Lessons Relearned - Rationing

Many of life's lessons must, unfortunately, be relearned.

It was several days before we hit the Devil's Ridge trail deep in the Pasayten Wilderness that we knew our food was low. The scenery, the terrain, and the weather had all conspired against us. We had spent extra days in locations too spectacular to linger only briefly. That splendor derived, at least partially, from the grueling elevation changes we encountered daily. And it was September in the North Cascades – when not spitting on us, the clouds loomed forebodingly, the wind howled, and the elevation warned of snow.

We carefully estimated calories, allotting similar amounts for each of the meals remaining before we would arrive back in “civilization”. We planned aggressive hiking days over Tatoosh Buttes, Sky Pilot Pass, and Devil's Dome. At the same time we talked of caution on the trail, for accidents and injuries happen when low blood sugar leads to poor judgment. Our independent, stubborn personalities would be a problem. When only one of us wanted to push forward an extra mile or two, frustration mounted.

Our final meal consisted of a few handfuls of dried carrots and celery floating in thin vegetable broth. Not a very satisfying supper after hiking a dozen miles with a pack in fall weather. Your body needs calories to burn to keep you warm while the rain on the tent keeps you awake. Carrots don't have much fat and celery is pretty lean in the protein department.

That was the only time we ran out of food on the entire PNT. While we had been continuously burning more calories than we ingested, this was the only time when hunger could find no relief – the food bags were bare.

When we look back on that week in the high country we are reminded of how profoundly it affected our abilities. Cold fingers take longer to set up camp. Cooperation becomes an effort rather than second nature. Perception distance shortens. No one chooses to live like that.

Yet families in your own community look at the calendar every month and must start rationing food. Sacrifices are made until payday arrives. Like us on the trail, supplies don't just materialize out of thin air - you fight through to them as best you can.

Think about all of the benefits regular, healthy meals provide: Kids are better able to pay attention in school developing knowledge and social skills that will benefit society for decades to come; Parents have more patience and more energy, making them better role models; all of us are more capable at everything we do, creating success, improving self-confidence, and laying the groundwork for higher achievement.

Now is the time of year when new calendars go up. The time when we record vacations, birthdays and other special events. Now would be a great time to add a food bank reminder. Now would be a great time to take food rationing off the calendar of a local family. Should you donate every month? Every third month? That is up to you. How much to give? Again, give whatever you feel comfortable with.

We always hear how charitable giving goes up around the holidays and tax time. Hunger isn't so predictable. So plan to give throughout the year. And while you are placing reminders on your calendar, look up the address and phone number of your nearest food bank or shelter. When February or April comes and that reminder jumps out at you, call them up and ask what they could use – make the most of your effort.

We've all needed help from time to time. Let's remember to give back.

Happy Holidays. And may your only rationing this season be of cookies and fudge.