Those Campfire Recipes - Poor Man's Pad Thai

I love easy and I love recipes that you can add to and still keep to the spirit of the dish. Poor Man's Pad Thai is one of those. The original backpacking recipe is simply a package of Top Ramen (the oriental broth flavor) and a big spoonful of peanut butter. This in itself is surprisingly filling but for those that need more you can certainly add.

Traditionally Pad Thai is a street food and varies according to what is available. According to Wikipedia, "Pad Thai or Phat Thai (Thai: ผัดไทย [pʰàt tʰāj], "fried Thai style") is a dish of stir-fried rice noodles with eggs, fish sauce (Thai: น้ำปลา), tamarind juice, red chilli pepper, plus any combination of bean sprouts, shrimp, chicken, or tofu, garnished with crushed peanuts, coriander and lime, the juice of which can be added along with Thai condiments. It is usually served with spring onions and pieces of raw banana flower." Adding elements like this keep it traditional and with a little enginuity be a fun and offbeat campground treat.

Here is what we have tried.
Canned Bean Sprouts
Canned Shrimp
Canned chicken
Chives

The only thing we didn't like was the canned shrimp...good while very hot and fresh but as the dish cooled it got extremely fishy. My favorite is at it's simplest, though. Crunchy peanut butter and garnished with chives...delicious!

My favorite version, just chunky peanut butter and chives.                                                          ©Marcia Mauskopf 2011

Cast Iron At The Campsite? You Bet!

So, J. and I constantly argue...I mean, discuss, how much I can possibly carry to the campsite and not blow a tire on the truck. For years I have tried to minimize as much as possible and that included my kitchen box until last May, when I rolled some hot olive oil around a backpacking pan and right out onto my hand. It was then I started thinking about nice heavy cast iron pans.

Aluminum nested pots are great on the trail but they have their drawbacks and one big one for me is that you have to really control your temps to keep from burning the pot and not everything is easily cooked in these lightweight pots. From pioneers to cowboys on chuckwagons to weekend car campers, cast iron has been the choice tool in the outdoor kitchen.

Once seasoned, cast iron spreads the heat evenly, can be nearly non-stick and is easy to clean. Other than the weight, cast iron has a welcome place in any campsite. Seasoning is easy to do and instructions are available at What's Cooking America.

A favorite piece for many is the dutch oven. You can make most anything in one, from swiss steak to pizza to cherry cobbler. You can learn all about them at Dutch Oven Cooking.

Got a favorite camp recipe? Share it with me and I'll test it here. Great submissions will get blog-kissed with a credit back to you ;-)

I got these to skillets at a garage sale for a song.                                                                           ©Marcia Mauskopf  2011

Diamond Point - Take A Walk And Pick Up A Rock Or Two.

We went on a little adventure on Saturday and found ourselves at Diamond Point, a beautiful place for disbursement camping. You can find Diamond Point by driving on Control Road (64). Go right at the entrance to the Diamond Point Recreational Residences. At the end of the road you can park and walk out to the point.

There is a sign on the road FR 65 going in that gives information on digging for double pointed quartz crystals. The day we drove by there must have been 20 people emptying their cars of shovels and carts to try their luck at finding these pieces resembling New York's famous Herksimer Diamonds.

Diamond Point Trailhead                                                      ©Marcia Mauskopf 2011

Glamping - Is it for you?

How do you feel about this style of camping? I grew up near this campground so when it opened I checked it out. It does look exactly like the pics. Would you do it? Is it over the top? What do you think? Glamping, Santa Barbara Style

Sunday Surfing - Hiking Trail Etiquette

Product Review - CRKT Eat'N Tool

So J. comes home one day and says he ordered these gadgets for our camp kitchen from his tool guy? "Ooookay, ummm, so whatja buy", I hesitantly ask..."well, they're these fork things". About a week later he comes home with  handleless sporks. Well, not quite handleless, but enough to make me question it.

The CRKT Eat'n Tool is a high tech, all in one spork/bottle opener/screwdriver/pry tip/metric wrench conveniently hung off a mini carabiner. It's light weight and sturdy, small enough to make the ultralight backpacker happy and ergonomic enough to keep the camping gourmet satisfied.

Once I got used to it I liked it. I wish the spoon bowl was a bit bigger, but I like old fashioned BIG tablespoons for my morning cereal. J. brought home the black safety coated model, it also comes in a dull silver that for Arizona's hot sun I think might be more comfortable. I didn't test it for this, but I do wonder if left in the hot sun would the black be hotter than all get out?

