Owlbebak

STAYC : RUN2U

2022-02-25T19:10:00.066-05:00

STAYC has dropped their new MV "RUN2U"

They look gorgeous and sound wonderful. The video is visually stunning with high quality production.
The song is sure to be their next big hit!
Be sure to check it out.

Tapestry Design Crop Top

2015-11-22T08:48:00.001-05:00

This swing crop top features Indian inspired tapestry and solid crochet straps. Fabric Content: 100% POLYESTER ---

Boho Exposed Shoulder Lace Top

2015-11-17T22:48:00.000-05:00

This boho top features long bell sleeves,exposed shoulders and tie-able closure along neckline.

Fabric Content: 100% NYLON

Chic BOHO Poncho Top

2015-11-15T08:41:00.000-05:00

Multicolored Pattern Print Poncho Style Top

This flirty poncho top will capture your BOHO style with flair! Looks great with jeans for that easy, relaxed evening mood.

Forest Path

2015-08-15T16:19:00.000-04:00

The Trail

Worn old boots crunching

the dirty, dusty, brown trail.

Nature's symphony!

Review of Crocs Men's Modi Flip Flops

2013-11-03T11:35:00.001-05:00

Review of Crocs Men's Modi Flip Flops

As a result of an injury and suffering from Plantar Fasciitis and a heel spur, I needed some comfortable flip flops that offered support and heel comfort. I previously had some Croc knock-off, slip on shoes and they felt comfortable, so I did some online research, reading reviews about various Croc shoes, and determined that the Croc Modi Flip was highly regarded.

I went to my local sports store and tried on half a dozen flip flops to see which were the most comfortable, comparing them to the Modi Flip, and determined I like the Modi the best as they seemed to provide the best comfort for my heel. As an added bonus they have nice foot massage bumps.

I first bought size 11 thinking it fit the best, but once at home, sitting and walking in the house, I decided they were a little snug across the top of my foot, so I exchanged them for size 12. They fit perfect, not too tight when sitting in a chair, yet snug enough when walking.

I have had these flip flops for six month and they are GREAT! The comfort is awesome. I put them on when I first wake up and wear them whenever I'm not wearing other shoes. My heel spur pain has finally gone away too. I feel these flip flops have been a major aid in my healing.

As far as durablity, they are holding up well and have not suffered a blow out, plus the tread grip is good. I will be buying again when the time comes.

I suggest you check them out.

Collection of Bannock Recipes- Campfire Cooking

2013-06-30T09:20:00.000-04:00

Collection of Bannock Recipes

Bannock is a very old and simple bread that is easily made and simple to cook. It's great for outdoor campfire cooking, either in a pan or wrapped on a stick. Wrapped around a stick is how I cooked it.

If cooking on a stick, be sure not to make it too thick as it will take longer to cook or tend to cook too much on the outside, leaving the inside a bit doughy.

Below, I have gathered together a collection of bannock recipes from the internet. Pick one and give it a try!
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Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup blueberries or whatever you'd like - raisins, cranberries, dried fruits
Water
Oil, for frying or grilling

Directions

Mix the dry ingredients and berries, then slowly mix in enough water to make a stiff dough. Roll it out (unrugged) or form it with your hands (rugged) and then either fry it in a bit of oil, bake it or you can even "GRILL IT!". Brush the grill with oil. Grill it over medium heat, lid down for about 5 minutes per side, tops.

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Ingredients:
4 cups flour
4 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
4 tablespoons oil
1 1/2 cup water
Optional: brown sugar, cinnamon, raisins, honey, ...
Instructions:
Mix ingredients and add water until you have a doughy consistency - don't just dump all the water in.
Knead approximately 10 minutes.
Add sugar, honey, or raisins if you want it sweeter.
Grease and heat a frying pan. Form and press the dough into cakes.
Lay the bannock in the frying pan.
As the bannock cooks, move the cakes around so they don't stick.
When the bottom crust has formed and is browned, flip the cakes over.
Cooking takes about 12 minutes.
Sprinkle with honey or brown sugar and eat.
You can mix all the dry ingredients into one bag at home.

Instead of cooking in a frypan, you form a footlong roll of dough about an inch in diameter and wrap it around a stick. Cook this over an open fire.

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Bannock Recipe

2 1/2 cups flour
6 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
2 tbsp sugar (optional)
1/3 cup lard
2 eggs, optional
1 cup water or more
Method

Combine first four ingredients. Add lard, rubbing it in to form fine crumbs. Combine egg with water (is using an egg), and add to the flour mixture. Stir to form a soft dough, and knead briefly.
If using a frying pan, grease the pan then dust with flour. Place about a quarter of the dough in the pan and heat. Bake until the bottom is lightly brown, then flip. Bake about 10 minutes on the opposite side. Bake remaining dough in similar fashion.
If baking in oven, pat down into greased pie plate. Bake in 400 degree oven for about twenty minutes, or until cooked in the middle.
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Ingredients

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons baking powder
1/4 cup butter, melted
1 1/2 cups water

Directions

Measure flour, salt, and baking powder into a large bowl. Stir to mix. Pour melted butter and water over flour mixture. Stir with fork to make a ball.
Turn dough out on a lightly floured surface, and knead gently about 10 times. Pat into a flat circle 3/4 to 1 inch thick.
Cook in a greased frying pan over medium heat, allowing about 15 minutes for each side. Use two lifters for easy turning. May also be baked on a greased baking sheet at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 25 to 30 minutes.

