This Year’s First Fishing Trip

Our fishing trip turned into a trip back down memory lane as we turned toward our parking spot along side this big river we have fished at for many years. Thinking back to when I took one of my first steelhead trout out of this big river that was something I will never forget. Being from northern Michigan & being like most trout fisherman from this area, one of my favorite spots is on the banks on the south side of Tippy Dam, located on the Manistee River a few miles south of Mesick. Every spring I pack the truck with enough food for three days & a good supply of insect repellent that has been noted to be one important item. This year I have a new SwissGear St. Alban 8 Person Large Family Dome Tent I know it is a little big but it’s a long weekend & I like to be comfortable & have all my gear inside.

I have found a new tripod & Dutch oven that is going to be full of chili on that first evening of camping out.
It just wouldn’t be camping if I didn’t have my grandmother’s old 15 inch cast iron skillet, or one like it.
This is her camping spot you know, she would want me to use it for the first fish caught. I don’t know anything better than fresh fish cooked right on the river bank & I have packed my favorite fish fry mix from camp dog seasonings,
That first evening laying in my warm sleeping bag listing to water rushing down the river; Then out of the night came a blast from the past, Dang _ What the heck is that !  I jumped up almost knocking the tent over.
I had almost forgotten all about that high water alarm when they opened the dam to let water out.
That was one memory I would have rather remembered in a different way. At least I will have good use to new underwear I have packed for this special occasion.

Guest Article Provided by IronCooker

Feature Recipe

Dutch ovens and dutch oven recipes are favorites for fellow campers, after all who doesn’t like good eats!

Hobo Stew Dutch Oven Recipe

With this recipe you will need a 10 inch dutch oven.

Ingredients:

• 3 potatoes
• 3 carrots
• 1/4 head cabbage
• 3 celery stalks
• 1 lb. smoked sausage
• 1 Tbsp. lemon pepper
• 1 Tbsp. black pepper
• Water

Directions:

• Dice the potatoes, carrots, celery.
• Shred the cabbage.
• Cut the sausage into 1 inch pieces.
• Combine all ingredients in the dutch oven.
• Add just enough water to cover.
• Place over coals and cook 2 hours or until fork can be inserted into the carrots without trouble.

Serves 4

Double the ingredients in a 12 inch dutch oven to serve 6 to 8.

Thanks to Dutch Oven Dude for this fine dutch oven recipe.

* I would like to remind everyone to share your favorite recipe with us. We could even feature your recipe.