WHY I AM A VEGETARIAN

MY PHILOSOPHY

I developed this blog to share vegetarian meal ideas and recipes after I found that many vego websites feature American ingredients, some of them not available where I live. Anyway, I prefer to minimise the  use of processed food, even when camping.

I don't eat meat - but I sometimes eat fish and seafood. My recipes reflect this. Omit the dairy and fish if you prefer.

Having spent many years in Asia I believe you can still have simply prepared camp meals without sacrificing taste.

I camp in Australia with a tent and and with a car, sometimes for extended periods. (Due to chronic lung disease backpacking is not possible.)

There is really nothing quite like the pleasure of sitting outside your tent in the middle of the Australian bush, watching the sky begin to colour and enjoying a meal you've prepared from the ingredients you've brought along. Other peak camping experiences are viewing the galaxies dispersed across the night sky and waking up to the sound of the avian dawn chorus.

As a Western Australian camper many of the places I visit are hot and dry and campers need to bring absolutely everything they need and to take all rubbish away. As they say, leave only footprints, take only pictures.

Feel free to add your own ideas and comments.

SOME PACKING TIPS

If you travel to places where you must carry your own water - as I do - buy a small spray bottle (about 500ml). Use this to wash your hands, rinse dishes etc. Saves water.

To keep fruit and vegetables fresh as long as possible, wash and dry them completely before leaving home. Saves precious water. Layer them in your ice box or car fridge with old tea towels, cloth bags or muslin cloth. This stops them going slimy.

Use softer fruit and vegetables first, eg tomatoes, lettuce and cucumber before capsicum, carrot and apples.

When you are travelling most of the day, such as your first day out from home, have something ready to heat up requiring little preparation, such as prepack Asian meals or a dish you cooked and froze before leaving home.