Showing posts with label outdoor stuff. Show all posts
Showing posts with label outdoor stuff. Show all posts
Saturday, October 20, 2018
Thursday, May 14, 2015
External Battery Packs for Cell Phones, Tablets, Etc.
Most of us rely on cell phones, tablets, and maybe a GPS unit in our daily lives and out in the field. Smart phones are basically pocket computers and it's easy to become reliant on them to augment our own knowledge. Unfortunately, they eat electricity and many of the most popular models don't have replaceable batteries. That's where an external battery pack comes in.
External battery packs range in size from units the size of a lipstick to large blocks. Modern battery technology is allowing manufacturers to cram more amp hours into smaller units, but if you want more than one phone recharge, or need to recharge more than one device, you're going to have to buy one of the larger units.
Last Fall I picked up an EasyACC 15,000 mAh pack from Amazon, and used it on my Fall deer hunting trip. It's about at the limit of what I'd call pocket-sized. The two USB ports can theoretically be used to simultaneously charge two devices, although one port puts out 1.5A and the other puts out 2.1A. However, if one of your devices requires a 2A minimum input then you'll be limited to charging one device at a time.
Aside from the big pack, I also have a smaller unit from Duracell that I picked up when I bought my first iPhone. I carry this one in my EDC bag to and from work, just in case there's a foul up during my commute and I need to give my phone a boost.
External battery packs range in size from units the size of a lipstick to large blocks. Modern battery technology is allowing manufacturers to cram more amp hours into smaller units, but if you want more than one phone recharge, or need to recharge more than one device, you're going to have to buy one of the larger units.
Last Fall I picked up an EasyACC 15,000 mAh pack from Amazon, and used it on my Fall deer hunting trip. It's about at the limit of what I'd call pocket-sized. The two USB ports can theoretically be used to simultaneously charge two devices, although one port puts out 1.5A and the other puts out 2.1A. However, if one of your devices requires a 2A minimum input then you'll be limited to charging one device at a time.
Aside from the big pack, I also have a smaller unit from Duracell that I picked up when I bought my first iPhone. I carry this one in my EDC bag to and from work, just in case there's a foul up during my commute and I need to give my phone a boost.
Monday, October 27, 2014
Thursday, September 11, 2014
Baofeng UV-5RA Extended Battery
Up until recently one downside of getting the Baofeng UV-5RA HT was that the extra capacity batteries made for the other variants of the UV-5R did not fit it. At the start of last week I found a 3600 mAH battery to fit the UV-5RA. It’s from eBay seller radioshop8888 located in Hong Kong. This link should take you directly to the battery.
The cost was $21 shipped from HK to the US.
Here are some pictures, with a regular Bic lighter for scale. First, the UV-5RA with the stock 1800 mAH battery, then with the 3600 mAH battery, and finally the two batteries together.
Note that my radio is fitted with a Nagoya NA-701 2M/70cm antenna. It provides a little better performance than the stock rubber duck.
Aside from having double the capacity of the OEM battery, the extended battery makes the HT easier to hold, especially when you’re trying to work the buttons while holding it with only one hand.
Sunday, December 27, 2009
LRGC Third Annual Red, White and Blue December
Yesterday I participated in the 3rd annual Red, White and Blue December match at Langhorne Rod & Gun Club. This is the annual Kalashnikov match run by LRGC.
This year was a bit different from the prior two events. First, participation was limited to 33 pre-registered shooters, run in three strings. Second, there was no pistol component, it was rifle-only. Finally, each shooter ran the course individually, rather than having everyone shoot at the same time. The match director described the event ahead of time as, "Reflections on a gentle Summertime in Grozny."
Due to really foul weather* and a half flooded range, the planned course of fire had to be changed up a bit. Anyway, it was as follows:
1. Four steel targets from 200 yards, maximum of 15 shots. Each steel target was about 2/3 the size of a human torso.
2. Advance to a plywood cutout of a car, neutralize two IDPA targets from urban prone under the car.
3. Advance to another car and neutralize 3 IDPA targets while avoiding a no-shoot target.
4. Advance to a Bianchi Barrier (basically a big rectangle barricade), hit two steel, and neutralize 3 IDPA targets. Avoid a no-shoot.
