PAGE 3) CAN YOU DIG IT? BY RICK MUNRO re It’s fundy how two inches of wood, barely measuring beyond the width of a jackal’s hair, can turn a camping adventure topsyturvy, This {s the short story about Camp Misfit. The camp can be found in the mountain regions of the lower mainland dnd the misfit can be found (quite easily) in the typewriter regions of the Terrace Herald editorial department. Being modest and speaking for every season of the year, the needle jumps to the 183 mark when ever 1 climb onto the weigh scales. During my very first trip through the woods, I carried 60 or so pounds of camping equipment on my shoulders, several items of miscellaneous value and bulky nature in my pant and coat pockets, about 10 pounds of guitar and wore a pair of heavy boots, made heavier after 1 carelessly stepped into several liquid pounds of mountain stream. Passers-by had there been any around me at the time, would likely have stepped and stared, thinking for sure that I was heading inte the bush for a permanent length of time. As the familiar saying goes, I had everything plus the kitchen sink. My kitchen sink however was unlike any others and more commonly referred to as an old tobacco can (sorry that recent government legislation prevents me‘ from mentioning the brand of can). The fact was, however, that I was only walking into the bush for a short camping adventure. As events turned out, though, either I walked into the wrong bush or instead of going camping I should haye gone hiking. With all my total pounds of goods, I could have been far better off had I packed another .003 pounds of equipment. With | all my preparation and time spent in selecting the best weather conditions, I forgot one important thing.,,matches, What I would have given for a jitle stick of wood with a little phosphorus on its tip. I probably would have hung onto my soul but sure as smoke I would have traded all my pots and pans ‘and ever my bundle of kindling for a little wooden or paper match (any brand would do). The unfortunate discovery came at an unfortunale time, My morning’s breakfast had been of the substance to tide me over for many hours. Therefore, after ] had walked several circles in the woods and finally decided on the most suitable campsite, ] had no real appetite.. My throat could have used a little shot of water but the uncomfortable feeling in my boots somehow discouraged me from nearing any ,more mountain streams. Oe With all the skills and os techniques picked up through two wonderful years of cub scouting, I tackled the job of errecting my pup tent. No instructions were needed _ for I was indeed the very top in my former tent classes, . The ground in my opinion was excellent for tenting purposes. This observation probably would not have come to me had some unknown party not come before and seemingly ‘excavated the lot for their own camp. I was grateful for their work. . Now it is written in every book that even experts make * mistakes. The number of mistakes made or possibly repeated by any one individual, determines whether that persan | is a “normal” or “misfit”. being. Maybe I should have examined the site a little more . closely. When the tent was up in good order, I suddenly experienced a drive for food. The job had exploited a little . more energy than at first estimated. Well I simply put labour aside and went about looking for the little home-made camp fire unit I had seen earlier. After touring the site two or three times I-came at a loss in remembering where the fireplace had been, After many ensuing moments of unproductive thinking and increasing growling of stomach, Icame toa startling realization. My path lo becoming a misfil was paved with gold. 1 had planted my pup tent right on the ashes of the old fire...holy smoke. This occurrence did not rest lightly on my mind and | therefore re-established the tent in another (ashless) part of the site. ‘rhis second attempt in showing myself how normal 1 could be, was not really necessary. ; ; When all the kindling was set in place and my hot dog affixed to a twig, I could find no matches. A long and detailed search did not prove match- finding and I had not placed the hot dogs in my pockets and warmed them through the boiling state of my blood, I would likely have starved them to death. My blood was indeed . boiling but the hot dogs came _ Out. slightly, medium rare, Ag you well suspett Tm’ a well ” done man.. ' Well to relate further adventures to you would make, myself look like somekind of misfit. 1 will Jet the matter drop now and put the blame on the campsite. It was a rotten | § campsite: full of bugs and bumps and cold .rocks (and mountain streams). The above reasons come together in an experience which has caused me to title the poor campsite as “Camp: Misfit,”* This thinking is quite normal ‘due to the circumstances. Wouldn’t you agree. Kitimat Kitchen By Louise Price “Yesterday we went into the basics of foridue and today we . will tackle a full-fondue meal menu. This menu, in style a la Mexico is called Mexi-Meatball Fondue. For table settings get. the mood in‘a gay swing with bright cheery tablecloths (made of crepe paper) and decorated napkins. A vase or empty wine bottle of colourful paper flowers will complete the ‘scene, For tableware use your standard fondue plates . and forks and add knives, forks, spoons, and salad plates, You can start this meal in the Morning and just doa few odds and ends an hour or so before ‘your guests. arrive. The menu‘ consists of mexican meathalls, ". ereamy avocado -sauce, mexican hot sauce, chili-cheese Sauce, letluce wedges, assorted dressing, soft tortillas, butter and your choice ofa light wine. Start your meatballs in the morning. The, recipe -for_ this _ was give in yesterdays column’ with the change. of adding % chili sauce.’ Refrigerate . the meatballs until an ‘hour’ before. the meal, then-bring to ‘room temperature. -Mix your sauces - In the morning; those ‘that. must be served warm. can’ be heated - ‘just before eating, Chili-Cheese Sauce: 1: o° (i) ae ean: tomatoes: 802; process . American cheese, shredded. (2° 1°} cups). and‘one. third cup finely. _ chopped, canned ‘chilies, Drain tomatoes, - reserve: lites, “Cut . 0 ee Serve. warm. . ~"