what i learned on my trip into the woods

i made many mistakes but learned a lot.  so i don't forget:

• starting a hike at 2p creates unnecessary stress.  i hiked in 6 miles the first day -- after driving 7 hours.  i was stressed out about getting to the campsite before dark.  even though i made it by 5p, it would have been better to start the next morning.
• eat, drink, and rest BEFORE getting hungry, thirsty, and tired.  matt usually reminds me to do this.  the first day, i only ate 2 bananas before setting off and didn't stop to snack.  by dinner time, the thought of food was nauseating. (i ate by telling myself to eat "3 more bites" every 3 bites.)  felt terrible.  it's pretty amazing what 12 hours of sleep can fix.  
• it's nice to make camp by 3p or earlier.  it rained in the afternoons, so it was good to start early.  it also leaves time for fun.  i brought 3 books, including a field guide. and splashed around / took a dip in the river almost every day.  amazing!
• pack smaller dinners, more snacks, and hot beverages.  in the past, matt and i ate double portions of dinner.  way too much this time -- the re-hydrated stuff i packed out was heavier than it was initially! 
• it's okay to stroll.  felt so much happier strolling.  and i still made great time.
• bears eat your food, not you.  i worried about bears for a long time but then got tired from worrying.  so i stopped and spent energy on more interesting things like noticing trees and flowers.