Wilderness Pack Trips Menu
Hello and Welcome!
If you are reading our menu, chances are you have booked a pack trip with us and are getting ready to learn what to expect on a back country adventure. One of the benefits of packing into the wilderness with horses is that we can pack in fresh foods. On an average size trip, I pack two coolers that keep our meats, dairy and fresh vegetables cold. Our little brown mule, Uno, carries the coolers and has never broken an egg! Each cooler weighs about 60 pounds. Our Norwegian Fjord mare, Lena carries my kitchen panniers. Panniers are aluminum boxes that open up to provide a kitchen shelf- type system so that I can set up a kitchen area and keep our food in bear proof boxes that we hang from a pole at night. Each "kitchen" can weigh up to 99 pounds. ( Thank You Lena.) In addition to the coolers and "kitchens", I have been known to stash bottles of wine, bagels and oranges in Mike’s tent boxes.
If you have ever back packed and carried your own dehydrated food on your back, you are going to be in for a treat! Our food is fresh and abundant. Of course, I do ration and count foods to insure that the weights are not over the horses limits and that there is enough to feed the group for the entire trip. For example, I count the bread and slices of cheese and meat for sandwiches, I estimate how many people will be eating certain foods based on the information clients give me about their preferences and allergies. Pleases keep in mind that when respond to me concerning the menu; I will be making decisions about what to bring for your trip and that I cannot add or subtract items once we are one the trail.
Attached is a Sample menu that describes a week’s typical menu. Please let me know if you have any distinct dislikes or if you have an item you would really love to add. I can create a vegetarian menu if needed, let me know if you eat dairy products. Obviously, if there are foods you are allergic to, I need to know this as well. Over the years I have successfully fed Lactose intolerant guests, Kids with protein allergies (PKU), diabetics, non-dairy, low carb, and no carb,(to name a few.) Of course, if you are not picky and you eat anything; you are my dream guest! Regardless of your eating habits, I can guarantee you that no food tastes better than when it is cooked on an open fire in Yellowstone’s wilderness!
Here is a sample of the types of food you will eat on a six day pack trip:
BREAKFAST
- French toast
- Bacon
- Hot Bagel Sandwiches (with cheese, sausage or ham)
- Fried Potatoes
- Breakfast Burritos (eggs, sausage, beans cheese salsa sour cream)
- Fresh fruits in season (melons, berries, apples oranges)
- Home baked breads (Banana, Rhubarb, Pumpkin, Cranberry)
Each breakfast generally consist of a protein, carb, and fruit. I always have instant oatmeal on hand as an option.
LUNCH
- Sack lunches are packed in the morning and taken along on the trail.
- I use whole grain breads unless otherwise requested.
- I make a sandwich with meat, cheese, mustard, mayonnaise, lettuce.
- Feel free to ask me for a custom sandwich, I’ll leave off anything you do not like.
- Meats might include: Turkey, Roast Beef, Ham, or Turkey Pastrami.
- Cheese options include Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Swiss, or Provolone.
- You don’’t have to be a kid to request a good ol’ Peanut Butter and Jelly.
Typical lunch snacks include, home baked cookies (snicker doodles, oatmeal raisin, chocolate chip, toffee bars, brownies,) carrot sticks, trail mix, and other snacks.
SUPPER
- Traditionally, our first night into camp is steak, baked potatoes, tossed green salad and Pound Cake with fresh berries and whipped cream for dessert.
- We grill all of our meats on an open fire and use a small propane oven to heat breads, pies and pre-baked goods.
- In addition to steak, we serve chicken, pork chops or tenderloin roast; all of the meats are grilled to your taste.
- Occasionally I’ll slice chicken and sauté it with fresh vegetables.
- Each meat is complimented by a starch such as noodles, rice, potatoes, or Cous Cous.
- We have a Spaghetti and Stir Fry night as well.
DESSERT
- Most desserts are home baked goods such as Carrot Cake, Pear Cake, Pound Cake, and Apple or Strawberry Rhubarb Pie.
- I pack as much fruit as possible but it gets a bit beat up by the end of the week.
- I have a bag or two of chocolate on hand to treat your sweet tooth as well.
- You are welcome to add your favorite sweets for your personal use. I’ll hang them in the kitchens at night for you.
BEVERAGES
- I try to have juice with breakfast either frozen or powdered.
- Powdered Gatorade or Lemonade is made and kept on hand to quench your thirst after a day ride.
- Coffee is caffeinated unless you request decaffeinated.
- I pack half and half for coffee and when that runs out we use coffee mate.
- I ask that you let me know if you would like wine with your meals, I can bring up to a bottle per night.
- Some guests that really enjoy wine will bring their own and we pack it separately from their gear.
- Guests are welcome to bring liquors for cocktails, please pack in unbreakable flasks.
We do not pack in canned drinks such as beer or pop. It is bulky and tends to explode. We do however, have cold beer, and pop waiting for you at the trail head when your trip is finished.
ABOUT KIDS
I understand that sometimes kids have foods that they eat more happily than others. I like to know if your kids have favorite kid meals. I can take along white bread, hotdogs, macaroni and cheese or whatever you know your kids will eat. Anything is possible but I need to know in advance.
Please use this space to let me know any specific concerns or comments you have regarding the menu, you may mail it back or email it to me at packtrips@aol.com. I look forward to cooking for you on your trip! - Erin Thompson
Mike and Erin Thompson
Winter Ranch Contact: (701)523-4907
Summer Ranch Contact: (406)848-9953
email: packtrips@aol.com