Back on the Trail

Crazzy, I say, crazzy.  I couldn't take the waiting any more.  I had to move out of the Fontana Hilton, a shelter at Fontana Dam NC for hikers.   I listened to others snoore.  I listened for the birds of morning.  Action, what action could I take.  I potentially could be set til Wednesday.  This was Saturday.

I got up determining to do something.  I gathered my gear as if I were moving on.  I waited for the Post, no package.  I called a hiker shuttle service and headed back to the NOC.  I'd pay their elongated prices but I'd have a ruck that'd work.

At the NOC a former thru-hiker helped me into a Granite Gear 60ltr.  It balanced my gear nicely.  I got it and head out.

The time was close to 6pm.  I made sure my headlamp, ready for action.  The goal, the jump out view and the next big flat spot.  I got to the view just after sunset for some of the views. 

I found Swim Bald unoccupied less one other, just after dark.  I lay my footprint down, pulled out the gear, and slept.

The sun woke me early. The crickets and beatles kept me awake at times.  The forest is always alive.

I made my way.  Before long miles clicking off an odometer.  I reached out and the Hilton's showers begged me to come.  I pulled in after about 11 hours on the trail feeling rejuvenated.  The shower felt good too.

Since that day near a week ago, I've pulled two other near twenty mile days.  The pack is great.  I will need to drop into an outfitter to swap out hip belts as the medium is to big.  I hear there's a great place in Hot Springs.

Zoom Zoom Obstacles

Laying awake in the Fontana Hilton, I listened to someone's watch tick.  I listened to snores.  I listened to the hot cars and rice rockets take the curves near by.  What is the AT to me?  Why am I here? When is it time to throw in the towel?  When does one push on?

I crawled out of my half sleep, taking my quilt with me.  I stepped outside.  The cool of the night is different then that in the shelter.  The trees towered into the clear sky.  I saw the Milkyway above me.  The Big Supper pointing to Katahdin.  Dracco the Dragon and the Northern Crown, the guardian and the reward.  The constellations taking new meaning to me.

I lay down on the gravel bench.  I pondered those questions.  I'm not out here for the money of it.  I'm not here for the fun.  I'm not out here to chase tail or get high.  I'm not out here because it's easy.  It is far from easy to quit.  It is far to easy not to leave a good job, a decent life, a good group of friends, a good fellowship of believers.  To quit?  Not on a good day and never on a bad day.  That's selling myself short.   That's selling the fellowship of the trail short.  That's selling every reason I quit my job, left my family, said goodbye to friends; short.

Let's look at what I have over come.  Blisters, I identified the hot spots and put those to rest early.  Monkey Butt stick to the rescue, it's a miracle stick. Okay, a knock off version of it.  Next rain, I learned first ID the right spot, stake out well, and keep the ground tarp under the rainfly's drip zone.  Rain, part two, hike smart, layer and shelter up before one gets chilled, always ask to have room made in a shelter even if it looks occupied.  Third, sore muscles, these are a given.  Hiking 5 miles or 15 miles is hard, especially over mindless ups and downs over rocks, forest duff, and logs. Doing it day after day is tougher.  Muscles will be sore.  That's why God mandated a rest day for His people in Deuteronomy 5:13- 15 "six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God.  You shall do no work...". My first nero's were well timed to let my muscles rest.  Next came a dull knife.  I lent it to someone to open a package.  It came back dull.  I'm at a resort.  Resorts have kitchens, kitchens have knives, knives need sharpening.  I just asked if I could sharpen my knife.  Dull knife is now sharp.

Issue after issue, resolved.  The one that's holding me back is the pack.  Why should I let it slow me?  I could quit, but why after looking at what I've overcome.  The solution is to say goodbye to REI, say goodbye to Fontana (for a couple days), get a shuttle back to the NOC.  At the NOC, I'll get fitted with the right pack, send the new old one back to REI with a love letter, and rehike a section.  I'll pop into Fontana for a shower and an ice cream check, the mail (send the package enroute back), and press on.

This journey isn't about anyone item, gear, person, event, any xyz.  This journey is about overcoming, about the refining of me as a person, a character, a believer of humanity and of a Provider God who is creative and a farther character who loves His children, who love me.  This journey is spiced with heroes like Wired on her triple crown hike; about characters like Rodeo who broke her back 6 months ago and is hiking on; about Gamer covered in tats and hiking to raise awareness for the Semperfy Fund; about those who hike for themselves in retirement and those who are fresh out of college.  This journey is...

