Back in January when I signed up to lead the gourmet backpack on September 30, I couldn’t have imagined a more perfect weekend. Low 70’s during the day and 50’s at night. Even the 2:30 am thunder-lightening-rain show did not dampen our spirits.
We hiked a short 45 minutes on Bald River Falls trail and settled on a ledge campsite located just above the river. Hidden from the often busy trail, the site was flat, large enough to accommodate 7 tents with room for a large kitchen area and fire ring.
Home for the night!
John had other obligations this weekend so I was on my own, carrying my equipment and cooking solo! While I had everything I needed and ate pretty well, I missed my camp chef!
Robin and her new MSR water filter
The beautiful Bald River
We did a backpack on this trail in February 2006. To view additional pictures of the river, trail and falls, go the the February 2006 posts.
Bob gathering firewood from downed trees and limbs
Barbara setting her “table”
As dinnertime drew near, everyone gathered in the kitchen area, some with elaborate preparations for dinner.
Ron lighting his stove
On Ron’s menu, salmon
Barbara fixed a colorful penne pasta dish
Barbara’s penne masterpiece had mini tomatoes, feta cheese and fresh basil leaves. Very delish! If you think this presentation is beautiful, you should have seen her Belgium pancakes this morning-pancakes, whipped cream and FRESH, sliced strawberries. Amazing what can be done in the backcountry.
Robin’s fried falafels
Robin fried falafels for her gourmet meal. She served the falafels in pita bread with a homemade yogurt-fresh cucumber and mint sauce. Yum-yum!
Lemon and dill salmon
Bob and BJ fixed a complete meal with fresh salmon in lemon-dill sauce, steamed broccoli -cauliflower and mashed potatoes. Wait till you see her cheesecake (next photo)
Cheesecake with chocolate sauce
Unbelievable!! BJ hiked in with frozen milk and pulled together an amaretto cheesecake in a chocolate graham cracker crust with chocolate sauce and pecans on top. We watched BJ carefully as she prepared this dish, and checked on the effort several times. Everyone wanted a taste of this treat and she didn’t disappoint us, nice large slices for everyone!
Will and Kim with a very fancy set-up
While BJ wins the prize for the best food effort, Will and Kim win the prize for most creative. Arriving in camp at dinnertime, they pulled out a “white table cloth” (towel), china plates, silver, candleholders and candles, linen napkins with napkin holders, a bud vase AND music (note the black recorder). We were all impressed!
Copperhead
Meanwhile, back at the tents, a copperhead had crawled under Robin’s tent. How did I know this? After dinner I walked by the tent as it slithered out from the vestibule. It scared me and I scared it. Luckily it jumped on the front of her tent instead of on me! I screamed (as one might guess) and yelled (pleaded) for the guys to do something cause by this time, the copperhead had slithered near my tent. The guys fooled around with the snake and Ron finally encouraged it to go into the brush where we never saw it again. Gone but not forgotten! Even though everyone of us keeps our tents zipped tight (for just this reason) everyone was guilty of poking around in and under their tent before going to bed.
(To find the snake in the above photo, look at the left pole where the black turns into gold. Scan right across the photo and you can see the snake’s head. The brown head is in the moss. His body looks like leaves).
A good, solid fire
Bob is not only a good wood gatherer but a great fire builder. We enjoyed relaxed conversation as we soaked in the warmth of the fire. (The two white lights at the top of the photos are from Bob’s headlamp. The photo was taken without a flash so Bob is “lost” to the darkness. )
Banana Boat
The final dessert of the night was complements of Will’s culinery skills. The banana and chocolate treat was wrapped in heavy duty aluminum foil and cooked in the hot coals. Looks bad, tastes great!
Makin’ pancakes (Duane-left, Kim and Will)
We woke to a cloudy morning after an overnight rain. After a leisurely breakfast, we packed up and headed home. Another enjoying weekend in the backcountry!
