FLOAT TRIP MENU PLANNING
There are a lot of different options to plan for float trip meals. Much of the decision involves three primary factors: (1) limited ability to keep food cool; (2) meal preparation involvement; (3) and clean up effort. After we purchase perishable food in Alaska, we freeze some items with dry ice and take block ice in a cooler. This allows for having meals requiring refrigeration for a couple of days. When wilderness cooking, we like to keep it simple so we can spend more time catching fish.
An additional important consideration is what food to pack on the commercial flight as luggage and what to purchase when you arrive in Alaska. Groceries are typically much more expensive in Alaska. To the extent you can take as much food with you. It will save you money as long as you can avoid the excess baggage charges by planning and packing appropriately. Coolers can be used to transport food and clothing and then can also be used on your trip.
With that in mind, here are two example menus that we have used for a two person 7 day float trip.
Example #1 Week Menu Plan:
Breakfasts:
Bagels and cream cheese/peanut butter
Pancakes and syrup
Cereal with powdered milk
Oatmeal (instant packets)
Bread for meals: Tortilla shells
Day 1 Lunch: Lunch meat sandwiches
Dinner: Brats
Day 2 Lunch: Lunch meat sandwiches
Dinner: Hot dogs
Day 3 Lunch: Tomato soup w/ sausage and cheese
Dinner: Spaghetti w/ red sauce
Day 4 Lunch: Ramen noodles
Dinner: Chunky soup
Day 5 Lunch: Canned chicken w/ canned veggies
Dinner: Canned ravioli
Day 6 Lunch: PB&J
Dinner: Red beans and rice
Day 7 Lunch: Spam wrap – tortilla shell
Dinner: Pasta w/ dry garlic and herb sauce
Example #2 Week Menu Plan:
Breakfasts (repeat Example # 1)
Day 1 Lunch: Ramen noodles
Dinner: Lasagna (freeze dried)
Day 2 Lunch: Broccoli cheese soup (dry)
Dinner: Spaghetti w/ red sauce
Day 3 Lunch: Canned chicken w/ canned veggies
Dinner: Chunky soup
Day 4 Lunch: PB&J
Dinner: Canned chili
Day 5 Lunch: Canned tuna w/ canned vegetables
Dinner: Packaged red beans and rice
Day 6 Lunch: PB&J
Dinner: Chunky soup
Day 7 Lunch: Spam wrap – tortilla shell
Dinner: Pasta w/ garlic and herb sauce (in packet)
Purchase in Alaska:
Case of soda
Box of powdered milk
Tortilla shells – wheat, 3 packages of 10
Bagels
Cream cheese
Fresh fruit
Canned vegetables, 4 cans
Chunky soup, 6 cans (3 meals)
Hot dogs and brats
Lunch meat – about 1.5 to 2 lbs
