In the coming months [2018-2019] our goal is to duplicate all of our information and webpages we created under www.toponautic.blogspot.com.
We have had a good ride using Google’s Blogger platform. We accumulated well over a “quarter of a million” site visits just to our HOME page. We are/were well on our way to half a million.
Our information’s new home will be on our own server space and with our own Domain/Site name. We are moving off the Blogger platform and going out on our own using WordPress. This will allow us more flexibility to do custom modification, format things differently, and accumulate SEO rankings that belong to our own Domain.
Once turned up, our new home will be on www.toponautic.com
We are kind of disappointed we will drop in SEO rankings as soon as we move. In hindsight we should have made this decision the day we started TOPONAUTIC. But a few years of living and learning was the teacher on this subject. Wish us well!
The below piece of Cast Iron has not been positively identified by anyone. If you have knowledge of what is shown here, please email us with any info. We are looking for things like the foundry or manufacturer, Year or Circa manufactured, current value, etc.
We will in turn contact the person that submitted the photo(s). Thank You so much! Email to: info@toponautic.com
Posted 12/27/2017 to be identified – Don Hopkins
Gate Marked, Continuous Heat Ring, #9, Distinct Handle, U4 stamp or mark
Final preparations are going on for me today. Loading the trailer and taking inventory of camping gear and cooking utensils. We are cooking in competition associated with out sister website TheDutchOvenCook.com and the facebook group Las Vegas Dutch Oven Enthusiasts
This coming weekend is the annual Cathedral Gorge Dutch Oven Cookoff (Saturday September 16th, 2017). Sponsored by the Nevada State Park and surrounding businesses. The weather is looking to be near perfect.
This cookoff is a big deal. At least for the competitions we normally attend. There are normally around 50 cooks, and some of those preparing multiple recipes. We have seen crowds of people (250+) showing up to taste, vote on their favorite, and just plain enjoy the day.
If you are in the area, be sure to come out and support the event. Enjoy the food, enter the raffle, and enjoy the beautiful Nevada State Park.
This can be an appetizer or served with a side to become a meal. It is an addictive combination of fresh ingredients. You can prepare them ahead of time. Then brown the wraps a few minutes to serve. Serve them hot and crispy.
A dipping sauce of Ranch Dressing and Sriracha Sauce further enhances the taste.
Banana Oatmeal Blueberry Muffins (Recipe and Image courtesy: Rick Beach)
Prep Time: 15 Minutes
Cook Time: 15 Minutes
Servings: 14
Ingredients
1/2 Cup Uncooked Oatmeal
1/2 Cup Milk
1/4 Cup Butter Melted
1 Egg Whisked
1 Cup Bananas Mashed (about 2 regular sized bananas)
1/2 Cup Blueberries
3/4 tsp Nutmeg
1/2 Cup Sugar
2 1/2 tsp Baking Powder
1/2 tsp Baking Soda
1 Cup Flour unsifted
1/2 tsp Salt
1 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
1. In medium bowl combine the oats and milk and set aside to allow liquid to absorb.
2. In large bowl combine the remaining dry ingredients and whisk to combine. The Nutmeg, Sugar, Baking Powder, Baking Soda, Flour, Salt, and Cinnamon.
3. Stir the melted butter and whisked egg into the milk and oats. Stir in the Smashed Bananas, then the Blueberries.
4. Stir the wet ingredients into the dry. Stir until well moistened.
5. Line muffin pan with paper cupcake/muffin liners. Spray papers with spray oil such as Pam. Fill muffin cups 3/4 Full. Bake in preheated oven 425°F for 15 minutes and passes the toothpick test.
While many of you have been enjoying camping away the summer months, some of us have been getting “cabin fever”.
Most of the country gets “cabin fever” when cooped up during the winter months. Ironically those of us that live and camp in the desert southwest mostly “hole” up the hot summer months. Then start camping as the summer heat starts to wane into cooler temperature of the approaching Fall season.
So for some of us it is time to dust off the waffle dog maker, air out the sleeping bags and tents, and start prepping for prime camping season.
Does anyone have any tried and true recipes for use in a waffle dog maker? I need one for Corn Dogs, and another for Waffles Sausages.
Often we travel far to pound the pavement in search of odd and unique items for resale. This past weekend you would have found us making a whirlwind road trip.
A drive from Las Vegas, Nevada to Pasadena, California. About 4 hours walking a Flea Market, then jumping in the car and driving back to Las Vegas. No small feat when you realize the one way drive is just about 300 miles.
We left Las Vegas just before midnight and was able to start early bird shopping at 6:00 AM. The night driving at least kept us out of the summer daytime heat of around 110°F on the trip to the sale. Also the traffic was sparse compared to the congestion we would experience on our return trip.
A new venue for us, we visited the Pasadena City College Flea Market. As the name implies this was on the College Campus ground. More specifically, in the open parking lots, as well as in several levels of their parking deck structures. This sale happens the first Sunday of every month. Though you would need to check their schedule to be sure this is every month of the year.
They advertise that there are 400-500 dealers. After walking the campus for 4 hours we tend to believe those figures. It was definitely a walk.
Being in the business as both buyers and sellers, we were somewhat disappointed with the fact a large majority of prices were at what we consider “retail” pricing. Great for those looking for a collectable or one of a kind item and willing to pay the price. More difficult for dealers looking for a deal to buy stock. We estimate 75% of the sellers were charging such high prices there was little margin for further profit.
Some items were found though, and the trip was not a loss. It was just a much harder “pick” than what we are accustomed to. I am not sure we will return for another “pick”.
There was a whole section of Vinyl Records. Nearly a half a floor worth in the one parking structure. Probably the largest collection of record dealers in any given market we have ever been to.
The booths are laid out in the open parking lots, and also the parking decks. The parking decks offer the shade for sure. You had best hit the outdoor area’s early in the morning. The booth area’s are chopped up by the campus layout. They actually offer free shuttle service from area to area via 6-8 passenger golf carts. A little difficult if you are buying and carrying items. We took collapsible 4 wheeled wagons and we are glad we did. When full we wheeled them back to our vehicle. We recommend wagons or 2 wheeled carts of some sort. Also hats and sunscreen.
Parking is in one of the Colleges deck structures. At 6AM we were one of the first to arrive. At 10AM people were circling waiting for someone to leave. So our suggestion is to go early. Parking this past weekend was $2. You have to pay at a machine centrally located on each level of the deck and get a parking receipt.
There are numerous food and drink tents, if you forget to take water. Expect to walk lots. Vendors are friendly and willing to negotiate. Plan on having fun looking and buying.
Actual competition cooking is on Saturday September 16, 2017
A group of us camper/Dutch Oven cooks have been attending this event for years. The rangers at this State Park make this the best we have ever competed in. Aside from the awesome prizes they solicit from supporting businesses, they just make this plain fun.
Be prepared to arrive early and to stay until after dark. The whole day can be taken up hiking early in the morning, then wandering around watching the cooks prepare the food that is judged and served to the public in the evening.
Many of us start arriving Thursday and Friday to also spend a few days camping. Sites are first come first served. Though the rangers have always made room for everyone even if it means “dry camping” off the edge of the pavement near the picnic area.
This time of year expect warm days and cool nights. The Milky-way will blanket you in the sky above. The coyote’s will sing you to sleep at night.