5. Advance to barrel and neutralize 3 IDPA targets while avoiding a no-shoot.
6. Advance to a car, neutralize 3 IDPA targets and hit two steel.
7. Hit two small swinging targets about the size of a cantaloupe while advancing.
When advancing from one stage to the next the rifle had to be placed on safe. At the end of the course it was cleared and placed down while range officers scored targets.
The temperature was in the 40s and it rained all day. Also, we'd gotten about a foot of snow about a week ago so everything was soaked. To stay dry I wore my Mountain Hardware Exposure parka, a ball cap, a pair of German surplus rain pants, and Merril Waterproof boots. I also had a pair of Mechanix work gloves which became soaked rather quickly.
All my foul weather gear performed exceptionally. Except for my hands I'd remained totally dry and warm until I had to advance to position #4, when I found myself in a foot-deep mixture of water and slush. At that point my nice waterproof boots became buckets. The second half of the course (stages 4 through 7) was covered in from 8" to 12" of this slop.
The steel targets took one hit apiece to neutralize, while the cardboard IDPA targets. These required two kill zone hits to neutralize, so I put at least 3 shots into each. The final targets in stage 7 required one hit apiece to neutralize.
By the time I got to stage #7 my rifle was shaking all over the place so hitting targets the size of melons was not easy, even though the range was about 10 yards. I really need to get into better shape.
I shot my Century Arms M70AB2T Yugoslavian underfolder AK, fed with Combloc steel mags and one Tapco plastic mag (which came with the rifle). Ammo was from an older lot of Wolf Military Classic 7.62x39 with lacquered cases. In the 292 seconds it took me to run the course I went through almost 3 full mags. The rifle ran like a champ. It's very smooth shooting and the extra pound or so compared with Romanian stamped AKs helps to reduce recoil and muzzle flip. I've only had the Yugo for a couple months but it's become one of my favorite rifles.
Shooting a rifle while on the move, in poor conditions, and against the clock is a lot different than on a nice sunny day on a square range. As you move and your heart races it's harder to keep your rounds on target. There were also a couple times when I had to wait a fraction of a second for my sight picture to clear from the smoke from oil burning off or steam from the water hitting my rifle. Unconventional shooting positions like urban prone (where you're laying down and the rifle is almost on its side) are not conducive to the most accurate shooting, either.
Likewise, when your gear is not merely wet but soaked it's harder to run. Thankfully, the plastic Century furniture provided a secure grip even when wet. Being a Russian designed rifle, the AK was designed for use in crappy weather when you're wearing gloves, with a nice big selector and charging handle.
To carry my magazines I used a Hungarian surplus AK mag pouch. I'd prepared my magazines ahead of time with paracord loops to aide me in pulling them out. I'd also tied a Maxpedition Rolly Polly dump pouch to the strap of the mag pouch but it flopped around too much and I wound up dropping the mags, which is OK in competion but not so good if you're in a fight. Next time I'll work out something better. (I'd planned to have it on a belt but said belt wouldn't fit around me while I was wearing a fleece jacket and waterproof shell. I forgot to check this out ahead of time.)
I wound up finishing in the middle of the pack. I had problems hitting the steel from 200 yards do to never having fired this rifle at that distance before. After using up about 10 rounds of the maximum 15 for that stage, I decided to just take the time penalty for the misses and move to stage #2.
All in all, it was another kick-ass event at LRGC and more good hands-on time with my rifle.
*The LRGC Practical Rifle crew holds their events no matter how bad the weather is, unless the conditions are actually hazardous. E.g., lightning.
This year was a bit different from the prior two events. First, participation was limited to 33 pre-registered shooters, run in three strings. Second, there was no pistol component, it was rifle-only. Finally, each shooter ran the course individually, rather than having everyone shoot at the same time. The match director described the event ahead of time as, "Reflections on a gentle Summertime in Grozny."
