Dutch oven Cooking.

(via My Favorite Christmas Movies) My Personal top 10 List, Plus Extras.

(via A New Favorite Book You'll Never Find on My Bookshelf.)

I Love a Good Book...

This One Wont Be Gathering Dust!

When I am not hunting, hiking, camping or cooking in my favorite outdoor locations, I am thinking about and planning my next hunting, hiking, camping or cooking adventure in my favorite outdoor location.  At a young age, I discovered military field manuals which discussed survival and outdoor skills.  I would stare out the windows of my childhood home at the mountain and long for the time when I would be free to roam.  Then I found BLM maps and I got a license to drive, the west desert of Utah became my private playground.  Bunny bopping and coyote calling were my training ground for my early hunting experiences.  Much older now, I still look for any opportunity to tune into my favorite pastime, hang a hammock or cook in the Dutch.  Google earth, maps, DVDs, podcasts, and books have all found a way into planning my next adventure.

I have a suggestion for you, Hunting, Butchering and Cooking Wild Game Volume 1: Big Game, by Steven Rinella.  If you have watched the Meat Eater episodes or listened to his podcast you may already be aware of the book, but you may not be aware it is totally worth the investment.  If you by chance have not listened, watched, or read, you are missing out.  If you have a love for all things outdoors and adventure as I do, this guy needs to be your virtual friend.  More specifically for this post, this book should be in your library. Actually, the entire series, but one step at a time.

The book is a hefty bugger, large to say the least.  It could be used as a training device while running stairs to increase quad strength for next year’s hunt.  It could also be used as a weapon to bludgeon most North American Big Game, although I believe bludgeoning of big game to be unethical.  Sturdy construction and thick heavy white pages make the book “feel” like a quality book filled with quality knowledge should.   You may laugh, but I love the feel of a good book. The pictures are in color and have a purpose, lending to learning and the overall direction of the conversation. By the end of the preface, I was itching to get out and go adventure  somewhere, anywhere, and I wanted to take the book with me.  Out of the box, we are off to an excellent start.

Information coverage begins with gear and tactics.  I am by no means a novice, but as a lifelong student of the game, I found new learnings and plenty of refresh.  As you read along, you get the feeling you are having a conversation with a valued hunting buddy.  Opinions are offered in such a manner that the focus is on the gear and it’s use, not a brand name, no pushy sales or sponsorship gimmicks here.  (Unlike someone else you know who wishes you would purchase a hammock, cookbook, and a couple water filters. Christmas is on the way you know.)  Pictures of gear are clean and useful, and you will recognize more than one item already in your pack, and possibly another you have been needing.  The tactics section gave me many insights I did not already have.  Plenty of familiar hunting techniques cemented the author's knowledge giving me the desire to try something new next time I am out.

A huge section on Big Game follows, North American Big Game.  I enjoyed this section most of all, and that is saying something considering how many of the recipes I have tried from the last section. (You know I love to cook.) Information was detailed and keyed to make me a better hunter and conservationist.  Providing a better understanding of animals habits and nature also lead to a bit of further reading on several species, most notably black bear.  Ultimately my new found knowledge and excitement lead to me planning a DYI Bear Hunt out of state next year.  I love to get torqued up about new undertakings.

The book ends with butchering, game care, and quite a few excellent recipes and cooking techniques.  Again I find myself in the refresher zone, having grown up butchering animals and working at a meat packing plant for many years.  Refresh isn’t a bad word, especially when we are talking about a subject as important as “after the kill.”  When the shot hits true, the work begins and the information in contained will provide insight to even the most seasoned gamesman.  You probably won't find an "ah-ha" moment if you are an old hand, but you may find an important step we have “short-cut” over the years which is worth revisiting.  I did notice all the recipes fit quite nicely into my Dutch oven genre, ya, I am incorrigible.

Again, all in all, I am very happy with the purchase.  I am feeling like a knowledgeable outdoorsman.  I am excited about my next adventure.  I am energized about conservation without feeling I have been preached down too at a snooty buffet I only went to for the raffle on a new rifle, I could have donated online.  Most of all, I am happy.  I have a book I have read a couple times that I want to pick up and read again. Can you give a better review than the multiple re-read?  Well, maybe, I just purchased the kindle version too.

Be Happy, Be Curious, and

Share Your Adventures

...

(via Deja-Smooch.)

Missed Opportunities and Hidden Treasure.

Each morning as I leave my home and head off to work my mind huddles in the corner of my own little OCD room and I count to five. Eyeglasses, badge, wallet, cell phone, and car keys, each where they're supposed to be.  I kiss my wife goodbye as she cooks breakfast for my boys and I give each of them a hug.  When I was much younger I didn't count. I would reach my truck and realize that one of the articles were missing then I would turn around and go back in the house a little bit frustrated that my brain hadn’t picked up on the missing article.  That is what being young is about, missing opportunities and being frustrated.

