OVERLANDING BREAKFAST COOKING TIPS

 

SUNRISE SIZZLE: OVERLAND COOKING WITH A VIEW

By Del Albright | delalbright.com

When the morning sun kisses the mountains and the chill still hangs in the desert air, there’s nothing more satisfying than the sound of breakfast sizzling in a cast-iron skillet. For overlanders, this isn’t just a meal — it’s a ritual, a reward, and a reminder of why we chase trails and sleep under stars. And yes, I realize we don't all have room or weight options for cast iron, but if you do, there's nothing like it.

The Joy of Trail Cooking

Overlanding isn’t just about where you drive; it’s about how you live out there. That includes food — good, hearty, soul-warming food. Meals that start with the smell of camp coffee and finish with a sunrise grin from your trail buddies.

This shot — corned beef hash, golden eggs, and a steaming pot of camp coffee — was the product of planning, preparation, and having the right gear at hand. It might look effortless, but trust me, a meal like this doesn’t happen by accident.

Oh, and yes, I accept the fact that sometimes we just want prepared meals in a bag. But that's a different kind of camping and overlanding. Here, we're talking real food.

Trail Menu Planning: Think Ahead, Eat Well

Success starts at home:

• Pre-plan your meals: Know your ingredients, pack for freshness, and match your meals to your travel timeline.

• Go hearty: Think hash, eggs, bacon, burritos, and Dutch oven goodies. They fill you up and fuel your next adventure. Cheese and lunch meat in a wrap is always a winner.

• Prep what you can before the trip: Dice the onions, portion the meat, crack the eggs (yes, into sealed containers). The less chopping at camp, the better.

Gear Up or Miss Out

The cast iron skillet? Non-negotiable if you have the room. Same goes for:

• A portable stove or fire-safe grate

• Coffee kettle or percolator

• Cutting board, spatula, and a decent knife

• Seasonings and oils in spill-proof containers

Pro tip: Bring a pepper grinder. Fresh cracked pepper changes everything.

Let the Smells Do the Talking

One of my favorite parts of trail cooking is watching your camp neighbors poke their heads out of tents, sniffing the air like curious coyotes. The waft of crispy potatoes and campfire coffee can spark new friendships, shared meals, and stories swapped over tin cups.

Eat Outdoors, Always

Food tastes better outside. Period. There’s no substitute for sunrise views, fresh air, and the glow of golden hour hitting your skillet. It's not just breakfast — it's an experience.

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Closing Thought
So next time you head out, don’t just think about gas, gear, and GPS. Think about grub. Because out here, a good meal isn’t just fuel — it’s part of the journey.

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DEL'S BOOKS (LAND USE, WILDFIRE, DEATH VALLEY, COWBOY POETRY, AND MORE)

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OVERLANDING TO FIND GIANTS OF THE DESERT

 

GIANTS OF THE DESERT: OVERLANDING TO FIND THE SAGUARO CACTUS

Magical Mysteries on the Arizona Strip

By Del Albright

While overlanding across the rugged and remote trails of the Arizona Strip, I had the unforgettable chance to come face-to-face with some of the desert's most iconic residents—the Saguaro Cactus (Carnegiea gigantea). These towering green giants are not just plants—they’re legends.

The Saguaro is native to the Sonoran Desert and is found mostly in southern Arizona and parts of California and Mexico. But in the vast, open, and beautifully barren landscape of the Arizona Strip—especially near routes like the Camino del Diablo—you’ll find these cacti standing like silent sentinels of the desert.

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A Closer Look: Strange Shapes and Long Lives

One of the highlights of my journey was spotting a particularly twisted Saguaro—its arms looping and curling like desert sculpture. Every arm tells a story. Did you know it can take up to 75 years for a Saguaro to grow its first arm? Some of these beasts are over 150 years old, soaking up the sun, storing water, and surviving heat waves, drought, and monsoon winds.

These unusual shapes are often the result of frost damage, genetic quirks, or damage from birds and insects. Whatever the cause, the result is always worth a second look—and a few photos.

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Overlanding with Giants

The Arizona Strip is perfect for overland travel. Rough trails, historic routes, and breathtaking views make it a four-wheeling and camping paradise. And when you throw in some massive Saguaros towering beside your Jeep or military trailer rig, the experience gets even better.

📸 Tip: If you’re running the Strip, keep your eyes peeled near wash areas and hillsides for the tallest and oldest Saguaros. Sunrise and sunset give the best lighting for photos—casting long shadows and bringing out those cactus ridges in full contrast.

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Respecting the Desert

Saguaros are protected under Arizona law—and for good reason. They’re slow growers and serve as vital homes for desert birds like woodpeckers and owls. When overlanding, let’s keep our recreation sustainable by staying on designated trails, packing out all waste, and giving these desert icons the respect they’ve earned over the centuries.

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Final Thoughts

Whether you’re an overland traveler, a desert lover, or just someone chasing open skies and dirt roads, the Saguaro cactus is one of the most awe-inspiring sights the Southwest offers. It’s not just a plant. It’s a pillar of desert life, and every twist and turn in its arms is a reminder that nature is the best artist of all.

