire to make the
most of brief town stops.

David Hough