trail mix, muffins, or extra veggies and fruit. If you still end up with too much food, the best thing to do is to return home with it (don’t dispose of it on the trails).
Animals
When I was traveling around Australia, where nine of the world’s ten most poisonous snakes reside, backpackers often asked me how I could trek around Canadian backcountry “with all those bears.” I had just finished thinking the same thing with the snakes and spiders and other creatures lurking around the land of Oz, but I laughed and replied that it is rare if you ever see a bear in the North American wild. In truth, however, they are out there, they are hungry more often than not, and if they smell your food they will want to eat it, without question. If you don’t believe me, visit the campground in Banff, Alberta and take a look at the ravaged cooler the rangers have on display as a warning to tourists. Be careful! There are many important guidelines that one must follow when forging into the woods - remember, you are entering the animals’ home turf, not vice versa, and learning to cohabitate is best for everyone (and everything) in the long run. Do your research before embarking on any journey, even day trips, as to what dangerous wildlife might be present, and what you should do in the event you encounter something. Think of it this way: would you tease a snake?
Setting Up the Cooking Area
The way you set up your camp is important. If you only keep one thing in mind, make sure that you cook away from your tent. A good distance is about 200 meters (about 650 feet) and down wind. It can be awkward having your cooking area so far away, but it’s important to physically separate yourself from what may attract bears and other creatures. With this in mind, it’s also vitally important to keep your cooking area clean. Pick up any food that maybe spilled because it only invites critters to come around.
Washing Up
There comes that time in the evening when you’re sitting back, your meal sitting nicely in your belly while you watch the stars shoot across the sky, or flames flicker up from the fire pit, and you realize it’s your turn to do the dishes. What’s the best way? Well, if your meal was so good that everyone licked their plates clean, you’re in the clear. If not, store any leftovers in a sealable container, otherwise add it into your garbage that you will take out of the woods with you.
You can use biodegradable soap but remember to keep the soap (or the food, for that matter) away from water sources - streams, rivers, lakes. Fill a pot with water and wash the dishes in the pot. Once you are finished, dig a hole away from your camp and any water source and dump out the dish water. Use a dish rag to dry the dishes.
If you don’t have any sponges or scouring pads, use your natural surroundings to aid in dish washing. Sand and snow are excellent for cleaning dishes. When washing, remember to keep a fair distance away from your campsite because the food residue will attract animals.
Store your dishes with your food gear, and not with your camping equipment. Even though the dishes are clean, they still carry an odor that could attract unwanted wildlife. If you want to be extra careful with regard to keeping bears away, don’t even bring the clothes you wore while cooking into your tent.
With these tips and suggestions in mind, you should now be ready to embark on your hiking and camping trips confident in the knowledge that it will be a great dining experience. Bon appetit!
Breakfast
I consider breakfast the most important meal of the day, especially when camping, as it is the meal that will set the tone of your entire day. I know it can be difficult to eat substantially in the morning, but your body needs fuel to keep warm and give you enough energy to get you through your busy day (or at least until lunchtime!).
Hot Chocolate from Scratch
½ cup cocoa powder ¼ cup dry milk powder ⅓ cup sugar Mini-marshallows (optional) 4 cups water
In the Kitchen
In a plastic bag or container, combine all the ingredients, including the marshmallows if desired.
At Camp
Boil the water. Add a couple of tablespoons of the dry mixture and stir well.
Makes 4 servings.
For an extra kick, a splash of Kalua or Irish Cream in your hot chocolate does nicely after a long day of hiking (just remember, “everything in moderation” if you want to be able to hike the next day). You can bring a small - or large - amount in a small plastic water bottle or a bladder.
Breakfast Couscous
1 cup instant couscous 2 tbsp brown sugar 1 tsp cinnamon pinch ground ginger ½ tsp nutmeg ½ cup fresh berries (e.g., raspberries, blueberries, blackberries or a mixture) 2 cups water
In the Kitchen
In a bowl, combine the couscous, sugar, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and dried berries (if not using fresh; see note below). Place mixture in a resealable plastic bag. Fresh berries should be stored separately.
At Camp
Boil 2 cups of water. Once boiled, add in couscous mixture, cover and let stand for 5 minutes or until all the water has been absorbed, then add fresh berries if using.
Makes 2 servings.
Dried fruit can be used in place of fresh; try raisins, dried cranberries, apples, bananas, or apricots.
Pancakes
¾ cup all-purpose flour ¼ cup powdered egg 2 tbsp dry buttermilk powder 2 tsp sugar ½ tsp baking powder ¾ cup water