Due to really foul weather* and a half flooded range, the planned course of fire had to be changed up a bit. Anyway, it was as follows:
1. Four steel targets from 200 yards, maximum of 15 shots. Each steel target was about 2/3 the size of a human torso.
2. Advance to a plywood cutout of a car, neutralize two IDPA targets from urban prone under the car.
3. Advance to another car and neutralize 3 IDPA targets while avoiding a no-shoot target.
4. Advance to a Bianchi Barrier (basically a big rectangle barricade), hit two steel, and neutralize 3 IDPA targets. Avoid a no-shoot.
5. Advance to barrel and neutralize 3 IDPA targets while avoiding a no-shoot.
6. Advance to a car, neutralize 3 IDPA targets and hit two steel.
7. Hit two small swinging targets about the size of a cantaloupe while advancing.
When advancing from one stage to the next the rifle had to be placed on safe. At the end of the course it was cleared and placed down while range officers scored targets.
The temperature was in the 40s and it rained all day. Also, we'd gotten about a foot of snow about a week ago so everything was soaked. To stay dry I wore my Mountain Hardware Exposure parka, a ball cap, a pair of German surplus rain pants, and Merril Waterproof boots. I also had a pair of Mechanix work gloves which became soaked rather quickly.
All my foul weather gear performed exceptionally. Except for my hands I'd remained totally dry and warm until I had to advance to position #4, when I found myself in a foot-deep mixture of water and slush. At that point my nice waterproof boots became buckets. The second half of the course (stages 4 through 7) was covered in from 8" to 12" of this slop.
The steel targets took one hit apiece to neutralize, while the cardboard IDPA targets. These required two kill zone hits to neutralize, so I put at least 3 shots into each. The final targets in stage 7 required one hit apiece to neutralize.
By the time I got to stage #7 my rifle was shaking all over the place so hitting targets the size of melons was not easy, even though the range was about 10 yards. I really need to get into better shape.
I shot my Century Arms M70AB2T Yugoslavian underfolder AK, fed with Combloc steel mags and one Tapco plastic mag (which came with the rifle). Ammo was from an older lot of Wolf Military Classic 7.62x39 with lacquered cases. In the 292 seconds it took me to run the course I went through almost 3 full mags. The rifle ran like a champ. It's very smooth shooting and the extra pound or so compared with Romanian stamped AKs helps to reduce recoil and muzzle flip. I've only had the Yugo for a couple months but it's become one of my favorite rifles.
Shooting a rifle while on the move, in poor conditions, and against the clock is a lot different than on a nice sunny day on a square range. As you move and your heart races it's harder to keep your rounds on target. There were also a couple times when I had to wait a fraction of a second for my sight picture to clear from the smoke from oil burning off or steam from the water hitting my rifle. Unconventional shooting positions like urban prone (where you're laying down and the rifle is almost on its side) are not conducive to the most accurate shooting, either.
Likewise, when your gear is not merely wet but soaked it's harder to run. Thankfully, the plastic Century furniture provided a secure grip even when wet. Being a Russian designed rifle, the AK was designed for use in crappy weather when you're wearing gloves, with a nice big selector and charging handle.
To carry my magazines I used a Hungarian surplus AK mag pouch. I'd prepared my magazines ahead of time with paracord loops to aide me in pulling them out. I'd also tied a Maxpedition Rolly Polly dump pouch to the strap of the mag pouch but it flopped around too much and I wound up dropping the mags, which is OK in competion but not so good if you're in a fight. Next time I'll work out something better. (I'd planned to have it on a belt but said belt wouldn't fit around me while I was wearing a fleece jacket and waterproof shell. I forgot to check this out ahead of time.)
I wound up finishing in the middle of the pack. I had problems hitting the steel from 200 yards do to never having fired this rifle at that distance before. After using up about 10 rounds of the maximum 15 for that stage, I decided to just take the time penalty for the misses and move to stage #2.
All in all, it was another kick-ass event at LRGC and more good hands-on time with my rifle.
*The LRGC Practical Rifle crew holds their events no matter how bad the weather is, unless the conditions are actually hazardous. E.g., lightning.
