Food for Kayak Camping

As summer starts to wind down, I start to get excited about kayak camping trips.  Our favorite "get-away" is to load up our kayaks and go on a wilderness kayak camping trip.  Usually we do a whitewater river trip of a week or so but also we will jaunt off in our sea kayaks to various locations on the coast.  Coming up later this month, we are guiding a sea kayak trip on California's Lost Coast.

Kayak camping on the Owhyee River.

Food preparation for self-support kayak trips can be a daunting task.  I enjoy the challenge and get better with each trip that we do.  Most of our meals are one pot meals a protein, starch, and lots of vegetables.

One pot meals make for easy prep and minimal cleanup.

Many paddlers buy pre-packaged dehydrated meals.  This is a convenient way to plan, pack, and prepare meals in the backcountry.  I usually keep a few pre-packaged meals around for emergency supplies and for extra food on our trips because they are lightweight, don't take up much space, are easily prepared, and have a long shelf life.  The disadvantages of prepackaged meals are that they are usually high in sodium and are expensive.  For these reasons, I prefer to create my own meals.

To minimize dishes, we often eat right out of the pot.  It was a good meal when the pot looks like this.

There are a lot of good resources and recipes on the internet for backpacking food.  One of my favorites is BackpackingChef.com.  This site is helpful because it has directions for dehydrating your own food and serving sizes for dehydrated food.  He also has some good recipe ideas.

My new favorite site for backpacking recipes is Dirty Gourmet.com.  A nice resource that they have compiled is backpacking foods that you can find at the local market.  It is less expensive than the prepackaged backpack specific meals.  It gives you ideas so you can shop for Non- GMO, gluten free, organic or other dietary options.  I also like the Dirty Gourmet's recipes.  When Jeff and I did 10 days on the John Day River this spring, I made a variation of their Thai Coconut Soup.  Jeff is allergic to soy so I used freeze dried chicken instead of soy.  It was delicious!!!

Preparing Thai Coconut Soup on a kayak camping trip.

 When planning food for a trip, planning your menu is key regardless of whether you buy or make your own meals.  I usually scratch out all my menu ideas on paper then mix and match what foods would be best on what day.  If I am packing fresh produce, I plan my meals that need produce at the beginning of the trip.  Planning the menu also helps you with shopping for ingredients and preparing and packaging the meals.

Fresh vegetables are a luxury for us on kayak camping trips.

For food preparation at home, I definitely use my dehydrator.  This time of the year, our summer garden is bountiful.  What we aren't going to eat, share, or trade, I will dehydrate for our future camping trips.  Right now, I am dehydrating zucchini chips for dipping in hummus, ceviche, crab dip, or tuna salad. (Down Home Foods in Fort Bragg carries Fantastic Foods Dehydrated Hummus.  It is tasty and easy to pack and prepare).

Dehydrating zucchini from our garden into zucchini chips.

Kale, broccoli, carrots, onions, roma and cherry tomatoes, apples, pears, huckleberries, and king boletes (porchini mushrooms) are seasonal items in my dehydrator.  Dehydrated vegetables are easily added to soups, mac and cheese, instant potatoes, instant rice, or pasta during the cooking process.   I dehydrate my own spaghetti sauce (homemade or store bought).  One of my favorite wilderness meals is dehydrated spaghetti squash with spaghetti sauce and a protein (chicken, beef, or fish).

Dehydrated spaghetti sauce.

Dehydrating spaghetti squash.  YUM!

Buying tuna, salmon, or chicken in packets is an easy way to add protein to a meal.  I also use freeze dried chicken or catch fish depending upon where we are camping.  For eggs, we have found Ova Easy Eggs to be the best.

Using a handline to fish for rock cod on the Mendocino Coast.

Spices and seasonings are essential if you are preparing meals from scratch and want them to taste good.  We carry our favorite spices in our camp kitchen kit and small packets of chicken bullion.  Of course, it is important to plan and pack special treats and snacks - maybe some fresh fruit or vegetables but definitely chocolate.  Huppybars are a staple in my snack bag.  Hot chocolate also is a necessity on chilly nights.

