Brother Stephen and I are now five days out from our epic adventure to Glacier NP in Northern Montana. Two days in lodges (one that we have to pack to), four days in the backcountry, two days in lodges (one in Canada). Four days of bar formed foods, low sleep, and my brother trying to get us killed. Last year, at King’s Canyon it was climbing up a ridiculous slot in Comb Spur. A few years ago, it was a 47 foot cliff. I for one am hoping for a bear this year. Last year there were three of us, and we had a bear strategy and had no issues with the two black bears that we saw. This year we’ll have bear mace to go with our pikes, as grizzlies are in the area. Everyone always says that you can’t outrun a bear. I find that hard to believe. They’re so gargantuan, reality be damned, I can’t conceive of it. Generally they leave you alone. Mauling would be no fun.
When I get back it’s time for preapproval on mortgages, as I’m now deep in the throes of home buying, with 33 visited so far. The whole thing has me a little numb – the money is otherwordly, like college, only a lot more.
By the 26th of August, I’ll be back in the boot after shockwave therapy, my last ditch effort to address the achilles.
I’ll be out of the boot in time for Bethany and Adam’s wedding, October 19th in Buffalo, which might be under a foot of snow by then. Last time I had the privilege to stand up front, the rest of the groomsmen had a running joke about my fidgeting. This could be more noticeable, as I’ll be sandwiched between the groom and his groomsman sister. Tranquilizers perhaps.
Words 
What do you mean by bar formed foods? All energy bars all day long?
Nah, not all. I expect three or four of those a day as snacks, but we also have dried fruits and some dehydrated meals. Still, lots o’ bars.
Oh good…I can think of few things less pleasant than eating protein bars for four days.
Dried fruits and dehydrated meals? What happened to heating up a can o’ beans o’er the fire? Did that go the way of the gypsy bandanna-sack on a stick? At least your brother won’t be slowing the party down with his hair this year.
Speaking of which: I need some kind of “pack” to wear on my person whilst running, to hold my keys, money, etc., since I don’t have pockets. Is there anything in that category that doesn’t look completely geigh?
Things like beans are very heavy. The pack will already be roughly 40 lbs – that’s a lot to carry for 50+ miles. Even the empties are heavy, and you have to pack out all garbage. Car camping, sure, absolutely.
As for your pack, no, I don’t think such a thing exists.
But check here for things close:
http://www.roadrunnersports.com/rrs/gear/gearhydrationandholders/