RE: Upcoming Oregon Trip
Be sure to try Ft. Stevens, the largest state park west of the Miss., it is well run and the military ruins, Astoria, Ft. Clatsop (Lewis and Clark) and the surrounding area are historic and fun to explore. Also be sure to stop at Cape Blanco State Park (No reservations needed), the western most point of Oregon and Harris Beach State Park in Brookings. From Brookings you can easily do the jet boats up the Rouge at Gold beach as well as many other activities. We will be doing our third year at Cape Blanco State Park the week before Labor Day. Good beach agate hunting in the area.
Gordon
RE: Protectant for hardwood cutting board stove topper?
I have made many cutting "bread" boards and have treated each the same. I use unscented mineral oil (inert to mold, bacteria, etc.) and bee's wax. Like honey bee's wax has its own antibiotic properties. I melt together one ounce of the wax to one cup of the oil. Slowly heat the board to about 100 degrees, to help drive out some of its internal air, liberally apply the mixture and let cool to room temperature. To get as much of the wax mix to the interior of the wood let set for a week or two, or longer. Rub off excess and polish if desired. Reapply as needed in the future.
If you use Tung Nut oil be sure to get "food grade" oil. Again, you may want to warm the board to get the deepest penetration. The Tung Nut oil will polymerize, dry like varnish. Once exposed to air it is hard to keep unused oil from eventually hardening up.
