Outdoor Basecamp Forums - Blogs http://www.outdoorbasecamp.com/forum/blogs/ en Thu, 09 Feb 2012 23:15:13 GMT vBulletin 60 http://outdoorbasecamp.com/forum/{IF}/misc/rss.jpg Outdoor Basecamp Forums - Blogs http://www.outdoorbasecamp.com/forum/blogs/ Idyllic World http://www.outdoorbasecamp.com/forum/blogs/dinosaur/idyllic-world-20/ Mon, 06 Feb 2012 01:34:41 GMT I have become tired of people telling me the way the world should be. Most of them live in a world I don't want to be part of for any reason.

They get up in the morning in an air-conditioned house, get into a car in an air-conditioned garage, drive the air-conditioned auto to an air-conditioned garage, ride an air-conditioned elevator to a floor they "work" on and consume their day with tasks of an electronic nature only to leave and drive to an air-conditioned health club where they "work out" by running the Boston Marathon on a machine, walk up a hill while standing in one place, and "lift" weights I would consider childish with the aid of an electronic coach.

These are the people who are "running the world" or at least their version of it. I do not subscribe.

Back in 1999 I met a woman who haughtily referred to farmers as being stupid. This was in Chicago and she was one of the aforementioned air-conditioned society. I told her I was one of those "stupid" farmers and that we had all gotten together and decided we were going to let her and all the other city dwellers die when Y2K destroyed everything. She wasn't amused but did have to admit that the food came from those "stupid" farmers. And maybe they weren't that "stupid" after all.

Perhaps if I were more civilized I would understand these people. I am sure you know some of them. They are the ones who tell you that Muslims are a peaceful people who hold the same beliefs toward our fellow man as we.

Have you been to the Middle East? Have you seen the shirts they sell there, proudly worn by the average guy on the street? They have t-shirts and button downs with a big picture of the World Trade Center on fire. They wear them proudly. Stick it to those infidels. The problem is I'm an infidel. I never did anything to those people. I wouldn't want to, although now I might. They keep talking about how they want to kill me and I'm supposed to be tolerant of them for their religious convictions. I don't think so.

I'm sick of the people who say we shouldn't show anyone the World Trade Center burning because it will cause undue hatred. Undue? I knew a guy who was killed that day in the WTC. I haven't forgotten and I won't. I don't care what the manicured, washed and perfumed tell me. Anyone that says JIHAD around me better be prepared to eat lead.

They (the true believers) keep the WTC alive by spreading their great victory to the streets openly wearing it as a badge of honor. But we are supposed to calm ourselves and not hate them. I wish I could be that Christian about it. But I think of my daughter and my grand-daughters and I just can't do it. When someone wants to kill me I don't see the problem with killing them first. If I have to go to hell because I stopped some zealot from killing my grand-daughter, then I'll go to hell. Some things are worth fighting for even if you have to do bad things. ]]> dinosaur http://www.outdoorbasecamp.com/forum/blogs/dinosaur/idyllic-world-20/ Thunder River http://www.outdoorbasecamp.com/forum/blogs/canyontony/thunder-river-19/ Sat, 28 Jan 2012 13:00:47 GMT It's time for my summer hike down the canyon. My brother and his grandson, and my daughter and son are planning a different kind of hike to the thunder river on the north rim of the Grand canyon. should be pretty cool,even though it will be pretty hot in June. Cant wait to get my permits and get hiking. ]]> canyontony http://www.outdoorbasecamp.com/forum/blogs/canyontony/thunder-river-19/ Some basic knowledge before purchasing a headlamp http://www.outdoorbasecamp.com/forum/blogs/processed-in-everything/some-basic-knowledge-before-purchasing-headlamp-18/ Fri, 30 Sep 2011 09:45:39 GMT As part of the outdoor equipment, headlamp owns all kinds of types or categories. How could we choose the headlamp suitable for ourselves? Now, let’s... As part of the outdoor equipment, headlamp owns all kinds of types or categories. How could we choose the headlamp suitable for ourselves? Now, let’s go to classify headlamp below.
In general, headlamps are classified into three categories: mini headlamp, multi-use headlamp and special-use headlamp.