More on Arizona Strip Overlanding here: 

https://delalbright.blogspot.com/2025/03/jeep-overlanding-arizona-strip.html

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MORE HELPFUL LINKS:

DEL'S BOOKS (LAND USE, WILDFIRE, DEATH VALLEY, COWBOY POETRY, AND MORE)

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• MEETINGS:
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#landuse #stewardship #conservation #motorizedrecreation #jeep #jeeplife #volunteerism #volunteers #leadvolunteers #delalbright #BuiltOnBFG #cloakedrepublic #savetrails #leadership

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5 KEY TIPS FOR SUSTAINABLE OVERLANDING RECREATION

SUSTAINABLE OVERLANDING RECREATION

5 Ways to Keep Trails Open and Wild

By Del Albright

Subtitle: Sustainable Overlanding Recreation: Protecting Our Trails While Exploring the Wild

Intro: Overlanding is more than a trend — it's the fastest-growing component of the four-wheeling lifestyle. With its rise in popularity comes a greater responsibility: to recreate sustainably. As stewards of public lands, we must promote smart, responsible exploration so that future generations can enjoy the same freedom we do today.

What is Sustainable Overlanding?
Sustainable overlanding means treading lightly, respecting land-use rules, packing out what we pack in, and using gear and routes that minimize our impact on the environment. It’s about balance — enjoying the thrill of backcountry travel while protecting the very landscapes that make it all worthwhile.

It means not stacking up on top of each other or crowding the easy access camping spots for larger overland-type vehicles.  It means sharing the trails.  It means being smart about what we do.

Why It Matters Now More Than Ever

• Overland travel is booming, and with that comes increased trail traffic.

• Public land agencies are watching closely.

• Misuse of roads and trails can lead to closures.

• Our access depends on our actions.

5 Easy Ways to Promote Sustainable Overlanding:

1. Stay on Designated Routes
   Don't cut switchbacks or blaze new paths. Maps and apps like OnX and Gaia can help.

2. Use Established Campsites
   Camp in previously used areas to avoid damaging untouched land.

3. Minimize Campfire Impact
   Use fire pans or stoves where appropriate, and always follow local fire restrictions.

4. Pack It In, Pack It Out — And Then Some
   Clean up after others when possible. Leave it better than you found it.

5. Educate Your Trail Buddies
   Lead by example. Share Leave No Trace principles and responsible recreation tips on social media.

Let’s Be the Solution
Overlanding gives us freedom, solitude, and discovery. Let’s work together to keep it that way. Share your sustainable setups, talk about good trail habits, and tag your posts with #SustainableOverlanding and #KeepItWild to spread the word.

We cover everything you need to know about land use, saving trails, working with bureaucracy, and volunteerism in our book now available on Amazon here.

MORE HELPFUL LINKS:

DEL'S BOOKS (LAND USE, WILDFIRE, DEATH VALLEY, COWBOY POETRY, AND MORE)

WEBSITE (HOME PAGE)

PINTEREST (BOOKS, ARTICLES, AND MORE)

FACEBOOK

INSTAGRAM

DEL'S ARTICLES (LAND USE, LIFE, WILDFIRE, VOLUNTEERISM, AND MORE)

 More land use and volunteerism help here:

• MEETINGS:
• RUN A BETTER MEETING
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PULLING A JEEP TRAILER; LESSONS LEARNED

 

DON'T TAKE THE KITCHEN SINK!

Lessons Learned from an Overlanding Trip Pulling a Trailer

By Del Albright

I built this old apple orchard 1/4 ton trailer, M100, into an overlanding trailer -- and made some mistakes.  But first, the good things I did:

1. Put BFGoodrich All Terrains on it to match the Jeep towing height and the fact that I did a spring over on the trailer. 

2. Completely went through the bearings.

3. Converted the hitch to a triple-swivel, custom torsion spring towing mechanism that allows the trailer to follow perfectly.

Now, what lessons did I learn pulling my trailer, overlanding?

1. Do not take the kitchen sink.  Packing like you have to live out of it for a year makes this trailer HEAVY.  My 4.0L Jeep is not designed to pull 1000 pounds up a steep mountain.  The trailer starts out at 565 pounds empty.   Pack light; but take the necessary.

2. Add trailer brakes if you build one.  I did not.  I paid the price.  Stopping on steep hills with a manual tranny put more pull (backward) on the Jeep than the brakes would hold.  Even with bad-azz disc brakes all around.  This limited my exploration with the trailer.

3. Sleep comfy but light!  Don't take heavy cots and big tents.  Find gear that is lightweight yet comfy for your back/sleeping needs. Spend the extra money on lightweight gear.  Something like a really good air mattress is sure handier than a cot.

4.  Never try to set up a tent by yourself in the wind unless you are pretty handy with stakes and ropes ready to anchor off the beast.  Anchor your tent!

5.  Protect your food box or tub so they don't get dust in them and on your eating utensils.  I put coffee cups and silverware in ziplock bags for dust proofing.

6.  Secure all gear. Don't be lazy or in a hurry to pack your Jeep in the morning.  Put things where they belong and tie/strap them down or they bounce around and bump your head while you're driving some rocky road.