Water, water everywhere...

H:
A backpacking friend told Dave that "drinking" water and "cooking" water have their own seperate categories when backpacking.  Hiking the AT is projected to require us to drink at least a gallon of water each, per day.  That doesn't include cooking water.

I have read about the different techniques for processing water to make it potable.  These range from chemical treatment to boiling to ultraviolet lights.  Then I have read of hikers who selectively choose "clean" water without filtering or processing.  Justifications abound for both sides of this debate and to each their own choice as far as I am concerned.

We have selected a small backpacking water filter that will work in conjunction with a gravity feed system.  This is all something we still have to construct,  but the system is simple and lightweight enough to suit our needs.  The filter totes being able to last for 100,000 gallons and with proper care and use can turn just about any water into "clean" water. 

The last few days of sub zero temperatures combined with forgetting to leave our water dripping has led to a freeze up of our water lines.  We have access to a running faucet outside so we do have water it just doesn't do any tricks, i.e. it sits there in the jug.  Tomorrow we are excited to see a high of 38 degrees!  With the aid of a heat gun we should be thawed out.  I keep telling myself that this is good training for the hike.  The one bonus is I haven't had to do dishes for two days.   I also found out I can scramble eggs in the skillet with two toothpicks, a valuable skill for anyone to have!