Getting you started on outdoor adventures

Archive for June, 2011

 

For some reason Boston Cream Pie just says SUMMER to me. And that’s fine, when I can buy it at my local Safeway because there’s no way I’ll be turning on the oven during an Arizona summer!

And who has time to make the cream filling and the chocolate ganache topping?! Not me!

But what to do when Safeway doesn’t have Boston Cream Pies in their bakery? This is a super-easy Boston Cream Pie recipe that doesn’t even require pre-heating!

Ingredients

• Pound cake (defrosted and sliced)
• Jell-o chocolate pudding cup
• Cool-Whip
• Strawberries (optional)

Take a thick slice of pound cake and top with some of the Jell-o pudding cup. I got three cake slices from one pudding cup. Top with Cool-Whip and garnish with a strawberry.

(And you didn’t even have to turn on the oven! Perfect for outdoor cooking!)

Catch Those Bluegill!

Bluegill are a tasty pan fish that are a hoot to catch for kids and adults alike. When I was up at White Horse Lake a few weeks ago, they were the ONLY thing that was biting!

And for some reason, bluegill are the stereotypical “my first fish”. I can’t explain it, but I’ve seen it time and time again!

 

LOCATION
The best bluegill fishing usually occurs in lakes and ponds where largemouth bass are so abundant that the bass growth rate has slowed. That’s not good for bass fishing, but the sheer number of bass makes for great bluegill fishing. Small bass in the 8- to 10-inch range will prey on the small bluegills.

This limits competition for food, thus allowing the surviving bluegills to feed and grow to quality sizes. If fisheries biologists have imposed a bass slot limit on a lake to protect the bass in the 12- to 15-inch range, it means the water has an abundance of small bass that feed on bluegills.

However, many lakes here in Northern Arizona have fishable populations of both trout and bluegill. The only issue with our put-and-take lakes? The bluegill don’t get very big!

Do you know where to go for either bass or bluegill? EatStayPlay.com has your answers!

 

TACKLE
Bluegill do not grow to huge sizes, so select your rod and reel accordingly. An ultra-light rod and reel with light line will allow you to feel the bluegill’s bite more effectively and you will catch more fish. In clear water, light line is less likely to be detected by fish. Line weights from 2- to 6-lbs test work best.

Larger bluegills can be spooked by heavier line, but most importantly, light line makes it easier to cast smaller baits. If possible, do not use sinkers. However, it may be necessary to use a small split shot or slip weight to make a long cast. Try a 1/64-ounce or 1/32-ounce worm weight above a small bead attached to the line about 10 inches above the bait. If you choose to use a bobber, make it the smallest you can find. Strike indicators, like those used by fly fishermen, are best.

Hook sizes from #6 to #10 are most effective. Hooks with long shanks will allow you to more easily remove them from the bluegill’s tiny mouth and thin wire hooks work best for holding small baits.

BAIT
Live bait works especially well for bluegill. The most common baits are worms and night crawlers. The key is to use only a piece of a worm – just enough to cover the hook (keeping it small!) Other productive baits include crickets, grasshoppers, red wrigglers, and meal worms. Artificial lures also work well for bluegill. Some of the best lures are black jigs (1/32 ounce and smaller) and tiny spinners.

Personally, I use corn to catch bluegill, but regardless of what bait you like, it will need to be small if you want to catch a lot of bluegill.

TECHNIQUE
Bluegill don’t like to chase their food, so a slow or almost motionless presentation is often best. A small bait hanging below a bobber is usually more than a bluegill can resist. Be sure to use a small bobber – just big enough to float your bait. If your bobber is too large, the bluegill will feel the resistance and spit out the bait. Setting your bobber from 1 to 3 feet deep will usually do the trick, but if fish are deeper you will need to fish deeper. Slip bobbers are a must for the serious bluegill angler, because they allow you to fish at any depth.

At the end of the day, use what works best for you! Good luck and happy fishing. Let me know how it goes!

Product Review: Bisquick Shake ‘n Pour

If you’re anything like me then pancakes are a must-have camping breakfast staple. There’s just something about sitting on a cold cement picnic table in the early morning snarffing down hot, fluffy pancakes that is just perfection.

Of course, I’ve always found the MAKING of pancakes in camp to be messy and difficult! If you’re talented in the kitchen you can always make them from scratch OR even bring a powdered mix and add the wet ingredients. The issue is then having a big enough bowl for mixing, bringing a wire whisk so the attempt is made to have the pancakes fluffy, a large spoon to scoop the batter. And then the cleanup!