If you are looking to simplify your kitchen rig, I do recommend the CRKT Eat'n Tool. It does everything it is advertised to do and it's kinda sexy, too.

Sunday Surfing - Hike to Havasupai Falls

I'm looking forward to this being my next good vacation...how about you?

Dinosaur Tracks and Ghost Beads

Just west of Tuba City is an old painted sign...Dinosaur Tracks Here. I yelled turn left and we were off on a bumpy dirt road in search of adventure.

Around 600 feet down the road is a row of wooden Navajo ramadas, this day not yet set up when we arrived. We were approached by a soft spoken guide who offered to show us the tracks in exchange for a small donation. Anticipation rising we agreed and set foot on the worn sandstone to see what was created 160 million years ago.

Navajo Ramada, Tuba City, AZ                                                                                                         ©Marcia Mauskopf 2011

This area is a series of soft swells of red sandstone riddled with the prints of Dilophosaurus dinosaur tracks left in antediluvian mud. Camouflaged in the rock, a splash of water from our guide's bottle brought it to life. For you movie buffs. this is the dinosaur we fell in love with in Jurrasic Park, 3 toed lizards up to 20 feet in length and weighing half a ton, a footprint cast in stone only left to delight our imaginations.

Once shown the prints our guide shyly suggested we see the beadwork his wife makes. I was attracted to a string of brown wooden beads interspersed with green glass beads. "Tell me about these" I asked. "well, those are ghost beads...the wooden ones are cedar berries, they purify and protect from evil spirits." As I put my head through the string of beads and adjusted them around my neck I asked why they were called ghost beads. Our new Navajo friend chuckled and said that in the '60's hippies came through the area and hearing the story of the cedar berries proclaimed them Ghost Beads......

Souvenirs of a trip back in time.                                                                                               ©Marcia Mauskopf 2011

This is an easy hike around that is fascinating for young and old alike. Blink and you'll miss it, your opportunity to take a break from the Highway and walk back into ancient time.

Bell Rock Pathway - Sedona, AZ

So, I had a couple of business type things to do in Sedona week before last and really wanted to take a hike in the somewhat cooler temps out of the city.....and it started raining. Going  on the rocks was out, too slippery for my tastes so I thought I'd finally try Bell Rock Pathway, a baby safe route that winds it's way to  Bell Rock or, taking the longer trail, winds it's way around Courthouse Butte for a leisurely 3 1/2 miles.

I drove to the parking lot, a half mile south of Bell Rock just off SR 179 and by then the rain had turned into a refreshingly soft drizzle. Grabbed an ever present trekking pole and I was on my way down the level path.

Hiking Stick or Lightning Rod...you decide.                                 ©Marcia Mauskopf 2011

I was giggling at myself carrying the pole (bum knee and all) when I heard a sudden crash of thunder, look up and laughed "how cool, thunder...thunder!" looked at the metal pole in my hand and panicked "OH CRAP! LIGHTNING ROD!!!" just another Monsoon Day on a Sedona trail.

How to get there:
Take SR 179 to Bell Rock Pathway turnoff in the village of Oak Creek. Good Facilities, paved lot, bathroom, wide graded trail. You will need a Red Rock pass for this lot.

Rahelio, Your Guide for Sedona Nature Excursions [Mystic Tours]

I laid on the mountaintop feeling the warmth of the sandstone rise through my back to meet the vibration of the drumbeat pounding through my mid-section above. Listening to the Indian prayer chant, the knot in my lower back that had bothered me for 30 years suddenly relaxed and I somehow knew that it would trouble me no more. I opened my eyes to the views of Airport Mesa, the other participants in our group and Rahelio quietly standing beside.

Rahelio is a Toltec Wisdom Teacher making his home in Sedona, AZ. He takes people on tours of a very special nature, enjoying the beauty of Red Rock Country while exploring the spiritual vistas within themselves. Rahelio came to Sedona to live in 1987 after being a guide on Maui, Hawaii. His desire to help people connect with the land was the impetus for working as a guide here.

Toltec Wisdom Teacher, Rahelio                                       ©Marcia Mauskopf 2011

Anyone can hike on the land on their own, but a guided outing by Rahelio brings in the spiritual aspect  that so many miss. Rahelio helps you to experience the magic of ancient sacred land. You will hike, you will learn about the land and a quieter life but more than anything you will experience a quietness of spirit that is unlike anything in your daily life. This is not your Mother's off - road tour, this is a journey into your own connection with Mother Earth. There are many things that have to be experienced...not analyzed or lectured about. While some of the other tours in the valley will give you an education in Spirit, Rahelio helps you experience it in a way that will transform your life.

