2011 Vacation Day 2

Our second day of vacation took us from the Parnell Creek RV Campground to the Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, AL. Jack, Marcella, and James road the Mars simulator and were awed by the rockets. Marcy and Jack discovered the G-Force simulator and the rocket shot rides. They also had a chance to climb a rock wall

– both making it to the top. Marcella looked like Spiderman as she quickly scaled the harder end of the wall. We watched an IMAX movie about the Hubble Telescope and a 3-D movie about dinosaurs of the sea. Overall we spent nearly six hours at the Space and Rocket Center. Jack wants to go to Space Camp next summer, maybe with a bonus I can afford to send him. How cool would that be?

After Huntsville it was back into the “Beast” to travel to Rickwood Caverns State Park. First impressions – wow! This place only has 13 campsites and I did not know what to expect. On pulling in I saw an immaculate campground, exposed rocks, a gigantic pool with high dive and a playground. For $20/night you can’t beat camping at State Parks. Two years ago was our first RV outing and we camped at KOA’s. I have come a long way since then and definitely prefer state parks over the commercial endeavours for RV camping. Not only do they cost less but they are more aligned with nature.

I have to share about dinner. We have a menu for each day, last night (Saturday) was beer soaked pork chops and garlic noodles. Tonight the kids had asked for Chicken Casserole – Dad’s signature dish. Traditionally, I make Chicken Casserole like this.
Traditional Chicken Casserole
1-2 lbs cut up chicken tenders or breast (boil until done)
½ bag egg noodles (cooked)
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 container sour cream
Combine and put in casserole dish.
1 tube of Ritz crackers crushed and mixed with butter. Sprinkle over top and bake at 350F entire dish for 45 minutes.

Since we are camping and it is hot I wanted to cook outside. Also, money being an issue I ended up getting a different kind of chicken. Once on the road, I discovered I did not have a casserole dish, only a metal cake pan. Thus, I modified the recipe as follows.

John’s Kick-Ass Chicken Casserole

1-2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (dark meat and greasy, hmm)
– Grill the chicken until done. Use seasonings to flavor (I used Montreal Steak Grillmates)
1 lb box “Seashell” noodles. Cook until done and drain.
1 can cream of onion soup
1 container sour cream
1-1 ½ cup milk
Combine and put in 9×13 metal pan. Generously grease the pan first (I used margarine on a napkin). 1 tube of Ritz crackers crushed and mixed with butter. Sprinkle over top. I baked in a hot 350F oven for 15-20 minutes (until hot).

 

Tags: Travel