Whenever I'm in Portland, I'm always given a big ol' box of these from a source at Danner Boots. They're just…damn good. So if you ain't got time to make your own, put these little bags in your pack, okay?
Sylvester Graham
I'm not much of s'mores guy, but clearly that's the first thing a lot of folks think of when camping is discussed. Hell, I think some people go camping because they get to make s'mores. Is that stupid? Sure, but why the hell not, right? And though I would never pack graham crackers for a long excursion (for obvious crumbly reasons), those things are REALLY FUCKING GOOD. (Seriously, when was the last time you had a graham cracker by itself? Go now.)And who do we have to thank for the "bread" of our favorite camping dessert sandwich? His name is Sylvester Graham, a dietary reformer who preached an emphasis on a vegetarian diet as a cure for alcoholism and sexual urges.Think he'd be happy that his claim to fame has now been turned into a vehicle for chocolate (aphrodisiac?) and marshmallow (not vegetarian)?
Baked Is The New Fried
While seeing a new baby cousin yesterday afternoon, we started talking about the Grand Canyon and a family friend's recent trip there back in April. They had a great time, and while they knew it was nothing to complain about in the scheme of THE GRAND CANYON, they did mention how bad the food was. And while surfing around the ol' interwebs today, I find out that the NPS is taking a little initiative to make their food a little bit...better.I can't remember the last time I ate a meal at NPS concession, but I'm sure that the food is pretty bad. Though I would imagine that a teenager who was hired for the summer thinking he was going to drop some fries in a basket all day wouldn't be too psyched to find out he now has to make this shit:
To usher in the new Park Service food initiative, the White House sent over Sam Kass of the Let's Move campaign, who noshed on almond-crusted baked chicken with a fennel salad."You know, baked is the new fried, so that looks delicious," he told the chef.
Excuse my language NPS, but Sam Kass, you're an asshole.
Springtime Treats
Get em while they're hot, trail hounds. Read and listen here.
Cream Of The West
Can't get much better packaging than Cream Of The West, a Montana "staple" since 1914. Not a bad name either...MP3: David Ackles - Montana Song
Tucson Burritos
After a few days out in the woods, it's inevitable that the "What are we going to eat when we get back to civilization?" conversation is going to make its way to the campfire. We all have our favorites, and around these parts, it usually involves something Mexican. So it's no surprise that on our recent excursion to the southwest, we were more than excited to taste some local fare. Perhaps it's cheating to mention Tania's 33 in this conversation as we actually ate here before departing to the Organ Pipes, but I can't help but think that Tucson, AZ will be an après-camp destination for some of you in the months to come.I don't believe we've ever plugged a restaurant here on Cold Splinters before, so I'm happy that Tania's is our first. There are all sorts of burritos out there in the world (Papalote after a long afternoon hike in Point Reyes is a fine choice) but the stupidly-good homemade flour tortillas (they're vegan) and range of filling options (for those of you who don't eat meat, their homemade soyrizo is, well, also stupidly-good) to satisfy any hungry hiker. And the owner, Rudy, who is pictured above, is just about the nicest guy in the world. It's impossible to get him to shutup, so don't ask too many questions about the impossible-to-read menu. Just go with it. Best pre/post camping meal I ever done had. Thanks to our host, Eric from MOCS1986, for the recommendation.I'm sure you all have favorites, so hit me in the comments.
Camping Candy
It usually happens that you'll stop at a gas station/convenient store en route to wherever it is you're going. And whether or not you need it, it's probable that you'll pick up some snacks (candy) for the trail. I can't remember the last time that I went on a camping trip without some black licorice. (Though, yes, I usually get the individual sticks of Panda, which, no, you can't usually pick up at a gas station.)What do y'all buy? And I ain't talking some Green Macriobiotic Seaweed Stevia snack. More like...candy necklaces or another Cold Splinters favorite, Boston Baked Beans.