My experience with Rahelio taught me that when one is open to Spirit there is no need for mood altering chemicals, there is a natural high that comes from a connection to the Earth. He helps bridge the gap from external to internal offering an experience that is as unique as the red land he helps you explore.


For Excursion Information contact Rahelio at:  
Phone: (928) 282-6735 
Email: rahelio@msn.com 
Website: www.rahelio.com

Sunday Surfing - Haunted Canyon

A Word About Dehydration

I bet you thought that I was going to remind you [like everyone else does this time of year] to drink your water...Actually, we're talking about the other kind of dehydraton and how very easy it is to do your own stuff for trail and camp.

I got my dehydrator a lifetime ago...I had the mistaken idea that I would save money with it and quickly realized that there isn't a savings over grocery bought dried fruits unless you have trees. But there is a much better reason to drying your own than saving money. Drying your own gives you access to fruit and veggies with no preservatives and saves a ton of space as you will see in the attached photos.

Of course the fruit can be eaten right out of the bag, but no one really tells you how to use fruit and veggies to cook. Here's what I do. Mid day I figure out how much I'm going to need for the dish that I am making, put it in a nalgene and cover with water. check and shake gently every couple of hours to make sure that the water is absorbed and if you need more water in it. If you are hiking the very act of walking will gently agitate. By dinner time your recipe addition will be re-hydrated and ready to cook.


Home dehydrated foods that are properly stored will last 6 months and if frozen a couple of years. Your main danger is mold. Always examine your dehydrated food for mold issues and dispose if it gets hit. Otherwise, Bon Appetit!

Drying can reduce storage size to 1/4 of original packaging.   ©Marcia Mauskopf 2011

#10 cans of peaches are less than $4 at Costco and peas are on sale for as little as 33¢     ©Marcia Mauskopf 2011

You can even dry lemons to flavor your fresh caught trout! This is 11 lemons from my tree. ©Marcia Mauskopf @2011

Field Test - The Master of Faster Low Omni-Tech, Columbia Sportswear

About to climb around Cliff Palace in my Master of Faster Low Omni-Tech's       ©Marcia Mauskopf 2011

A few weeks ago I was contacted by Columbia Sportswear with an offer to try their new The Master of Faster Low Omni-Tech:

"The revolutionary and (super-freakin’-fast) design bridges the gap between a running and multi-sport shoe to keep you light on your feet through all sorts of trail conditions. The breathable mesh upper features Omni-Tech waterproof-breathable technology for protection against the elements, welded seams for minimal-yet-strong support, and a Techlite collar and tongue for a comfortable fit. A three-part Techlite midsole with multiple density settings provides cushioning and support where you need it most, and a high-traction outsole boasts a built-in independent suspension system for great grip no matter what you’re cruising on.  We think you’ll be impressed with its performance and really want to know what you have to say about it.  So…"

....so, here's what I did over a couple week period and how they performed. I found them very lightweight and (almost more importantly) cool in our arid AZ summer temps. Using them the first week I had them as my walking shoe just around town breaking them in. At this point what I found was that for me, they were a little loose in the heel and one tongue did dig into my ankle until they softened up, so this would have been a concern if I were in a store trying them on instead having them sent to me untried. They did, however,  break in very well.

Week two found me on vacation and here is where the fun began. The Master of Faster Low Omni-Tech's traction was good and held on wet sandstone and gravel alike. In Colorado this time of year it rains every afternoon and true to their word my feet stayed dry. Support was good even with my heels feeling loose in the shoes thanks to the design that runs laces all the way to the top of your ankle. But it was the silliest thing that impressed me the most; eight hours of driving and my feet were comfortable. I'm one of those flip flop travelers...you know what I mean...I wear flip flops so I can be barefoot in the car and truly comfortable and I didn't really notice any discomfort with these.

I like The Master of Faster Low Omni-Tech shoes. You will, too.

FTC regulation disclosure: I'm getting 'em for free for testing purposes.

