Ploughman’s Lunch at Cama Beach
I’ve been gone for a few days. Maybe some of you have noticed? And I haven’t been doing any cooking. Zilch. All of the sudden I have a lot of work. Turns out no one is paying me to putter around in my kitchen and write about it, so sometimes I have to leave my kitchen for awhile. What wonderful comments you’ve been leaving here, though! So delightful to come home to. Thank you.
And we went to Cama Beach State Park for two days–little cabins with sinks and refrigerators, but no stoves or cooktops. That’s where the Ploughman’s Lunch comes in. Sandwiches seem to be the choice of most Americans for no-cook food. I am definitely not against sandwiches–cold ones, hot ones. I often crave a plain old deli sandwich from Albertson’s or any deli, piled high with cold cuts, pickles, mealy tomatoes. But even more than sandwiches, I love the Ploughman’s Lunch. It originates in England, and at its most basic it’s a hunk of cheese, some bread, and a pickle. Around here, we have Ploughman’s Dinner, too. Pretty often, actually.
Just lay out a big piece of parchment paper in the middle of the table (The Leftoverist travels with parchment. Pathetic.). Then, cheese, bread, crackers, spicy mustard, salami, wedges of pomegranate, Jonagold apples, Taylor Gold pears. You can add nuts, olives, pickled vegetables, hard boiled eggs, bits of chutney or dips, dried fruit. The kids eat a lot more this way, I find, than when I slave over assembling something.
With the autumn light spilling into our little beachside cabin, we played charades and got Wyatt laughing harder than he’s laughed in a long time. Is there any better sound than that? These last nine months have been a hard transition for him. There have been several nights when he’s cried himself to sleep, missing Yancey and our family dinners, the daily contact they used to have. Wyatt is happiest when we’re all together. So am I, and our two days at the windswept beach were beyond precious.
I could go on and on about Washington’s newest state park, a 1930’s fishing resort that the state bought 17 years ago and just reopened in 2008. Little (cheap!) bungalows right on the beach, trails, beautiful views of the Olympics. What struck me most, though, was the story of the sisters who sold the 450 acres to the state. The resort had fallen into disrepair, guests weren’t coming anymore, and they approached the state. They ended up selling it for half its appraised value, and then turned around and donated 4 million dollars for capital improvements. Isn’t that incredible? 45o acres, a long perfect stretch of beach, and developers lining up to pay top dollar. During our stay, I kept feeling grateful to them, for their gift to future generations, their foresight and selflessness. And it reminded me of the transformative effect generosity can have. The park felt infused with goodness and hospitality, the history of thousands of working class families recreating and making memories. And the sisters’ story made me want to be more generous, not just with money, but with how I give to generations that come after me–indeed, even to the seventh generation. How different the world would be if we lived with them in mind.
In the meantime, I’ll be here, hunkered down over my ploughman’s lunch.
Reading this was definitely a great way to start the day! The snack meal - glad to know it has a proper name. What kind of crackers are those? They look perfect for smearing and piling stuff on. It’s fantastic that you prioritize getting away with the family - sometimes it’s so easy to say “We have a couple free days and I’m going to spend the time catching up on laundry because we don’t need to spend the money going somewhere…” But life is happening right now, today, this moment. And no one looks back wishing they would’ve done more laundry.
You are so right, Beth. We won’t look back and wish we’d done more laundry. My house reflects that
I love the name “ploughman’s lunch”, how British.
I used to serve an appetizer of sliced baguette, chutney, onions and farmhouse cheddar cheese and call it a “ploughman’s snack”.
That was my easiest hors d’oevres! thanks for reminding me!
Stacey
Your getaway sounds great! Did you also notice that WSU Island County Beach Watchers have set up housekeeping down at Cama, offering printed materials as well as activities for kids and families? Of course, as I write this, I wonder if they were there when you were, or if they had already shifted to a winter schedule
The lunch looks great, and it’s definitely one of my favorite ways to eat!
Love this - it’s like a picnic! Glad you’ve been enjoying yourself.
this post brought tears to my eyes.
P.S. Thoughtful reflection on generosity. Indeed it has a lot of power to bless the world we live in.
We are going to Cama Beach in the spring! Reading your post makes me even more excited.
Reading your post also reminded me of one my favorite lunches, eaten with my little family on the green in Fairhaven.
Glad you had such a wonderful time.
You are speaking my language! When my husband and I traveled Ireland, we stopped at a farmer’s market and had an impromtu ploughman’s lunch. BTW, we keep a wine opener in each of our cars, just in case. Someone once asked if the wine opener was necessary to have in the car and my answer? Why, yes, yes it is. You never know when a wine tasting or a ploughman’s lunch will spontaneously occur!
The story of the sisters…wow…I’m balling. It really makes me want to be more generous, too. It also reminds of the importance of getting away into nature. Thanks for sharing.
how important this post is! such a reminder of what is important. certainly you will look back and be thankful you spent that time with your delightful family. and for the record, you are one of the most generous people i know.
Sarah–my heart is sad for sweet Wyatt. What a sensitive spirit he has and it’s so beautiful. He already understands at his age the greater things in life…being with everyone in his family. I don’t know if you’ve ever read this book called ‘Strong-Willed Child or dreamer?’ by Dr. Dana Scott Spears. I’m currently reading it. It is taking away the thought that all children who show stubbornness are “strong-willed” in the more negative sense. The authors suggest that it’s not just compliant versus strong-willed, but they add in the dreamer. The person who is easily misunderstood by so many people. I am finding that I am definitely a dreamer and my oldest is walking in the same shoes as her mama. It made me think of Wyatt and you after reading your blog.
Thank you. I’m adding this park to my “Places to Visit” list. Wonderful.
the thought of you all at cama makes me smile. i was there late spring (on grace’s initiative –go grace!!) + found it absolutely so delightful and restorative.
took a long walk today after putting mom in a taxi headed for the airport; knew i needed to get some endorphins going. found a great cheese shop in my neighborhood (had to call pds to tell her it awaits her) and then a park three blocks from my apt that looks over the river to manhattan. three blocks. can’t wait to see you my dear and if time permits, show you the sliver of life i’m discovering here. xoxo
Thanks for the great post–you made the Ploughman’s Lunch look so delicious that I chose it as my Friday night pumpkin carving menu last weekend. My two girls ate and ate and ate (way more than usual, just as you predicted)! So glad I discovered your blog.
A classmate urged me to check out this site, brill post, interesting read… keep up the nice work!