Some Cooking at the Lake

Early August 2025

I took a couple of nights during early August to go canoe camping at Lake James State Park. Had a cool few days; unusual for August, although there is usually a break in temperatures this time of year – just not that cool.

Leaving the landing area and civilization:

Fishing sucked, but I enjoyed being out there; only had other campers at the campground for one night of my three. Many more trees had fallen in to the water after Hurricane Helene flooded the lake area. The beaver lodge to the north of the camping area was totally inaccessible, to boats, even canoes and kayaks by the number of trees blocking it. It’s possible the lodge got washed out by the flooding, too, but I’d bet that beaver is still around. He’s had plenty of time to rebuild.

This trip, I brought along my Outback oven that I bought in the early 80’s. I had only done a few cobblers (blackberry or blueberry or both) in the Shining Rock Wilderness area while backpacking and decided it was time to try it in a more leisurely campsite.

I brought pita bread, pepperoni slices and mozzarella cheese that I had grated at home and made pizza – WINNER! Next time I’ll make more of a garbage can pizza and add onions, bell peppers, jalapenos, mushrooms, olives, you-name-it.

Here are a few videos of the process. I haven’t bothered to learn much editing, such as stitching together, fading in and out, blah, blah, blah, so you’ll have to see if there is a “speed-up” button on the playback if too long for you. (And, Lord, pay no attention to the finger licking. Nobody saw me do it and no one else was eating what I was fixing!)

Everything was pretty wet when I got there and I got a good rain two nights, but I found leftover firewood someone left in another campsite and used my Boy Scout skills (not fire water, but fire-starters) to have a campfire.

I also made some small cinnamon rolls, also a winner. I’ll increase the recipe some next time to fill that pot up (and add more filling and nuts).

Some videos of this process:

You’ll notice the next video clip ~30 minutes later that I put on a long sleeve shirt – it did cool down some.

I do love that Coleman stove, especially with perked coffee, bacon and eggs in the morning.

Loaded up and heading back to civilization:

BONUS POINTS — All you Lowery family out there – recognize the mannerisms? (Almost, but not quite, embarrassing.)

Much Love to anyone that watched all of this! Wish I could take you with me next time.