Now that I'm much older I realize that missed opportunities or suffering are actually opportunities of a different sort.  For instance, each of those days I forgot something, I received an additional kiss from my beautiful wife (Deja-Smooch and totally worth) and another hug from each of my boys. (Re-Hugs are good too.) The cost for this great treasure was nothing more than a 50-foot walk into my home and back out.  A little bit of suffering goes a long way.

I am sure you have heard that elk hunting is one of the most grueling and difficult experiences one can engage in. While it is true that terrain that these magnificent creatures inhabit is strenuous to traverse at best and likely to kill you in the worst-case scenario, it is also some of the most majestic and beautiful scenery a person can find. Another aspect relating to the troublesome part of finding the Wiley Wapiti is the tediousness with which one must stand and stalk for hours and hours over this lovely terrain.  If you are in my area of the world you have to throw in freezing temperatures and a whole lot of wet. Tediousness and suffering are exactly why I love to chase this incredible animal, that and elk steak fried in butter with jalapenos.   The hunt is a training ground for life.

The hunt begins when you realize you want to stalk elk, and it never ends. My trips throughout the year to test my straw filters, to hang hammocks and trees, and to put my boots and no tie elastic shoe laces to the test over miles of hard terrain are all in preparation for finding my quarry. I discover habits, resting grounds, and feeding grounds. I stumble upon trails where creatures pass from one Valley to another, one mountain to another. My knees swell after miles of hiking. My back aches from the occasional slip. (If you are at all familiar with my blog you know I'm clumsy.)  My hips are bruised from where I land from several falls and on more than one occasion I'm sure to break or lose an expensive piece of equipment. I know what suffering lies ahead but every year without fail I begin the journey again.

Each trail followed every frustration and plan that goes awry is an opportunity to find a hidden treasure. The work we do, the preparations we make, and the goals we set all become part of a beautiful picture we paint in our minds.  The picture does not always manifest exactly as we had predicted, but if we are willing to accept variances within each brush stroke we can find hidden beauty and opportunities that we could've never imagined.  Now that I'm older I must confess that on occasion I leave one of my articles sitting on my dresser.  In my painting, every day begins with Dutch oven quiche and a “Deja-Smooch.”

The next in the series of:

"

I'm Doomed: A Laugh Out Loud Guide to Practical Prepping.

"

Water water everywhere, and I am guessing you know the rest; although swinging in my hammock on the bow of a large boat sounds OK. Essential to our well-being and even cognitive function, water is the cornerstone of life. Unfortunately, most of us wander around at any given time mostly dehydrated and unprepared for any sort of emergency. Having clean water available at home or while traveling could be the difference between surviving an unfortunate situation and becoming a victim. With just a few basic preparations you can mitigate the risk factors associated with an interruption of your water supply.  See also:

"Why Should I Travel with a Personal Water Filter?"

You have about three days without water before your body starts to shut down and your begin taking damage. You don't even get to roll a D8, you just take the damage.  Drinking dirty water can extend the period of time before hydration, but you will suffer. Suffering from unclean water is not a pleasant experience, most of us have had the "Rocky Mountains Trots", but nothing compares to a full on attack of dysentery that can ultimately lead to death. Now if you’re a world-famous pop star you can probably spray the canvas and make 1 million bucks, most of us aren’t that fortunate.

What to do? Store a bit of water and travel with a filter. The average person needs at least a half gallon of drinking water per day, people in hot environments and children will obviously need a bit more.  We also require a bit more for hygiene and cooking. A good rule of thumb is to store 1 gallon per person, per day of expected need.  At a minimum each of us should have a weeks worth of water on hand for the family.  Two weeks is by far better, and six months is a good goal to shoot for.  Realistically, you will probably never need six months worth of water supply, but if something does happen water is a valuable commodity that may help you trade for those items which you don’t have.

There are several ways to store that amount of water for a family of four, a simple 55-gallon barrel stores enough water for about 45 days. Bladders which can be placed underneath your bed or other furnishings and also hold anywhere from 50 to 100 gallons. Your water heater holds another 40 to 50 gallons and is easily accessible.  Treating this water with a touch of chlorine extends the life and usefulness so that swapping water out once a year keeps your supply fresh.

If you happen to decide to reuse storage containers for water, 2 L plastic soft drink bottles work excellent. Plastic milk or fruit jugs and cardboard containers do not work well, both can lead to the growth of unwanted bacteria.  Glass containers are typically heavy and bulky and break easily. Another benefit to 2 L soda containers is the ability to attach directly to a filter straw if water quality is in question.

*When I was much younger I would refill my mother's whiskey bottles with water.  The action had little to do with water storage, but it was still a form of prepping for self preservation.

When filling water bottles be sure to thoroughly clean the bottles with soap and water and then rinse thoroughly so there is no residue. Sanitize the bottles with a teaspoon of chlorine bleach mixed with a ¼ gallon of hot water.  Rinse thoroughly after sanitizing with clean water.  Fill bottles to the top with regular tap water. If you are tap water is already chlorinated there is no need to do anything further if it is not adding two drops of chlorine bleach to each gallon of water.   Do not make the mistake of believing that over bleaching is a good idea.

