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General Discussion / In need of a few hints for NT route and food
« on: June 14, 2021, 11:08:34 pm »
In about 2 weeks, I will be doing part of the Northern Tier from East Glacier, MT to Fargo, ND self-contained. It will be the longest trip I have ever done, either self-contained or supported. (I hope to eventually get across the USA by connecting NT with other segments I have done with other tours). The mileage varies from 40 to almost 80, but mostly 50-60's. The overnight towns are set, but what I see during the day and evening are more open and flexible. I have a train ticket set for the 17th, so the length of the trip isn't flexible. Anyone have any hints along that route? So far I have arranged to stay at campsites or hotels to Dickinson. I have learned that websites for the campgrounds listed by ACA or computer searching sometimes don't mention tent camping, but when I contacted the campground, they do in fact have tent sites (sometimes for free). At Makoshika State Park in Glendive, I was told that the upper campground is 3.5 miles back going up switchbacks with a final 15-17% grade at the end of the road, but beginning of a gravel road into the campground that is first come/first serve. All that and still not know if there is a site available. Good information to know! That's the night I decided on a hotel in Glendive. So again, does anyone have any hints of where to stay, what to see or do, and even what to avoid.
I also would appreciate hints about food. I will have a JetBoil and a bear canister to store the food. I prefer single serving and easy to fix meals. I'm also (sort-of) a picky eater and don't like a lot of foods (except sweets). As strange as it seems, I don't get that hungry and usually have to tell myself that I have to eat. I can barely finish one Ramen Noodle package. Not a healthy choice. Maybe a few hours later I will have a pre packaged fruit cup. One Cliff bar can last me 15-20 miles. Many single package foods (like mac & cheese) instructions say to add boiling water and microwave. Any hints on ways to make that work without a microwave? I need lots of calories with the nutrients in a compact version. With that said, I can usually always have room for ice cream! I don't mind eating at restaurants or grocery deli's at times.
I'm new to this forum. I appreciate any hints.
Another note on 6/15: Thanks for the previous replies. Regarding the food: oatmeal, nuts, peanut butter, and spicy food are just some of the foods I cannot have in my diet. I hope someone else likes the recipes. I probably will take some olive oil. A regular box of Mac & Cheese gives me 5 servings, not the 3 that is listed on the box, so I really have to look for single serving items. Or possibly throwing away extra food. One pop tart is the first breakfast and the second pop tart is the second breakfast. I really don't eat much, probably less than I should. Regarding my bear canister BV500. I wasn't concerned about bears, but maybe other critters in the campground. But it does keep food together and hopefully prevents the items from getting squashed in a pannier. Even though they could get squashed if the canister is too full. However, I do have a Tupperware container that is almost the same, but about 2/3rds the size and much lighter. 2 pounds 9 ounces versus a few ounces. So I may consider that when I trial pack. I did check on the Blackfeet Reservation and it seems everyone can pass through. Thanks again.
I also would appreciate hints about food. I will have a JetBoil and a bear canister to store the food. I prefer single serving and easy to fix meals. I'm also (sort-of) a picky eater and don't like a lot of foods (except sweets). As strange as it seems, I don't get that hungry and usually have to tell myself that I have to eat. I can barely finish one Ramen Noodle package. Not a healthy choice. Maybe a few hours later I will have a pre packaged fruit cup. One Cliff bar can last me 15-20 miles. Many single package foods (like mac & cheese) instructions say to add boiling water and microwave. Any hints on ways to make that work without a microwave? I need lots of calories with the nutrients in a compact version. With that said, I can usually always have room for ice cream! I don't mind eating at restaurants or grocery deli's at times.
I'm new to this forum. I appreciate any hints.
Another note on 6/15: Thanks for the previous replies. Regarding the food: oatmeal, nuts, peanut butter, and spicy food are just some of the foods I cannot have in my diet. I hope someone else likes the recipes. I probably will take some olive oil. A regular box of Mac & Cheese gives me 5 servings, not the 3 that is listed on the box, so I really have to look for single serving items. Or possibly throwing away extra food. One pop tart is the first breakfast and the second pop tart is the second breakfast. I really don't eat much, probably less than I should. Regarding my bear canister BV500. I wasn't concerned about bears, but maybe other critters in the campground. But it does keep food together and hopefully prevents the items from getting squashed in a pannier. Even though they could get squashed if the canister is too full. However, I do have a Tupperware container that is almost the same, but about 2/3rds the size and much lighter. 2 pounds 9 ounces versus a few ounces. So I may consider that when I trial pack. I did check on the Blackfeet Reservation and it seems everyone can pass through. Thanks again.