Sunday Surfing - Trail Guides

The internet is an amazing place for research...most take it for granted, but it really wasn't that long ago that you had to get in the car and drive to a library, map shop or forest service to get information on trails. Now with a few strokes we have all the info we need at our fingertips. It's already hot out this morning and I'm thinking hiking around water or at least thinking about water would be nice. Here is just a little of the cruising I did this morning in search of things to see and places to be:

5 Cool Trails For Summer Hikes
Water Tower Trail
Bear Canyon to Seven Falls
Bartlett Lake Camping And Trails

Zuri cooling off after an easy hike along Bartlett Flats                                   ©Marcia Mauskopf 2010

Got a favorite hike? Tell us about it here at The Arizona Hiker Girl, a fun page on FaceBook.

Sunday Surfing - Antelope Canyon

With all the fires raging throughout our State camping and hiking resources are getting a bit limited. I thought for today's Sunday Surfing I would offer an other worldly place that is on my list of explorations and, if you haven't yet been, for you, too. Antelope Canyon is near Page, by the Southern shore of Lake Powell. I'm hoping to entice my favorite hiking partner into a long camping weekend later this summer up here so we can explore this amazing canyon. In the meantime, enjoy this video featuring Jason Ward's beautiful music.

They're Here!

So Check This! A few weeks ago I was contacted by Columbia Sportswear to participate in their Spring Field Test...a pair of shoes would be on their way to me....well, they're here! This is Columbia's Master of Faster Low Omni-Tech. They're on my feet as we speak getting broken in and I'll tell you more about them as I see how they ride. Cool Beans....new shoes, free to me, and I get to write about them, too.

© Marcia Mauskopf 2011

FTC regulation disclosure: I'm getting 'em for free for testing purposes.

 

Sunday Surfing - Syphon Draw Trail

A dog, a trail, what more can one ask for?

Sunday Surfing - Surf Arizona...Seriously

We all like to hike, camp and I think some of us, when the weather here in AZ gets just too hot like to hit the lakes. J. kayaks and I meet the nicest people on the beach...like the 'Brockfish'.

So, I've gotten to know a little bit this guy Chad Brockman...he builds Stand Up Paddleboards...this is some really wicked footage of Chad 'surfing the wave' kicked up by a boat.

GO BROCKFISH!!!!!

 

Secret Wildflowers - North Wilson Trail #123 Sedona, AZ

Sometimes the greater the push the bigger the reward. I certainly am not quite ready for this hike rated strenuous by the NFS, but J. and the dog were game so I agreed to see how far I could go.

North Wilson Trail #123 is a 2.8 mile in and out with a 1450 elevation gain. The trailhead is at the Encinoso Picnic Area about five miles north of Sedona on 89A north.  The first .2 miles or so is like climbing Chase Field...from the Diamond to the nosebleed seats....or at least that's the way it felt. But the views are spectacular even from the lower parts of the trail and the narrow trail winding through tall grass is a delight to the senses.

Boundary of Secret Mountain Wilderness                          ©2011 Marcia Mauskopf

At about 500 feet elevation the trail levels off a bit. It winds around tree trunks split and blackened by lightning strikes and quickly enters into the Secret Mountain Wilderness, which has over 43,950 acres of forest held within the high canyon walls.

Wildflowers overflowed in the middle of the forest.                                                                                     ©2011 Jeff Felske

This part of the trail is so different from what we are used to in Phoenix. The lushness that my memories of California's Central Coast are made of and wildflowers personal to the region. I could have stayed forever but a fast look to the cliff tops told us that the time had melted away and a lack of flashlights made our decision to leave that part of the canyon and head back to the parking lot.


As we broke through the shadows back into the sunshine of the crest of the trail we watched the hikers ahead enjoying the view of Oak Creek and vowed to tackle this trail again and again and again.

Hikers making their way back down the trail.                                    ©2011 Marcia Mauskopf

HOW TO GET THERE:
Take 89A north through Oak Creek Canyon to the Encinoso Picnic area which will be on your left. This will be about five miles north of Sedona. There is a small parking lot here with restrooms and water fountains and ramadas shading picnic tables and charcoal grills. The trailhead itself is directly at the entrance of the park and starts elevating immediately.

Those Campfire Recipes - No Campfire S'Mores

Today is the start of the 'No Open Fires' season here in Maricopa County. Now, I don't know about you, but I equate camping with flames, at night, warming my toes and making childhood treats like pudgy pies, roasted marshmallows and S'mores....

So what's a campfire junk food junkie to do? Make a family activity out of spreading ooey gooey goodness on graham crackers and enjoying S'mores as good as roasting marshmallows without the flames or sticks. Check it out, you are only three ingredients away from having them any time of the day.