[B]Mini headlamp[/B]: refer to very small and light headlamp. It is easy for us to put mini headlamp in the backpack, pocket or other place. This kind of headlamp is mainly used for lighting in night activities.

[B]Multi-use headlamp[/B]: refer to headlamp with longer-time illumination and greater beam distance than mini headlamp. But multi-used headlamp is heavier than mini headlamp. This kind of headlamp owns different brightness level and customized waterproof functions, which is applied in different environment. Multi-use headlamp has the good combination of its size, weight and light strength.
[B]Special-use headlamp[/B]: refer to headlamp used in special circumstances. Special-use headlamp is best in beam strength, beam distance, its lifetime. This kind of design ideas make special-use headlamp used in relative harsh natural environment (caving-exploring, adventure, rescue or other activities). ]]> processed in everything http://www.outdoorbasecamp.com/forum/blogs/processed-in-everything/some-basic-knowledge-before-purchasing-headlamp-18/ My First Blog At Basecamp http://www.outdoorbasecamp.com/forum/blogs/gregkthompson/my-first-blog-basecamp-16/ Fri, 22 Jul 2011 06:08:09 GMT Since this is my first blog post and I have more time to write what is going on, I will start with a little about me, what I like to do, what I do,... Since this is my first blog post and I have more time to write what is going on, I will start with a little about me, what I like to do, what I do, and were I do it.

First, I live in Honolulu, Hi. I'm from Wanchese, NC. I'm in the Navy, been in 10 years. Im on deployment now, and have over 6 months left on this deployment.

I love riding my Harley, I love Camping, hiking, backpacking, fishing, mtn biking, and taking pictures.

When I return to the Island, and have some free time, I will upload some pictures and will also be able to start doing some more hiking. Until then, have a safe one, and keep stepping up! ]]> gregkthompson http://www.outdoorbasecamp.com/forum/blogs/gregkthompson/my-first-blog-basecamp-16/ What you need to be prepared to survive. http://www.outdoorbasecamp.com/forum/blogs/dinosaur/what-you-need-prepared-survive-15/ Thu, 30 Dec 2010 00:49:46 GMT There's a lot of survival talk on this site and it has occured to me that not everyone here would survive a major problem.

I am a survival expert. That does not mean I can survive in every situation or that I have more skills than others on this site. But, I will be 62 next May and collecting Social Security. I've been all over the world and done just about everything. My daddy taught me survival training when I was still in single digits on age. Daddy was OSS in WWII. You nay need to look that up to see what it was. He taught survival to Special Forces in the forties. I might be as good as he was or better. I don't know, but I'm pretty good. I managed to live through a lot of crap in the late sixties and seventies. I had some sterling moments in the eighties before I realized I was too old for it.

I was probably too cocky in the nineties and now that the oughts are over, I know I'm too old for it. The problem I have is that I also know that I'm still more able to deal with disaster than most people a third my age. It is the reason I seek out sites of this ilk. It is the reason I call myself Dinosaur.

I know I am not the last dinosaur. But, I fear I am exactly that. I don't belong here anymore. I see things differently than most. I am not as civilized as most and never have been due to my early training.

I love my family and I love my country. I don't trust my government in any way. I'll give the shirt off my back to anybody but a politician or a lawyer just to keep them warm. I'll rescue you from a burning building, I will kill those who attack you, I will grab you and pull you up from the precipice. I'll do it because you are there and I am your last hope.

