In the summer of 2025, we hiked the AT from Route 9, at Keyes Gap, to the power lines, where it connects to Sweet Run State Park. A day later, at the annual AT festival in Hillsboro, VA, I talked to a Virginia State Parks ranger, who gave me a "get in for free" pass… Continue reading Sweet Run State Park: Farmstead Loop/Mountain View Loop Trails
New Gear: The Countertop 360 Freeze Dryer
We have had a Harvest Right Large freeze-dryer since 2022 and have used it extensively. Often in ways I wasn't expecting. If you'd like to see all our posts on creating shelf-stable food, check them out here. This fall, Harvest Right announced an all-new freeze-dryer, designed from the ground up. It wouldn't be big; it… Continue reading New Gear: The Countertop 360 Freeze Dryer
My Scandalous Affair With Stove Top Stuffing
Long, long ago, in the dark ages of outdoor cooking, there were so few carb options to add to meals. I mean, it was bad enough with how few trail recipes existed then, but we didn't have what exists now. There was no Amazon, full of easy-to-use choices you could have in 1-2 days. Even… Continue reading My Scandalous Affair With Stove Top Stuffing
Mocha Cinnamon Coffee Mix
If you are Gen X, you might have been introduced to coffee through International House Coffee mixes back in the day. The metal tins of powder had a rather weak flavor, yet we loved it if someone’s mom had it in her kitchen. It was a forbidden treat for sure. My Mom did not buy… Continue reading Mocha Cinnamon Coffee Mix
Food Finds: Two Filipino Sweet Treats In A Cup
If you visit H Mart and similar stores, you may have passed these food finds in the ramen aisle and wondered, "What are they?" as they sit next to other meals-in-a-cup from Asian countries. Nora Kitchen is made in the US, not imported, and they carry a big line of Filipino foods. These two items… Continue reading Food Finds: Two Filipino Sweet Treats In A Cup