*Remember the conversation about spraying the canvas?  Your gut has loads of good bacteria necessary for good health that will get massacred if you ingest bleach.  Limit bleach use.

Containers should always be tightly sealed with as little air as possible inside. Do not contaminate lids by touching the inside of them. Make sure that each container is dated for future reference. Storage should be in a dark cool place. Your storage location should also be easily accessible and out of the realm of risk given your area and possibility of natural disaster.  Be sure to store the proper such as a bond wrench, pump, and other necessities you may need to access your water. Keeping a filter with your water is a good idea as well, just in case. You can use your no tie elastic shoe laces to attach tools to your water containers.

Keeping a few filters on hand also expands your water supply. Filters that can be placed in line with your home's city or well water supply can remove most if not all of the contamination. Travel filters such as camping pumps and filter straws can easily be used to filter water while on the go. These items are easily placed in day-packs and vehicles.   The cost for most filtration is relatively inexpensive, $16.  The Haggard water filter straws will filter up to 1500 L @.01 micron and last for a year after their initial use.

I typically keep a filter in my Dutch oven cooking kit along with my Dutch oven mitt, you never know what the water quality where you are headed my be like.  I would rather relax in my hammock than worry about how my food will taste with the added local flavor.   You should consider it, it makes a big difference.  Hey, the straw filters make great Christmas gifts as well!

*Ya, I know - 12 days of Christmas and not one of them in November...

(via Did You Get Those Pants on Sale?)

Genuine Gear Men's Ripstop Tactical Trousers

The wind is kicking up.  As it blows through the trees it gathers the years first light powdery snow and presses it oh so carefully into every crack and crevice in my outerwear. Now, not being one to hike around the mountains in a snowmobile suit. I tend to be the Joker who looks like he's out for an early spring hike with my t-shirt, hammock, and a diet coke at the ready. I have already told you of my fondness for wool longjohns, a good base layer is hard to beat. What about pants?

Your trouser selection could be the difference between a happy day of hiking, and several days of misery after the hike. I am fairly selective about what pants I wear while hiking and one of my all-time favorites are the standard BSA nylon uniform pants. However, I purchased six pair many years ago on closeout for five dollars each with free shipping, that's a no-brainer. At the regular price of just over 50 bucks, I personally wouldn't touch them. There are a couple of small issues, one being there convertible and I do not like convertible pants.  The other is they are terribly thin. If you happen to be on the lookout for convertible pants and don't mind Boy Scout green then you should look them up.  Otherwise, this post is going to look at the pants that I prefer when I have to spend my own hard-earned money.  I want pants that combined with the little water repellent and a good base layer are the perfect choice for any time of the year and my spare set never have to be taken out of my pack.  BTW - I use my elastic shoe laces to secure my clothing roll and other items in my pack, keeps things organized!

Genuine Gear Men's Ripstop Tactical Trouser are 60% cotton and 40% polyester. This is an excellent combination for truly durable hiking pants. They're also very lightweight and dry rather quickly as needed. They fit true to size, which believe it or not is rather important.  They sit naturally about mid-rise waist without sagging in the crotch.  The cargo pockets on the side have an open-top between them and the pant leg known as a stash pocket.  I use my stash pocket frequently, it is of ample size for a small tablet (roughly 7 inches) or your cell phone. I do not use a stash pocket for important things as there's no closure on top but it is excellent for stashing puppy treats. The cargo pocket are secure and perfect for your straw filter or balaclava.

Again I mentioned the water repellent, the brand I prefer is Star Brite Waterproofing With PTEF. Now – Notice I said water repellant and the bottle says waterproofing… Draw from that your own conclusion but know that I love the product.  I find a good coating knee down and around my hind end gives the protection desired.  More on that later… let’s talk pants.

I like how lightweight and breathable these pants are, perfect for summer hikes. With a good base layer underneath these trousers also perform well in late fall and early spring or as a layer underneath your snow pants or coveralls for hard-core winter outings. They are lightweight and not at all bulky, which is one of those attributes where many of the cargo type trousers I have worn fail. The construction also lends itself to a very limber pant, they move with you and do not bind.

Durability is excellent, my current duo has around 200 miles on them and has yet to fail me. You may think that that is not an achievement, but if you've seen how many times I fall down a mountain on a hike you would understand that this is quite the feat.  I have also been appreciative of their ability to shed most burrs, another quality which increases durability and longevity.

Give them a chance if you are in the market for some new adventuring pants!

(via North Fork of the Provo River)

Beauty in the Uinta Mountains

The boardwalk is cracked and faded, rotten in places to a point you believe beyond repair.  Just as worn is the path, broken and sometimes diminished beyond recognition.  I can see sign of horses traveling this route, certainly more gracefully than I do.  My journey is not about looking at the path, rather, the surrounding area, ahead, to the side, and on occasion behind, the experience.  The trail moves tightly through tall trees and then opens into small meadows, some with small ponds and beaver huts, all with excellent opportunities to sling my hammock.

