Will hike for gravy

It has been way too long since my last post but that doesn't mean I haven't been getting out.  One thing I have recognized about why I like to backpack and hike is that I develop a heck of an appetite by the end of trip and that appetite is best satisfied by.....gravy.  Yes, good old sausage gravy piled onto some eggs, waffles, biscuits, whatever, and then topped off with some hot sauce.  Maybe it's because my trail food tends to be a little raw or winter hiking can make you cold inside or there's something magical about sausage drippings.  Whatever the reason this is way beyond comfort food, this is soul food. 

If you have the same craving (or think you might), I have a couple of recommendations for great places to get your gravy fix.  Of course there is always Bob Evans.  You may say, "but they're a chain restaurant and I want to eat local".  Well, they are a chain, based in the Midwest, and if you've already had it you have to admit they know how to do gravy pretty well.  It's farm style - big chunk - gravy and it could be a meal in and of itself.  Locations are all over and can be found at http://www.bobevans.com/Restaurant/Locate

If you're not Jonesin for some Bob's and you just got off the Rough Trail (or any trail) at Red River Gorge, head over to True North Outfitters at 20 Sky Bridge Road, Campton, KY (606) 668-3745).  This is a climber hostel/outfitter that serves a great breakfast every day, including biscuits and gravy. This is also the birthplace of what my friends and I now call the "wombat".  The wombat is a waffle, topped with scrambled eggs, bacon, cheese, and you guessed it, gravy.  I can't even remember why we called it that but I won't forget the joy I had when that mountain of breakfast heaven came out of the kitchen.  Aside from the food, the cabin structure is inviting for the outdoorsy type with a fireplace, couches, and knotty pine walls, and I didn't feel like I was offending the Sunday morning church crowd with my trail scent.

Another top recommendation is KJ's on 35 W Center St in Germantown, OH close to the Twin Valley Backpacking Trail in Dayton, OH.  KJ's is a great home cookin place that is the home of the "Fat-n-Skinny".  The Fat-n-Skinny is the "Old 96er" of breakfast - a 4 lb monument made of waffles, eggs, peppers and onions, potatoes, sausage, and cheese, smothered in gravy - and comes free if you finish it in 25 min!  If you attempt it and fall short you still get a T-shirt and your picture posted on their Facebook wall.  Now I love a good challenge but I don't want to end up looking like Adam Richman on Man vs. Food, so I opt for the "Mini-Skinny" which is the same thing at about a quarter of the size.  The Mini hits the spot and if you're still hungry after that, get a slice of one of their homemade pies.

Fat-n-Skinny.....-n food coma

So next time you're out and want to end your trip in a great way, wrap your food and soul up in a nice blanket of gravy.  I guarantee you will appreciate your trip even more.