And if you don’t deal with pancake batter right away… Well let’s just say that it can do a pretty good job of FIXING that cement picnic table after it dries in the bottom of the bowl!

Enter: Bisquick Shake ‘n Pour Buttermilk Pancake Mix

I had seen it in the stores but was certain that it wouldn’t live up to the reputation: light, fluffy pancakes with no mixing mess. It couldn’t be THAT good, right?

Ha! It was better!

Code Wolf & I had the 10.6 oz container which promised 12-15 4-inch pancakes. All we needed was some cold water, shake and ta-dah! (Of course, I forgot my measuring cup so I estimated with a water bottle…)

It did take some shaking and tapping to get all the batter mixed in so make sure that you have somebody really shake the jar hard. I was impressed that the lid didn’t pop off the container or have any leakage AT ALL.

Then pour a dab of batter into a hot, greased skillet and INSTANT fluffy pancakes!

There was no way that just two of us could use a whole bottle of batter in just one sitting. But the left-over batter is good for up to 3 days refrigerated. So I just popped it back into the ice chest and we had pancakes the next morning too.

And as for the 12-15 pancakes, we ended up with 17 between the two breakfasts. If I had gotten really aggressive with the bit of batter left in the bottle, I think I could have made one more.

The only thing that is a bit of a negative is the price: $2.99. I expect to pay a bit more for the convenience for when I’m cooking outside. You’d need multiple bottles to feed a larger family or a whole host of kids. But the trade-off in easy: that’s priceless!

Readers Weigh In:

• Have you tried Bisquick Shake ‘n Pour Buttermilk Pancake Mix? What was your experience?
• What type of camping convenience products do you love?

Links are to my Amazon.com affiliate account.

Guest Author: Pony Express Trail

Geocaching via the Pony Express Trail

By Steve Allen aka MO PIRATE

By now, I believe most folks know about the worldwide treasure hunting game called geocaching.

Using a GPS receiver and the satellites that transmit the signals to them, geocachers can get a “fix” on the location of over 1.3 million hidden containers around the world.

I’m sure the Pony Express riders from days gone by would have loved to have been able to use the GPS technology to help them in their trek across the Wild West.

Now, a new Pony Express Adventure can be had by trying your skills on the “Pony Express Trail Challenge” (GC1PRHM) geocache. It is a puzzle-type geocache by MO PIRATE where you need to “ride” the trail to find 10 traditional geocaches hidden by folks at or near Pony Express Stations, ruins of stations, statues, markers, or signs along the original trail of 1966 miles from St Joseph, MO to Sacramento, CA.

One geocache must be found from each state that the trail crossed and any two additional geocaches so long as all 10 are at qualifying sites.

A bookmark list of over 85 eligible geocaches is provided on the challenge website. Others may exist along the trail and could be counted as long as you check with the cache owner first.

Once you find a qualifying geocache, log your find and take a digital photograph of yourself at the site. E-mail all 10 of the geocache finds along with the pictures to the “challenge” owner (MO PIRATE). Once verified, I will send you the coordinates to the Grand Finale of this challenge (in St Joseph, MO) where you can sign the log and also get your username inscribed on a nameplate for the “Challenge Wall Plaque” which hangs proudly in the lobby of the Pony Express stable Museum in St Joseph, MO for all to see and enjoy.

For more information on this adventure, go to GC1PRHM. You’ll find all requirements and helpful hints to aid your travels.

If you want to ask any questions about the challenge just e-mail me Steve Allen aka MO PIRATE at packerbacker31@hotmail.com.

Just in time for FREE TUESDAY!

That’s right, the Grand Canyon National Park will be waiving it’s entry fees tomorrow, Tuesday June 21, 2011. You’ll not only save the $25-per-vehicle entry fee on Tuesday–you can also attend a free stargazing party, with astronomers on hand to demystify the night sky.

You can get your FREE guide to the Grand Canyon: North & South Rims from EatStayPlay.com.

The Grand Canyon Recreation Guide is an instant-download e-book. It has over 45 pages of information and covers both rims. The Grand Canyon Recreation Guide is the ONLY recreation guide to do that!

And, the best news? It’s FREE!

Your eGuide is a 48 page printable Adobe .pdf book. It is Mac and PC compatible and you can print it all, a selection of pages, or save it to your laptop computer to take with you.

Do you own a Grand Canyon business? Would you like to promote it in the Guide? Contact Kim at Info@EatStayPlay.com Pricing starts at just $50 for an ad that will be seen by THOUSANDS of visitors.

Star Party
Free stargazing events are scheduled each night at the park through June 25.

