June 1 rolled around on the calendar and thoughts of dusting off the pack and gear have started crossing my mind. Sierra Nevada snowpack is still at record levels which means that the high country will be a bit tougher to get to but that water will be abundant and wild flowers will be in bloom until the end of July in many spots. One thing about backpacking, at least for me, is that I’m not a minimalist. Going ultra light is a fine practice but if I’m only out for 2 or 3 days I’m going to eat like a king. I like lobster, skirt steak, salmon, or fresh trout for my meals. A wineskin full of a nice Merlot is a real treat at 8500 feet around a small campfire as part of a gourmet meal. I know this sounds a bit crazy but meals like this are typical for me in the backwoods. I don’t cheat myself with my snacks either. Used to be I would create my own blends of trail mix by trying to come up with ingredients that I would find and that worked OK, but enter SunRidge Farms and I no longer had to be that creative. Try and find better trail mixes! Antioxidant Mix (with berries and chocolate), Mountain Rainbow Mix, Hit the Trail Mix, Cranberry Jubilee, and Chocolate Nut Crunch are but a few of the standard mixes found in the bulk bins of both small and larger grocers throughout the country. You simply must try these snacks! You’ll find at least one that will become a staple for your treks in the backcountry as well as the journey to your office most other days. Remember that buying in bulk reduces waste from packaging, allows you to buy only what you need, and saves you money! SunRidge Farms also produces some of their products in prepackaged bags with lockable seals which makes for convenient storage and carry if you prefer. For information on the advantages of buying bulk, visit the Bulk is Green council at www.bulkisgreen.org
Tag: mountain rainbow mix
Mountain Rainbow Mix and hike in Nisene Marks
I have a new trail mix favorite. This one will move towards the top of your list too, because it’s that good. My first sampling of this mix was late last week as I took walk in the redwoods of Nisene Marks, a California State Park located in Aptos, CA. The park offers 10,000 acres of rugged semi-wilderness, rising from sea level to steep coastal mountains of more than 2,600 feet. The site of logging operations until the 1920s, visitors can still find evidence of logging operations, mill sites and trestles in the park. There are 30 miles of trails nestled in this second growth forest, which are perfect for hiking, mountain biking, or a leisurely stroll. I had always wanted to visit the epicenter of the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake and with a little effort you can hike right to it. Take Aptos Creek Trail off of the main fireroad at the bottom of the incline and it’s about a half mile in. There is still evidence of the quake with trees laying on their sides but not much else suggesting a 7.1 shaking that resonates with anyone who was part of it. More info on Nisene Marks is available here, http://www.santacruzstateparks.org/parks/nisene. Since I started the hike at the entrance, I had walked a bit over 3 miles before I came to the trailhead so I was hungry. Grabbing the bag of SunRidge Farms Mountain Rainbow Mix, I tore open the package and began devouring this divine mix of the incredible new Rainbow Drops, peanut butter peanuts, raisins, and more. Sitting on a moss covered rock, under a large second growth redwood with a gentle mist filtering up through the canyon, I couldn’t help but notice as the sun briefly showed itself and highlighted the spot I was sitting and snacking. It was peaceful, refreshing, and spiritual. Those of you who have hiked in the redwoods know what I’m talking about. Hope to see you on the trails! Just be sure to bring something tasty along to eat. That’s where SunRidge Farms comes in!
