Monday, July 7, 2008

Camping

We went camping at Standish Hickey State Park over 4th of July weekend. We met my parents and my uncle. It was absolutely perfect weather...got to maybe 85 on Saturday and cooled down into the 50's at night. We went on lots of walks around the campground...and had some delicious (as always) gourmet dutch oven meals. I think...no I know...camping revolves around food. We always have carnitas tacos (courtesy of my dad) on Friday night and carnitas hash and cinnamon rolls from scratch on Saturday morning. My dad recently got in to roasting his own coffee beans, so he brought his popcorn popper camping and we roasted some coffee. It smells a little funky during the roasting process, but boy did it taste good in the morning!!! Below are the green coffee beans

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Below is the roasting process...you have to blow off the bean sheaths (I don't think that's what it's really called, but I can't remember the name).

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And finally you have beautifully roasted coffee beans!!! Go Dad!

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Here were a couple of our wild life finds...one huge banana slug and an inch worm.

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Here are a couple of pictures Steve took when he and my dad went down to the river.

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The name of the game for the weekend is to RELAX...which is exactly what we did. My mom and I did a little scrapbooking and the guys made their trip to the store for ice and sat around reading.

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My uncle always cooks dinner on Saturday night...it changes, but is ALWAYS delicious. This year it is was chicken and pesto pasta.  Isn't it pretty?!!

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And for dessert...chocolate pudding cake with tag-team whipped cream. I think we all got our forearm workout whipping the cream!!

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Sunday morning was another first...we had biscuits (again from scratch) and gravy with sausage...mmmm good!

I love going camping!!! We always have such a great time. Can't wait for the next time!

8 comments:

Susan said...

Looks like you guys had a good weekend...wish we could have been there.

Trisha said...

It's so cool that you've been able to keep up this tradition with your family! And the food looks fabulous!

Anne said...

We wish you guys could have been there too! Maybe one of these times it'll work out for you guys to come visit in the summer and we can sneak a camping trip in.

Shirley said...

Hi I really like your blog. Your camping pictures are great.

Anne said...

Yay Mom!!! You got signed in :)

Adrienne said...

Your camping trip looks amazing! and the food!!! WOW I never knew you could cook like that while camping! Were going camping next week - Im a little nervous with Mason and all! We really don't know how to camp that great so it will be an interesting experience! My cousins and I have organized this adventure with many little ones...

Anne said...

Adrienne, I'm sure you guys will have a great time next week...and don't worry the current style of camping came after MANY years of practice :)

Daffney Lauren said...

yummy, i don't even have food that wonderful when i am at home or go out to eat... i am jealous!