BANNOCK – /”bænek”/-  a flat bread, similar to a scone; cooked in pioneer days over open fires.
Variations in flours and the addtion of dried/fresh fruit make this bread the simple  yet versitile.  It’s the choice of Canadian campers even today.

~ …….SALT MOUNTAIN. 23h00.  LATE MAY…….~
It’s cool enough to be wearing a toque, and we’re cozied up by the bonfire.  An internationl crew of 3 Aussies,  a German & Canadian have been lodging here at our Cape Breton hostel. For the next week we’re their home base as they explore & hike their way through the Cape Breton Highlands National Park.  After adventurous days they enjoy their routine of settling in around  the fire pit; beer in hand,  the stars above, and conversation then flows.  They’ve come to love the Canadian treat of Bannock – a bread dough wrapped around a stick, cooked over the open flame.

Sam (Australia) adds the final touch to a relaxing night with his guitar. Playing new favourites and forgotten rock hits – one realizes you sometimes don’t know how much you like a song until its played around a bonfire in the  light of the glowing flames.

…… and I can’t quite recall how it all came about…  importantly : Someone’s bannock caught on fire.
Had Sam just finished playing Sex on Fire [Kings of Leon] or was strumming the opening chords are tiny details.  A tongue-in- cheek suggestion was requested that a song could be re written.  Everyone laughed at the thought of Bannock knocking out the Sex. [Anyone who has stayed at Bear on the Lake this season quickly learns that I do not tire of the Kings of Leon ]

Quickly conversation moved on, but Sam kept strumming the chords of Sex on Fire.  Then, without warning, he rocked out with this :

~The Bannock Song~
sung to the tune of “Sex on Fire” by the Kings of Leon

V1          My fingers are sticky
My Stick if so Burnt
But I’m just Waitin’
Just waitin’

It seems like forever,
But I’ll sit here tonight
I can just taste it
Taste it

Ch     oh no-o! My bannock’s on fire!
And no-ow! I have a desire.

V2        Sittin’ by the fire,
Here at the Bear
It’s near Baddeck
That rhymes with Bannock
Watchin’ the fire,
It’s black & gold
Just like my bannock
My bannock

(repeat chorus)

Flip through the guestbook to see the lyrics Sam penned for yourself!    (May 28th, 2009)

Sam went onward to Newfoundland, and weeks later returned to Bear on the Lake, where we were entertained with new verses that included  the element of maple syrup, butter & an undying passion for bannock.

Come &  try the bannock for yourself… then let us know….  “Is Bannock better than Sex?”

XO fr Salt Mountain

Kat