Idaho Trails Association - Antz Basin Boulder White Clouds

Hey Steve, you wanna go cook for a work trail party in the White Clouds for a week? Me - Uh yeah. So it was decided and on to menu planning with Jeff Halligan, Executive Director of the Idaho Trail Association (ITA).

The menu has to knock em down, shock and awe. One evening we are going to do Swedish Meatballs and another, Fried Rice and Egg Roll S'mores (recipe compliments of Craig Smith). All the recipes are out of my book (or the new book) and they have been trail tested. Man these guys drink a lot of coffee.


The group that has volunteered are employees of the Idaho Conservation League led by one of the Advisory Board Members of the Idaho Trails Association, John McCarthy.

Did I mention they drink a lot of coffee? The role of a backcountry chef takes on a different look with each group dynamic. The certainty is, there must be filtered water at all times for the work party as the work is hard and they must stay hydrated. The food must have horsepower and sustain the calories lost. Fresh fruit and vegetables are more difficult. They don't keep fresh. So, carb loading like Pasta, Rice, Potatoes is the plan.

The new twist for me on this week long is I normally carry (with help) on my back to the destination. In this case we had heavy loads carried for us but some wonderful pack animals.

We had French Toast and Argentine Style Poblano Peppers and Potatoes for breakfast. Plenty of banter, a couple of nice desserts and nobody left hungry.



If you get a chance to volunteer for one of these work parties you wont regret it. It is a wonderful contribution to our backcountry and if it doesn't get done then the trails deteriorate and become impassable and wont be there for future generations.

The ITA Crew Leader was Clay Jacobson, who recently completed the Idaho Centennial Trail. Clay is passionate about what he does. http://www.idahostatesman.com/outdoors/playing-outdoors/article65572307.html

For more information on how you can volunteer, click here: Idaho Trails Association. It will be one of those things on your tick list you will want to check off.

Special Thanks to:

Jeff Halligan
Clay Jacobson
John McCarthy
Bryce Parker - US Forest Service Wilderness Ranger

And to my sponsors whom without their support, I wouldn't be successful and be able to do what I do.

GSI Outdoors
Camp Chef
Primus
Sierra Designs


Eat Well Outdoors!


Steve


Photo by John McCarthy