I managed an outing this past weekend to a local metropark. Metropark makes it sound crappy. Its actually a 5000 acre oak savanna preserve with over 50 miles in trails. We chose a short hike around a tiny lake. Its a .6 mile loop but we hiked it twice. -on the bridge- -on the trail- On the second lap we looked for a spot for lunch. We stopped at a few small stone shelters w/ fireplaces and picnic tables but it was too hot in them so we opted for a nice table in the shade near the water. -the shelters that were too hot-(we made a mental note to do another outing here in the late fall so that the fireplace would be fun to use) My gear...Kelty Redwing 30 Tactical backpack and HPG V1 Original Kit Bag. This was my first time carrying either of these and I LOVE them! The menu was simple...plain hot dogs and chips for the kids, Tony Packos dogs and pork rinds for me...I used my backpacking stove and my 9.5" Coleman fry pan. I had only used the pan once before so I was looking forward to breaking it in. -cooking action shots- I found a new way to cook the dogs...I put about a ½" of water in the pan and fired up the stove. I waited until most of the water steamed off and then I tossed in the dogs. I kept rolling them over with my tongs. It steams them so they are plump and juicy but still chars the outside too... The kids had Oreo cookies for dessert and I had fruit. The only bad experience was that during the second round of cooking dogs the coating on the pan started peeling and coming off. I had to throw the dogs away and ended up just pitching the pan too... We all had a blast,even though it was a bit warm. We are already planning another hike on a different trail very soon.
