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INDEX
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How To Make Your Campsite A Castle
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Part One. Just how are you getting to your castle in the outback?
Whenever I think of camping I see myself relaxing way far away from the urban crowds. I see myself in a mountain clearing, or in the desert with the wind at my back and the setting sun before me. I do not see myself getting there, but it does
happen.
Any trip should begin with a planning session. This doesn't have to be a formal meeting, but it should happen anyway. When you do a breakdown of the steps needed to get to camp, getting there is number two. Number one is where you are going.
Usually a trip starts with the idea filtering out of your subconscious into the real world. It can happen like this: 'I can't stand it any longer! I have to get away! I'm going to go camping at ACME National Park and Reserve for Wackos right now.'
This happens to me a lot. You now have motive and destination. A cup of tea and a scone will help settle the nerves and give you time to formulate the 'how' of it all.
I subscribe to the Paranoia School of Road Trip and Planning. My home base is 2400+ miles away so I do things just a little bit differently out here. Still, planning always comes first.
The following list is a starting point for you to build on for your trip planning. Every family or group will have slightly different needs and concerns, so feel free to tailor it to suit your personal needs.
- Define the destination
- Weather, and the time of year you are going
- Road conditions, mileage and time estimates
- How many people are going
- What kind of vehicle are you taking, or are you part of a caravan
- Maps
- Support systems
- Emergency contacts
Let's take each item and fit it into the plan.
1. Define the destination. Unless you have unlimited time and resources, try to select a camp site close enough to your home that you can get to in a reasonable amount of time. I think I am becoming the
Queen of Drive-By Camping. But it suits me to do so. Are you willing to spend a major portion of your time budget in the car? If not, try for a camp that is much closer to where you live, or at least more
easily accessible.
2. Weather, and the time of year you are going. Don't plan an excursion to a remote place at the hottest, wettest, driest, or generally worst climatic time frame. Going to Death Valley in high summer is crazy unless you are a pro with a real
need to go there. Granted, the remote places are usually the best, but be sensible. Extreme conditions require extra supplies which translates into weight. Weight is not your friend, I'll go into this later. Watch the news at least a week before going.
If a big storm is coming, stay home. Try to at least be familiar with what it should be like in terms of the temperature and humidity. This helps you figure out what kind of clothing, food, and assorted gear to pack.
3. Road conditions, mileage and time estimates. Wow, what a mouthful. Know before you go. One of my favorite phrases. If the road to your particular paradise isn't paved, plan on extra time to get there. An
unpaved road can be wonderful. It can also be awful. Unpaved usually means less traffic and fewer options in case of trouble. Allow time to get to your destination and still have fun when you get there. Call
whatever agency you need to get advance information, too. The State Highway Patrol, National Park, or local Chamber of Commerce are good sources of info. Or, how about checking the net?
4. How many people are going. Remember the weight issue? Well, it's back to that topic again. People equate to supplies which further equates to weight. And volume. It looks like we are moving every time
we go camping. Or I think it does. Unless you are very careful, you will be unable to carry the supplies necessary for the trek if many people are going. Plan carefully. It's no fun dragging tons of junk around. If you have to take a crowd, make
everyone tote their share of the stuff.
5. What kind of vehicle are you taking, or are you part of a caravan. If many people go along for the ride, who is driving? Better check with your insurance company before letting any one else drive your car. I
always ask to see the drivers license and insurance card before going on a trip with others. Now, if you have a regular sedan type of vehicle you are limited as to the type of road that you can travel. If you have
a truck you have more options. Four wheel drive gives you even more options. Also, some roads specify high clearance vehicles. If you go out regularly, have your vehicle serviced with great attention to
detail. I have my oil changed every 3000 miles no matter what and I also have the manufacturers recommended service done when it says to have it done. Paranoia do pay! I don't have many problems because I don't ask for them.
![[compass]](http://www.bovagems.com/eclectic/gfx/97_Jul/compass.jpg)
Now a word about caravaning…actually several. If you travel in multi-vehicle groups, make certain that each driver has a copy of the map. Don't rely on the old 'Well, just follow me' routine. There should be a copy of the map and directions in each
vehicle. No exceptions.
6. Maps. The little things won't do you any good if you leave them at home. Take as many different types as you need to with you. Even look at them from time to time.
7. Support systems. Are you carrying all of your supplies, or do you know absolutely for certain that you can get the things you need on the way? Find out before you leave home.