Community

A day spent waiting at the General Store of Fontana, the dashed hopes of moving on, negated instantly upon my return to the shelter.  A few new hikers and a few from my bubble were pooling food for a feast.

REI told me they'd overnighted a pack for me.  The dear lady at the Fontana PO went out of her way to follow up for me on the package.  It was sent 3 to 5 business days.  This means either Saturday or Monday.  The ruck that's the wrong size caused fatigue and excessive back pain to the degree I'd rather have my 22 caliber size kidney stone back.  I refuse to hike the Smokies with this inconvenience yet, I can't afford another delay.

I'm discovering North Carolina is teaching me patience.  First with the climb past the border on a cold, misty, windy day. Next, came issues with the pack failing and needing to nurse it.  Now a delay of several days while I wait for another pack to arrive after REI sent the wrong size.

The community of hikers is up lifting as everyone comes together over the common bond of hiking, food, and sheltering.  The tenters partner with shelter folks over a fire or a common eating area. The trail takes strangers and makes best friends with simple greetings.  I've met students, mid-lifers taking a break, retirees, and folks who can take extended time off.  I can't imagine life off the trail right now though I know the experience could be negated with one mistake.  We share and help each other out as the need arises.  If someone is hungry, they will eat (unless they are habitually putting themselves there).  If someone is cold,they get warm.  If a shelter is full and someone comes in cold and wet, they will get room even if it's beyond capacity.

Some of the hikers I started with are far a head.  Others, I've heard are off trail for one reason or another. With the speed I started with I thought I lost are cycling back as I've slowed.  It's good to catch up with them.  Trail life, it's a life style.

Descent

Getting up and going after listening to mice run around and the crackling of coals burning down last night was pretty easy.  The shuffle only included 4 people and three renters.  Not a bit chilly.  Escaping the mice is great.  Last night was the only time they bothered me.

Going up and over the ridge I thought would include views.  The woods were a light with morning glow.  Dropping over the canopy, bright.

My mind went over my pack's contents.  I need to loose weight somewhere.  48 lbs is weighing me down.  Today my back with the wrong pack began to ache.  My legs are in shape.  My arms are use to pulling me up and over.  My arms are also slowing my descent.  Do I send gear home? Nope.  Do I send clothes ahead? Nope, the Smokies are hours away with there unpredictable weather.  I think I just need rethink my food.

Coming down through the woods I also pondered how do I capture the steppness of mountain?  The only set of extended steps, I turned for the photo.

An hour later I arrived at the Fontana Hilton.  This shelter sleeps 20, has flush toilets, showers, and a few other anemities (sp).  I've chilled most the day, catching up with other thru-hikers.

Rain

The NOC is drawing thru-hikers into nero'd and zero'd multiple days, I knew I had to move.  The weather said no.  The legs said yes.  The new pack, I must use it. The more I stay in towns or resorts the more likely I'm not to finish.  I want to say the first 300 miles are the most expensive as I'm still in the honeymoon stage of the hike.  Each stop over is $20 a night, $15 a meal, and un-counted for the extras.

I heaved the pack from the line up outside the restaurant.  I checked into the outfitter's for a weigh in, 48lbs with food for 10 days, 2ltrs of water, and 2 bottles of yellow Heet.

I crossed the railway tracks and up on the AT.  Up, up, and up, into the rain.  The rain broke for the view jump off.  Clouds hung below, scattered peaks dotted the landscape.  Then it was back into the rain.

Up and over Swim Bald.  Down into Sassafras Gap with wet drizzle rain.  I spotted the shelter, a fire, warmth.  The time just after 1pm.  I could pushed to Brown Fork but the draw of warmth kept me.  I've made 2 pots of tea over the fire.  Ash is everywhere.  The conversation again covers ever topic from going further to the woods to how cold the Smokies will be.

I think to night will be worth while.  I'll push on hard tomorrow and make it a Nero over Fontana Dam.

It's so nice to no longer be wet.

Fires

The fire burned just inside the shelter most the night.  Everything smelt of smoke.  I swore I smelt bacon all morning.  14 people doing the shelter shuffle was interesting. Some intended to get out early, others wanted to push for Fontana Dam.

