Showing posts with label Canadian recipes of the Great White North. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Canadian recipes of the Great White North. Show all posts

Saturday, November 19, 2011

Extreme Hiking - Traveling Blog by J. Robb Montana


All rights reserved. No part of this manuscript may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical,photocopy, recording or otherwise without the written prior permission by J. Robb Montana.

One of the most rewarding opportunities is climbing to the top of mountain range in Alberta, Canada. Looking over the vast rugged country side leaves you content with satisfaction. Here you are at the top of the world walking along the ridge of Starlite Mountain range, precarious peaks within Willmore Wilderness. Willmore Wilderness is the best kept secret, traveling into the provincial park is only by foot, bike or horse. All motorized vehicles are prohibited in order to preserve the raw-land.

The one question that you must ask yourself before you walk into wild country - Are you ready?
Walking into the wilderness with a heavy backpack is in itself an accomplishment; your pack must be carefully planned in advance with the right supplies ready for your trip.
Here is a list of items you should bring with you into the raw wilderness: 
  1. Water and water purification
  2. First Aid kit with items that you can actually use - Check out your kit before you leave (most injuries are related to sprains, strains, blisters and wounds) And remember to bring some kind of relief medicine, such as Tylenol.
  3. High energy bars with nuts and oats - don't be afraid to stick at least 20 of these throughout your backpack
  4. A small mirror - used for both signaling if in trouble and start a fire by use of the sun. You can bring along a magnifying glass as back-up.
  5. A sharp hunting knife with a secure sheath
  6. Water proof matches and preferably small dry kindling (Just in case you aren't experienced to find kindling within the wilderness)
  7. Bring along other types of firestarters - such as flint. Check your outdoors shop for more suggestions.
  8. Sleeping bag and Tent
  9. Proper hiking shoes - make sure they are well worn in before you begin your hiking trip
  10. GPS or compass - I prefer a GPS
  11. Sunglasses and sunscreen
  12. whistle - not to scare the bears - but to use in case of being lost
  13. Light source - flashlight with batteries
  14. writing source - pencils or even pencil crayons ( Pencils can even be used as kindling source if need be in an emergency)
  15. Rope - preferably 20 metres (Use strong rope material, such as: nylon)
  16. Emergency blanket
  17. A good set of sharp scissors - check them out before you leave
  18. Map of the area you are traveling
  19. Insect repellant (Anyone in trouble with Bees?)
  20. pocket knife with multi- use items; Swiss has always been my favorite
  21. Proper Clothing: therma-socks, underwear,hat, t-shirts, long light pants and shorts,windbreaker, warm jacket, sweater. In other words make sure you are ready for any kind of temperature within the mountains - the weather can change from summer to winter within minutes.
  22. Fishing gear - like fishing line and hooks
  23. Compact cooking equipment
  24. Non - perishable food items
  25. Outdoor books - such as Canadian Recipes of the Great White North
  26. Bear bangers
  27. And last but not least - never enter the wilderness by yourself - make sure you bring along a buddy
Are you ready for the great outdoors? Be sure to get the inside information  on the outdoors : Canadian Recipes of the Great White North with more outdoor tips with fun stories, outdoor recipes and fun interactive illustrations the whole family will enjoy 

J. Robb Montana is a freelance writer presently working on a movie script :  Black Angels of Sirus 5 and science-fiction book : Robotics on Mars


Love to Travel to Vegas? Check out my review of The Venetian Las Vegas - one word : Wonderful

The Venetian Las Vegas


If you love to travel to Vegas - check out this hotel review

Thursday, August 18, 2011

Exploring Tortilla Flat, Arizona


Discovery of Tortilla Flat

While in Las Vegas we love to take tours within Nevada and Arizona. The most interesting discovery is
Tortilla Flat of Arizona.
Tortilla Flat
We rented a car and headed to Mesa, Arizona to visit my family. From there we went along the highway to US 60 East( also known as Superstition Freeway) and along Apache Junction and State Route 88 for 18 miles. Tortilla Flat is just 2 miles past Canyon Lake.

Did you know that Tortilla Flat is noted for the smallest friendliest town in Arizona? It also boasts for having a U.S.Post Office for a such a small population of only 6 people.

The Little Settlement of Torilla Flat

We knew we reached our destination as soon as we noticed the little quaint settlement with its own Superstition Saloon; a real treat to visit. The most interesting attraction was the funny wallpaper pasted with really dollar bills from visitors across the world. And when was the last time your bar seats happen to be horse saddles?

Of course we had to visit the restaurant serving Old West Breakfasts, the hottest Chilis known as the
"Killer Chili", Grande Na-Chos, the famous Chimichanga and the fun Cackleberries Mexicanna Mornin Chow.
Tortilla Flat is like taking a little trip back into the western frontier of the old west. After our rip-torting taste of the "Killer Chili" we mosey on down to the the creaky boardwalk to a stonewall Gift Shop full of nik naks related to the southwest. I'm always picking up a cookbook or two and today was no exception. To me, a cookbook is like a souvenir, just like Canadian Recipes of the Great White North. My eyes quickly zero in on a Southwestern Indian Cookbook that would add to my souvenir collection. They also add quick bites of hot salsa's; of course I had to buy one.

The History of Tortilla Flat

It goes way back with the Indians crossing its most valuable resource - water. It was the prefect place to set-up camp with a small trickling creek known as the Tonto Trail.
It wasn't long before a Spanish explorer named Cabeza de Vaca found his way to the Southwest Superstition Mountain where he met up with the Pueblo Indians who told him of the Seven Cities of Cibola or known as the Cities of Gold. Superstition Mountain has since been rumors of gold. It was believed that the Jesuit Priests of Spain had found a a pocket of gold and didn't have any intention of sharing it with their
Spanish King. The King ordered the Jesuits to be executed, but before they could follow out their plans the Jesuit Priests hide the gold in the Superstition Mountains and throughout the southwestern desert.
Apparently, it is told, in 1847 to 1848 a group of Mexicans under Don Miquel Peralta had found the treasure of gold but were met with Apaches who killed all but one.
To this day, the legend is alive with reports of gold within the Superstition Mountain.

But the real truth of the matter of Tortilla Flat is when a group of cowboys were stranded due to a flash flood, their only staples at the time was flour. They made tortillas and christened the flat, Tortilla
Flat.

And today, Flash flood is still a very real part of the southwestern desert. We couldn't adventure any
further along the road due to a flash-flood just two days before. Tortilla Flat is a true gem to explore
when in Arizona.
Share with your friends; be sure to join us on Facebook - Vegas Reviews and check out  our website: Vegas Reviews

If you have photos of Tortilla Flat you love to share with us - join Vegas Reviews on Facebook and post them. Share your experiences with a fun interactive social Vegas Reviews Club - all for fun! See you there:) Share your experiences with Tortilla Flats within the comments - we love to hear your story:)