No Campfire S'Mores

Nutella
Marshmallow Creme
Graham Crackers

Yup, you got it....spread Nutella on one cracker, treat another to a layer of Marshmallow Creme, smoosh together and fall in love. Best part? Not one bit of refrigeration means that this can even be a backpacking treat ;-)

No Campfire S'Mores                                                                                                                 ©Marcia Mauskopf 2011

Sunday Surfing - Hiking Food 5000 Calories Per Day.

I thought this was really interesting. Good ideas for packing your backpacking, hiking, camping foods. Found this on a really good blog, Eric the Black's Backpacking Blog. I know when I have time I will be digging through this blog more great stuff ;-)

Sunday Surfing - How To Make A Paracord Survival Bracelet

Fun, I just made my first one out of 2mm Gold paracord. It was finished with an overhand knot at the end to slip through the starting loop. Next time I'll get a quick release buckle for a cleaner fit. Mine has about 8 feet of cord.

Are We Facebook Friends?

Hey, check it out...I opened a FaceBook page for The Arizona Hiker Girl and we already have about 35 people chatting and sharing pictures of different trails. I'd love for you to check it out and if you like what you see, well, join ;-) If I get enough activity there I'll approach some of the local outdoors vendors to sponsor some concerts and/or events. So, come by, enjoy, become a part of the party and everyone wins.

Sunday Surfing - Chiricahua National Monument.

Simply Surreal. Anyone been here yet? What was your experience like?

The Grand Canyon and Me, The Changes Over TIme

Out On A Ledge                                                                                      ©2011 Jeff Felske

Some twenty plus years have gone by between my first experience at the Grand Canyon and a spontaneous day trip this Easter weekend. Google maps claimed the drive time as three hours and forty six minutes from my house to the park....a world away from the big city congestion of Phoenix and a universe away from the girl that I was.

I dimly remember the other trip, probably because it just wasn't my thing back then so I didn't file the memories away in that box labeled 'Precious'. I hated the idea of hiking, even walking was labeled "too pedestrian" in my book, and I was merely curious about this big gaping hole labeled one of the World's Great Natural Wonders.

Time changes all and today the parking lot at Mather Point is gigantic, 250 parking spots labeled by animals and numbers a la theme parks, albeit still a short walk to the South Rim Trail. Back then you got out of the car and could almost see the edge from your hood. I remember this because I got out of the car, close enough to be able to see just...how...far...down...it...was, clutched and refused to take even a step farther out of fear. Good enough was a glimpse in real life that showed me less than what the IMAX movie in Tusayan hinted at but hey, saw the movie, got the concept, right?

As the park has improved, so have I. Upgraded changes have smoothed soil and gravel into  handicapped accessible concrete and asphalt trails. Long shallow steps and rails now give safe harbor to even the most fearful. Twenty years of growth has given me a love of the gravel under my feet and fear has been replaced by the innate curiosity to see past the obvious.

As I stood on the edge of the rim balancing in the wind gusts I marveled at the immense grandeur of the scene around me and the fear behind me. The world is a wonderful place as I look 360º around me to appreciate what life has to offer.

Those Campfire Recipes - Tuna Casserole

My best friend the backpacker waxes poetically about his hiking buddy's culinary trail skills. Says his friend wants to make sure that not only does everyone eat good on the trail, but also insure that if he gets sick or injured he continues to do so.


What D. does is pre-package meals at home. All the ingredients are bagged together and the directions written on the ziplock with a sharpie. This way anyone can make a great dinner in camp.

My Tuna Casserole
1 box Au Gratin Potatoes
2 tablespoons Butter
2 1/2 cups Water plus water to rehydrate veggies and potatoes
2 6oz. foils of Tuna
1/3 cup dried milk
1 cup dehydrated vegetables

At lunchtime, place dehydrated veggies in a Nalgene and cover with water. by dinner time they will be re-hydrated.

Mix 1/2 cup of water with dried milk and set aside. Cover potatoes with  water and allow to soften (this cuts down on cooking time).

Once you are ready to cook, Drain potatoes and veggies and then combine with 2 cups hot water, 2 tablespoons butter, sauce mix and milk. Bring to boil, cover and simmer til tender, stirring ocassionally. Add Tuna and allow tuna to come up to temperature of potatoes and serve.

