An anemic hiker asks permission to walk into a bar

The hiker smell sticks to my skin and my clothes. The humidity has kept me damp for days and this trail lacks the layers of dust that mask the smell of desert hikers. I feel like Pig-Pen from Charlie Brown — a cloud of filth follows me wherever I go. When I’m on trail, it’s fine, but in town, I feel bad for anyone nearby. Many business are hiker friendly, but I don’t feel okay going inside unless I’m assured that my presence is acceptable.

Anemia is a fairly common, but rarely talked about problem among hikers. It causes intense fatigue that can make hiking even a short distance a monumental task. I think I’m becoming anemic. I have almost no energy during the day and I’ve been craving iron. It started with the metallic flavor of water from a rusty faucet. Now, I’m swallowing fistful of iron supplements daily.

I found a butcher in town that agreed to sell me a gallon of pig’s blood. It’s honestly the best thing I’ve ever tasted. In a smart water bottle, it looks a bit like Mio.