The first time I did this I was thirteen years old. I saved my best friend from drowning in a mud wash that probably should have killed me to. We lived and he went on to be a good man with a family. I went on to be what I am. ]]> dinosaur http://www.outdoorbasecamp.com/forum/blogs/dinosaur/what-you-need-prepared-survive-15/ Trip to Racquet River http://www.outdoorbasecamp.com/forum/blogs/wildmonger/trip-racquet-river-14/ Fri, 13 Aug 2010 14:52:39 GMT We set off from Camp Cherokee on Middle Saranac with the intention of paddling to Tupper Lake in a day. It required one long portage over to a... We set off from Camp Cherokee on Middle Saranac with the intention of paddling to Tupper Lake in a day. It required one long portage over to a series of ponds connecting with the racquet river. The sun scorched us on the lake, but was gentle in the shade of the trees aligning the river highway. The bush was dense and gorgeous. We nearly made it, but darkness intervened, forcing us to bivouac on a front lawn.
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]]> wildmonger http://www.outdoorbasecamp.com/forum/blogs/wildmonger/trip-racquet-river-14/ Falls View Canyon Trail #868 http://www.outdoorbasecamp.com/forum/blogs/bradsalex/falls-view-canyon-trail-868-13/ Mon, 25 Jan 2010 03:27:35 GMT So the family went driving yesterday, we were looking for a road that went to the top of a mountain which overlooks the Washington sound. So after... So the family went driving yesterday, we were looking for a road that went to the top of a mountain which overlooks the Washington sound. So after two hours of driving we reach the road and of course, since it is January, the road is closed for the winter. There is a trail to the top one person says to us, but it's a two mile trail with 2,000 foot of elevation gain. So we decided to go to a waterfall trail my wife looked up.

The trail is inside of the Falls View Campground. The campground is a small area, about 25 sites, that supports mostly tents. I didn't see many electrical or septic hookups on the sites. The campground is closed also, so the walk to the trail was about 1/4 mile. The trail starts at the top of the canyon across from the waterfall. There is a spot at the top of the canyon that is fenced off where you can get some very nice pictures of the waterfall.

When you start the trail it immediately goes down along quite a few switchbacks. Some of them are steep enough to have stairs, partially for footing and partially for erosion. There are some handrails and it's a nice trek down to the bottom, your knees might hurt a little at the bottom though. At the bottom you can't really see the waterfall but the rapids over the rocks make a nice picture. The trail turns into a loop from here, which runs along the river, through the woods. :tinysmile_twink_t2:

The trail along the river is beaten down but it is only a footpath wide. There are some large trees that fell across the path, but they have been cut to allow people through the trail. The vegetation here is typical for Washington, moss covered trees and ferns. On the opposite side of the river there are smaller falls that give the area a nice roar throughout the hike.

On the way back the trail basically makes a switchback and runs along the same side about 30 feet higher on the bank then the other trail. There isn't a lot of elevation gain on this except for the 30 or so feet between trails. It is enough to give the trail a different vibe on the way out then you get on the way in. Sort of just a higher aspect of things.

Once back at the base of the canyon prepare for the hike back up. You will swear that someone put in a couple extra switchbacks on you while you were gone. Like I mentioned earlier the grade is steep, up to 20% in places, and it feels like it takes twice as long to get up to the top.

It's a nice hike when you have a spare hour or so. It is also a nice hike to do with families and a chance to get some good photos.
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]]> Bradsalex http://www.outdoorbasecamp.com/forum/blogs/bradsalex/falls-view-canyon-trail-868-13/ Duckabush River Trail #803 http://www.outdoorbasecamp.com/forum/blogs/bradsalex/duckabush-river-trail-803-12/ Mon, 11 Jan 2010 19:06:42 GMT Hello and Greetings to All, This is the first hike that I am posting onto my blog. My family and some friends went to the Duckabush River Trail... Hello and Greetings to All,

This is the first hike that I am posting onto my blog. My family and some friends went to the Duckabush River Trail #803 in Olympic National Forest, Washington. It was a great day, with temperatures in the upper 40's, fog in the morning and overcast skies in the afternoon.