This is so simple in camp that even the kids can do it ;-)                                                                ©Marcia Mauskopf 2011

Sunday Surfing - Arizona Wildflowers

I love lazy Sunday Mornings...sitting on my patio with a jumbo cup of coffee, my laptop and all the time in the world to just...surf. I found this video of Arizona Wildflowers and wanted to share it with you. Pretty flowers, pretty music, a little relaxation from me to you.

Papago Park West Trails

Ok, I admit it....I haven't been out. I caught the Swine-Asian-Bird-Spanish-Hong Kong flu and after 9 days in bed walking around the block left me breathless. But, the ground was calling me. Enter my friend Charlotte, business coach and owner of Moms With A Passion, who wanted to mix business with pleasure as much as I did.

Trail #5 Papago Park West Trails                                                         ©2011 Marcia Mauskopf

We met at the Elliot Ramada Trailhead, a comfortable place for a picnic or casual meeting, with bike racks, water fountain and covered picnic table. The beauty of Papago Park is that you can have a pleasurable desert hiking experience in the middle of big city Phoenix.

The loop trail here is 2.7 miles, part of a network of trails and service road that crisscrosses the park. The loop takes you along the base of Double Butte, skirts the golf course and gently brings you back again. Along the way we took photos, marveled at the glowing pink ears of a jack rabbit backlit in the morning sun and talked about art and whether we should try one of the butte incline trails (the heart was willing but the lungs not so much). Back at the ramada we shared almonds, talked about life and business, laughing at the cactus wrens and squirrels checking out Charlotte's snack bag. A great morning getting my lungs back in shape and enjoying an oasis in the city.

How To Get There:
Take the 101 Loop to 202 West (Red Mountain Freeway). Exit at Priest Drive. Going  North on Priest which will turn into Galvin Parkway. Turn left on Papago Park Road. This will turn right into the parking lot for Elliot Ramada Trailhead. The trail is just beyond and a service road suitable for wheelchairs is to the right and goes up to Elliot Ramada, located at the base of Double Butte.

Joshua Tree.

Ok, so officially this isn't a hike, I'm not even sure it qualifies as a walk but I wanted to share it anyway.

Highway 93 is the Joshua Tree Scenic Highway, and on this particular day a couple of weeks ago it was stormy....like Snoopy's "It was a dark and stormy night" kind of stormy. Route 93 has pullouts along the road and the couple of times I have done it there is usually a little trail that that you can stretch your legs on and enjoy the patches of Joshua trees. I couldn't take it anymore...the skies were too dramatic and the trees stark against the horizon...I pulled off the pavement, jumped out in the mud and climbed a tiny hill with my camera to find this lone tree. Between raindrops I took 3 shots and it was enough. On to Kingman as the raindrops turned into snow flurries.

 Joshua Tree, Highway 93 North of Wickenberg, AZ           ©Marcia Mauskopf 2011

The Desert First Aid Kit

One thing about the desert...it's full of sticky sharp stuff. Cactus spines, delicate fibrous barbs, pointed rocks. And I've managed to brush up against or fallen on all of the above.

While it's always wise to carry at least a basic first aid kit anytime you are playing outdoors, there are some essentials that I just can't do without because they are specifically for this arid environment. They don't take much space, but are so valuable to have when you need them.

• Tweezers
• Duct Tape
• Fine Toothed Comb
• Hand Sanitizer

Maybe some strange bedfellows but all do the job in getting rid of painful, sticky spines (except the sanitizer, that's to make me feel better :-D ). Tweezers for splinters and those big single spines and the fine tooth comb pulls out bunches of smaller ones at one time. Ever looked at a Cholla? All those fine, soft looking little clusters? Painful as all to get out and easiest to "wax" off with a piece of duct tape. Best part? These few things fit in a pocket ready to help at a moment's notice.

Those Campfire Recipes - Strawberry Banana Trail Pudding

When I discovered Freezer Bag Cooking I just about died and went to heaven and wanted to kiss the author that wrote the first recipe that I found. You see, I'm the camp cook (who am I kidding, I'm the all the time cook), and I want to relax in the campground as much as anyone else.  While freezer bag cooking is designed for the trail and I hope to be using it there soon, it makes life in the campground easier and more fun, too.

You'll need:

• 1 Package Instant Banana Pudding (4 serving size)
• 1 Packet Whipped Topping Mix
• 2/3 cup Dry Milk
• 1/2 Cup Dried Strawberries
• 2 Cups Cold Water Plus A Little More For The Strawberries
• 1 Gallon Size Freezer Bag
•  1 Quart Size Freezer Bag

At home, mix the pudding, dream whip and dried milk in the gallon bag, measure your strawberries in the quart bag and pack together. In the campground add a little water to the strawberries, zip shut and set aside to start rehydrating. If you are cooking other things and have hot water, use that as the strawberries plump up faster when the water is warmed.