I loaded up the new pack pondering how the load would carry.  I found out soon enough.  Not good.  On an off chance I reached for my phone and called REI.  I got in.  Indeed they had sent the wrong size.  The rep made a good effort to get the right on sent over night.  Okay not over night but definitely before I get into the Smokies.  With the bad carry my other option would be to head back to the outfitters at the NOC.

Today's terrain started on ridges.  The views were great.  After going up Jacob's Ladder things changed to crossing over the top of many hollows.  Ridges all came with rocky down hills. 

Cable Gap shelter is located in one of these.  Only a handful of hikers are here.  We are enjoying another fire, not in the shelter and no threat of rain. 

Wayah Bald

Knowing I wanted an early start I sacked out on the motel room's floor while the gang all sat in the parking lot eating Vino's pizza and swapping trail stories.

I quietly got up and pulled my stuff together.  I went up on Main st in search of coffee.  Why go chain store coffee when Ma & Pa stores need support to.  Had a great cup before returning to catch the shuttle up to the Winding Stairs jump off point.

I made good time up the mountain.  I enjoyed passing weekenders.  Someone pointed out Silver Bald for views.  I dropped the ruck and made the detour.  The view was worthy of the detour.

Next in the adventure is a mysterious forest covered in three kinds of moss and spooky with many not quiet alive trees.  I loved it.  Movie producers this area would make a neat location.

I came up and over Wayah Bald and the tower.  With rain moving in I didn't stay long for checking out the views.  Just less then a mile away is my sanctuary in the woods with views to match.  I got here just before the rain moved in.

I thought a bit about spiritual disciplines as I hiked today.  One of them being scripture reading.  Once a daily habit, I want to revive it for the trail.  Once at the shelter, I pulled out my Bible and read a while.  I want the reader to know that I consider myself spiritual not hardcore religious though I do subscribe to the tenants of the Christian faith.  This Sunday is Easter, a service I like to attend however I'm in the woods of North Carolina.

Now as I've been sheltered up for a few hours.  Hikers are now just arriving.  It's filling up as the rain falls gently.  I'm getting hungry.

Bubbles

It doesn't mater where I get to on a daily basis there are people who know each other and occasionally a new person or two.  It seems like the last few days I've been in a new group every shelter.  Hikers tend to take up the majority as the weekenders tend to camp.

Hikers have their own tricks for shelters.  Mine is to throw down my footprint as a base for my bed.  This covers leaky floorboards and dirt.  Others will inflate their pads.  Quite a few follow similar chore patterns of stake a claim, get water, bs, make dinner, and do some journaling.

Today's covered ground began with rain.  The shelter shuffle began an hour late.  No one wanted to face the rain.  We began to roll all 7 in a 6 man spot. The Indian brothers made oatmeal. It was time to go.

I took to the trail first.  The view out the shelter included a lot of trees otherwise seeing rolling fog in the valleys below were mind blowing.  By the the time I found a good over look the show dissipated.

It hit the next shelter at noon and chose to push on.  The day warmed a little and I shed my layers but kept the rain shell close.

I hit Wesser Bald as the rain came back.  Had the chill not set in, I'd spend more time up on the tower.

I arrived at the Wesser Bald shelter as a family set around debating to stay or go on to Rufus Morgan shelter.  Their son brought water.  They decided to go as other thru-hikers arrived.  They passed the water around.

The rain continues to dodge the sky.  I've settled in for the day around 3:30.  The group I passed at the last gap with a road is here for the night.  I cut into a stick of pepperoni to share.  This group seems a lot of fun.

100 Miler

A very cold night under my belt with my quilt is an accomplishment.  It wasn't fun even with 7 in a 6 person shelter.  Everyone was in their bags before sundown.  It was freezing with blowing snow.  By morning, it was clear and just as cold.  My thermometer read below 30 as the shuffle began.

I took a slow start and worked into a bit faster through out the day.  Two big accomplishments happened thus day.  First, I climbed Mount Albert with it's steep rocky ascent.  The second, us as I crested I became a 100 Miler.  Reaching this is huge.  I've never hiked this far over thus length of time.  I've been on the trail now 11 days.

I'm replotting my next few days as I need to pace the post office on Monday.  If I push I could get to Bryson on Saturday.  The stresses of my days.  At the PO awaits a new pack.  I'm nursing my current one along.  Both shoulder straps are showing wear at the upper connection.

