WOW!

What a way to start off the new year, Fine Food, Friends, Family, and Fun were enjoyed by all, as we rendezvoused at Andrew Jackson State Park, Feb 3, for Cabin Fever Dutch Oven Gathering, our first gathering of 2024. Some, who will remain unnamed, were so excited that they even arrived 3 or 4 days early to blaze our trail.

We sometimes have called this February event the “Chili DOG” however, even though temperatures may have touched the freezing point at night, we were blessed with blue cloudless skies, warm sun, and thermometers reporting in the high 60’s during the day.

On Thursday night numerous Pie Irons decorated the fire pit, filled with every possible stuffing from grilled cheese to BBQ, to pizza and calzones, Sloppy Joe’s, and of course some “sweets”. The only complaint I heard was “hurry up and quit cooking… and put more wood on the fire”.

Friday night’s ‘Weary Travelers” dinner was a feast in itself as we gathered around the campfire again and gorged ourselves from tables lined with more Cast Iron Dutch Ovens that never emptied….. and that was only a preview of the sweet and savory delights to follow the next day.

Saturday morning by 8:00am the wagons rolled to the shelter area where smoking camp kitchens sprung to life. Aromas of all sorts wafted on the crisp morning air as many breakfast specialties were prepared, sausage, biscuits, breakfast burritos, apple dumplings, muffins, cinnamon rolls, and breads. Too many selections to see or sample.

We attracted the attention of many park visitors wanting to know who we were and what we were doing. Several of them excitedly indicated they would be back. Snacks and appetizers continued to flow well into the early afternoon including special deliveries of Toasted Mozzarella Sticks and Seasoned Potato Wedges, hand-prepared by our next generation chefs, Kindle, and Jacob. A couple of hours later, 24 Black Pots filled the tables for the Dutch Oven Gathering. It goes without saying that it was impossible to try every dish, but I will say that no one left hungry for lack of food.

We finished the day with a group photo, packed our wares, said our goodbyes, and began to plan the Southeast Camper Spring Dutch Oven Gathering in April.

Until then, Happy Trails
Dan Ewing
Southeast Camper

A lot of crazy thing have happened since our last post. All our Dutch Oven Gatherings in the spring and summer were canceled. We did manage a few camping trips with friends, which helped break up the long periods at home.

We were able to assemble the Southeast Camper “Fall Dog” in September. It was nice to see everyone, even though it was a smaller than usual crowd.

The next Southeast Camper Dutch Oven Gathering will be at Andrew Jackson State Park near Lancaster, South Carolina on February 6, 2021.

I will be updating the event calendar and update the websites over the holidays when things slow down. You know how technology is, it never sleeps.

For the folks that are Dutch Oven Cooking, Grilling, or playing with Pie Irons at home and would like to write an article for us, post pictures or recipes, do not hesitate to drop me a line.

Stay in touch, Stay Safe and We will see ya Soon.

Happy Holidays to All,

Dan Milam

Southeast Camper Dutch Oven Group