The trees are almost barren of leaves and the river rages on with the first snows and rains of the fall season.  Water is available the entirety of this trip with easy access to filter with your straw filter or pump. This is one of my favorite little hikes, somewhat secluded and always beautiful. North Fork Provo River from Forest Road 496 to Marjorie Lake is about a 15-mile round trip.  The forest road turnoff is about 11 miles from Kamas up highway 150.  Another mile or so up the rough road is the trailhead.

There are plenty of opportunities to do some boondocking and on this adventure, I did just that, hiking up and over a saddle about 4 miles up the trail to another path leading down boulder creek to Forest Service Road 036.  Roundtrip I was just over 10 miles this day.  Tighten up your elastic shoe laces and veer off into the unknown a bit.  I returned a day or two later and hiked in and out to Marjorie lake, another excellent destination.

I was looking for elk during my trip, and while I did not find the elk, I found a mountain lion and several deer along with one large mama moose.  The scenery is stunning, everything the Uintah's have to offer from lush meadows to tall standing Pines and a wide variety of wildlife.  During the fall, as it is now, the Provo River is still moving with a pretty good flow. The roar of the water echoes off rock canyon walls and steep shale slides.  The landscape provided images aplenty for my memory and my camera.

The hike is easy enough for small feet as well and there is no commitment on the distance, you can turn around anytime. If you have the opportunity to do a little snowshoeing later in the season this would also be an excellent area. Bring the kids and the pooches and pack a picnic, the Provo River trail running up through this tight canyon is well worth the drive and some well spent time. The parking area itself is beautiful and would be an excellent place to do a bit of Dutch oven cooking and maybe make a friend.

(via Leaves)

Leaves

A yearly dance amidst frost to sheathe.

A changing season and fading leaves.

I follow forward my heart and want,

A trail of change and timeless taunt.

Watching solemn as they fade and fall,

Upon the ground like memories all.

Scattered bout lowly the lost and dying,

Beautiful internment, breathless sighing.

Crisping sounds as they whisper together,

Following suit pulled to, fro, and tethered.

Cacophony shifts and twirling hustle,

Within passing winds in fading tussle.

Say goodbye to yet another season,

Looking forward to a springtime breeze in;

When leaves freshly sprout and grow in masses,

And dreams birth brightly as winter passes.

(via Spicy Sausage and Potato Stew; A Fall Favorite.)

Almost as Warm as Your Fleece Balaclava.

My family and I enjoy small traditions and fall time is tradition time.  Simple as it is, making a big pot of soup or stew and a batch of homemade bread is a favorite in this household.  Cool evenings begin to carry a bit more bite and the neighborhood yards grow covered in red and yellow leaves. Normally bright green mountains change into their fall canvas while their tops gleam white with the first snows of the year.  I could lay in my hammock for hours watching the world turn, but it makes me hungry.  It is the perfect setting for something to warm the heart and gullet.

Not just any warmth will do.  I am a big believer in spice.  I like a little heat, you bet, but I also like big bold flavors.  Spicy Sausage and Potato Stew fits my warmest needs like a giant fluffy down parka you can wear on the inside.  If your family isn’t into the spice, you can use regular sausage or cut back on the spice a touch, but I don’t recommend it, that is more like a fluffy down vest.  Although not in the recipe, if you love heat, start by sauteing a finely sliced pepper of your favorite flavor, a jalapeno or habanero works great.

Spicy Sausage and Potato Stew

Ingredients

2 lbs. Ground pork sausage (your favorite savory flavor, I use spicy)

2T Olive oil

1 Large onion chopped fine

2 Bay leaves

½ tsp Garlic powder

1 tsp Peppercorns

½ tsp Rosemary

1tsp Crushed red pepper

2T Worcestershire

1 Package beefy onion soup mix (dry)

2 ½ lbs. Red potatoes (8-10) cubed to bite size

2 Quarts beef stock

2 14oz Canned milk

½ c. Flour

Salt to taste

In your Dutch oven on top of 20-22 coals add olive oil, onion, and sausage

Chop sausage to separate into bite-size “crumbles”

In a herb grinder, grind peppercorns, red pepper, rosemary and bay leave to dust

Add all spices, Worcestershire, and beefy onion soup mix and mix

Cooked sausage to just shy of brown

Add potatoes, cook 5 minutes or until sausage is completely done

Add beef stock

Cook 30 minutes at a light boil/high simmer*

Mix milk and flour completely to a slurry

Remove Dutch lid and taste the broth*

Add milk / flour slurry and mix well, stir and bring to a simmer

Replace lid and cook another 20-30 minutes at a simmer*

*If you don’t have a herb grinder, mince them as fine as possible

*18-20 coals on bottom and 14-16 coals on top

Crack lid at 15 minutes to allow broth to reduce

*now is the time to alter the flavor, more salt? More pepper? More spice?

