Entries for various contests and challenges, as well as buffoonery and poppycock. |
| This is a place for me to write entries for contests and challenges, as well as general items of nonsensical contents. Although most of these items are short and condensed, they may one day become something more. |
| It's been a while since I've posted an entry here, and it seems like a good place to write this. I was recently in a conversation about dog food over at "What the Fork?" Last year, I made the comment to a friend while camping with them, "I carry a small bag of their (our dogs) food with when we hike, just in case we get lost and have to spend a night out in the wild." He asked what I brought for "people" food, and I had to admit I didn't bring much, maybe a bar or some jerky. I did add, "Since Max and Bellah's food is human grade, they'll just have to share." This, of course, got me thinking about being in a situation where we had to spend a night in the woods. We always carry extra water, a knife, some matches in a ziplock bag, some dry kindling, and a fire starter. We usually have a couple of beef sticks or chunks of jerky, maybe a health bar or two, and a ziplock baggie of Honest Kitchen for the dogs. Not a lot if one is spending the night in the north woods. But, if needed, could we eat some of the dog food? It's a nice balance of protein, nutrients, and fiber. But how bad would it taste? I read the ingredients and it sounded like it was made from a holiday dinner! I also had noted right from the first bag, this dog food smells good! So, I eventually had to try a nugget and see how it tasted. It's not kibbled; the nuggets are roasted. This means they aren't really hard and break apart as soon as they get wet. It also means they are easily chewed. The taste wasn't unpleasant and kind of reminded me of my days in the military when we had D-Rations. I did note right off, this stuff needs salt! I suppose I could grab a handful of salt packs next time we visit a fast food place and put them in the bug-out bag with the rest of our supplies. I may also want a small hiking cup/kettle to put some in, add water and salt, heat over a small fire, and have stew. That is also part of the rescue plan, you know, to make a nice-sized fire. Since we most often hike in state parks, where gathering of firewood is prohibited, and campfires are only allowed in designated areas within fire rings, I figure if I gather firewood, build a fire on the ground outside the designated areas, the park rangers will be there in a short time to make me put it out and give me a fine. Hopefully, they will also give me a ride back to my vehicle. |