I'm camped at Long Branch shelter where the temp us abiut 20 degree warmer then last night.  The same group I was with last night is mostly here some pushed form Franklin.

If I could compare my trail experience, I couldn't.  Nothing compares to waking cold at night, changing clothes in mixed company, meeting people of all walks of life, and hiking with different folks every day.  Let's not forget the miles of beauty under foot, the weight of 35lbs being with me everywhere I go.

One State Completed

Waking at my usual time, I started my shuffling.  I knew today'd be cold, wet, with a chance of sun.  I so anticipated getting out that I forgot my cheese in the fridge at Top of Georgia Hostel.

I caught a lift to the trailhead.  Rain fell gently.  I paced the first couple of miles with another fast hiker.  Then I was on my own.  I took shelter from the rain at Plum Orchard shelter for a snack.

I continued on into the mist.  Two hours later Rocky passed on his daily southbound loop.  He said I was close to the border.

Mist and a steep up hill awaited for me.  I reached the tree with the NC/GA sign.  I hollered and booted.  Soon a few other hikers showed.  They too celebrated. I wanted to make a taco of peanut butter and jerky.

I continued on, taking another shelter from.the rain at Muskrat shelter.  I heard a group of 6 had moved on to Standing Indian shelter.  With the weather breaking I hoped it would entice others to move on.

I enjoyed some free hiking.  The weather was slightly sunny but cold.  I arrived the next shelter just behind two others.  Not enough room for two but a squeeze for one.  The temp tonight is due to be 20 degrees.  I'm thankful for the squeeze.

I shook my wet clothes.  Unloaded the ruck and fetched water.  Cooking in thus shelter is nice for the huge awning.  No picnic table to flip but lots of hanging gear to dodge.

Time to look at the guide for tomorrow and see what's in store.  I'd like to see the forecast.

Zero Day

After pushing for the last few days, I called it at day off.  I'd like to say it's because of the weather but, that's due to hit tomorrow.  I called it.

I took time to review my gear and realized my ruck is failing on the shoulder straps.  My hiker buddies and I went looking for outfitters in Hiawassee.  There aren't any in this hiker town.  I spent some time sowing.  I did order a pack from REI while I had service.  T-mobile doesn't have much coverage here.

Yesterday, I came down from Tray Mountain, a 10 mile hike, the shortest yet.  Gamer and I got an easy ride into the Blueberry Patch Hostel.  The world's greatest hiker palace.  Gary & Lennie are great hosts, with a bunk house that sleeps 12.  They offer a complementary breakfast in the morning.  Totally worth the hike in.

Tonight I'm at Top of Georgia Hostel.  It's a new place off the trail.  It's run by a former thru-hiker and guide.  The luxury here is the marble & hot water foot bath.

Blood Mountain

Blood Mountain was the site on an Indian war many generations ago.  Last night I hike the summit with my full ruck.  The views were amazing.  The effort worth it.

I'm finding sleeping in shelters is a bit annoying with being open to the wind and snoorers.  They also tend to be a bit dirty.  I've slept in 3 so far. The benefits is the fellowship of the trail.  I've learned more then a lot about the trail and where others be from.

I know I'm pushing a bit but it's worth it.

Low Gap Shelter - A Day I'm the Life

I'm slowly falling into pace with life on the trail.  As I followed around the bend into yet another gap I saw the shelter ringed by camp sites and hearing the water source (a stream), I thought about my day.

My day began at Neel's Gap with Mountain Crossings Hostel.  I woke early to shuffle my gear.  I hear a coffee pot drip and I drank of it.  Soon others were up and lights came on.  The shuffle is always the first thing either at camp/shelter or hostel.  Last item of the morning was to eat breakfast.

After a quick last minute swing into the out fitters I headed up the mountain.  Most the day I hike alone.  I'd stop for a power bar every now and then.  At every water source, drink.  Today was a bit thin on the water.  At Hogpen Gap, I stopped for an actual break and Butterscotch stopped too.  A moment later a couple with a dog bounced down.  They offered water.  They offered water, ice cold, dripping wet from their pickup.  We drank and drank.

On up yet another mountain.  The trail is always going up, even when it's going down it's up.  I took a picture I'd the of the only flat spot I've seen longer then a hundred yards.  There were no views but out of Neel's.