Add 2 cups cold water to the dry mix and shake for several minutes. If you have kids in your group, this is a fun way to have them participate, handing the bag around the group and everyone takes a turn shaking it. The colder the mixture is, the firmer your pudding will be, so if you have an ice filled cooler, lay it in there for several minutes. once firm, drain excess water from strawberries, mix and serve.

If making this on the trail. it can be eaten as a very soft pudding without chilling, or if access to a patch of snow or a cold stream, it could be chilled using one of those, too.

Where To, Next?

I've decided that I want, no, am going to hike the Grand Canyon. I thought at first about going down Bright Angel Trail to Phantom Ranch and back up to the South Rim, but a conversation with the Guide we hung out with in Sedona last weekend changed my mind....to change the location to Havasupai.

So here's the thing that made me change the location; Bright Angel is about 9 miles down and 9 MILES UP! Havasupai is a little longer, about 12 miles to the bottom and about $85 gets me a ride back up in a helicopter. Talk about Cheap Thrills! Add to this beautiful blue green waters and the chance to see Havasu Falls and Mooney Falls in person, Nirvana, ahhhhh!

I'll have to really train for this. I'm up to about 4 miles now and figure I'll have to add a mile a month to be able to do this hike by next Fall. I'd love to have your help with training tips for this, what will be the longest hike so far.

By User:Moondigger (Own work) [CC-BY-SA-2.5 (www.creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.5)], via Wikimedia Commons

Those Campfire Recipes - Easy Chilequiles

My Mother taught me how to make this easy version of this so good Mexican breakfast. I like it in the campground because once you start with the basic ingredients of tortillas and eggs you can add variations from cheese to beans and always have something warm and good.

This is one of those recipes that I just start throwing stuff in the pan...no measuring, just warm goodness. You'll need the following:

Eggs
Tortillas (corn or flour ok, works well with tortilla chips, too)
Butter

Your choice of:
Shredded cheddar cheese
Salsa or hot sauce
Chopped Tomatoes
Chopped Bacon or Some Sausage
Refried Beans

Start by melting some butter in your frying pan...you'll want a generous amount as the tortillas really absorb the butter and your pan will dry out causing the eggs to stick if you don't keep adding it. Tear up your tortillas and fry in the butter. Once they are crisp, add scrambled raw eggs and any other ingredients except beans and stir until the eggs are cooked. Top with beans and warmed salsa and enjoy.

Tortilla Chips, Eggs, Shredded Cheddar and Salsa.                                                                           ©Marcia Mauskopf 2011

To The Summit - Lookout Mountain

 So the day started like any other Saturday, a big breakfast followed by a drive to a trailhead. We chose Lookout Mountain Circumference Trail. 2.3 miles with 180 feet elevation change.

The trail starts with an incline of about 30 feet....cool, I thought, that takes care of a chunk of the elevation change. A short walk from the start is the fork in the road, a split that gives you the choice of circling the park or going straight up to the summit. Coming down the summit trail was a couple with a little white maltipoo. I figured if that cute little thing with his four inch legs could make it to the top then how hard could it be? That theory might have been just a little bit flawed.

A Little Slip and Slide on loose rock never hurt anyone, right?       ©Marcia Mauskopf 2011

It's a little under a mile round trip with an elevation gain of 436 feet. So we decided to go for it and see how far we could get. The trail started as a moderate uphill climb on loose rock, challenging for me but not a complete screamer, just enough to offer a false sense of confidence. It quickly turned into switchbacks that narrowed into small walls negotiated by stepping into cracks and pulling myself up by rocks along the next wall. We eventually made it to the saddle between the two peaks, the lowest point at the top and an incredible view of the surrounding mountains as well as downtown Phoenix. Noticing just one more trail marker that pointed straight up, we looked at each other and agreed, why not, Never tried anything that steep but slow and easy....

Up on my ledge between two peaks.                                                                                               ©Marcia Mauskopf 2011

WTH was I thinking???? The view was spectacular. Looking up I could see my fingers clutching a couple inches of rock and below my toes were hanging on to 3 inches here and there. In between  my knees were doing the Mambo while my mind went a million places, mostly to a short ledge and lots of feet of sharp loose rock below me....did you see the episode of Sarah Palin's Alaska where she gets stuck rock climbing and whines like crazy with a guide above her on a rope? That was me, sans rope.

