Buttered hardtack, sometimes with cheese or maybe some lunch meat.

For a little variety, generously spread with peanut butter.

I don’t remember when I started eating hardtack but I’m sure it was because of seeing my dad eating it or sharing some with me.

It’s a great, non-sweet snack between meals or when on a hike.

Sometimes jumping off large sand dunes and sinking up to my knees in the soft leeward side, schooching down the angle of repose just to hear the “singing sand,” or a couple of hours fishing in small streams, would lead to break time.

Of course out of dad’s pack or fishing creel would frequently come that savory cracker and usually something sweet after.

Boy do I miss those times.

Ken Kaiyala