We returned late last week from an almost two week camping trip. We are grateful to inherit a pop-up tent camper from my Dad. We had a great time at Timberlake Campground near Bryson City, NC (west of Asheville in the Smokey Mountains). Here is a picture of our camp. You can see a creek runs right next to it.
We had a nice Father's Day at our house yesterday. We started off the festivities with a game of Wiffle Ball (me against the three oldest) and then capture the flag (we made up our own every-man-for-himself version). Then we sat on the front porch and enjoyed a glass of iced tea. Then we fired up my new grill (Father's Day present) for some burgers. Caleb helped me flip them. You can see Samantha in the background - her first cookout!
As the grill was heating up, it reminded us of sitting around a campfire, so we decided to build a fire and roast marshmallows. Well, that got us to thinking about camping and so we decided to go ahead and set up the tent and sleep outside! We all had a great time together! I am so thankful for my children; they are blessing from God.
Josiah is posing that he is in the middle of a bite.
You can see the chickens in the background. They are growing fast! We should have some eggs by October.
This is the official report on the success of our camping vittles. First of all, I am happy to write that Dustin turned out to be an excellent campfire chef. The first night we placed foil packs full of chicken, squash, zucchini, and potatoes in the fire. Aside from some stubborn potatoes, it was delicious!
The next night we grilled beef and vegetable kabobs over the fire. Dustin also used coals from the fire to bake biscuits and apple cobbler (if you can beleive it)! On the left you can see them baking on both sides of the fire pit in cast iron pots with coals placed under and on top. It was wonderful.
I made my grand enterance to campfire cooking when I grilled some toast over the fire on our last morning. Dana, Daphne, and Dustin also did some good cookin' on our coleman stove.
Finally, I successfully brewed some cowboy coffee. I bought a percolator that we tried the first night. It took FOREVER and in the end just boiled away. So the next morning I took the percolator part out and tried the cowboy coffee recipe I posted. And it wasn't just good, it was about as good as any coffee I've had. Maybe better. Or maybe the superior taste was enhanced by the fresh morning air and quiet moments by the fire before everyone got up.
This weekend we are going camping with some good friends of ours, Dustin and Daphne. Dustin claims to be a master campfire chef. We always just used the Coleman gas stove growing up, so I will look forward to this smokey cuisine.
My initial concern was how I would secure my morning cup of coffee. The answer: "Cowboy Coffee." I know there are other ways, but I am eager to try this more ancient method. I found this post with instructions on how to make it. Here is the overview:
I will give a report on Dustin's campfire cooking and my cowboy coffee.