Once in camp, the chores begin.  First is to claim a spot either a tent or shelter.  This takes more then throwing a pad down.  Next comes setting gear out, sleeping bag, cook kit.  Finally, I get water, filtering and bringing it back from either a stream or spring.

Sometimes I'll write or cook.  Cooking is simply boiling water and soaking freeze dried or noodles.  I also make tea.  Conversation abounds with every topic from blisters to where folks hiked from.  Sometimes we actually talk about what where we are from or what we do.  Some know I sell insurance.

The days get called early.  Early is sun down.  Once it gets dark folks bed down or finish chores.  Seldom is anyone up into dark.  If one is, the headlamp goes around the neck just before dark for those who do.

It's good to see familiar faces at each shelter.  Tonight I'm with Gentlemen Jim, Butterscotch, Stitch, Birdie, Doc,  Puzzle, Gamer, and a few others.  If someone you don't know shows pretty much someone knows them unless it's a weekender.  Though tonight is w weekend, no weekenders.

PS - You may not see pictures with the entries as my app clogs on the save.

Springer Mountain

Climbing up the stairs at Amicacola Falls, I thought my legs would give way.  The weather none to beat.  I tried to keep up with a couple college kids which proved useless.  I fell in step with Gentleman Jim, a second timer, Preacher from FL, and Chicken Feathers.

The last shot up to Springer Mountain I kept to my own pace.  A few others were at the second plaque.  I went to the primary with the first white blaze.  The moment emotional.  I've planned this hike for 4 years and wanted to start last year.  Today it's real.  I paused a moment to ask for the Lord's blessing on this journey.  I ask for safety and guidance.  I ask that I may grow deeper in faith as I struggle.

Last night I stayed at Stover Creek shelter with 7 others on the deck, 2 up stairs and several other in tents/hamocks.  The comeradery is nice to learn where folks are at in life and to pick up tips on what is helpful along the AT.  The down side, snores,  someone cut wood with a chain saw

Today, I climbed Sassafras Mountain.  I'm at Gooch Mountain tonight.  Another full shelter and the tent sites filling.  I don't see Preacher, I hope he makes it before dark.  All the others are here lest the German boys.

Time for dinner.
Hike strong...

Amicalola

Arriving during one of Atlanta's worse down pours, I kept thinking, why this rain?  My ride was delayed by it.  The departing train, too.

My ride, treated me to a shower at her place, and a quick run to the grocery store.

We made our way to Amicalola State Park, the beginning of the Approach Trail.  After signing in at the lodge she dropped me at a campsite.

I pitched my tent, threw stuff in, and went for a wander.  I descended the stairs back to the visitor's center.  I'd registered a few moments earlier as Thru-hiker 1044.  I read the registry for a bit, 2 other hikers are from Utah.

I'm chilling out in the lodge while my phone charges and I rest up from 3 1/2 days of travel.

More Train Riding

I woke to a stunning sunrise over Iowa.  My pillow, my shoes.  My blanket, my jacket.  I decided to call it early after a busy day of site seeing through the Rockies.  I chilled with a few slightly off people of interesting characters.  One a gal who drew graphic novels darker the Dark Horse Comics (I'm glad she didn't have a sample).  Another a Vietnam Vet proudly being part of the only parachute drop in 'Nam.  A third of note a retired educator making plans to teach in southern India.  The landscape of the Rockies will make this slight devastation worthy of making the recommendation - do the train to Denver if only to do it for the views.

This day would be more site seeing.  I immediately began counting deer and wild turkeys.  I noticed also the lack of tags on train side buildings.  The tags I did see were of sucky quality, I'm thinking the farm boys need some education on how to do this form of vandalism (I don't endorse any kind of vandalism).  Every town we passed were of country music description.  I couldn't imagine which town George Jones, Miranda Lambert, or Trace Adkins meant in their music.  I'd recommend the train & GPS unit if you're a 'picker' and looking to score on old cars/trucks to renovate.  This section of the country is right out of 'American Pickers' and country music.

We got into Chicago near two hours late.  I did want to head out for a quick walk about.  I scored on some CVS groceries.  In all my prep, I for got train ride meals, arugh.  Late into Chicago & on time leaving on a very full train.  I hope folks don't discover the lounge car, currently empty with a setting Sun over the American Heartland.

