First Painting Down

I've been apprehensive since I started this trip as to when my first painting would happen.  I thought it might be on my first cave along the Raymer Hollow trail in Mammoth Cave NP.  But no, nothing struck me at that moment.  I thought it might happen driving along the Kentucky highways cruising with the rolling hills and wooden fences.  Alas!  A sunny day in Tennessee no less.  Why not.  It was perfect.  Although the painting may not be the moment was.   Out of the 20 cars that may have passed, at least 5 people slowed down to ask if me and my gal who was sitting next to me if everything was okay or if we needed help... my folks in TN are quite nice.  Thank you southern hospitality!!  Here are a few pics from that occasion.  Finished work yet to be posted... stay tuned. 

Beef Jerky Recipe

Just a week a way from starting my trip.  Can't wait to see how this whole thing unravels.  I've pretty much stopped planning and am just going to go with the flow.  I think the worst thing I can do at this point is over-think things          s o                         j u  s   t         s h  u   t   t    i     n     g             t h   e          b  r    a       i        n                         d o  w    n                          n      o        w


I do have a jerky recipe for you though!!!

Choose a flank steak or london with minimal amounts of fat about 1.5 - 2#

1 whole bulb garlic
1/2c         salt
1/2c         sugar
1/4c       coriander seed
1/4c       mustard seed
1/4c        peppercorn
3T          allspice
2T          paprika

Blitz the garlic a few times in the food processor
Add remaining spices and blitz until a uniform size.

Rub down the steak with the spice mixture and allow to cure in the fridge for 48 hours.

Slice 1/4in think.  Arrange pieces on a cooling/drying rack and dehydrate in oven @ 150degrees for 4hrs.  flip half way through at hr2.   You'll know it's done when it resembles JerkY!!