While I was considering the best way to get down J. was twenty feet above..."hey, do you mind if I go up to the top?" "Yeah, naw, you go ahead, I'll just uh, hang out here.

I finally managed to claw my way down and called my best friend The Backpacker. "Hey, I made it to the top of a mountain!" "Cool, going out"....

Well, maybe not impressive to anyone else, but I'm pretty full of myself. A year ago I would never have left the parking lot to go up a mountain, in fact that first 30 feet or so would have been enough to send me back to a book in the passenger seat...never would I have guessed back then that I would have been hanging by my fingertips yesterday morning.

Tired, but happy.                                                                            ©Jeff Felske 2011

How To Get There
Take Greenway Parkway to 16th Street and drive south to the trailhead. Be aware, that there isn't a lot of parking, no bathrooms and no water so make sure that you are prepared. Dogs are allowed but must be leashed.

Deadman's Pass Trail, Sedona

Why a name like Deadman's Pass? Just Red Rock romance or is there a back story? Turns out there is. According to Jean Matthews Kindig, author of Sedona Area Names & Place, a Native American grave was found in the area....I don't know if that is enough to scare anyone off, but the morning we slipped and slid over this trail there was no one else in sight.

This is a short and easy trail, just right for me at three miles round trip. The morning we went out was after a recent snow, making the trail slick with ice and mud, surrounded by mini snowfields and trickling melt.

Agave and Snow ©Jeff Felske 2011

On this particular morning it was about 40º and so still you could hear the sounds of the occasional bird moving from branch to branch. We set out to where the Boynton Canyon trail intersects with Deadman's and almost immediately started crossing snow. Once on Deadman's Pass we had incredible Red Rock views and the feeling of solitude.

Snow, ice and mud on the trail. ©Jeff Felske 2011

The trail intersects with Long Canyon Trail giving the option of going another six miles round trip. On this day we turned around and headed back to get to the next part of my Birthday adventure, a Mystic Tour....



How To Get There
Take 89A out to Dry Creek Road and go North. Turn left at Long Canyon Rd. then right on FR152C. The trailhead and parking area (with restrooms) are on your right. You will need a Red Rock Pass to park here. If you are going to go to Sedona more than 3 times in a year you'll save by purchasing the $20 Annual Pass.

Those Campfire Recipes - One Eyed Jacks

This is one of my favorite recipes at the camp kitchen and at my own kitchen, too....mouthwatering buttery goodness, protein, and, if cooked til the yolk is firm, a one handed One Eyed treat ;-)

You'll need the following for each "Jack":

• one egg
• one slice bread (I like sourdough with this)
• one generous pat of butter

This is the easiest recipe in the world. Melt the butter in your pan. Take the slice of bread and tear a hole in the middle about the size of the average egg yolk. Start frying the bread in the pan and break the egg over it so that the yolk hits the hole. Slowly fry/toast the bread until golden and the egg is cooked on the bottom, then flip and fry until the egg is completely cooked.

I like mine runny so it stays on a plate with a fork but if you cook until the yolk is hard you can eat this with one hand making it a perfect run around the campground food.

One Eyed Jacks Sizzling In The Pan ;-)

Diary Of A Hiking Virgin

Why is it that the first time you do ANYTHING it's the hardest? I've been blogging for years and years about my photography and can do it in my sleep but writing about hiking???? Well, here goes:

I guess the place to start is by introducing myself and my place in the hiking world. I didn't have one. I was the girl that when everyone else said "let's see what's on the other side of that hill..." I said, " uh, yeahhhhhhh, you go on ahead and I'll just, hmmm, sit in the car and read. I mean, I used to like to go up in the hills a bit back home in Santa Barbara, but breaking a sweat???? Then I moved here...To North Scottsdale and only an hour and a half from magical Sedona, and I got intrigued by the landscape. It started with little walks around Airport Mesa and then one day last year we parked at Bell Rock, I stared at the opening to the trail and took a deep breath....and did it.

...and I never felt more alive.

Deadman's Pass, Sedona AZ

So this is the place that my journey began and my journal begins...I'll be posting about different hikes and camping trips future and past. My experiences with trails, trail foods and equipment. I invite your comments, conversations and tips as I chronicle my little life with bigger and littler hikes.