*Replace coals, 18-20 on bottom 14-16 on top

If you are out camping, be sure to filter your water before cooking.  The recipe couldn’t be easier, and you can cook it in your home oven just as easily as outdoors.  Serve the stew with biscuits or dinner rolls, a most excellent sourdough recipe can be found in “I'm in Dutch!” Relax with the family and invite over a friend or two, invite someone you just met and make them a friend.  When we attend our community get-togethers, the Sausage Stew is always a hit and appreciated by all.

(via Web Exclusive Preview: "Zombie Jr. High")

(via Dinosaurs in Moab?) Passed by many times, I finally stop and see what's up...

When approaching the land of slick rock and giant red arches, the roadside is speckled with signs and billboards reminding you, “You are in Dino Country!”  It’s true, Utah has many opportunities for Dino adventuring, from museums to hillside “Dino tracks”, one can hike and even swim to them if you find yourself at Red Fleet Reservoir (a family favorite btw.)  On this adventure, we find ourselves in Moab Utah, a hub for all things Jeep, Rock, and Raft.  What you may not realize, is Moab also has a strong elastic tether to your friendly neighborhood T-Rex and friends.

Moab Giants came to be when paleontologists camped out here in hammocks and began a search making noteworthy findings of fossils about 30 years ago.  This most excellent Dino-Park is the result of both scientists and Dino enthusiasts. The park boasts of 100 life size Dino recreations, a 3D movie theater, a 3D paleo theater, a museum, and the walking path through the creatures.  Each piece of the park is interesting enough, and the kid will have a blast at one of several dig sites found along the pathway. I found the children unwilling to share and one little kid bit me when I tried to borrow his shovel, so, be wary of the rug rats.

The life-size creatures were definitely a favorite in my group.  The walk is short and the path easily followed.  Small rest stops have water, misters, and shade to provide a bit of relief from Moab’s hotter-than-hates summers, also good for hanging a hammock. Picture opportunities arise at each corner, and with red rock cliffs as the background, the scenery seems a bit prehistoric.  Several power poles and a railroad track bring your mind back to the present anytime you get close to panicking while cowering below one of the many giant recreations.

The museum, paleo, and information theaters are a nice addition, and while I would not leave them out, they are not on par with some of Utah’s other Dino exhibits.  Don’t get me wrong, the park as a whole stands strong and your clan will appreciate the visit.  All areas are well maintained and clean, including the restrooms.  No need to pack in your own toiletries, and after I had a small discussion with a park employee now realize what the dig sites are intended for. Ages up to 14 will be most intrigued, but the few “angstee” teens in our group did OK as well and even managed to break a smile and a giggle on more than one occasion.

(via Prepping? Do I have to wear Plaid?)

I'm Doomed!

We are all preppers.  In some form or fashion, rather it is minute or extravagant, we are all preppers.  We have insurance, we have spare keys, we have locks on our doors and these items are all preps.  We have lines of credit for a financial prep, we have Band-Aids and pain relievers alongside flu medications for our health prep.  Most of us have a few canned goods in the cupboard for nutrition prep.  In my geek-filled world we call it redundancy, in the business world it is risk mitigation, all are simply preparations.

We also think very similarly in that those who prep more than us are extreme and those who prep less unprepared.  We each have our own collections, some collect guns and knives (weirdos, sorry mom) while others collect food, clothes, some just enjoy pastimes that include prepping intentionally or not, like canning.  We can all prep, in a practical manner.

Although I truly enjoy flipping on the television and watching the latest scare-tactic-filled panic driven show preparing me for the coming zombie apocalypse.  Unfortunately, after stockpiling one's shelves with the latest neon green overpriced items from knives & ammunition to MREs (Meal Ready to Eat) we are faced with the reality that the Zombie Apocalypse is not coming, and you are still not prepared.

        "But Wade!  Something similar could happen."

No my friend, something similar is not going happen.  Zombies are not real and never will be.  There are however some very real historical disasters that we can learn from.  My goal is to help provide basic information so that in your world, rather it is out in the country with plenty of space or somewhere in the city in a cramped apartment and little space, you have some basic preps to protect yourself and your family.  Ultimately this will not be a dramatic, end of the world, collapse of society, scare tactic-filled, insert your favorite stereotype “here” prepper blog.  I am focusing on practicality and logic for those of us who wish to support our families and our communities in the event of an unplanned, unpleasant, and possible catastrophe.  Where achievable, I suggest items that are useful outside of the "Zombie Apocalypse."

Life is filled with possibility versus probability. Where I live it is very possible there will be a catastrophic earthquake. What is the probability that it will happen in my years?  The severity level may, in fact, be the deciding dynamic as to what is probable. There has already been several small tremors over my lifetime, none of which would be considered catastrophic and none of which required me to have much more than preps to survive without water and electricity for 24 hours.  It is possible that one such tremor could cause a gas leak, and they have, not at my house but others. Do you know how to turn off the natural gas or propane at your house in such an event?