8. Emergency contacts. Before I leave home, I always, ALWAYS, let two people know where I am going and when I am due back. In case of trouble, do you have someone that you can call? Make sure that they
know that you expect them to be available during a specific period of time. Choose carefully before you ask. Also call your contacts when you get back. When the police hunt you down, you will feel silly
explaining the 'I forgot to call' to them. At this point they will not be amused.
By now, I hope that you are getting the idea. A little planning ahead will save you trouble later. It might even make your trip more enjoyable.
By Golly, I just happened to come across an old file with recipes in it. Oh My! There's nothing so good as a freshly baked scone at camp.
SCONES
Large Batch
4 c. plain flour
2 t. sugar
1 t. baking powder
2 T. baking soda
1/2 T. salt
1/2 c. currants (or raisins)
2 egg yolks
1/2 c. unsalted butter
1 1/3 c. cream
- preheat oven to 400 degrees
- combine dry ingredients in a large bowl
- cut in the butter, this works best if the butter is cold, a food processor does this step well
- stir in currants
- beat egg yolks in a medium bowl
- add cream to egg yolks and whisk together
- add cream to flour and stir only enough to moisten the flour
- turn dough out onto a floured board and pat out to the desired thickness, do not work the dough, use only enough flour to keep it from sticking to you and the cutter
- use a small cookie cutter or juice glass to cut out shapes
- place the scones on a cookie sheet that has been lined with foil
- use a little more cream to brush the tops of the scones
- bake at 400 degrees for 10-15 minutes or until golden
- gather remaining dough and reuse any scraps
- cool and serve with whipped cream and jam
[Ed. Note for non-cooks: c = one measuring cup; t = one measuring teaspoon; T = 1 measuring Tablespoon which is same as 3 measuring teaspoons. If you first press your cookie cutter or glass into a small amount of flour, it won't stick to the
dough.]
SCONES
Small Batch
2 c. plain flour
1/3 c. sugar
2 T. baking powder
1 T. salt
4 t. unsalted butter
3/4 c. cream, or milk
1 egg
1/2 c. currants (or raisins)
1 egg yolk
2 t. cold water
- preheat oven to 400 degrees
- combine dry ingredients in a large bowl
- cut in the butter, this works best if the butter is cold, a food processor does this step well
- stir in currants
- beat egg yolks in a medium bowl
- add cream to egg yolks and whisk together
- add cream to flour and stir only enough to moisten the flour
- turn dough out onto a floured board and pat out to the desired thickness, do not work the dough, use only enough flour to keep it from sticking to you and the cutter
- use a small cookie cutter or juice glass to cut out shapes
- place the scones on a cookie sheet that has been lined with foil
- use a little more cream to brush the tops of the scones
- bake at 400 degrees for 10-15 minutes or until golden
- gather remaining dough and reuse any scraps
- cool and serve with whipped cream and jam
Lemon Curd
4 eggs, beaten
1/2 c. butter, cut in small pieces
2 c. sugar
1 c. lemon juice (about 4 lemons)
grated rind from 4 lemons ( use about 1/2 T. lemon extract otherwise)
- combine all ingredients in the top of a double boiler over simmering water
- stir constantly!!! until it begins to cook
- stir occasionally after it begins to thicken
- remove from heat after it is as thick and smooth as you like it
- cool until room temperature and then refrigerate
- you can keep it in the refrigerator 1 week
- or, pour hot curd into sterile jars to 1/2 inch of top, top with sterilized lids and screw bands on firmly, let cool in a draft free place. Store in a cool dry place.
- Enjoy hot or cold.
What? No oven at camp? Stay tuned to future articles and I'll tell you how to make a light weight, portable oven. But you can use your dutch oven in the meantime.
Bon Voyage!
Jan Noble
The Steel Magnolia
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Copyright, 1997 by Jan Noble
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Writer, traveler, contract E/M designer, rockhound and Mom are only a few of the descriptions that apply to Jan Noble. When not on assignment, she lives in Atlanta with her husband, two daughters, ten cats and two dogs.
Jan is a genuine lover of geology and enjoys taking her children with her on field trips when ever time permits. She
always has rocks in her pockets and time to hear a good story. Besides filling her time with rock hunting, writing and work, she tutors her youngest daughter in home school. She's a loving mother and talented writer.
Jan can be reached at inthewind@mindspring.com.
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