RE: drinking in the mountains
Two parts.... What I drink when hunting and what I drink when I'm not (since we're there 16 days and hunt for only a max of 5 days.
1. When we are hunting: water, orange juice and coffee.
2. The rest of the time.... well, variety is the spice of life.... and in moderation a little libation does not hurt most folks and tends (in our group) to cement camaraderie, over the course of 16 days....
Orange Juice
Water
Iced Tea
Coffee
Hot chocolate
Chocolate Persuasions (Hot chocolate with peppermint schnaps)
Soda
Beer
Margaritas
Cognac (with cigars)
Red and White Wine (especially on banquet night --- invite the neighboring camp over)
Did I mention beer? Takes a lot of beer to butcher an elk! Four people can do about three elk per day (a big day).
Caveat:
This is around 9000' and with folks who are acclimated. Tender folks may want to walk a little more straight and narrow.
EKM