Over the course of the next few months, I will be adding to this avenue of my blog. I will be covering subjects from your most important prep to common disasters and their historical significance and outcome. As I am sure we will touch on every subject involved in prepping, I'm also sure not every subject applies to everybody. I have learned in my many years that even though a conversation may not wholly apply to me, in some cases not even remotely, by listening and understanding points of view there is a strategic benefit to understanding subjects outside my realm of concern.

The first step to recovery is admitting you have a problem.  Well, folks, we all have problems, and if we don't we are going to.  When I was 12 the little town I lived in, as well is all the surrounding towns, was hit by terrible rainstorms on top of frozen ground which resulted in incredibly destructive flooding. Electricity, gas, and thus heat, clean water, and even access to the town itself were all adversely affected in some way shape or form. Growing up in the area I did, most community members have alternate water, power, heat, and plenty of food stores. If something as simple as a nasty flood hit your area, would you be okay to hold up for 72 hours? Would you be prepared to leave within 10 min. of notification?

Check back from time to time. Follow us on Facebook and twitter to keep up as new posts appear. We all believe it will never happen to us, but stand at the bottom of a trailhead and see how many hikers returned to the parking lot with only one sock. It is obvious that they weren't prepared. It should be a fun conversation and let's keep it lighthearted as that's just my style. After all, I'm Doomed.

Be Happy, Be Zombie-Free, and Share Your Adventures... Include the Kids!

(via How About a Sweaty Hot Corona... Arch)

Where do I begin?  Yes, I snugged up my Haggard™ no tie elastic shoe laces, but you already know that.  So, let me start with where I am at, Moab Utah.  It is a close friend’s birthday and we wandered the families south for a bit of R&R.  Today we visited the Dinosaur Museum north of town, well worth BTW and a future subject for the blog.  We had lunch at Pasta Jay’s, again totally worth and a future blog subject.  However, my favorite part of the day was a quick walk to Corona Arch, a fitting trek for all ages and most levels of fitness.  You may need a rock anchor if you want to hang your Haggard double camping hammock..

Corona arch, also known as Little Rainbow Bridge, is a popular arch for tourist visits as the walk is easy, short, and picturesque.   Approximately 1.5 miles from the parking lot and only elevating about 450ft, the arch is sizable and handsome, as my boys would say.  The trail is well marked and easily followed, you could probably pack your small Dutch oven and dinner if you really wanted to.  Our crew included a four-year-old younker and a ten-week-old spaniel, neither of which had an ill word.   As an added bonus nestled in the slick rock setting and just adjacent to Corona is Bowtie Arch.

Red, gray, and sandy brown cliffs rise from the valley floor adding depth to an already vibrant view as the landscape contrasts against an electric blue sky.  The view is representative of the area I describe in “Saving Time.”, it is Trent and Sarah’s playground. Encroaching on the clifftops, giant billowy masses of cotton white clouds roll in, their black bottoms threatening and menacing with faint signs of rare and welcome moisture. There are no puddles to use your straw filter at this time of year, pack your water in. Tufts of cactus and cheat grass speckle the trail on either side like guide rails funneling us forward.  The adventure not at all unlike what one might imagine in a nature-themed amusement park.  My son’s voice echoes off tall walls and canvas the canyon, he and his friend with endless energy and no thought for reserves run forward of the group.  It is an outing worthy of the drive.

Once at the arch, the cameras begin clicking.  Just a bit beyond you can hike up to the top of the arch.  This is where adventurers used to tie off and swing on ropes.  There were a couple of accidents once upon a time, and thus “the man” has put an end to any such adventuring.   Myself, being not so fond of heights or swings was never in danger of being charged with any such crime.  I do understand the attraction and had I brought a couple hundred feet of rope, would have been tempted to hang a hammock.

A drop of rain, a slap of thunder off the cliff face that reverberates across the ground and slithers up my leg, wrapping me in its grip like a constrictor, and we are heading back down the trail.   Cool air this fall is a welcome friend, mid-summer the temperature leaves little to rejoice about.  A small break in the clouds lets the cat out of the bag, there will be no rain.  The hefty moisture soaked clouds move on giggling at us, we have been trolled hard, but the fiction was pleasant.

If you find yourself in southern Utah anywhere near Moab, take the time and make a small excursion to this well known and loved arch, it will leave you wanting more, and there are plenty in the area.  As you drive along the highway approaching the trailhead, keep an eye on the cliff face for climbers, their cars and support crews dotting the side of the road.  It is a grand site from every angle and a great opportunity to stretch your legs.  Back in town, grab a bite, a beverage and talk to some fellow travelers.  Small adventures like this are an opportunity to bond with family, share with friends, and strengthen our faith in humanity, all it takes is a smile, a “g’day”, and a willingness to chat.