Snacks and special treats.

These are but a few of my backcountry food ideas.  If you enjoyed reading about them, I will share more including some of my favorite recipes.  Please share in the comments if you have other good resources or recipes.

Kayak camping on California's Lost Coast.

Lost Coast Sea Kayak Trip 2016

The winds blew and blew and blew all summer long.  We would have a couple days of lull and then blowing, blowing, blowing.  Fall has begun and the winds are blowing again.  Liquid Fusion Kayaking had another busy summer season.  Last week we finally saw a couple of days with no tours or classes and the wind stopped blowing.  Our end of summer projects - bookkeeping, paperwork, website updates, and house work took a backseat as we seized the opportunity for a sea kayak trip into the Lost Coast.

All loaded and preparing to launch through the surf. Photo by Jeff Laxier.

Just to the north of the Mendocino Coast is California's Lost Coast.  It is a rugged area that is so steep that CA's Highway 1 routes inland for 80 miles.  For backpackers and kayakers, it is a popular destination but one that is arduous and challenging.  The challenge for sea kayakers is that the Lost Coast is very exposed to wind and swell and also prone to fog.  Launching and landing can be challenging as most of the coast is lined with steep cliffs.  Most of the potential beaches for landing are steep with dumping waves that can be quite powerful and treacherous - even on days when the swell is small.

Jeff Laxier launching through rocks n surf on the Lost Coast. Photo by Cate Hawthorne

Food preparation was a bit rushed but fortunately I had been dehydrating veggies from our garden all summer for just an occasion.  Throw in a few Huppybars and some other goodies and we were set.

Nutritious and delicious food for our trip. Photo by Cate Hawthorne

Even on small swell days, launching and landing on the Lost Coast always involves surf.  Once we were launched, we were treated to a spectacular paddle with sunny skies and glassy seas.  We enjoyed the presence of numerous pelagic birds (murres, murrelets, aukelets, loons, cormorants, and pelicans) and a couple of humpback whales including a juvenile humpy who seemed to circle around us.

Glass seas and humpback whales.  Photo by Cate Hawthorne

When we landed on our destination beach, we discovered lots of animal tracks including some fresh large bear tracks.  YIKES!

Fresh bear tracks on the beach. Photo by Cate Hawthorne

I am happy to report that we did not have any wildlife issues on our trip.  A highlight was the regular appearance of a Peregrine Falcon.  The beach where we camped seemed to be in their happy hunting grounds.

Peregrine falcon soaring over our camp.  Photo by Jeff Laxier

The weather during our trip was quite varied.  Our first day was sunny and warm.  We enjoyed a spectacular sunset.

Sunset on the Lost Coast. Photo by Jeff Laxier

The full moon rising over the ridge was equally spectacular.

Full moon rising over our camp.  Photo by Jeff Laxier

Day 2, the fog rolled in.  At times it was so thick that we couldn't see more than 50 yards.  We took this time to catch up on some reading and rest.

Thick fog is not uncommon on the Lost Coast. Photo by Cate Hawthorne

When the fog lifted in the afternoon, we ventured out to paddle and explore.  Things were a bit sporty.

Cate rock gardening on California's Lost Coast. Photo by Jeff Laxier

Day 3 we enjoyed a leisurely morning then packed up and paddled out.  The skies were overcast but the seas were relatively calm.  Our loads being a bit lighter, we explored and played a bit on our return paddle.

Sea kayaking through a sea cave on California's Lost Coast. Photo by Jeff Laxier

Of course, the sun came out just as we were landing.

Final surf landing of the trip.  Photo by Jeff Laxier

As soon as we got home, we celebrated our trip at our favorite local watering hole - Piaci.  A fresh Old Rasputin and Piaci Pizza was the perfect ending to a great trip.

