Camping with Tracy Thompson

Meet Tracy Thompson, a Veterinary Medical Officer with the Science Directorate for the NPS. Her favorite part about working for the park service is preserving and protecting our resources. When she is not busy with that mission you can find her hiking, camping, biking, hula and flamenco dancing, bird watching, reading, and knitting.

Last camping trip?
Wind Cave National Park in October 2018.

Favorite thing about camping?
The wildlife, the solitude, and the campfires.

Most memorable camping trip?
Zion National Park in 2006 with a close friend--we hiked the Narrows where we saw a red fox and had it all to ourselves. Went to the Ranger Evening Talk at the amphitheater and learned so much about the geology and wildife.

Favorite park to camp?
Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument

Park on your "must camp at" list
Wrangell-St.Elias National Park and Preserve

Who taught you how to camp?
Car camping- my dad; Back country-my husband.

Must-have item?
CD's for music while making dinner.

Any wildlife sightings?
Tons! I almost got taken out by a Bighorn Sheep ram when at Colorado National Monument. Lots of birds, small mammals, lizards, toads/frogs, mule deer, fox, raccoons, etc...

Advice to a novice camper?
Do your research before making your plan/reservation. Know what conditions to expect (weather, access, need for reservations, water availability, etc...). Having expectations for a great camping trip can only be fulfilled if you have prepared in advance!

Any favorite camping recipes?
My favorite for back or front country is Chicken and Snow peas with peanut sauce over rice:

Ingredients:

Sauce

• 1/2 cup peanut butter (smooth)
• 1/2 c hot water
• 2 tbs rice wine vinegar
• 1 tsp fresh minced ginger
• 2 cloves minced garlic crushed red pepper flakes to your heat level

Entree

• Shredded rotisserie chicken meat or canned chicken (drained)
• 1/2 lb snow peas halved
• 1/2 red bell pepper diced
• 3 cups cooked white or brown rice (or rice noodles!)
• 2 green onions chopped for garnish

Directions:

Mix all of the sauce ingredients, adding enough hot water to get consistency to not be runny but to coat rice and veggies/chicken. Steam or stir fry the snow peas and pepper for 2-3 mins, heat chicken through, and add to cooked rice. Pour sauce over all and top with green onions.