Be Happy, Be Curious, and Share Your Adventures... Include the Kids!

(via Uh Oh... Someone is Feeling Poetic.)

Traffic

I sit here, time to think clear, stuck in this traffic.

Engine hums lowly, wheels move slowly, less than fantastic.

Someone pulls in front of me, maybe they can't see,

maybe they don’t care, they've blocked the road in front of me.

This person signals, making intentions well known.

But I want to go fast, and they want to go slow.

Do they know they're encroaching on my bubble?

Miles of blackened road, yet they want a cuddle.

We think the world moves at our speed,

ready to adventure, serving our need.

So I move over, that car wants to go fast.

'til they get in front of me, they just wanted a pass.

Each wants to lead, you know, be the speeder,

few want all to succeed, press on, be a leader.

Is this a team sport or is it a race?

We aren't all arriving at the same time or place.

My thought is it is a team sport, less than fantastic.

Maybe I'm stuck in life, nothing to do with traffic.

Be Happy, Be a Team, and Share Your Adventures... Include the Kids!

(via These Boots Were Made for Walking...)

I love my Boots...

Every fall, as the brilliant greens fade from the leaves giving way to bursts of orange, red, and yellow, my pulse quickens and anticipation grows.  Screeching tubular calls echo in the canyons when ghosts of the forest enter the rut.  Finding the source of the call becomes an obsession.  Wapiti move silent, surprisingly so when you consider the sheer mass of these magnificent creatures.  Their screams betray location and intent, fueling my desire to track and harvest arguably the world's tastiest protein.

I usually wait until the traffic of the mountains has settled, the main hunts have all ended and I approach the mountains with my muzzle loader, humming the theme to “Last of the Mohicans” while I run through aspens and sage.  In my mind, I flow with the energy of the mountains and meld with the spirit of the forest.  In reality, my misdirected hippie-tendencies are only trumped in falsehood by my lack of graceful movement and harmonious incongruity.

This year, I have a rifle tag for both a bull and a cow, so I am hunting primetime.  Every hunter in the state of Utah from amateur to the profession will be in the forests searching the most valued quarry. Every ATV, UTV, OHV, and Jeep will make a single lane forest road back up like I-15 at rush hour.  My only hope, my boots.

In prepping for this year's hunt I reacquaint myself with one of my favorite areas in the Uintah mountains.  It is a favorite because the roads are rough (OHV only), not tactically advantageous for “truck” hunting, and provide access to several trailheads. I will only compete with other “boots” for hunting area.  This area offers and exceptional position for a base camp, including a chance for Dutch oven cooking, from which I will launch daily excursions to several small lakes and a long ridge with a superb view.  It is a little slice of heaven on earth, a living history lesson.

I have many sets of boots.  I like boots they take me places.  This time of year can be tricky, there may be snow and temperatures may be freezing. I have a little leeway based on the socks I choose and my sock liners. (If you aren't using sock liners you really should consider it; you're missing a wonderful world of comfort.)  My late-season boots are insulated with Thinsulate and are excellent for late fall. This year I'm hunting a full month earlier, so I am going to go with lightweight boots and wool socks.

My boot of choice is the Merrell Moab Rover waterproof boot. A lightweight waterproof boot with excellent ankle support, correct sizing, and durable Vibram soles. I put hundreds of miles on these fantastic boots and they have responded well.  I have what you might consider a duck foot, wide up front and narrow at the heel. The Merrell's are offered in wide widths and are able to fit my foot perfectly when equipped with no tie elastic locking shoe laces. The interior of the shoe sports a mesh lining allowing your foot to breathe. The Merrell's are at the top of my list when it comes to quality hiking gear, like your straw filter of life.

Early morning mists crisp enough to sting your lungs veiled over lush green Meadows at the peak of their perfection call me miles to places most people will never visit.  Solitary silence rings loudly in my ears, I can hear everything and nothing at the same time. Goosebumps raise on my arms and fog escapes my mouth while I scan between trees and brush. Later in the day I know I will be hanging in my best double camping hammock. sharing a Pop Tart with at least one chipmunk, it is a yearly ritual and a conversation I look forward to. This is a place of beauty, a place of peace, and after miles of hiking my boots have brought me to a place where I find the best me I can be.  Thank you boots.

Be Happy, Be helpful, and Share Your Adventures... Include the Kids!

(via Exped Downmat Review: Squishy Warm Slumber.)

Feels Better Than it Sounds.

Remember when you were just a kid in grade school, thinking about all the money mom and dad had and how silly they were to budget and spend it on ridiculous items like heat and groceries? I remember thinking, "someday when I get a big old paycheck I'm going to the store and buying several thousand Swedish Fish."  Yes, folks, I was that kid.  Although my craving for Swedish fish went away by my first paycheck, I was still a kid in a candy store. The world of outdoor adventures quickly became my addiction and I was the candy man.

