Camping Under the Stars
The adventure began with a sense of anticipation and excitement as participants gathered on the evening of April 22nd to camp out under the vast Oregon sky. This pre-event gathering happened serendipitously with longtime clients Carrie and Patrick Craft running into another couple who was joining the event. They had invited them down to boondock near The Pillars of Rome, once they secured a spot for the two vans they shot John Brindell a message incase anyone else wanted to join. What started as a surprise meet between two of the guest van’s turned into a pre-trip icebreaker party hosted by the gracious Patrick and Carrie Craft, provided the perfect opportunity for attendees to mingle, share stories, and forge connections before the official start of the journey.
On the Road: Fueling Up and Facing Challenges
With the dawn of April 23rd came the official commencement of the expedition. After fueling up at Rome Station in Pillars of Rome, the convoy set out on the winding roads of Oregon, eager to explore its rugged beauty. However, as is often the case with off-road adventures, challenges arose. Several Sprinter vans encountered issues along the way, necessitating a display of teamwork and ingenuity to overcome obstacles and ensure everyone’s safe passage.
Wine & Wilderness: A Night of Pairings and Stories
Tuesday evening provided a delightful interlude, with Carrie Craft, a connoisseur in the wine industry, curating a memorable tasting experience for the group. Against the backdrop of the wilderness, attendees savored exquisite wine pairings, including the unexpected delight of Kramer Vineyard’s aged Blanc de Blanc Sparkling paired with Kettle Corn. Amidst laughter and camaraderie, participants shared tales of their own van life experiences, further strengthening the bonds formed during the journey.
Hiking Adventures and Roadside Rescues
The following day brought opportunities for exploration and discovery as the group ventured into 3 Fingers Gulch for a scenic hike. Despite encountering another van breakdown en route, the spirit of camaraderie prevailed, with fellow travelers lending a hand to ensure everyone could continue their journey uninterrupted. Additionally, DeeDee’s flat tire was swiftly remedied thanks to the preparedness of guests Bryce and Chase, who had a full-sized tire jack on hand.
Gourmet Camping: Wine and Culinary Delights
Evenings spent at camp were elevated by Carrie’s culinary expertise, with each pre-meal Happy Hour was meticulously paired with locally sourced wines from Oregon’s Willamette Valley. As the sun dipped below the horizon, participants indulged in the exquisite flavors of Elk Cove Vineyards’ Mount Richmond Chardonnay, perfectly complemented by a Tuscan White Bean and Rosemary Spread, all while basking in the serenity of Leslie Gulch.
Exploring Remote Beauty: Leslie Gulch and Succor Creek
The adventure continued as the group made their way to Succor Creek, where Carrie’s offerings of Penner-Ash Vineyards’ Ridecrest Pinot Noir and a delectable Mushroom, Bacon, and Blue Cheese Dip provided a fitting conclusion to their wilderness escapades. However, the journey didn’t end there for those eager to extend their exploration, as a bonus day beckoned with promises of further adventure and discovery.
Extra Mile: Discovering Silver City and 3 Forks
Embracing the spirit of adventure, some participants embarked on an extra day of exploration, venturing into the snow-covered landscape of Silver City before finding that the last 3 miles were snowed in. Pivoting, they found solace in the remote intimacy of 3 Forks, a hidden gem recommended by longtime client Chris King. These off-the-beaten-path destinations offered a glimpse into the untamed beauty of Oregon, leaving a lasting impression on those who dared to venture further.
Vehicle Upgrades: Enhancing the Off-Road Experience
At the helm of the expedition was Brad of TrailRecon, whose meticulously planned routes and recent vehicle upgrades proved instrumental in navigating the challenging terrain. From Agile components to performance enhancements such as the RIP Kit and ARB air locker, Brad’s van boasted newfound capabilities, ensuring a smoother and more enjoyable ride for all. His experience highlighted the importance of investing in quality upgrades to enhance the off-road experience and mitigate unforeseen challenges.
Taste of Oregon: Local Wines and Terroir
Throughout the journey, Carrie’s carefully curated wine selections offered participants a taste of Oregon’s rich terroir, showcasing the diversity and quality of the region’s winemaking industry. Her passion for locally sourced wines, exemplified by her venture, Munster Pour, added an extra layer of depth to the culinary experiences shared amidst the wilderness.
Lessons Learned: Performance Upgrades and Preparedness
As the expedition drew to a close, reflections on the journey illuminated valuable lessons learned. While some participants faced challenges with van issues, the experience underscored the importance of performance upgrades such as the Atlas Transfer Case and Agile RIP Kits. These enhancements provided a sense of security and peace of mind, ensuring that future adventures would be met with confidence and preparedness.
Conclusion: Reflections on Adventure and Camaraderie
In retrospect, the journey through Oregon’s rugged terrain was more than just a physical adventure; it was a testament to the enduring spirit of camaraderie, resilience, and exploration. Against the backdrop of breathtaking landscapes and shared experiences, bonds were forged, memories were made, and a newfound appreciation for the beauty of the wilderness was cultivated. As participants bid farewell to Oregon’s untamed wilderness, they carried with them not only the stories of their adventures but also the enduring friendships formed along the way.
Recipes and pairings courtesy of Munster Pour by Carrie Craft
Crostini with Mushrooms, Bacon, and Blue Cheese Recipe
Mushroom Dream:
3T Butter
1/2lb fresh shiitake mushrooms, stemmed, caps chopped
4oz crimini mushrooms, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup whipping cream
1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese (about 2oz)
1/2 cup chopped bacon
1 Baguette cut into 18 slices or cubes. (For van puroses, Carrie used mini loaves, baked in a toaster oven, and sliced
into bite size portions for dipping.)
Melt butter in heavy, large skillet over med-high heat. Add all mushrooms and garlic and sauté
until mushrooms are cooked through and brown – about ten minutes.
Add cream and boil until liquid is completely absorbed – about two minutes.
Remove from heat. Add blue cheese and stir until cheese melts.
Mix in bacon.
Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Transfer to serving bowl.
Crostini:
Preheat oven to 375*F. Arrange bread slices on baking sheet and bake until just golden – about
five minutes.
Serving Options:
– Place in serving bowl or on platter alongside mushroom dream.
– Mound 1 generous tablespoon of mushroom dream on each slice. Return to oven and bake
until topping is heated through – about six minutes.
Recipe can be made 1-2 days ahead. Cover, refrigerate and reheat prior to serving.
Tuscan White Bean & Rosemary Spread Recipe
Ingredients:
2 cans white cannellini or Great Northern beans – with juice
1/2 yellow onion – diced
2T chopped garlic
2tsp chopped rosemary
1tsp chopped thyme
1/4c olive oil
1 bay leaf
1tsp salt
Salt & freshly ground black pepper
Pita chips for dipping
Prep:
In a medium size pot, add and heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
Add the onion, garlic, rosemary, and thyme.
Stir and cook until the onions are very tender. Adjust heat as necessary to keep from burning.
Add the beans with juice, bay leaf, and salt and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium and
simmer until mixture has thickened.
Discard bay leaf.
If desired, use a potato masher to break up the beans.
Spoon into a service dish and serve accompanied with pita chips.
Recipe can be made 1-2 days ahead. Cover, refrigerate and reheat prior to serving.
Curious about Champagne and Kettle Corn?
Visit Kramer Vineyards, our buy online.
Carrie highly suggests this Kettle Corn, which can be found at Costco in a mega size!