Monday, May 04, 2009
Mountain Hardware Exposure 2 Parka
I'd been dissatisfied with my Winter coats for awhile. For a variety of reasons none of the coats I own met my functional needs of Winter wear in my mid-Atlantic climate. So, back in January I went over to REI to look for a new coat, with several criteria in mind:
1. I wanted a shell, not an insulated parka. This will let me layer according to the temperature, and extend the usefulness of the coat beyond Winter.
2. It needs to be waterproof but breathable. It rains a lot during Winter in SE PA.
3. It should have pit zips to allow cooling when it's warmer or if I'm exerting myself.
4. The color should be either neutral or something that will blend in with the crowd in an urban environment. I work in Center City Philadelphia, so camo sticks out like a sore thumb.
5. The cut should allow CCW.
6. There need to be a good number of pockets, both inside and outside. At least one of the pockets accessible from the left (I am left handed) should be large enough to CCW a 2" S&W J-Frame in a pocket holster.
7. A hood is required, and it needs to be large enough to comfortably fit over either a baseball cap or a watch cap. A good size brim would be valuable, as would the ability to be rolled away when not in use.
8. The outside surface shouldn't be too slick. I dislike it when the strap of my bag slides off my shoulder because it can't get any traction.
9. The coat needs to be made well. I'll pay for quality.
10. It needs to be parka length, not just waist length, and have a two way zipper.
After going to REI and examining several different jackets, I came home with a Mountain Hardwear Exposure II Parka in sapphire blue and black. They also make the parka in several lower profile colors but this is what REI had in my size. This color is low profile in an urban environment, anyway. Plenty of people are wearing colored coats and this will blend in with the crowd.
The outer shell is Nylon in a textured "Dobby" weave, with MH's "Conduit" waterproof laminate membrane and durable water repellent finish. The texture met my criteria for not being too slick. Inside, there's a Coolmax mesh and taffetta lining. The Coolmax helps wick away perspiration. Also inside is a powder skirt that you can snap together to keep snow from being blown up the jacket if you're boarding or skiing. It would be valuable if you got caught in a blizzard, as well. There are glove rings on the outside of the forearms, and the ends of the sleeves can be adjusted for weather tightness via Velcro straps. There are drawcords at the waist and at the bottom hem which can be used to snug the coat against you to seal out drafts. The hem drawcord can be adjusted with one hand from the outside.
I'm 5'6" with a gut and found a Large to fit me well when worn on top of a fleece layer. The sleeves are long enough so that I can keep my hands completely covered inside. This can be useful, e.g., if I forget gloves or just want a little extra warmth when I'm not doing something which requires my hands. The sleeves could be a little roomier for adding extra layers underneath but I think the coat will work OK for me as-is. The temps around here during the Winter are generally in the 30s or 40s, sometimes dipping into the 20s. It sometimes does go lower, especially at night, and of course we sometimes get colder Winters.
The body is long enough to cover me down to below my butt, which makes it warmer than a waist length jacket. There are pit zips for ventilation (very important to keep sweating under control), several pockets (see below), and a hood that's big enough for my needs. The front is closed by a two-way zipper, covered with dual storm flaps to keep out wind and water. The zip goes up high and combined with the generously sized hood, really allows you to seal out the weather.
There are three pockets accessible from outside the jacket. Two chest pockets and one Napolean pocket on the left, which is big enough to hold my iPod, a phone, and some other stuff. The fleece lined chest pockets are good sized, closed with zippers covered with Velcroed flaps. Inside, there's a large zippered security pocket and a mesh pocket for a water bottle, useful to keep your water from freezing in cold weather. It's big enough to hold a 32 oz. Nalgene.
The hood was a big deal for me, one of the first things I checked out while trying it on. I wear eyeglasses and so like to wear a baseball cap to help keep rain and snow off the lenses. When I put the hood up I don't want it to scrunch the cap down on my head, a problem I had with my last shell. The Exposure II's hood is generously cut so that this doesn't happen. It also has a laminated brim. Last night when I got off the train it was raining and I was wearing a knit watch cap, sans brim. The hood's built-in brim kept my glasses dry. The opening of the hood can be cinched down to minimize the entry of precipitation or wind. The hood can also be rolled away if you won't be using it.