On towards DC.  I'll update after leaving the American Capital.

Ride on & hike on...

Train Riding

Bathed in warm light of sunrise, the Book Cliffs of Utah shimmering greeted my sleepy eyes.  Were they shimmering or couldn't I get a decent picture to share?

Sleep came in around the Point of the Mountain.  I took narry a nap yesterday wrapping things up.  Even as Captain arrived to pick me up I still worked on one or two minor things.  Any one got a hiker's roll of some funky duck tape?  I saved that to the end.  I do have a few feet of grey in the kit. 

I did make a sandwich.  Now wishing I made more.  I've got some fresh fruit & bagels in the overhead.  2 bucks for Maxwell's eases the pain of lack of sleep.  And it reminds me Starbucks ain't here, so for get good Joe.

With 10 thousand Greyhound miles to my name taking AmTrak's a zero.  The ride is smooth.  The space feels unlimited.  I can get up and move around.  The draw back?  Being at the depot at Oh Dark Thirty.  Great thanks goes out to the Captain for getting me there. 

Why not fly?  If I'm gona walk up the backbone of the East Coast why would I want to see the Rockies, the Great Plains, or any other part from 30 thousand feet?  Yeah it'd be nice just to get there, however it's near a decade since I last drove across any significant stretch of this great land.  One simply can't get this experience from Flickr, though one can get views of vast beauty there.

Antelope and prairie dogs can be seen if one's fast enough.  I ponder how many kids sitting in the backseat are pretending they're racing the train in the distance?  Could the US rail system support high speed trains?  Could the costs drop and schedules become more humane if high speed trains came here?  Until then I'll keep counting leaning weathered power poles at the break neck speed of AmTrak.

Wow as desolate as this region of Utah/Colorado is, I'm awestruck by the raw reds and greens.  This is a harsh land.  Those who settled it were tougher.

I think this post is long enough for one to not quickly read at work.  I did wave at the office before my eyelids gravitated to the opposing direction of awareness. 

Enjoy the ride & hike on.

Waiting

The ruck is in the box.  The shoes are waiting for occupancy.  If anything is not done or ready, it's not getting done.  If I'm not ready, I'll find out really fast.  They say we pack our fears, looking at the size of that box, I'll agree.

Now do I pack a sandwich?

The greatest stories are made of little chapters.  The chapter of preparation is over.  Let's commence the train ride...

All on board...
Hike on.

Final Night

T'was the night before leaving & all.thru the house...

Nah, didn't like the original poem, even as a tot.  I will say exhaustion is slowed me down to where at this late hour I wanted to keep moving and gettin'r done.  Nope, busted out all day finalizing 6 resupply drops, cleaning the whole house, seam sealing the Lunar Solo tent, and heading to the folk's house for dinner.

Surprisingly Joker wasn't his creative self.  I think he knows I'm headed out.  I enjoy sitting around my folks place, open windows let one visit the great outdoors without being exposed to it.  It's a common mistake to let the beauty fool one.  This week's weather is unusually active, snow, rain, and Sun.  Even the Joker didn't know what to make of it.

I've kept watch on the weather with envy as the last minute prep gets taken care if.  By the time I hit Georgia I'll be one or more weeks without training.  The first few days are going to suck for that reason.  At the same time it'll be great as going slow to get into shape will be time to meet other hikers.

Did I just say suck?  Let me hit my three levels of suck.
   1). It sucks but us fun.
   2). It sucks now but will be fun to talk about later.
   3). It sucks so bad it sucks to talk about the suck.

On the flip side levels of enjoyment.
   1. It's so great that there's hardly anything to retain a memory value
   2. Something happened along the way that made things interestingly enjoyable.  This has strong memory value.
   3. It's taken work to get the point of enjoyment.  This level has highest memory value.

I'm sure I have all of these, some times in the same day.  Without these ups and downs where'd the story be?  A common thread is the AT but it can be linked into other areas.

I think my mind is sharpening but my body is saying other wise.

Closing ponder this, which books are the funnest to read, those with a lot of little chapters or those with a few long chapters?

Hike on...

A Family Joke

All families have stories that really need to be in Reader's Digest.  This is our's.  Sailor loved using margarine tubs to store everything in our big camp box...

I'll let her tell the rest in the comments.