On Tuesday, the 21st Grand Canyon Star Party event will start at 8:10 p.m. on the Grand Canyon’s South Rim with a slide show inside the visitor center, followed by telescope viewing. Volunteers from amateur astronomer clubs help visitors pick out Saturn and other stars and galaxies, according to the park’s website.

On the North Rim, telescopes are set up on the porch of the Grand Canyon Lodge.

I found what looked like a really neat recipe in one of ESP Boss’ magazines a few weeks ago and just HAD to try it out on last weekend’s camping trip. Of course, I modified the recipe to use “real” ingredients. I just figure that if you’re only using a little bit, why do you REALLY need to subject yourself to the grossness of low-fat mayo and nonfat yogurt?!

INGREDIENTS

• 2 TBS mayonnaise
• 2 TBS plain yogurt (We went all-out and had yummy Greek yogurt!)
• 1/2 tsp chili powder (or to taste)
• 1 lime, quartered
• 4 ears of corn

Combine mayonnaise, yogurt and chili powder in a bowl. We made this before we left for camping so the flavors had about 36 hours to blend. I think it made a big difference so I recommend doing that!

Grill the corn over the campfire. Here’s how: Fun Food Fridays: Barbeque Corn on the Cob (But forgo stuffing butter into the corn husks during cooking!)

Once cooked, smear liberally with the sauce and sprinkle with lime juice. Yummy!

The original recipe called for shredding Cotija or Parmesan cheese as a topping but I’m not a fan of either so I left it off. Trust me, there was plenty of flavor!

When I collected the ears of corn from the fire, 2 were done and two were only done on one side. I took off all the charred husks, wrapped them loosely in foil, and plunked them back on the grill. By the time we’d eaten our steaks and first ear, the next ears were ready!

 

Readers Weigh In:

• Low-fat, nonfat — gross or what?!
  Do you soak your corn before cooking it over open flame?
  Tin foil: yes or no?

Teaching a Dog to Kayak

This past weekend, I decided to take the EatStayPlay.com mascot dog, Lily, kayaking for the very first time.

Let me just share a few tips I learned on teaching a dog to kayak

1. Invest in a doggy life-vest. Yes, all dogs can swim — it’s instinctual. But, if they leap out of the boat or kayak in the MIDDLE OF THE LAKE do you really want to rely on instinct and pray they don’t get tired?
2. Attach a leash to the life vest AND to the kayak. That way if they do make the plunge, it’s easy to reel them back in.
3. Leave the fishing tackle, camera, lunchbox, etc on shore. You don’t want a squirrely, excited dog AND stuff.
4. Keep the trip short. If the pooch gets stressed, take Fido back to shore. You want it to be fun, not terrifying.
5. Pick a calm day, smaller lake and keep it relatively close to shore. Again, make it fun not scary.
6. If people stress your dog out (love or hate) pick a day with fewer people on shore and on the water.
7. Don’t have anybody else talk to or call for the dog. Maybe they should stay on shore, or in camp, on in another town. (Or maybe out of sight but close enough to help if needed!)
8. Bring towels!

So, I’m sure that you’re just DYING to know how I came up with this list, right?

When Code Wolf and I were camping at White Horse Lake last weekend, I decided that it was high-time Lily learned about kayaking. Now, being the do-anything dog that she is, Lily will let me harass her in pretty much any manner I see fit.

So, I put her in her oh-too-cute life vest, left all the goodies on shore – Rule #3 – (hence no pics of the event) and took off.

And I promptly broke Rule #5!

It was a breezy day that went from flat water to little bitty whitecaps. She did okay when it was calm but the second the kayak would start to rock in the breeze… well, Lily couldn’t decide if she wanted to be in my lap or as far from the paddle as possible.

I felt we were just getting the hang of it, slowing paddling around the lake. Then here comes Code Wolf to check on us. Happily, he calls out: “Lily! How ya’ doin’?” (Rule #7 — shattered!)

And Lily jumps out of my kayak and tries to run to him!

Of course, she promptly sinks WAY below the surface and then bobs back up, courtesy of aforementioned oh-so-cute life vest. (Rule #1)

But never fear, I just grab the leash (Rule #2) and haul her in. But when I started pulling on the leash, her head went under again! Once I got her back into the kayak I was practically screaming with laughter.

She took offense to that!

After making a half-hearted attempt to continue on around the lake, I gave it up as a bad job and head back to shore. (Rule #4)

Of course, of COURSE, there were people all over the boat launch fishing. (Rule #6) And Lily doesn’t like kids at the best of times but when she’s cold, wet and suffering the indignity of having jumped into the lake… Lots of loud barking ensued.