Now that I've had it for several months I feel that I've given it a good shakedown. I've been very pleased. When worn over a a Columbia Titanium fleece jacket it's very comfortable down into the high 20s (F). For lower temps I add a heavier shirt, long underwear, and a fleece vest or sweater as needed. It worked well to keep me warm and dry when sledding in windy, snowy weather.
I've been wearing the MH shell without a fleece layer for the past month or so as a raincoat. It's as good in the rain as it is in the snow, and during the warmer weather we've been having I appreciate the pit zips.
Mountain Hardwear advertises this parka as suitable for snow sports and mountaineering. Overall the design is well thought out for these uses or as a shell for a commuter. The quality of construction is outstanding. Seams are neatly sewn and sealed. I don't see this coat wearing out anytime soon. If I could add anything, I'd add a sleeve pocket, and maybe pockets down at the bottom front of the jacket, or a poacher's pocket in the back (you can't have too many pockets, IMHO).
1. I wanted a shell, not an insulated parka. This will let me layer according to the temperature, and extend the usefulness of the coat beyond Winter.
2. It needs to be waterproof but breathable. It rains a lot during Winter in SE PA.
3. It should have pit zips to allow cooling when it's warmer or if I'm exerting myself.
4. The color should be either neutral or something that will blend in with the crowd in an urban environment. I work in Center City Philadelphia, so camo sticks out like a sore thumb.
5. The cut should allow CCW.
6. There need to be a good number of pockets, both inside and outside. At least one of the pockets accessible from the left (I am left handed) should be large enough to CCW a 2" S&W J-Frame in a pocket holster.
7. A hood is required, and it needs to be large enough to comfortably fit over either a baseball cap or a watch cap. A good size brim would be valuable, as would the ability to be rolled away when not in use.
8. The outside surface shouldn't be too slick. I dislike it when the strap of my bag slides off my shoulder because it can't get any traction.
9. The coat needs to be made well. I'll pay for quality.
10. It needs to be parka length, not just waist length, and have a two way zipper.
After going to REI and examining several different jackets, I came home with a Mountain Hardwear Exposure II Parka in sapphire blue and black. They also make the parka in several lower profile colors but this is what REI had in my size. This color is low profile in an urban environment, anyway. Plenty of people are wearing colored coats and this will blend in with the crowd.
The outer shell is Nylon in a textured "Dobby" weave, with MH's "Conduit" waterproof laminate membrane and durable water repellent finish. The texture met my criteria for not being too slick. Inside, there's a Coolmax mesh and taffetta lining. The Coolmax helps wick away perspiration. Also inside is a powder skirt that you can snap together to keep snow from being blown up the jacket if you're boarding or skiing. It would be valuable if you got caught in a blizzard, as well. There are glove rings on the outside of the forearms, and the ends of the sleeves can be adjusted for weather tightness via Velcro straps. There are drawcords at the waist and at the bottom hem which can be used to snug the coat against you to seal out drafts. The hem drawcord can be adjusted with one hand from the outside.
I'm 5'6" with a gut and found a Large to fit me well when worn on top of a fleece layer. The sleeves are long enough so that I can keep my hands completely covered inside. This can be useful, e.g., if I forget gloves or just want a little extra warmth when I'm not doing something which requires my hands. The sleeves could be a little roomier for adding extra layers underneath but I think the coat will work OK for me as-is. The temps around here during the Winter are generally in the 30s or 40s, sometimes dipping into the 20s. It sometimes does go lower, especially at night, and of course we sometimes get colder Winters.
The body is long enough to cover me down to below my butt, which makes it warmer than a waist length jacket. There are pit zips for ventilation (very important to keep sweating under control), several pockets (see below), and a hood that's big enough for my needs. The front is closed by a two-way zipper, covered with dual storm flaps to keep out wind and water. The zip goes up high and combined with the generously sized hood, really allows you to seal out the weather.
