Sheila Alami Messick's Page

Waste Management for Women:



The Urinating Device





By Sheila Messick





Okay gals—you’ve agreed to climb a glaciered mountain with your buddies, but you’re somewhat concerned about “waste management”, especially since your buddies are males and you’re the only one who will have to squat to urinate on the slopes. What’s the alternative? Don’t drink a lot? Sure, dehydration is a little less embarrassing. But you’re no fool—you’ve hiked enough to know that… Continue

Glacier Grub Made Easy:



Warm, Tasty, & Painless-to-Prepare Dinners at High Altitudes





By Sheila Messick





You’ve got painful blisters on the backs of your heels. Your pack feels like a hundred pounds. And you’re sick of eating trail mix and energy bars. You check your altimeter--2,000 feet of elevation to gain before stopping for the night. Ugh! You silently begin listing what you can look forward to at high camp: the sitting position, the… Continue

Beat the Blisters

By Sheila Messick





Have you ever walked on shards of glass in your bare feet? If you’re sane, probably not. But if you hike a lot, you may have experienced a similar sensation or pain-sation that you want to avoid next time you hike. So what’s the best way to avoid getting blisters on your feet on a long hike? Read this article carefully.



Mistake no 1: I had to learn the hard way. I clearly remember the moment when I made a decision that… Continue