Homemade Trail Mix and a Book Review

You don't have to buy that expensive premade trail mix that has you picking out the things you don't like.  You can open up your pantry, filled with everything you love, and make your own in a minute or two.

I was inspired to make this homemade trail mix while reading the memoir, Force of Nature......

This book, written by Joan Griffin, tells the story of 3 women in their 50s deciding to hike the John Muir Trail.  The John Muir Trail is a 211-mile stretch of the PCT that runs from Yosemite Valley to Mount Whitney.

Joan is joined by her friends, Cappy and Jane, on this bucket list trek.  Jane is only available for the first week of the trek and the Three Women as they quickly became known are now just two until they are joined by Zoe, a 20-something woman who brings youthful exuberance to the journey.

Regular readers may know that my daughter who is 50-something and I, who am well older than that, are hiking part of the AT this fall.  We are not, however, backpacking but slackpacking.  We will hike each day with guides and end each day in a lodge at Shenandoah National Park. 

We will carry day packs, not backpacks, and we will not be setting up tents in the rain nor traveling over 200 miles.   We also won't be lugging around freeze-dried meals, however we will be bringing protein bars and trail mix.

When making Trail Mix, there are no rules but there are some guidelines.  I like to mix salty and sweet.  I add nuts and sometimes sesame sticks for the protein. I add whatever dried fruits that I have on hand, cutting any larger fruits into slices and I always add some chocolate.  M&M's make a great addition but I didn't have any so I used some chocolate chips and a small package of chocolate-covered coffee beans for the caffeine punch.

Just throw a handful of each into a bowl, mix it together and then package it in sealable snack bags.  Voila, a quick and easy energy boost while you hike.

This is a great story of 3 women's grit and determination to finish this journey they started.  They get stronger, physically, spiritually and emotionally.  They overcome fears and gain confidence.  I loved this book and I'm very excited for my small, in comparison, adventure.  

Amy and I are getting together for a hike on Thursday.  I think I will pack some of this trail mix that we can enjoy while discussing this book as we hike.