Food tastes better up a mountain
Taste - writing inspired by Beth Kempton's Summer writing sanctuary Day four
Hello, I’m Rachel. I write about nature and creativity to encourage connection and wellbeing.
This week I’m taking part in Beth Kempton’s Summer Writing Sanctuary. I’m part of her beautiful online writing community on Substack- Soul Circle, but this is her generous free offering to inspire and spark us all into writing. And that is exactly why I’ve joined.
Today’s theme was taste and she talked about how our expression of taste is often more about the location, the occasion, the people rather than detailed descriptions of whether something is sweet, sour, or salty.
I found today hard. As my partner commented - I’m a noticer, predominantly through my eyes and ears. I don’t really talk about food much less describe it.
But think beyond function and taste and a huge box of memories unfold. People and place bring food alive in those memories. I scribbled for pages in my notebook, delving back into childhood, memories of particular foods associated with different friends and family.
And I thought of food’s place in my adventures. When it is more than just the fuel to move you forward but the celebration, relief, and comfort.
The relief of wrapping my chilly hands around hot milky tea in my enamel mug after a winter swim (and the reason why my thermos is one of my favourite and most used possessions.)
The respite and joy of brought by a steaming hot chocolate in a paper cup, topped with swirls of creamy whipped cream on the side of a wind blown ski slope in Scotland.
Sharing a tangy, soft yet crumbly tarte aux myrtilles on the terrace of an alpine mountain refuge after an exceedingly wet ascent.
The restorative unmistakable caramel tang of Coca-cola in an Alpine bar after a long sweaty walk up to a glacier.
Sitting watching the sunset over the sea with a pile of warm salty chips, in my lap after a long day rock climbing, with just the right level of crunch.
How the taste and texture of a cheese and pickle sandwich (wholemeal) is enhanced by being squashed in your rucksack and eaten sat on a rock on the side of a hill.
The refreshing medicinal power of a spearmint polo after the steep walk out of the local nature reserve.
What food do you associate with the outdoors? Or any adventures and celebrations?
Thank you for reading. If you like what I do, please subscribe if you don’t already to have my posts appear in your inbox (if you choose - you can also just receive them in the substack app).
If you already subscribe - thank you! Please consider supporting me further by sharing it with others.
Enid Blyton got it right!