There are three pockets accessible from outside the jacket. Two chest pockets and one Napolean pocket on the left, which is big enough to hold my iPod, a phone, and some other stuff. The fleece lined chest pockets are good sized, closed with zippers covered with Velcroed flaps. Inside, there's a large zippered security pocket and a mesh pocket for a water bottle, useful to keep your water from freezing in cold weather. It's big enough to hold a 32 oz. Nalgene.
The hood was a big deal for me, one of the first things I checked out while trying it on. I wear eyeglasses and so like to wear a baseball cap to help keep rain and snow off the lenses. When I put the hood up I don't want it to scrunch the cap down on my head, a problem I had with my last shell. The Exposure II's hood is generously cut so that this doesn't happen. It also has a laminated brim. Last night when I got off the train it was raining and I was wearing a knit watch cap, sans brim. The hood's built-in brim kept my glasses dry. The opening of the hood can be cinched down to minimize the entry of precipitation or wind. The hood can also be rolled away if you won't be using it.
Now that I've had it for several months I feel that I've given it a good shakedown. I've been very pleased. When worn over a a Columbia Titanium fleece jacket it's very comfortable down into the high 20s (F). For lower temps I add a heavier shirt, long underwear, and a fleece vest or sweater as needed. It worked well to keep me warm and dry when sledding in windy, snowy weather.
I've been wearing the MH shell without a fleece layer for the past month or so as a raincoat. It's as good in the rain as it is in the snow, and during the warmer weather we've been having I appreciate the pit zips.
Mountain Hardwear advertises this parka as suitable for snow sports and mountaineering. Overall the design is well thought out for these uses or as a shell for a commuter. The quality of construction is outstanding. Seams are neatly sewn and sealed. I don't see this coat wearing out anytime soon. If I could add anything, I'd add a sleeve pocket, and maybe pockets down at the bottom front of the jacket, or a poacher's pocket in the back (you can't have too many pockets, IMHO).
Sunday, March 29, 2009
How I Celebrated Earth Hour
Last night along with some friends I marked Earth Hour by engaging in natural activity.
We sat out in my friend's yard around a fire made from natural, renewable wood. To get it going, we drizzled some diesel fuel made from dead dinosaurs onto paper made from dead trees. After awhile we got the kids and roasted marshmallows made of natural sugar on natural sticks. Once the kids were done and back inside, we sat around the fire shooting the breeze while consuming all-natural Woodford Reserve Bourbon Whiskey. Dunno if it was made from organic corn, but even if not, the artificial fertilizers used to grow it no doubt were dinosaurs at some point.
See, ain't I politically and environmentally correct?
We sat out in my friend's yard around a fire made from natural, renewable wood. To get it going, we drizzled some diesel fuel made from dead dinosaurs onto paper made from dead trees. After awhile we got the kids and roasted marshmallows made of natural sugar on natural sticks. Once the kids were done and back inside, we sat around the fire shooting the breeze while consuming all-natural Woodford Reserve Bourbon Whiskey. Dunno if it was made from organic corn, but even if not, the artificial fertilizers used to grow it no doubt were dinosaurs at some point.
See, ain't I politically and environmentally correct?
Wednesday, February 04, 2009
Vote Scheduled to Change PA Game Code to Allow Crossbows
From the NRA:
Here's the email I sent in support of this effort:
Edit at 20:07:
I received a reply from Mr. Isabella that this measure passed.
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Here's the email I sent in support of this effort:
I am writing to express my support for the PA Game Commission to legalize the use of crossbows during archery deer season. I also ask that you legalize crossbow use during gun season, because this would appeal to hunters who have to hunt in areas which have heretofore been shotgun, muzzleloader, or archery-only.Feel free to plagiarize. ;-)
There is no real game management reason to oppose the change, and states that have allowed the use of crossbows have been able to maintain healthy wildlife populations. Additionally, the recruitment and retention of hunters has improved by removing crossbow restrictions.
Legalizing crossbow use during archery deer season would also help Pennsylvania's sporting goods stores because it would increase demand for crossbows and accessories by people who might not otherwise purchase archery gear.
Thank you for your consideration of this matter.
