Monday, July 14, 2008

Scenic State Park



Vacation!

We traveled up to Scenic State Park, in Bigfork for a tremendously relaxing weekend. It was cool and breezy, with the sky only opening up occasionally. In my opinion, we ate well: barbecue chicken, potato salad, brats, con on the cob (hot curry or garlic/rosemary), various salads and smores. I didn't end up taking any food pictures at all, I guess the scenery was just too distracting.

I did really enjoy the BBQ sauce, so here is the recipe
3/4 c balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
3/4 cup ketchup
1/3 cup brown sugar
1 huge garlic clove, minced
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce-gluten free
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard-mine is very spicy
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Heat till reduced by about half. Baste the chicken while grilling with a small amount of BBQ sauce. My improv camping basting technique ended up being a ziploc used like a pastry bag. I think it worked quite well. Use the rest of the BBQ sauce to dip. It was delicious.

This trip was exactly what I needed before I start Neurosurgery AHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!

I was able to swim, hike, take the esker trail and most importantly sit on the dock and read my book. This State park is too wonderful for words. Pictures will have to do!




The Campsite. Chase Point Campground, site #7. It was towards the end of the lake loop, and had a very long driveway. A bit farther from the steps down to the lake, but a very nice site.



The view from the dock. I sat here to read my book, ahhhh.



The lookout right across the road from our campsite. We ate our lunches at the picnic table here.



The first night was not rainy. You know what that means! Smore time! Or, at least marshmallows and chocolate. Who needs that stupid graham cracker anyway? I think the smore queen would approve.


Day 2



Beginning the Esker Hike




The first lookout. Not quite to the red-piney glory yet.



Still unidentified, but very abundant plant fungus.





Nearing the end





Finally my favorite part! I hike so fast just to get here. Oh how I love this campground.




At the point!



The End!

4 comments:

Unknown said...

Great pictures! My favorite is the iris at the point of the esker trail. I am so glad you were able to get up there. Also, I appreciate the comment about the smore queen :-)

Unknown said...

Nerd alert. Wild flower identification. I believe the flower in the picture at the point of the esker is Queen Anne's lace, which is a member of the carrot family. I think the iris is a Blue Iris. That is so beautiful. I am working on the fungus. Are those your test jeans?

Marlys said...

The pictures are wonderful - thanks for sharing as I don't get past West Battle Lake, it seems! Someday, though!
Also enjoying your recipes - pretty gormet for me! I wish you luck as you start neurosurgery! I'm sure it will be intense!

qwerkyqook said...

oooo cool! I'm interested in the fungus. They are my test jeans, and I put a new hole in them just for you!

Thanks marlys, but I really doubt I could make anything too gormet for you:) I still dream of thanksgiving dinners and know i'll never come close. I hope everyone is well. I love seeing all the pictures of the little one's on lisa's facebook.