What does any of that have to do with where I'm at now? I am happy to say I've matured a little bit, a very little bit. Somehow I have managed to become responsible and budget my money. When it comes to comfort in the outdoors there are many different levels, spending options, and needs. When I'm setting up a base camp I prefer to have the most comfortable set up on the planet and I am not afraid to spend a little cash.  The setup starts with my XXL cot; a review can be found here. Only slightly less important is my Exped Downmat.

Exped began as a distributor in the early 80s and in the late 90s began to create their own gear, much like another most excellent retailer you may have heard of.  The company focused on highly innovative products that met the need of outdoor enthusiasts, (again the similarities are uncanny.)  Utilizing motivated individuals who specialized in outdoor skills the company flourished and quickly gained favor in the adventuring community.  Products offered from Exped have fit and function aimed at the family to the professional.

My personal mat is the Downmat 9 LW.   The mat is made from polyester and filled with 700 fill goose down. An integrated hand pump makes inflating the down mat easy and quick. As an added bonus you will get “Popeye” forearms from the flat palm rocking motions you make to inflate the mat.  The mat weighs just over 43 ounces, which seems heavy, but in reality, when you factor in comfort and warmth it is well worth the extra weight, even when ultralight backpacking.  I place mine in my hammock for comfort and insulation!

The Downmat 9 LW sports an R-value of 8.0, one of the highest available.  Shoulder width is impressive 25 1/2 inches with an overall length exceeding 77. For us big dudes that is a welcome base on which to lay our weary head. The mat fills to just over 3 1/2 inches thick when fully inflated, I find my sleep number to be about 210 pumps.  Packed the mat is just over 10 inches long and about 6 inches around, easily packed and easily set up.

You can easily adjust your mat to your preference of firmness. The materials keep the mat quiet during your sleep. You may think this is a silly observation but some of the crinklier mats I have used have irritated me every time I move. I do not sleep like a log anymore; in fact, I tend to roll over about every 30 minutes.  The last thing you and your fellow campers want to hear all night is the crunching of your neighbor's poorly constructed sleep mat. Not so here, all is quiet on the Wadester front, and back, and side.

Don't let the retail price scare you. When it comes to comfort and warmth, this may very well be the most important piece of equipment you take with you. I cannot emphasize enough the importance of a ground mat when backpacking, especially in late fall and early spring. You will do far better to spend your money here than on a tent or even a sleeping bag.  Give it a look and take it out for a spin.

(via DC Deck Builder Review. I am a Super Hero...)

...with a total Dad-Bod!

We have long passed the point of Internet access or reliable cell service. The moon shone overhead seems bigger than the world itself and is blazing a beautiful orange sheen. The purples and blues radiate from the sunset boiling down to reds and yellows.  A cool breeze wafts across the cheat grass and through the junipers rocking my hammock back and forth. Both dogs are running like crazed beasts through the sagebrush while puffs of smoke emanate from the grill and the smell of perfectly cooked steaks alongside a Dutch oven of my fresh peach cobbler makes my mouth water.  Have your Dutch oven mitts handy and get in line first, at least in my camp.

Camp is set up and life is good.  Adding to our evening’s entertainment we typically pick a board or card game to play as a family. Board games, cards, and a few good books are a big part of this family's camping tradition. I especially appreciate games that get the “ole noodle” working.  This trip happens to be a mixture of crazy eights, old maid, and a deck building game based on DC comics.

In the DC comics game, we each take on the role of our favorite superhero, or you can choose randomly if you wish to follow the rules.  Starting with basic cards we attempt to purchase better ones in the hope of defeating villains and super villains. For each battle and purchase, we are rewarded with victory points to be added up at the end of the game. Players may also defend themselves with specific cards and create incredible effect loops to gain power.  All in all a straight forward game that is easily played in 30-40 minutes.  An excellent YouTube video can be found, well, on YouTube.

The game almost reminds me of Legendary from Upper Deck. For Camping trips on my tiny table, I definitely prefer DC, even if only based on setup and cleanup.  If you remember Legendary it was quite a mess.  DC is easy to teach to new players, not just from the basics but also easy to pick up a strategy to become a competitive player.  DC is a completely competitive game, there is no co-op (unless you add your own rules.)  Don't get me wrong, DC is still plenty complex enough to keep your mind working.

Each superhero has special abilities and unique powers that open up different strategies to the player. This is one of my favorite aspects of the game as I like to see my 10-year-old planning what he will do next and then three or four turns down the road. Combos based on superhero and super power add to the mix as some strategies become overpowered with the right cards.

Another of my favorite aspects of this game, as well as other deck building games with the Cerberus engine, is the ability to mix the various games from my entire collection. This gives the option of a super battle between various fantasy worlds and superheroes.  Ever wonder what happens when your favorite superhero meets up with your favorite hobbit?  All you have to do is play to find out.

There are 214 standard size cards in the set as well as seven oversized. Be sure to get a few sets of cards sleeves to protect your investment.  Grab a set of Grip-Tight Locking Laces to secure around your games as you travel, smart investment tip.