The trail head starts out at about 120m elev. and heads uphill instantly. The grade is not bad (I took my 5 year old) and it's uphill for about the first half to three quarters of a mile. There are a few little areas where you have to cross a small stream, which washed out the trail, but they are not so bad as to get you shoes wet. The vegetation on the first uphill climb is fairly dense with moss covered trees and sword ferns covering the forest floor. The moss grows everywhere, trees, ground, boulders, it has practically taken over the forest out there.

At the top of that portion of the trail, it instantly starts going back downhill. There is a wooden sign at the top to stop and take a break for some pictures. The trail down is a little steeper with switchbacks in places. The water doesn't move across the trail so much as run down the middle of it. It is a little rocky and some parts are pretty lose due to the streams. The footing isn't so bad that you need to worry, it's just watching your step (like I said, a 5 year old can do it). The forest on the way down opens up a bit to let the sun shine down in. The moss is not as prevalent but the floor is still covered by ferns.

At the bottom the trail flattens out for a good mile, maybe a little more, until you reach the Duckabush River. The river is very nice, about 50 feet across, extremely fast, and looks like it's as cold as ice. The water is in fact very cold, it almost looks like glacier rivers I've seen on Mt. Rainier. The temperature drops about 10 degrees down at the river and we ate our lunches quickly so we could get back to hiking.

On the way back my friend and I split off from our wives and continued on to the base of Big Hump. The trail continues to follow the river for about half a mile and comes to a dry riverbed filled with good sized rocks. This is where it's easily identifiable that you've started the trip up the Big Hump since you can see the switchbacks coming up. Big Hump is a climb of about 1500ft in elevation with many switchbacks.

At the base of Big Hump we realized that our wives continued back to the trail head with no water so we reluctantly turned around to catch up with them. All in all it was a great hike and I will be doing it again to hike the entire trail. ]]> Bradsalex http://www.outdoorbasecamp.com/forum/blogs/bradsalex/duckabush-river-trail-803-12/ Trip report: Eldorado National http://www.outdoorbasecamp.com/forum/blogs/2coastcamper/trip-report-eldorado-national-10/ Thu, 13 Aug 2009 09:00:43 GMT I just spent three days in Eldorado National Forest. I've got to say, it's been some of the best camping I've found on the west coast. I stopped in the ranger station on the way in, and they gave me the drill --- no registration needed, no fees. Just camp where you want to, heed the fire restrictions, and pack out what you pack in. It was great. Basically, I was turned loose in a national forest, and allowed to camp WHEREVER I WANTED. I crossed a river, and hunkered down on the other bank. I made sure to put my food in a bear bag up in a tree, and had an amazing time. I'd recommend nationals forest camping to anyone seeking that type of freedom! ]]> 2coastcamper http://www.outdoorbasecamp.com/forum/blogs/2coastcamper/trip-report-eldorado-national-10/ <![CDATA[Burt's Bees Citrus & Ginger body bar review]]> http://www.outdoorbasecamp.com/forum/blogs/2coastcamper/burts-bees-citrus-ginger-body-bar-review-9/ Wed, 01 Jul 2009 04:07:58 GMT Whether you're camping or using it at home, the Burt's Bees Citrus & Ginger Root body bar is an interesting way to start your day.

While it's not my favorite bar of soap out there, the natural smell of the ginger mixed with citrus fills my nose with an invigorating aroma. It's also great to know you're bathing with a bar of soap that's almost completely all natural (99.72%).

The smell doesn't last on your skin after the shower, but that's a good thing. It's such a strong aroma, that I don't think you'd want to smell like it all day long. The experience of the smell seems like it's just for you while you're in the shower. Afterwards, you just smell clean.

It's a little pricey at some places. At REI, for instance, it's $4.50 a bar for 4 ounces. At Safeway (and this is in pricey California), it's actually $7.99. There are bars that are equally as natural and as aromatic sold by a brand called Kiss My Face, for example, that are sold in 8-ounce bars for about $4.

For the Burt's Bees bar, I'd say pick one up if you see it and try it out for the unique experience. Perhaps just pick one up for an occasional camping trip to use in an outdoor shower, but I wouldn't make it my go-to bar for showers. Keep looking, there are all-natural bars out there that are a better deal.

