Hittin’ the Trails
Today we are bombarded by technology and urban sprawl. Our workplaces demand we perform more with less and demands more and more of our time. In today’s society of convenience and throw away lifestyles our personal connections with nature and the great outdoors seem hard to come by. Our kids spend more time in front of electronic devices than they do any other activity. That’s not true activity! America has an obesity problem, plain and simple and I think that this directly threatens future generations’ ability to get outside, understand and enjoy what the world has to offer. That’s why we encourage Off-roading, 4-wheeling, muddin’, or trail riding, its how we grew up and how our family gets away from the demands of professional and academic life.
There are many ways to enjoy the great outdoors and one of the biggest adrenaline rushes you can ever find is taking a 4-wheeler, side by side, dirt bike, hill-climber, old pickup or a pair of boots with a backpack and getting off-road and into the great outdoors. The dirtier the better. Family, friends and like minded strangers all getting together to enjoy a day on the trails. It brings people together from all walks of life that share a common interest of enjoying the ride. Young, old, rich or not so much, doesn’t matter. There are hiking trails, off-road parks and mud bogs everywhere so get out with friends and family and meet new friends. Get our noses out of the electronics once in a while.
After a long day of mud, dust, heat/cold; its time to let your hair down a bit and pull out some music, adult beverages if you like and enjoy a potluck brought by all members of the riding community. It’s how we do it. and what is a potluck without venison chili? Venison is one of the healthiest lean meats there is and best of all, it can be harvested every year…by you! No preservatives, injections, hormones, genetic splicing or government inspected meat. A true bounty from the…you guessed it, great outdoors! However, if you yourself can’t obtain venison yourself or from a hunter, good old lean ground beef will do.
MudSlide Chili
2 lbs Ground Venison
4 12 oz. cans Chili Beans
4 12 oz. cans of diced roasted tomatoes
4 packages of Fisher’s Chili-O Powder
2 Cans Tomato Sauce
Handful of Saltine Crackers
Handful of shredded cheese
Preparation:
Brown and drain ground venison
Add all ingredients to crock pot slow cooker and place on low
Cook for 2-4 hours
There is a specific way to prepare for eating with this chili. First crumble up a handful of the Saltine crackers and mix into your personal bowl of chili. Add a handful of cheese to taste and mix in chili. Kick back and ENJOY!!!!
Drinks of Choice:
Ale-8 (A carbonated citrus drink made here in Kentucky) for young’ns or non-drinkers and a summer shandy for adult beverages
The Bluegrass Traveler 