This past weekend me, Seth, and J.P. went camping along the Wild Azalea Trail in Kisatchie.  We realize that a lot of you shudder when you read that sentence… the thought of sleeping on the ground, going to the bathroom in a hole, and not bathing is not your idea of a good time.  While I agree that those things are an inconvenience, camping is a great time to reconnect with nature and slow down from the hectic pace of American life.  The sacrifices are worth the rewards but there is one thing I refuse to sacrifice while I camp- good food.  I bring a wok (to cook directly on the coals of the fire), a small camping stove (to boil water for noodles or instant rice), and a French Press with me every time I go hiking and feast on meals like Duck Tikka Masala, Venison Tacos, and Thai Beef Noodle Soup. 

While the suppers are brilliant, making a great breakfast can be more of a challenge.  I could bring in eggs but then I’ve got to worry about breaking them in my pack as well as them sticking to my pots.  I have to worry about milk going sour (as well as the weight of carrying a can of evaporated milk in my pack) so that shrinks my options even further.  This past trip, however, I struck gold.

J.P. joined our group a day late and brought in some Cranberry Almond Oatmeal from the bakery as well as some Baby’s Coffee.  To say that the breakfast the following morning was brilliant is a total understatement.

The aroma of freshly brewed coffee blended with the smell of crackling twigs in the newly reignited fire.  The crunch of the almonds and the tang of the cranberries woke up our senses and kept us warm while we waited for the sun to take away the chill in the air.  I have finally found a trail breakfast that doesn’t taste like a trail breakfast!