Classic Walks, Meals and Drinks

Sonya Muhlsimmer

The Great North Walk was opened for the Bicentennial in 1998. It is a classic walk that spans over 250 kilometres from Sydney to Newcastle. I've done in dribs and drabs over my many years of bushwalking, and I've never got a chance to actually complete the walk in its full glory from start to end as a through walk.

However, I did have a good crack of it, well at least a recent four day walk. I started at Hunters Hill, then wandered through the Lane Cove National Park to Thornleigh, down the steep track into Galston Gorge, then up through to Berowra Creek and all the way to Cowan. The track can be easily accessed from many starting points near public transport, making this walk ideal to do over a few weekends or many day trips. The scenery and bush are quite diverse through this relatively small section of the walk I did, so far I highly recommend it. Well, um except for the part when you walk up the steep hill with an extra five kilograms of water as there is no water available at the campsite ... Regardless, I have started planning the next leg of the journey. So, for a classic walk I can suggest a classic meal and a classic drink to enjoy when you are winding down for the night after an enjoyable day of bushwalking and beautiful scenery.

Along the Great North Walk, Hornsby

70 | BWA June 2017

Now who does not love Pizza? It is such a diverse meal as you can have so many different toppings. And really, who can beat a fresh, crusty base? Just thinking about it is making me hungry. While the recipe can be a little bit fiddly, overall it is pretty easy to make. And after a few day's walking, to bite into a freshly made pizza, well it is something else.

At home preparationLabel the bags and place all ingredients into the allocated bags. Cut two pieces of baking paper to fit the bottom of the pan and place with the bags. Copy or print out Method at camp and keep together with the bags.

Method in campPlace the contents of Bag 1 (flour mix) into a bowl, then add ⅓ cup of water slowly, stirring together to make a dough. Knead the dough in the bowl for a few minutes until it comes together to resemble a smooth elastic dough, then leave to sit for about 10 minutes. For the vegetarian option soak the mushrooms (Bag 3) in ½ cup water for 10 minutes while you are waiting for the dough. When ready, place a piece of greaseproof paper on a pan, spread the dough out as much as you need to cover the paper. Place on a low heat and cook on one side for 2 minutes until the dough sets on the bottom. Take the pan off the heat, place the spare baking paper over the upper side of the base and flip the dough over. Remove the paper over the top (the side that was on the pan) and spread the tomato paste over the dough. Spread the contents of Bag 2 (parmesan and herb mix), sun dried tomato and the salami (or mushrooms for the vegetarian option) over the base, making sure that the mushrooms are fully rehydrated before adding them. Or even add a few slices of cheese from your ration. Put the pan back on the heat, cover with a lid and cook for about 5 to 6 minutes then enjoy.

Bag 1 (flour mix)

Bag 2 (parmesan mix)

Keep separate

Water - 1/3 cup

Bag 3 (Vegetarian option)

Water - ½ cup for soaking

BWA June 2017 | 71

The Mayans started drinking chocolate beverages over 2000 years ago, and apparently drank up to 30 cups a day. Can you believe that ... In fact the Mayans loved their hot chocolate drink so much they called the cocoa tree “Food of the Gods”. It was considered sacred and used in religious ceremonies, financial transactions, marriages and funerals. Then the Aztecs cottoned on to this drink, then Spaniards and soon after, it spread across the globe. Now anyone anywhere can experience how good this beverage was (and still is). Oh by the way, you can have it hot or cold, or just with cinnamon if you don’t want the chilli and even with a pinch of pepper, and orange peel or cloves. Talk about classic! To find the Mayan Cacao powder, I recommend going to your local health food shop. Believe me, it is worth it.

At home preparationLabel the bag and place all ingredients into the allocated bag. Copy or print out Method at camp and keep together with the bag.

Method at campPut the contents of the bag in a cup and a small amount of water (about 2 Tbsps), mix to make a smooth paste. Bring the water to a boil, add to the cup and stir through. Or just add cold water and stir through. Enjoy.

Bag 1

Water - 1 cup