Well, after an unfortunate ankle injury I “SnapShot” have had to come home for some much needed physical therapy. I can honestly say that I am truly jealous of those of you who are still out there trekking away, including you Johnny Adventure. ;o) Now that I have had a taste of the freedom and beauty that the Trail holds it’s hard not to be.
As Johnny continues on our adventure solo I have happily become the home base for all the mail-drops and prep of food and re-supplies that he will need along the way. It is an interesting task trying to keep the menu changing for Johnny and keeping the weight down as much as possible. I was responsible for carrying the food bag when on the trail so I have learned some tricks to help with weight and preparation. I have also come across some interesting items that seem to be a hit for Johnny and have others questioning the gourmet meals he is whipping up deep in the woods.
There is nothing worse than having tons of trash to carry from stop to stop with you from snacks and meal preparations. Although some of it is inevitable, I have really been able to minimalize the amount by unboxing and combining food and spices in advance. I have been dubbed the Zip Lock Queen! When we stop to resupply in town we buy the usual instant potatoes, ramen, grits and oatmeal as our bases. I would open all the packages and pour double portions into one zip lock bag, tear off the cooking instructions and slip in the bag so we would have the proper portions and instructions for our meals. If they included spice packs I would add them to contents of the zip lock also. Then I would write on the bag with a sharpie what was inside, they roll down quite compact this way also. No box, no spice mix pouch = less trash. Day by day we would collect the empty zip lock bags into one and reuse for the next set of meals or as a trash bag to help with the scent of open food wrappers. For oatmeal I would add in things like a box of raisins or a handful of dried fruit, it always helped with the flavor and to get some much needed fruit in us.
If you have not discovered Land O ‘ Lakes Saute’ Express flavored butter squares yet then let me say You’re Welcome in advance! These have been a life saver for meals. While on the trail we all miss BUTTER! The salty, creamy amazing flavor goes on pretty much anything. I found these little gems in the butter section of the grocery store. Contrary to popular belief about butter going rancid it’s almost impossible, you remember back in the day when Grandma just left it on the table in a butter dish…well then! 6 squares come in a box and I have found 4 flavors so far, Italian Herb, Garlic and Herb, Teriyaki an Southwest. I open the wrappers and mush them all into one small square Tupperware. BAM! Johnny is the Emeril Lagasse of the Woods LOL.
More tips and trick to come. Hope you get on the butter train and fancy up that Ramen!
So sad to hear about your injury! That is terrible, but I know that Johnny is thankful to have you helping him from where you are. Take care of yourself!