Tunica Bayou Overlook

It's a nice view from camp, but I didn't get much further afield. I caught a cold last week and still coughing, weak, and sleeping poorly. I didn't hunt, just hung around camp and got some much- needed rest. It was efficient enough, to have pre- packed my gear this time; don't dawdle, just grab it and go. I keep threatening to leave directly from work, but I worry about the security of my stuff left in the truck all day, and about heat damage when it is warm weather. I got up Saturday , after another poor sleep, and hopped insto my clothes. It didn't seem as cold as the forecast, but felt damp. I reached to put some peppermints in my T- shirt pocket, but couldn't find the pocket. I had put it on backwards! Next, I discovered that my long- john bottoms were also on backwards. I won't bother to detail how I made that discovery. So I stripped down and started over. Sunday morning was clear and cool, low 30's, but I didn't hunt. I saw those hawks again, and must re- check a field guide. They really do have a white wing with dark patch beneath, and sthis time I could see a white face when one looked my way. I did shoot my bow in the yard a few times. I typically make the mistake of not enough practice during hunting season, spending most time and effort on hunting technique, without enough attention given to my shooting form and accuracy. I did manage to get home with a shoulder roast, and started it baking right away. I usually just wrap venison roasts in foil and bake them plain. They make great sandwiches and hash. I put trimmings and leftovers from this one on the dehydrator, for some kind of one- pot camp grub.

Campdaddy's Recipe: Brown Rice- Veggies one serving

I've always liked brown rice; maybe that stems from my 1960's Mother- Earth mentality. For camping, however, long - cooking brown rice requires a lot of stove fuel or simmering over a fire, and doesn't fit well into my camping style. Years back, I had sampled and dismissed the quick- cook brown rice offerings, as unpalatable. Recently, I decided to try again; got some Uncle Ben's brand instant brown rice and was pleasantly surprised. Maybe their processing has improved, maybe brown rice abstinance during the tenure of my domestication has made me more tolerant. Whatever the reason, I've happily included this product in my pack. Here's an easy one- pot recipe:

1/2 C instant brown rice

2 cubes vegetable bullion

3/4 C water

Combine, cover, simmer 12 minutes, fluff and eat. Vary to suit your taste, with other bullion and/ or seasonings. I like to add dehydrated vegetables, peas, and/or meats, and increase water to 1 C for 2 Tbsp additions).

Left town Sunday night in the rain, tired, hungry, mad, and upset over a half- dozen things. Got to camp without my boots... essentials, it being this wet, and cold, and slippery. Went up on the hill Monday for burial of cousin, Justin. The dreary overcast broke and the sun came out as the procession arrived. I have stuff in B. R. that needs tending, and this weather causes some aches, anyway.