Trying something new this weekend

I always enjoy a good campfire cooking challenge.  So this weekend, I am going to try and do The Palm's recipe for french fries, but over an open campfire.

Here is my strategy.  The oil needs to reach 375 degrees...that is critically important for The Palm's recipe.  I thought about suspending a dutch oven over the fire with a tripod or just putting a cast iron skillet on the fire directly.

Instead, my strategy is to use a TRENCH FIRE.  For those that are unfamiliar with this method - it is great for cooking as it is basically like using your stove at home.  You dig a trench 12" wide by about 24" long and 8" deep.  line the bottom of the trench with stones.  Then build the fire over it.  eventually, you have hot rocks and embers that are level with the ground giving you an excellent cooking surface.

Here is a visual (which doesnt include the rocks)
Will let everyone know the results.

NOTE: Anytime you combine hot oil and a fire, very bad things can happen.  Have plenty of dirt nearby as well as a shovel to put out any fires.  NEVER use water on an oil fire.  It could explode on you and make you have a very, very bad day.

Back on Topic: Ticks

Been a lot of complaints around the country about increased tick levels this year.  Have already had 3 on me (which is actually pretty good this far into the season!).

But with the spread of Lyme, it is worth taking precautions.  In addition, a woman in Minnesota died from a rare tick-born virus called the Pawasson Virus.  See: http://www.winonadailynews.com/news/state-and-regional/article_ffb9cd50-a299-11e0-89ab-001cc4c03286.html

Remember to spray yourself with high concentration of deet bug spray.  Tuck in your shirts, and if possible, your trousers into your boots.  Wear a hat.  Don't wear really dark clothing as it attracts ticks.  Avoid tall grass as much as possible...I have gotten just as many ticks playing golf looking for my ball then I have out in the real wilderness.

If you get a tick, get it off ASAP.  Generally, if you get it off before 24hrs you are ok from Lyme.  Know that Lyme disease tests are often inaccurate.  Also, the famous bullseye only shows up on about 50% of the cases...so if you start showing symptoms of flu after a tick GO TO THE DOCTOR!

For getting ticks off, it amazes me that even our military is often taught improperly.  Do NOT burn the tick off, do NOT "soap" or "suffocate" the tick out by using soap or vaseline to get him to back out...all of these have proven to be more dangerous.  Use a good tick tool and carefully but firmly remove the entire tick and ensure that the head is out when you pull it.  I LOVE the tick tool found here at NW Bushcraft.com: http://www.shop.bushcraftnorthwest.com/product.sc?productId=29&categoryId=6

Useful Site from CDC: http://www.cdc.gov/Features/StopTicks/

Off-Topic: WTF Starbucks?!

Went to THREE different Starbucks this morning, each one with the line out the door...why can't they figure out that there needs to be a SEPARATE register and line for people who just want coffee?!  I dont want any tripple, non-fat, skinny, white, dark, mocha, chocolate, frappe-whatever the hell!!! I JUST WANT SOME COFFEE!!

Holy Mother!

wow...maybe I shouldnt have posted about lightning...all of a sudden everyone is getting struck!  Oops....

http://www.nbcwashington.com/news/weird/Lightning-Kills-22-Students-Teacher-in-Uganda-124723149.html

SEE!! The North Koreans are clearly dumb asses!

regarding the dangers of lightning...apparently the ENTIRE N.Korean soccer team was struck, which is why they lost to the US!! Shame shame North Korea...normally I would say that this would just be another example of bad propoganda to show no weakness and exploit a terrorized state's fear...but this story seems so realistic and probable................

http://sports.yahoo.com/soccer/blog/dirty-tackle/post/North-Korea-blames-loss-to-U-S-on-players-getti?urn=sow-wp2852

Don't be a dumb ass!

Driving home tonight I saw something that reminds me of how dumb most people are when it comes to weather. There was a clear storm front coming in from the south, but it was what happened north of the front that was worth noting. A very large, vertical bolt of lightening struck down about 2 miles north of the front...clear sky...not a noticeable cloud in that area of the sky.

It reminds me of the fights I always have with my overly confident in-laws, who will stay on a boat until the hand of God is literally on top of us reaching down. So remember that if you can hear thunder...at all...you should be inside if possible. If you see storm clouds approaching, take precautions. And if lightning is coming down all around you...don't be outside for a jog!

Silly silly people!

Some notes on lightning if you are out camping or in the outdoors: your tent is not safe to be in during a thunderstorm. You should not be within 25 feet of another person. You should take off all jewelry, watches and anything metal. You should assume the lightning position...crouch on your toes with your heels touching and your hands over your ears...preferably on your sleeping pad. Lightning, if it strikes you, will then have the greatest chance of grounding out of you quickly with less tissue damage...then one of your friends 25 feet away can come give you CPR!

Taking Pops camping

Given that my father always took me camping as a kid and is largely responsible for my love of the outdoors, it is only suiting that I now get to take him camping as a release from his cancer treatments. He has fought it for many years now, and he still has plenty of strength, but it is painful to watch each round of chemo treatment cumulatively affect him worse and worse.

One of the only things that he really enjoys as an activity now is camping on the family's mountain property. We have been going for several years now, and for the last three 4th of July weekends. So this year will be no different.

I have a new car camping tent, new cots, new camp furniture...and we are ready to roll! My nephew, who I am actively trying to get involved in the outdoors, as well as my sister in law are also planning on making the trek. Should be great fun, and I am looking forward to getting underway.

Sill trying to figure out what the menu will be for dinner...have done steaks over and over. Got creative last time and did lemon butter scallops with sautéd asparagus and basmati rice. What should be this weekend? Brats? Burgers? Hmmm.....