A Warm Drink on a Cold Walk

Looking for something different to do to burn off some of those Thanksgiving calories?

Go out on a Nature Walk Scavenger Hunt! Go out in groups of two or more, armed with your cell phone cameras, and take selfies next to things found on the list at the end of this post. After spending a specified amount of time out on the walk, have everyone return home to share their selfies. Maybe give extra points for a team that turns in a digital collage!

But wait! Before you head on out, make this awesome drink to keep off the chill - Hot & Spicy Apple Barrel! The cinnamon and spices give it a comforting and seasonal flavor that's just right for a chilly outdoor adventure, keeping you warm and refreshed. Omit the rum for the young'ns. 

---

Hot & Spicy Apple Barrel (serves 4):

• 4 cups apple cider or apple juice
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 4 cloves
• 2 star anise
• Orange peel from 1 orange
• Optional: 1/4 cup brown sugar (for added sweetness)
• 2 oz Dark rum

1. In a large pot, combine the apple cider, cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, and orange peel. If you want a sweeter drink, add brown sugar.
2. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Let simmer for 10 - 15 minutes.
3. Strain the drink to remove the spices and orange peel. 
4. Add dark rum if using and pour into insulated flasks.
5. For a fruity touch, add a slice of fresh apple or orange to each cup.

​Scavenger Hunt list:

• A red leaf
• A pinecone
• A bird (good luck with the selfie!)
• A smooth stone
• An acorn or other tree seed
• A feather
• A piece of bark
• A squirrel or other small mammal (again, good luck with the selfie!)
• A spider web 
• A mushroom or fungus 
• A footprint or animal track
• A type of berry 
• A fallen twig with a unique shape
• A flower 
• A body of water 
• An insect 
• A patch of moss or lichen
• A leaf that's different from the others around it
• Something the color of the sky
• A natural object that makes a sound (rustling leaves, flowing water)
• A house that still has Halloweeen decorations up.
• A house that already has Christmas lights on.
• A balloon yard decoration -- Santa, Snowmen, Snow globe, etc.
• A yard that hasn't raked any leaves