Sunday, May 1, 2011

How can I keep this one PG?

One element of personal hygiene is responding to "nature's call".  There's the Number 1 and the Number 2.  Given that I'm male, Number 1 is much easier than if I were female, but we all have to deal with Number 2.  Being away from civilization for 12 days, I'm not going to hold it that long. 

My sources indicate that there's a right way and a wrong way for Number 1.  Peeing on a tree, well that's not good for the tree.  Also, urine has many salts and chemicals that wildlife are attracted to, so they tend to tear up plant life for those random Number 1 spots.  Allan and Rick both say that the best thing to do is to wet a rock, and if possible, one that is in the sun.  That way, it dries quickly and the salts are easily available to any passing animal. 

As for Number 2, it's a bit more difficult, but phenomenally popular.  Kathleen Meyer wrote an entire book on the subject.  There is a Facebook page devoted to it.  There are videos on YouTube about it.  It seems like everyone's got a funny story about doing it when you have to no matter where you are. 

The prescription for a successful Number 2 in the woods is to dig a cathole (6-8 inches deep) and poop into it.  Of course, there's some squatting involved, but if you can find a log it may help you.  Toilet paper is not recommended, for if you use paper, you should pack it out with you.  Carrying around used TP doesn't sound like my idea of fun, but there are places where they make you carry out everything, not just the TP. 

The nice thing about the Wonderland Trail is that many of the wilderness camps have latrines.  If you can hold it, this is a good option. 

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