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Gear

Straw Propeller Gourmet Foods Cherry & Chia

by Paulina Dao August 25, 2014
written by Paulina Dao

Straw Propeller Cherry & Chia Review

Straw Propeller takes that age-old instant oatmeal and adds their own gourmet twist to make this breakfast staple more enjoyable and fun. My first try with the company was with the Apple Crisp, and boy, was that tasty.

The Cherry & Chia wasn’t quite what I was expecting from the company. Apple Crisp was incredibly sweet and dessert-like, and that was what I was hoping for. The Cherry & Chia was a lot more tart without the extra sweet overload. The chia seeds were a nice touch; I’m a huge fan of getting my fair share of omega-3 fatty acids. However, coming off of the sweet, sweet, gooey, white chocolate-y goodness that was the Apple Crisp, I was a little let down. So, if you’re not a fan of getting a sugar rush during breakfast, this is definitely for you!

Each serving comes in a little cardboard container convenient to make and mess-free. Just add water, wait, eat and throw away. If you’re looking to save space while backpacking, the containers aren’t for you, but they’re great for car camping. I might even stock my pantry with these for a fast and easy breakfast.

Buy through Straw Propeller for $39 for a pack of 12. You can buy a one flavor pack of 12 or mix and match.

August 25, 2014 0 comments
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AdventuresHiking

How to Spend a Week in Lassen Volcanic National Park

by Paulina Dao August 20, 2014
written by Paulina Dao

Lassen Volcanic National Park Trip Recap

This past summer was the first time I’ve ever been to Lassen Volcanic National Park. It’s a gem of a national park compared to its nearby neighbor, Yosemite National Park.

Over the Fourth of July holiday, I headed up to spend a week in this magical destination.

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August 20, 2014 0 comments
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AdventuresHiking

Hiking Mill Creek Falls, Lassen Volcanic National Park

by Paulina Dao August 18, 2014
written by Paulina Dao

Lassen Volcanic National Park: Mill Creek Falls Hike Review

After finishing up the Mt. Lassen hike before 9am in the morning, I decided that I had enough time to tackle one more trail. I wanted to see one more waterfall in the park: Mill Creek Falls. This 3.6 mile hike to a stunning waterfall is a great way to spend several hours of your day.

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August 18, 2014 0 comments
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Gear

Straw Propeller Gourmet Foods Apple Crisp

by Paulina Dao August 15, 2014
written by Paulina Dao

Straw Propeller Gourmet Foods Apple Crisp Straw Propeller Gourmet Foods Apple Crisp

Instant oatmeal, that’s one of those foods everyone’s had for breakfast while camping or on the trail. It’s fast, it’s easy. But after a while, those instant packets of blueberry, peaches, or strawberry can get quite boring. And that’s where Straw Propeller comes in to save the day.

Straw Propeller takes that age-old instant oatmeal and adds their own gourmet twist to make this breakfast staple more enjoyable and fun.

The Straw Propeller Apple Crisp is hands down my most favorite product that they offer yet. (I’ve tried three!) The Apple Crisp is a fun spin on the regular ol’ apple & cinnamon grocery store packet. Walnuts are added for some extra crunch and topped off with melty white chocolate for a sweet surprise in every bite. I’m surprised there isn’t chocolate in every instant oatmeal packet! It just makes it that much more awesome. Gluten-free people, fear not! All Straw Propeller products are now made with certified gluten-free rolled oats.

Each serving comes in a little cardboard container making it easy and mess-free. Just add water, wait, eat and throw away. If you’re looking to save space while backpacking, the containers aren’t for you, but they’re great for car camping.

Buy through Straw Propeller for $39 for a pack of 12. You can buy a one flavor pack of 12 or mix and match.

I received this through my Get Cairn box as a part of the Hell Hike and Raft crew. If you’re interested in getting a box, use the code LITTLEGRUNTS for $5 off your first box. Sign up here.

August 15, 2014 1 comment
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AdventuresHiking

Mt. Shasta via Clear Creek

by Paulina Dao August 13, 2014
written by Paulina Dao

Hike: Mt. Shasta
Where: Shasta-Trinity National Forest
Trailhead: Clear Creek
Level: Strenuous
Duration: 9 hours
Length: 12~ miles out and back total to summit
Gear: Icebreaker Tech T Lite shirt, Triple Aught Design Artemis Hoodie, REI Sahara Pants, Black Diamond Ultra Distance trekking poles, CamelBak Aventura Pack, and Ahnu Sugarpine Boots
Cost of Parking: Free, but summit permit is $20 per person

Mt. Shasta, Mt. Shasta, Mt. Shasta, you got the best of me this time, but I’ll be back. Just you wait and see. Friday afternoon after work, the boyfriend and I drove up to the Clear Creek trailhead to camp out and hike up Shasta the next morning with a Meetup group. We ended up getting in later than expected after driving around in the middle of the forest squinting at all the little forest road signs. We attempted to sleep in the car to save time instead of setting up tent, but it became insanely hot. Cars and people trickled in noisily and slowly after 11pm.

We started our adventure at 6am. Coming from sea level and hiking with lack of sleep made our progress extremely slow. The first few miles of the hike are fairly moderate with a gradual incline to Clear Creek Meadow. Clear Creek Meadow seemed to be the destination of choice for overnight attempts at the summit; we ran into tons of quiet and empty tents next to a clear, babbling spring. After Clear Creek Meadow, the fun really begins.

Mt. Shasta via Clear Creek August 2014 Review Mt. Shasta via Clear Creek August 2014 Review Mt. Shasta via Clear Creek August 2014 Review

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August 13, 2014 3 comments
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Paulina Dao Little Grunts

Hi, I’m Paulina! A full time adventurer with a day job, I’m a firm believer in the 5-9, and maximizing every second of being out of office. I didn't grow up outdoorsy. This little corner of the internet chronicles my trials and tribulations of heading outside. Learn more about me or just say hi!

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littlegrunts.com
  • About
    • About Paulina
    • Why Don’t They Look Like Me? The Diversity Dilemma in Outdoor Media
    • Contact Me
  • Climbing
    • Bouldering at Castle Hill, New Zealand
    • Bouldering at the Jardines, Queenstown, New Zealand
    • The Best Beginner Boulders in the Buttermilks, Bishop, CA
  • Backpacking
  • Hiking
  • Travel
  • Destinations
    • California
    • Iceland
    • Idaho
    • Washington
    • Utah
    • Greece
    • New Zealand
    • Norway
  • Gear Reviews
    • How to Build Out a Subaru Outback Without Any Building
  • Work With Me!