Once I had Lily back out of the kayak (I dumped her over the side into tummy-depth-on-a-small-dog water — again, I’ll never be forgiven) I hauled her back to the truck.

Thankfully, I had a towel in there. Don’t ask me why, but at the very least, I was able to comply with Rule #8.

Will I take Lily kayaking again? Absolutely! Will I plan it a bit better? Of course! Will she ever forgive me? Maybe, maybe not!

Readers Weigh In:

• Do you boat or kayak with your dog?
• How old was Fido when you started?
• Tips for teaching an old dog new boating tricks?

7 Steps to Perfect S’mores

The Perfect S’mores Technique

S’mores are a quintessential part of any camping trip. And they seem really easy to make right? Toast a marshmallow and smash it between two graham crackers and a half of a Hershey’s chocolate bar.

While that is the basic theory, the reality is so much more!

And, as I learned on last weekend’s camping trip with Code Wolf, writing a whole article about the best way to prepare a s’more really isn’t an unneeded topic. Code Wolf is a camping newbie so it’s really been instrumental to figure out how to fill in the gaps in his outdoor-life knowledge. And s’mores… well, let’s just say that he took to making s’mores like he’s been doing it all his life.

Personally, I think it’s because he had a great teacher!

Do me a favor and FORGET thinking you can make s’mores in a microwave or over a gas stove.

THEY ARE NOT THE SAME!

Give it up: Go camping! Get dirty! Make s’mores like a Princess: over the fire!

 

 

 

Step 1: The fire.
You’ll want an established fire that isn’t too smoky. I like to have it going for at least twenty minutes before I try to make my s’more. That way, the coals are nice and hot and you’ve progressed past the burning kindling and newspaper stage. (Very gross-tasting smoke!)

Step 2: Lower the grate.
This is why I LOVE making s’mores in a campground’s fire ring: the grate! I like it so it’s about 3-4 inches above the top of the flames. I lower the grate early so it starts to get hot.

Step 3: Prepare the toasting boat.
Make a “boat” out of tin foil. I take about a foot-long piece, fold it in half and then fold up the edges. I want a flat-bottom boat that is a bit rigid.

Step 4: The s’more bases
You’ll want a full half of a graham cracker. The closer you get to a complete half, the easier it is to assemble the s’more later.

And do yourself a favor: get the good ones! Please, PLEASE don’t settle for the tasteless store brand! Just like you wouldn’t make a steak with a cheap cut of meat, make your s’mores with the best ingredients!

Top each base with 1/4 to 1/2 of the Hershey’s chocolate bar. I prefer to use 1/4 (that’s 1 row of 3 pieces) because then the whole s’more isn’t so sticky sweet.

Step 5: Melt the chocolate
With the bases in the boat, you’ll place the boat on the heated grate. I like them close to the flames but not directly OVER. I’m trying to get it so my chocolate is a bit melted at the time the marshmallow is toasted.

Step 6: Toast the marshmallow
I know there are people who like their marshmallows burnt black. And while I do enjoy a turn-your-teeth-black, make-every-dentist-in-the-world-cringe charred marshmallow occasionally, that isn’t how I like my marshmallow for a s’more.

I toast mine until they’re evenly browned.

Here’s the trick:

• no more than 1 marshmallow on the stick at a time
• keep it moving (rotating)
• keep it just above the flames so it’s HEAT not FIRE that does the cooking

My friends Les & Kathy gave me a set of Mallow Masters by Barr Brothers. These things are GREAT! The plastic keeps your hands from getting hot and the double tines (retractable) keep the marshmallow in place. Heat doesn’t seem to travel up the prongs. Get Mallow Masters from Amazon.com! (Affiliate link)

Step 7: Assembly
This is where it can get tricky because everything is hot and melting and sticky. It’s okay to ask for help here because you don’t want to get a sugar burn from anything — they’re VERY painful and can be really dangerous!

Transfer the foil boat to a paper plate or picnic table to make life easier!

Place the roasted marshmallow on top of the chocolate and top with the other half of a graham cracker. While gently squeezing the two halves together, slide the stick out of the marshmallow.

This is where the plate comes in handy so when the chocolate oozes out it doesn’t get onto clothes, hands, or the dog!

Let cool just a bit (a burnt tongue interferes with eating a s’more!) and enjoy!

 

Readers Weigh In:

• What’s you s’more making technique?

Geocaching Gear: New Designs

It’s been a while since I highlighted some of my geocaching designs that are available through CafePress.com. Many of my designs are for the Outdoor Princess in your life, but these designs don’t have a princess in sight!

