I Just Need Some Sunshine!

A view along the trail
A view along the trail
Here I sit in warm and sunny San Diego, California.

Ordinarily, I would be a happy camper to spend a few days exploring this area.

This particular trip is now stretching into 4 weeks. Today is my third day off for the 23 days I have been here.

I am a person who needs to spend a bit of time outside every now and again! We have been locked away in a windowless room, sequestered; trying to make sure the taxpayer is getting the best bang for the buck!

Taking Care of the Gear – I

winterThe past few days I have been doing my annual clean up and maintenance on my outdoor gear. Part of that is deciding what to do with some of that stuff.

What are you doing?

2015 And Looking Towards 2016

2015 a year in reviewLike many, we all reflect on the past year, how it went, and what we want to accomplish by next year this time.

Dolly Sods Wilderness Area

Dolly Sods, a view from the trail
Dolly Sods, a view from the trail

This past weekend I hooked up with Rob and headed out for another weekend adventure. This time we set out for a backpacking trip through the Dolly Sods Wilderness area in West Virginia.

Lodge L2SP3 Cast-Iron 2-Quart Serving Pot Product Review


Lodge l2sp3 cast-iron 2-quart serving pot

I am a big fan of cooking outdoors on my Kamado Joe grill. Lighting up that pile of lump charcoal and then watching the flames dance about just melts away the stress. Toss on a few pieces of wood for smoke flavoring, well it just brings out that inner caveman.

I have researched a lot of cast iron products for use on the grill. Of everything I have researched, Lodge has stood out above the rest. This product review is on the Lodge L2SP3 Pre-Seasoned Cast-Iron Serving Pot, 2-Quart, — or in my view, the perfect Kamado Joe sized 2-quart dutch oven.

Mountain House Beef Stroganoff Review



thumbs up 220
Are you looking for a review on Mountain House freeze dried backpacking meals?

Today I am going to review the Mountain House Freeze Dried Beef Stroganoff With Noodles single serving entrée.

The P-38 Can Opener



P-38 can opener
When doing stuff outside, eventually you are going to need to eat!

When I tear open a pouch of my homemade MREs, there might be a small can or two that needs to be opened.

My go-to can opener for doing stuff outside the infamous P-38. The very same one I have used since the time I was working for Uncle Sam. It has been described as the Army’s greatest invention.

Skills – Making Char Cloth


char cloth
Making your own char cloth for a fire starting tinder is really quick and easy to do!

I have been practicing my fire starting skills without using any matches or lighters and so can you!

Having fire-making options, that is, having a backup method is good insurance.

Char cloth is that no cost insurance policy you need.

Skills – Fire Starting I


fire_ring

We all like doing stuff outside!

Part of doing stuff outside, for me anyway, is practicing essential skills, such as making a campfire. Sometimes that campfire is for cooking, keeping warm, or just because campfires are part of camping! Many folks say that having the ability to start a fire is one of the most essential outdoor skills.

Homemade Beef Jerky – Is It Done Yet?



homemade beef jerky

Okay, I have my freshly marinated meat strips in my food dehydrator for my homemade beef jerky. The temperature, or rather the thermostat is set to what my owner’s manual recommends.

How long should I dry it?