ROCKHAGGIS

Been spending some time trying to work out the basic ration pack.
Criteria being weight, space and cooking time/complexity.
I'm no nutritionist or dietitian but I know that whatever I take I'm going to burn a fair bit of weight off.
Not a bad thing in my case but I don't want to get weak through lack of nourishment.

I've concentrated on carbohydrates and sugars, with some fats, proteins and minerals.
Also I hope to be able to subsidise the basic menu en-route either by fishing or bartering for some home grown veg.
I dare say I will come across the odd shop too.

Accompanying each 10 day pack will be a small container for enhancers like stock cubes, sauce, spices,oil, marg, salt and pepper. So whilst I know the basic pack is not Michelin rated, with a bit of imagination I hope to vary it enough to make it bearable.

The basic one day pack consists of:
A: A days ration of paper towel.
B: 4 portions (bags) sugar, powdered milk mix
C: 2 Teabags – 2 chewing gum
D: 2 portions (bags) Coffee
E: 5 Oatmeal Biscuits
F: 1 Chocolate Bar ( Options: Mars/Marathon/Twix type)
G: 1 Muesli +milk powder + sugar mix - ( option : porridge + raisins + milk powder + sugar mix)
H: 1 portion Couscous ( Options : Pasta/Rice/Mash )
K: 1 Large Rice Noodles with sauce. (excellent BTW) ( Options : Cup a Soup )
M: 1 tin Mackerel Fillets in Tomato Sauce. (Option Tuna in Brine)
I may add 1 portion dried mix veg if I can find a supplier.

Anyway so far it comes to 2 lbs for each daily pack.
I'll be carrying a 10 day supply - 20 lbs ... That's 20% of my weight allowance right there.

Each item is waterproof sealed. Each days items are in a sealed bag and four days fit into another larger bag.
All the rations then are sealed into a tough waterproof bag.
Shown below and will fit in-front of my feet in the open cockpit, secured by line.

Well I know it dosnt look like much and to be very frank it tasted pretty awful, but it signified a momentous point in the whole adventure.

Actually getting out to some remote point, taking the equipment and supplies with me and spending a very pleasant hour in glorious sunshine taking lunch under the shadows of the ancient and history filled Gylen castle. It was another hurdle overcome.

Who would have believed just a couple of years ago that I would be doing that..... Tis a miracle and a big confidence boost....

PS the stove worked spiffingly too .... :)

PPS and the menu was mash, sausage and beans.

More on this trip in the Photo section.

Whilst not the highest priority of my preparation and planning at the moment, as bits and pieces have arrived my juices have begun to flow and my mouth salivate, at the prospect of several months of camp fire cooking. In shall be carrying two cooking devices with me on the kayak, small gas setup and a meths burner as backup. So between them and the drift wood beach fire .. I’m hoping that a nice cup of tea will never be out of the question. Ive decided on two small sets of aluminum pots and pans, with the cutest little kettle you ever did see.

First post! Preparation is the key to success! So lets prepare. I need to compile a reference library of links to resources that describe what food bounty is available around the shores of the Last Colony. From the sea food in the shallows, shell fish on the shores and critters just inland. Not forgetting any edible plant and herbs that flourish in these parts. If any of you have any links and references that you think might be helpful in my quest please, comment them in. Now where's that google button!

Prior Preparation Prevents Piss Poor Performance