Old Rasputing and Piaci pizza  - a perfect post trip meal. Photo by Cate Hawthorne

Here is a link to more photos from our trip.  For more tales of paddling California's Lost Coast - join us in November at the American Canoe Association's National Paddlesports Conference in Sausalito, CA.

California's Lost Coast. Photo by Cate Hawthorne

2015

Wow - 2016 is rolling along and I haven't shared my 2015 highlights.  I have been running through them in my head and have to say that perhaps the reason that I haven't shared them is that there are so many that I don't know where to begin - not a bad problem to have.  My theme for 2015 was "Carpe Diem" - Seize the Day!

SCORE!!!  A nice crop of Boletus edulis. 

Definitely a highlight of 2015 included a trip to the desert.  Jeff and I had never been to Death Valley before and were seduced by her wonder and beauty.

Lupines blooming in Death Valley National Park

While 2015 was a dismal whitewater kayaking year, it was a great year for playing in the ocean.  The warmer water temperatures of El Nino made things a bit interesting but also the water more inviting for playing.  I rediscovered my love of snorkeling and abalone diving and also threw some Coasteering into the mix.

Kayak fishing became a weekly habit, and we enjoyed lots of fresh rock cod for dinner.

Rock Cod for Dinner

I got out in the surf a quite a bit.  I mixed it up by playing in my new (to me) hp surf kayak as well as in my Jackson Kayak Star.  The speed and carving ability of the surf boat is pure bliss.  The playfulness of the Star is shits n giggles fun.

New to me Mega Bullitt Xs Surf Kayak ready to rip.

Tons of fun bouncing, sliding, and spinning on waves in my Jackson Kayak Playboat

Mountain biking and trail running continued to keep me grounded in 2015.  This year our annual Lost Coast trip ended up being a mountain biking weekend with some friends.  Jeff found his legs and lungs on the Lost Coast and now has the riding stoke.

Mountain biking on California's Lost Coast

The loss of 2 special friends in 2015 was very difficult.  Both of them were lights in this world for me and others.  Our time here is limited.  Don't wait for tomorrow or next year - Carpe Diem!

What does 2016 have in store?  I am hoping for lots of whitewater, surf kayaking, mountain biking, and good times with friends and loved ones.  I hope to share these adventures and things learned along the way in my blog.

Whitewater of the Sea!  Kayaking ocean rock gardens on the Mendocino Coast

Waves Wildlife and Wonder of Mendocino County Video

Jeff and I are just back from an awesome trip to Oregon.  Here's a little recap of our adventures at the Lumpy Waters Symposium in Pacific City, Oregon.  One of the reasons that we love going to Lumpy Waters is because it is predominately kayakers from Oregon and Washington.  Being among a different community of paddlers, we get to hear about different places in the Pacific Northwest..  When we share that we are from Northern California, we get either the "ouuuu - we want to come see you" or a blank look and then an acknowledgement of being near San Francisco.

This year, we stepped up to the plate and volunteered to do a presentation at the symposium on Mendocino County, California.  Neither of us like to talk in front of big groups so we opted to go the video route.  A video is a labor of love.  Countless hours go into brainstorming, collecting footage, editing, and finding the right music.  This video is a little bit longer than I like, but I think it is my best video so far.

Carve out 11 minutes of your day and let me share the Waves, Wildlife, and Wonder of Mendocino County, California with you (please turn the sound on your speakers or put your headphones on).

I hope that you enjoy the video.  If you do, please share it.

New Liquid Fusion Kayaking Videos!

Unfortunately part of being successful in the kayak industry these days is self promotion.  Some are of course better at it than others - that subtle dance of showing off knowledge and skills while being modest.  In our electronic world, videos have become a means of showing off one's stuff as well as sharing one's adventures.  I am a little bit camera shy, but enjoy taking photos and shooting video.  The problem is that I need a deadline to get my butt out of my surf boat or off my mountain bike and onto the computer to create and publish a video.