]]> 2coastcamper http://www.outdoorbasecamp.com/forum/blogs/2coastcamper/burts-bees-citrus-ginger-body-bar-review-9/ Ozark Trail multi-tool review http://www.outdoorbasecamp.com/forum/blogs/2coastcamper/ozark-trail-multi-tool-review-8/ Thu, 25 Jun 2009 07:26:53 GMT There are two things Les Stroud of Survivorman never left behind when he went out into the wilderness -- his trusty harmonica and a handy multi-tool.... There are two things Les Stroud of Survivorman never left behind when he went out into the wilderness -- his trusty harmonica and a handy multi-tool.

Almost everyone here will agree, a good multi-tool is a must not only for every camping trip, but for even a day hike or picnic. But for those who are on a budget, the $50-$100 models sold by Leatherman and Gerber might be a tad out of reach.

Personally, I had an incident involving a raging river ... well, let's just say I had to replace all my gear at once before my next trip. In doing so with just my "fun money" from one paycheck, I had to pick out items based more on a tight budget than anything else. The $10 multi-tool made by Ozark Trail and sold at Wal-Mart was just one of those items.

There are only a few things on this $10 model that are in the "less than" range when compared to the more expensive models. In every other way, this inexpensive option more than does the trick, and is still the multi-tool I carry on camping trips. The first thing I was surprised at how much I used was the plier function. The most important thing for me when using the pliers is the strength of the grip and the comfort of the handle. In both instances, the Ozark Trail succeeds. Secondly, the knife is extremely sharp, and it has all the auxiliary tools necessary for almost any job around the campsite. I've used both the bottle opener and can opener with ease. The screwdrivers have come in handy on several occasions, and the saw is strong and sharp enough to cut through branches and sticks about the width of a broom handle with relative ease.

About the only drawbacks are the wire cutters and the smallest flat screwdriver. The cutters simply aren't strong enough to cut through anything other than stereo wires. I've only had the occasion to use them once, so I don't notice this drawback. Without getting into too much detail, I had to cut through a chain-link fence. They did the job. But I'm quite strong, and it took all my strength to cut through, and the damage done to the cutters has rendered them useless for the same job in the future. The smallest screwdriver just isn't thin enough to fit the size screws I think it was meant for.

Aside from those two drawbacks, the Ozark Trail multi-tool sold at Wal-Mart gets a passing grade from me. For $10, it a no-brainer if you're on a budget or perhaps getting the young outdoors enthusiast in your life his or her first multi-tool.

Image from RantRadio.com ]]> 2coastcamper http://www.outdoorbasecamp.com/forum/blogs/2coastcamper/ozark-trail-multi-tool-review-8/ Trail running http://www.outdoorbasecamp.com/forum/blogs/2coastcamper/trail-running-7/ Thu, 25 Jun 2009 07:18:13 GMT I went trail running yesterday on Mt. Tam in the Bay Area of northern California. It was fun, and a darn good workout. The trail I used was downhill... I went trail running yesterday on Mt. Tam in the Bay Area of northern California. It was fun, and a darn good workout. The trail I used was downhill on the way in, and uphill on the way out. So I really had to push myself at the end. I couldn't just "ease" to the finish line. There were a few times when I had to slow down to a walk, for safety. The terrain was to uneven, rocky or rough. Staying at a run over those areas would have simply been irresponsible. But the hard work it took to go up the hills on the way out more than made up for having to slow down a few times.

My legs are sore today!

]]> 2coastcamper http://www.outdoorbasecamp.com/forum/blogs/2coastcamper/trail-running-7/ Firesteel Scout review http://www.outdoorbasecamp.com/forum/blogs/2coastcamper/firesteel-scout-review-6/ Tue, 23 Jun 2009 16:57:20 GMT On my recent camping trip, I used my Light My Fire Firesteel Scout to light everything for the weekend. For lighting fires, I used it once with... On my recent camping trip, I used my Light My Fire Firesteel Scout to light everything for the weekend.