Cache Happy Blue Baseball Jersey
This 100% cotton Baseball Jersey is a sporty hit with both men and women whether you’re in the game or just looking the part in great run-around casual-wear. Choose red, blue or black sleeves.

• 6.1 oz. 100% heavyweight cotton
• Standard fit
• 3/4 length contrasting raglan sleeves

Cache Happy Mug
This mug is the perfect size for your favorite morning beverage or late night brew. It features a large, easy-grip handle. Treat yourself or give as a gift to someone special!

• Measures 3.75″ tall, 3″ diameter
• Dishwasher and microwave safe

Eat. Cache. Crash. (What Else Is There?) PJs
Get your beauty rest in style with this comfy women’s pajama set. These cozy pj’s come with your choice of a soft pink/black or white/black plaid flannel bottom, plus your choice of black or white tee top. The custom, personalized pajamas also make great sweat pants.

• Unisex flannel bottom is 100% cotton (4 oz) & has no fly and no pockets
• Choose a pink/black or white/black plaid bottom
• T-shirt is 100% cotton (4.5 oz) with a contoured, longer length to fit your curves
• Choose a white or black tee top

Peace – Love – Geocaching Messenger Bag
From school, to carrying your laptop, to a hip alternative diaper bag, our versatile, spacious messenger bag is practically all you need to get you through every stage of your life — and look hip doing it.

• One front adjustable clasp closure.
• Main compartment has inside slip pocket.
• Front panel has zipper compartment.
• Adjustable 2″ shoulder strap.
• 600 Denier Polyester
• Size: 14 1/2″ x 12″ x 5″

Peace – Love – Geocaching Dark Tee
Look cool without breaking the bank. Our durable, high-quality, pre-shrunk 100% cotton t-shirt is what to wear when you want to go comfortably casual. Preshrunk, durable and guaranteed.

• 5.6 oz. 100% cotton
• Standard fit
• Available in a variety of dark colors

And, as always, if there’s a design you’d like in a certain color, just leave me a comment and I’ll be happy to create it for you!

I’m back from the maiden voyage of Skippy the Tent Trailer! For our “shake down cruise,” a friend & I decided to stick pretty close to home by heading to Williams. We stayed at White Horse Lake Campground which is the largest campground in the Williams area.

Here are some of the things we learned:

1. Pull-through campsites mean you don’t have to *gasp* back up the trailer!
2. You’ll always forget something you need (bow saw, syrup for pancakes, Lily’s tick medicine.)
3. Leave early (Thursdays are good) to get a pull-though campsite.
4. Stop and snap pics of the sheep.
5. White Horse Lake Campground doesn’t have a single pull-through campsite.
6. There is a perfect speed that makes dirt roads less bumpy.
7. You’ll always follow somebody who doesn’t know this and drives so slow your teeth rattle out of your head.
8. No matter how fast or slow you drive, everything will be covered in dust!
9. S’mores are the best when the chocolate is a little bit melted.
10. The Forest Ranger will always come to your camp to invite you to their evening talk RIGHT as you are burning dinner.
11. Get dirty.
12. After twenty minutes of trying to back the tent trailer into the campsite RIGHT WHERE IT IS NOW is good enough.
13. Oatmeal Stout beer and s’mores go together surprisingly well.
14. Bring more trash bags and paper towels than you think you’ll need.
15. Dogs are bed hogs.
16. No matter how short you cut your fingernails, they WILL get dirty.
17. When your friend tells you you’re over-packing, ignore him. He’ll appreciate all the “extra” things you bring.
18. Always bring sweatpants to sleep in.
19. Take plenty of pictures!
20. Put extra sunscreen on your nose. You’ll regret it later if you don’t!
21. When you just can’t get the tent trailer to come down, find another tent trailer owner and beg for help.
22. Keep an extra beer on hand to offer to said tent-trailer helper.
23. It takes Lily 24 hours to get into the groove of camping.
24. Three days without a shower is my limit.
25. When your dog jumps out of the kayak, be thankful you not only put her in her life vest, you attached it to the kayak!
26. Meals taste better outside.
27. Sleep in at least one morning.
28. Have the first meal of the trip already cooked so all you have to do it heat it up.
29. When you’re saying “Yes dear!” while gritting your teeth, it’s time to stop trying to back up the trailer and time to start heating dinner!
30. Bring plenty of snack food.
31. Buy enough wood to have a fire and then collect more to keep it going.
32. No matter what you do, cooking corn over the campfire will get you filthy!