Dutch Oven Gathering
Southeast Camper Fall Dutch Oven Gathering 2018
The year has flown by and we had our last DOG (Dutch Oven Gatherings) for the year in September. We had a great summer with many new cooks coming to see us at our DOG’s.
We get ask many questions about how our club operates, how to join, etc. Well, it’s simple, just show up and cook. We do not have membership fees, all we ask for is a small donation to cover the cost of a picnic shelter, paper plates, plastic ware, etc.
Many of us camp out for the weekend and all are welcome to join in. We have a Weary Travelers Dinner Friday night for those coming in late. We know how hard it is to set up your site and cook dinner too. If you need help getting set up. we are here for you, no problem, just ask.
We meet at the reserved shelter to set up our cook area about 8:30 on Saturday mornings, it is not an official breakfast, but many of us cook and share grub. Then we spend time hanging out, catching up on the latest gossip or taking a nap. We are here for relaxation and fellowship. No pressure.
You can tell when folks are getting ready for the Cast Iron Buffet, the place starts to quiet down and the smoke starts to rise as we all get ready for the 2nd wave of cooking. As the Dutch Ovens start to appear on the table, we get excited, as the lids of the pots are lifted and we get to peek at all the food, WOW! the place get exciting. The cameras are clicking away. . . .
After our multiple trips back to the buffet and everyone winds down, we have door prizes to give away and we announce any upcoming events and club news. The we all assemble for our group photo. The only hard part about a DOG is packing up our equipment at the end of the day with a full belly.
For those that are camping we drift back to the campground for a group fire and talk about the wonderful day we had, along with upcoming events and other family outings.
This should give you an idea of what we do and we hope it inspires you to get out and join a Dutch Oven Gathering. Feel free to stop by and visit, guest are always welcome, ask question as we are here to help.
Good Food, Good Times, Good Friends
Dan Milam
Southeast Camper Dutch Oven group
Fall Draws Near
The long awaited beginning of fall draws near. The vacations of summer, with trips to the beach or favorite campgrounds for summer fun, are coming to a close as we prepare for the cooler months ahead. Over the summer, Southeast Camper folks have been busy with both DOGs and PuPs alike.
While we have our normally scheduled events posted for all to attend, you never know when a PUP will come together. A PuP, being a reference to an unofficial or mini DOG, Or, a spur of the moment gathering that “PoPs” up.
Every now and then someone will suggest, coordinate and host such an event. Pick a campground, ask who is available or interested and you often are rewarded with an afternoon of good fun or even a weekend camp out among friends, old and new. Many chapters start this way and its just good fun. Not to mention an extra excuse to hang out with friends and be in the outdoors. You never know when something of this nature will become an annual event. So, go forth. Share a meal and a good time with good, like minded folks.
Earlier this year, a member of our group hosted such an impromptu event between the Spring and the Mile High DOG’s. A grand time was had by all who had the opportunity to attend. There is usually a similar event that takes place around the middle to end of August as well, between the Mile High and Fall DOGs.
Outside of our official calendar, there are opportunities to engage in events organized by other groups too. The two most common of these are a Shrimp Boil in the spring and another event in the Fall. Keep a lookout on our Facebook page for these types of events as well.
As this article reaches us, the scheduled 2017 DOGs have come to an end and we find ourselves fondly reflecting upon the memories of those events. As we were putting our Fall DOG behind us and began discussing plans for next year, it was apparent that the cooler weather had been eagerly anticipated, For the tone of recipes reflected this to follow our favorite flavors of the season. Perhaps this is why the Spring and Fall DOGs tend to be the most popular.
Come join us at one of our DOGs, a PuP or other event. And, Come join us on our Facebook page. You are always welcome.
Until then,
With warm thoughts and warm pots…..
Randy Bowman
Southeast Camper