For lighting fires, I used it once with magnesium shavings and once without. With the shavings, the fire went up in two strikes. But the shavings took about 15 minutes to make, and it sure is a way to dull a knife quickly. The second night, I worked more on my tinder bundle. Making sure it was soft and packed correctly took away the need for the magnesium. The second fire took about 10 or 15 strikes, but I still saved time by not having to create the shavings from the mag stick.

I also used it to light my stove for coffee each morning -- one strike each time.

In all, I'd say this little device does everything it's supposed to. It spits out a nice, bright, hot spark on every strike. With a little patience and a proper tinder bundle and kindling, I'd say the Light My Fire Firesteel Scout will work for you too.

]]> 2coastcamper http://www.outdoorbasecamp.com/forum/blogs/2coastcamper/firesteel-scout-review-6/ REI Flash 65 backpack review http://www.outdoorbasecamp.com/forum/blogs/2coastcamper/rei-flash-65-backpack-review-5/ Tue, 23 Jun 2009 09:29:52 GMT I'd have to say I highly recommend this pack. After using it for a two-location camping/kayak trip, it carried everything I needed it to.

I packed it the night before, and I was surprised at how little room the "essentials" took up. I started to load in some extra things that I usually pack in a separate bag. In all, I loaded it down with about 45 pounds of gear. When I put it on, it felt like all the weight was on my hips, which was great for moving around. It felt amazingly light. The shoulder straps at that point felt like they were just stabilizing the pack -- which is how a good pack is meant to be worn.

It has a place for a water sack, but I didn't use one this time. I'm old fashioned ... I prefer the old round canteen with the strap you throw over your shoulder. I might get a hydration sack to go in it one day, Who knows.

Another great thing was the amount of storage on the outside. It has, of course, the top pocket (which removes), and a nicely sized outside pocked on the back (or front, depending on which way you're holding the pack). There are also four mesh pockets (two on either side), where you can store a few items you need ready access to on the trails (like a water bottle, powerbar or something like that). There is also a small zipper pocket on the waist belt that I didn't even use because I'd already found a home for all my other gear and gadgets. It's a good place to put your keys I guess if you're just doing a park-n-hike for an afternoon. If my multi-tool didn't have a belt clip, I'd probably put it in there.

There are also plenty of tie-downs, straps and clips to secure some of your more bulky gear to the outside of the pack. There are two straps on the bottom that are perfect for a sleeping pad or a bag if you just roll it up without folding it length-wize down the center. I have a therma-rest trail-lite, and if I roll the sleeping back and pad together without folding, the straps still go all the way around.

I can't wait to take in on my next trip. I'm doing a solo hike-in. So I'll need to carry everything on my back. No partner to split the gear with, and no running back to the car. Can't wait! Actually, I haven't decided yet whether I'm doing a hike-in or a boat-in. But either way, the pack will really be put to the test that weekend!

In all for the price, I'd definitely recommend this pack. It's at REI for about $150. Good deal.


Note: There is also a Flash50, which is the same pack, essentially, but will have a smaller storage area. Both packs come in men's and women's. ]]> 2coastcamper http://www.outdoorbasecamp.com/forum/blogs/2coastcamper/rei-flash-65-backpack-review-5/ Traveling Abroad http://www.outdoorbasecamp.com/forum/blogs/elizatn/traveling-abroad-4/ Mon, 22 Jun 2009 18:41:34 GMT I am so excited because I'm about to go spend 3 months in Australia this summer, but I am so nervous! I love to travel around and have done some fun hikes and backpacking thru Europe, but never thru Australia, does anyone know if you can do a lot of hiking and even spelunking down under?!
I hope so because 3 months is a long time to miss out on all of that! ]]> elizaTN http://www.outdoorbasecamp.com/forum/blogs/elizatn/traveling-abroad-4/