As far as I can remember, I have always loved the woods. Growing up, the woods are where I liked and wanted to play. My friends and I would follow a small river/creek through the woods near our neighborhood. For hours we would explore the woods and the creek. We would look for snakes, turtles, squirrels, or any wild life, make-up games, build forts (more than one) and tree houses, skip rocks, fish (very little), swim, bike, play Army, Ninja, and more.

I joined Scouting at age 6 with Tiger Cubs. My Father is an Eagle Scout as well as my Grandfather. My first experience camping was with my mother, sister and 700 girl scouts at one year old. From then on, my camping and backpacking experience grew. I continued on in Scouting and received my Eagle Scout Award in 1998. Some of my backpacking experience includes sectional hiking on the Appalachian Trail, treks at Philmont Scout Reservation, and hiking the Grand Canyon.

Over the years I have adopted the perspective of what goes on inside my body is just as important as what goes on outside my body. Therefore, I have incorporated my diet and healthy living into my recreational enjoyment. I have been vegetarian for eight years and have been vegan for two years. My mother taught me to "Eat a variety of foods as close to their natural state as possible." I learned to eat organic early on and to experience foods in their wholeness. Growing up I would wander through our garden and eat the raspberries, strawberries, and other fruit as I passed.

In preparation for my through-hike I had to look at food for the entire 2170-mile hike. I began dehydrating fruits and vegetables to be able to store and re-hydrate along the trail. I made trail mixes, fruit bars, granola, as well as entrée's of cous cous, rice dishes, and wheat pastas. For ease of preparation I would prepare the foods then dehydrate for less than 5-minute re-hydration on the trail. I have researched where I can find natural foods growing as well as foraging in the wild.

My goal is to eat well while traveling light. For an early start in the day, I will skip the oats and move straight to fruits. With the dehydrated fruit I can put them in a water bottle in the early day, then have a refreshing beverage while I hike and a snack when I finish the water. Lunches will be mainly on the go so fruit bars and granola will be my fare while hiking. After I complete the hiking for the day I look forward to munching on keep-able spreads and crackers while I prepare a supper of carbohydrates and re-hydrated vegetables. My family will ship the food to post offices along the way so I can re-supply as I go. I already know I'll really be looking forward to those boxes!

~Happy Trails,
Brian Mowris

Brian P. Mowris is 25 years old living in Atlanta, Georgia. His father and mother, Eric and Cheryl, are running logistics. His older siblings, Elizabeth and Philip, are in charge of gear repair and supply. His older brother Kevin and his wife Lennie, both raw-foodists, are his dietary assistance.