The Story Behind Our Breakfast Hot Dogs
There are so many things I love about camping: being on the water, eating good food, playing games, sitting around the campfire, having deep conversations, watching wildlife, hiking, and, most of all...sleeping.
Camping is one of the few times I truly relax. There are no chores calling my name, it's quiet, the nights are cool, and somehow naps don't feel lazy. They're part of the experience.
The only problem? I also love camping with friends, and I can out-sleep every single one of them.
Because of that, Krissy and I have developed our own camping routine. Instead of eating three meals a day, we usually have a big brunch, a hearty dinner, and snack whenever we're hungry. It works perfectly for us...but not so much for our early-rising friends.
About four years ago, we started camping regularly with our good friends Nori and Marilee. Marilee, especially, was an early bird. She liked staying up late around the fire but was always the first one awake. As soon as she rolled out of bed, she wanted coffee in one hand and food in the other. She loved brunch, but waiting until late morning wasn't an option.
Three years ago, our friends Ann and Stacey joined our camping group. We thought Marilee woke up early until Stacey came along and challenged her for the title. He also starts every morning with coffee and wants something to eat right away.
Since we always have so much fun and are all over the place we have no pictures of the 6 of us camping together.
We tried leaving out Pop-Tarts and other quick snacks to tide everyone over until brunch, but Marilee wasn't having it.
And that's how the pre-breakfast hot dog was born.
Each morning, Marilee would get the campfire going, pour herself a cup of coffee, and roast one or two hot dogs while the rest of us were still happily asleep. Her perfect breakfast hot dog included a bun, onions, mayo, ketchup, and just the right amount of char.
It became a ritual.
Sometimes Krissy and Stacey would join her. Sometimes they just had the hot dog without the bun. And if there were any leftovers, our collection of four to seven camping dogs gladly took care of them.
This spring, Nori and Marilee moved to Portugal, and our camping mornings felt a little different. Stacey went back to surviving on Pop-Tarts while faithfully keeping the coffee brewing and the campfire going.
Then this Fourth of July weekend, the breakfast hot dog made its triumphant return.
Well...Ann would tell you it was technically a brat because she refuses to eat hot dogs, but the tradition was alive and well.
Some traditions are about the food. Others are about the people. For me, this one is both.
So tell me...
Would you eat a hot dog for breakfast? Do you believe in a pre-breakfast before brunch? What quirky camping traditions have become part of your adventures?
Here's to good friends, slow mornings, and remembering that food doesn't have to follow the clock.
Anne
