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As an avid kayaker and seasoned camper, I know firsthand that food preparation is a key component of any wilderness adventure. After a full day of paddling, there’s nothing like settling into a cozy camp, cooking a delicious meal, and recounting the day’s experiences.
While setting up your kayaker’s kitchen can be an enjoyable experience, it’s crucial to consider some specific issues for a successful outdoor culinary adventure.
The Joy of Kayaking and Cooking
If you’re anything like me, much of the afternoon on the water is spent daydreaming about what’s on the dinner menu. You’ve paddled hard, set up your tent, and secured your kayak above the high tide mark. Now, it’s time to kindle a campfire and cozy up with a satisfying meal. Because, as any kayaker knows, we travel on our stomachs.
Food is more than just sustenance — it’s the fuel that powers your adventure. The right kind of fuel is essential, with high-energy foods that your body can easily metabolize topping the list. The casual weekend paddler might enjoy gourmet offerings, while those on multi-day expeditions will need to focus more on durability and space efficiency when planning their menus.
However, regardless of the kind of paddler you are, setting up your kayaker’s kitchen will be one of your first priorities upon landing at your campsite. Be aware, though, that your kitchen setup might interrupt the natural rhythm of your surroundings.
Choosing the Ideal Location
The site of your kayak camping kitchen plays a significant role in your overall camping experience. Key factors to consider include distance from your sleeping area and potential interactions with wildlife.
Park campgrounds might be home to small rodents, while more remote sites may play host to larger animals. Here’s a checklist to guide you:
- Distance from the tent: Establish your kitchen at least 20 feet from your tent. This arrangement ensures that any wildlife attracted by cooking smells won’t be too close to your sleeping area.
- Avoid bringing food into your tent: No matter how well-sealed your food is, the scent can attract animals.
- Beware of tides when cooking on the beach: Cooking on the beach may seem ideal, but don’t forget to check the tide tables. Ensure everything is packed away securely, well above the high-tide line, to avoid a soggy or disappearing kitchen.
Leave No Trace
Aim to leave as little impact on your surroundings as possible. Be mindful to clean up any cooking scraps, as merely burying them isn’t enough. I recommend disposing of them further from your campsite. Hang your food bags securely, and remember, a clean camp is more likely to remain undisturbed by wildlife.
Outdoor Dishwashing
Even a task as benign as washing dishes requires care in the wilderness. The intertidal zone, the area where the sea meets the land, is a sensitive habitat. Avoid causing undue harm by using biodegradable soaps, minimizing the amount of soap you use, and carefully choosing where to dispose of your dishwater. Use crushed shells or sand for most of the scrubbing, and aim to disperse your soapy water on outgoing tides for minimal impact.
Respect Your Environment
While no-trace camping might make us feel like we’re preserving the environment, it’s essential to remember that our very presence alters the places we visit. Rather than immediately settling into the first space you see, take a little walk around to find a less intrusive spot for your camp.
Your kitchen should be a part of your camp, not the centerpiece. Mother Nature isn’t fragile, but we must remember who was there first and strive to reduce our impact as much as possible. Setting up a kayaker’s kitchen is an exciting part of the wilderness camping experience, but doing so responsibly ensures we can all continue to enjoy these beautiful natural settings for years to come.