Last week, Jeff and I were invited to teach and present at The Headwaters Kayak Shop and Headwaters Adventure Company's Albion Bash.  We decided to do a presentation on our adventures in the Lost Coast.  Instead of talking about it, we chose to show who we are and what our adventures have entailed.

Here's a little promotional video for Liquid Fusion Kayaking (which is Jeff and I).

Presenting on the Lost Coast was challenging because it is an area that is quite remote, exposed, and subject to extreme conditions.  Our goal with the video was to share the beauty and wonder of the area, our adventures there both by land and by sea, the challenges of paddling the area, and give an idea of the skills necessary.  Also sharing the fact that there are many days when the Lost Coast is not paddleable.  Take a look at our video and let me know what you think.

Liquid Fusion Kayaking Presents:  The Lost Coast - Adventures by Land and By Sea.

A huge thanks to our friends who have shared these adventures with us.  May there be many more!!!

Shake IT!!!

For those who regularly follow my blog and have been wondering where my posts have been . . . they have been in my head.  I have some great material and am hoping for a rainy winter in Northern California for me to do a bit of writing (and whitewater boating).

Until then you might enjoy reading my latest post for Jackson Kayak about our trip to the Lost Coast using our Karma RG's.

And of course check out the video that I just finished editing of our whitewater of the sea ocean kayak rock gardening adventures on the Mendocino Coast (yes, that's me in the green/blue Karma RG getting worked at Nick's Nightmare and getting a nice wave as the credits roll).

Now Shake It and do your rain dance for Northern California!!!

Bear in the Lost Coast

Last week, Jeff, Bear (our 13 year old Rottweiler), and I ventured into the southern portion of California's Lost Coast. A trip to the Lost Coast the beginning of October has become a tradition as we kick off the celebrations of the month of October (birthday month for both of us). We were looking forward to some camping, mountain biking, hiking, paddling, and lots of rest and relaxation.

As any who have traveled to the Lost Coast know, there are only extremes. The shore breaks are steep and precarious.


The hikes and bike rides are equally as daunting with steep ascents and descents. Other common themes of the Lost Coast are rugged beauty and remoteness - after all this is the only stretch of the California Coastline that isn't accessible by Highway 1.  Of course in this type of territory, one would expect to challenge one's fitness, skills, and mental toughness as well as be treated to some quiet time in the wilderness and some nice wildlife watching.  We were not disappointed. Up, up, we pedaled and hiked. The scenery and views were spectacular.

 
We also enjoyed lots of quiet time in camp relaxing, reading, and birding - passerines gracing the edge of our camp, pelicans diving in the surf, hawks soaring through the sky, and even an owl who glided over our camp each night at dusk.


On our first day mountain biking, a mountain lion jogged down the trail about 20 yards ahead of us. On day three, an elk browsed at the edge of our camp.


Our dog Bear was up for the camping and relaxing end of our trip and was happy to lie in a shady,cool spot in camp while we ventured out. On a warm and sunny afternoon, this seemed to be the best spot for him.

Unfortunately the elk returned and roamed into our camp when we were gone.  Another camper noticed the elk in our camp and chased the elk off just after the elk stomped on Bear.  Without getting into details, Bear did not suffer.

I went for a long hike along the beach and left Jeff with Bear.  As I returned at dusk, a black shape emerged from among the rocks at the waterline.


At first I thought it was a 70-80 pound tailless, black dog.  As the creature scampered up the hillside into the wilderness, I realized that it was a bear cub . . . 

Play Time

All work and no play is no good at all - so sometimes, one has to step away and play.

Sometimes it is in the woods and results in a tasty dinner -

Sometimes it is in a kayak-
Sometimes it is on a bike -

Sometimes it is with a special friend-
Sometimes it is in your backyard-

Sometimes it is on a Lost Coast-

Sometimes you send the boys off to play on their own-

Sometimes it is spontaneous - 1 - 2 - 3 JUMP!!!

Sometimes it is into the sunset-
Life is good - Get out and PLAY!!!