Edit at 20:07:
I received a reply from Mr. Isabella that this measure passed.
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Saturday, October 13, 2007
A Couple Posts at My Other Blog
I have a couple of new posts over on the Survival and Emergency Preparedness Blog. One's on my new Valiant Trading Company Large Survival Golok, and the other is on Mainstay Ration Bars.
Check 'em out.
Check 'em out.
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
A Couple New Knife Posts
I have a couple of new posts over on the Survival & Emergency Preparedness Blog about knives. Check 'em out.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Thoughts About Survival Knives
I have a new post, "Thoughts About Survival Knives," over on the Survival and Emergency Preparedness Blog. Check it out.
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Fire Starting Practice
Over on my Survival and Emergency Preparedness Blog I have a couple of recent posts about starting fires. You can check them out here and here.
Friday, June 01, 2007
Victorinox Swisstool RS Multitool
I posted a review of my new Victorinox Swisstool RS over on my Survival and Emergency Preparedness Blog. Check it out.
Monday, May 07, 2007
Another Full Weekend
We had another full weekend.
Friday on my lunch hour I swung by Holt's Cigars and picked up a few stogies, along with a new pipe. The pipe wasn't expensive, but it's made of briar with a curved stem, and was made in the Czech Republic. I also picked up a couple ounces of natural cavendish tobacco, and smoked it Friday night. Very nice.
Saturday I did some more yard work. Cleaning up some branches which I cut down, cutting them to length and stacking them to season, taking down a small scraggly tree, and raking up a few years' worth of pine needles. I filled four yard cleanup bags with needles and still have a pretty big pile remaining.
Later in the day we went to a birthday party for the son of one of my friends.
Yesterday I hit the sale at REI where I bought a pair of Merrell Pulse boots and an REI Basecamp 6 tent.
The Merrells are very comfortable and fit like heavy duty high-top sneakers. I have flat feet so I'm particular about footwear. If they last me as long as my last set of Merrells, I'll need to replace them in 2020. And I'm not planning on tossing my old boots, they are still quite wearable but they are looking raggedy. I'll keep them as a backup and for when I might not want to wear nice boots.
My plans for the tent include family camping trips, and a three-day trip to the wilds of Central PA that I'm planning with my brother for this Summer. I wanted something a little larger than a 4-man tent but not something as big as one of those gigantic cabin tents that you can buy. It'll also become part of our emergency kit, just in case. Since our emergency plans involve evacuating by truck, the extra weight of the 6-man vs. 4-man tent isn't a problem.
I wrapped things up last night by participating in the weekly MARC club net.
Friday on my lunch hour I swung by Holt's Cigars and picked up a few stogies, along with a new pipe. The pipe wasn't expensive, but it's made of briar with a curved stem, and was made in the Czech Republic. I also picked up a couple ounces of natural cavendish tobacco, and smoked it Friday night. Very nice.
Saturday I did some more yard work. Cleaning up some branches which I cut down, cutting them to length and stacking them to season, taking down a small scraggly tree, and raking up a few years' worth of pine needles. I filled four yard cleanup bags with needles and still have a pretty big pile remaining.
Later in the day we went to a birthday party for the son of one of my friends.
Yesterday I hit the sale at REI where I bought a pair of Merrell Pulse boots and an REI Basecamp 6 tent.
The Merrells are very comfortable and fit like heavy duty high-top sneakers. I have flat feet so I'm particular about footwear. If they last me as long as my last set of Merrells, I'll need to replace them in 2020. And I'm not planning on tossing my old boots, they are still quite wearable but they are looking raggedy. I'll keep them as a backup and for when I might not want to wear nice boots.
My plans for the tent include family camping trips, and a three-day trip to the wilds of Central PA that I'm planning with my brother for this Summer. I wanted something a little larger than a 4-man tent but not something as big as one of those gigantic cabin tents that you can buy. It'll also become part of our emergency kit, just in case. Since our emergency plans involve evacuating by truck, the extra weight of the 6-man vs. 4-man tent isn't a problem.
I wrapped things up last night by participating in the weekly MARC club net.
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