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Bannock Recipe

4 cups flour
1 teaspoon salt
4 teaspoons baking powder
4 tablespoons oil
About 1 1/2 cups water

Mix ingredients and add water. Knead approximately 10 minutes by hand or 5 minutes in a mixer. You can add cinnamon and brown sugar to the dough or sprinkle it on after it's cooked. Pat the dough into very flat pancakes, less than a 1/4 inch thick. Add about a 1/4 inch of oil into a frying pan. Heat up and place dough into frying pan. Let bottom get golden brown and air bubbles form on top. Flip over and cooked the other side. Remove from pan and serve plain or sprinkle on a mixture of brown sugar and cinnamon.
Served plain you can eat them with stew, spaghetti, chili, etc.

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Survival Topics Bannock on a Green Stick

This is my favorite way to make bannock as it brings forth the image of mountainmen from a bygone era cooking over an open fire.
The following recipe provides enough bannock for one day. Stored in a waterproof bag, it is easy to carry a week or ten day supply.

1-cup whole wheat flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons milk powder

Mix all the ingredients well, making sure the butter is evenly distributed throughout. Sometimes I will melt the butter before adding it to the mixture. Then slowly add water while mixing until a dough ball is formed.
Make the bannock dough into a cigar shape and wrap it around a green stick. Try to keep the thickness of the dough about ½ inch.
Slowly roast the bannock over a hot fire, rotating occasionally until it turns a golden brown. You will hear the butter sizzling and your stomach rumble as the bannock cooks.
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Multi-flour Bannock Recipe

This combination of flours, spices, and dried fruit makes the bannock a delicious meal of itself and makes me hungry just thinking about it. It can be cooked over an open fire on a green stick or formed into a loaf and baked and makes a 3-day supply:

1 Cup Barley flour
1 Cup Wheat flour
1/2 Cup Rolled Oats
1 Cup White Sugar
1/2 to 1 Cup Raisins or other dried fruit
1 1/2 Cup Buttermilk
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 tbsp. Coarse Ground Salt
1 tbsp. Cinnamon
1 tbsp. Cloves
1 tbsp. Nutmeg
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Fried Bannock

If you like fried foods then you need to try fried Bannock.

4 cups flour
2 tbsp baking powder
2 tbsp sugar
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup margarine/butter
2 eggs
1/4 tbsp salt
Mix all the ingredients so a dough ball is formed. Break off pieces and flatten into rounds about ½ inch thick. Fry to a golden brown in the oil of your choice.

Try Making Bannock

Bannock is a fulfilling meal that can be used to supplement natural foods foraged from your surroundings. When hiking in the wilderness I like to have enough pre-mixed bannock recipe for at least one meal each day.
Try out various combinations of bannock mixed with fruits, nuts and seeds, cheeses, meats, fish and a variety of spices. Wilderness meals containing bannock can satisfy even the most discriminating palate.
Bannock is easy to cook and is an excellent comfort food that will elevate your mood and fill your stomach. There is nothing quite like the sight and smell of fresh bannock cooking over an open fire at the end of a hard day surviving in the wilderness.
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The following is a simplified version of the bannock recipe that you can try at home. It is has been further adapted from the recipe that was used by my grandmother, Lady Ethel of Wales, and myself.

Bannock Recipe

1 Cup Barley flour
1 Cup Wheat flour
1/2 Cup Rolled Oats
1 Cup White Sugar
1/2 to 1 Cup Sultanas or White Raisins
1 1/2 Cup Buttermilk
2 tbsp. Baking Powder
2 tbsp. Baking Soda
1 tbsp. Coarse Ground Salt
1 tbsp. Allspice
1 tbsp. Cinnamon
1 tbsp. Cloves
1 tbsp. Nutmeg

Instructions

Gas Mark 400 Fahrenheit or 200 Celsius for 20-25 minutes.
Electric Oven 375 Fahrenheit or 190 Celsius for 40-45 minutes.

In a large bowl, sift both flours fine, add salt, baking powder and soda to sifter. Re-sift the mixture of flours, salt, and baking soda then add the spices and sift. Remove sifter and add the next set of ingredients by tossing in the rolled oats, sugar, and sultanas. Slowly add the buttermilk and mix by hand until mixture forms a ball. Next, turn the dough out onto a well-floured board. Knead, turn about 50 or 60 times, and re-flour as needed.

You will then need to decide the desired size of your loaf. You can turn this into a large loaf, or split it into two medium cakes. Separate the dough into small rounded balls and then flatten it into a small round flat cake about 3/4 inch thick. For medium or large sized loaves, score the top of each cake with a cross. Bake as directed above.

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Bannock Recipe
Ingredients:
• 4 cups flour
• 4 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 4 tablespoons oil
Directions:
1. Mix ingredients and add water until you have a doughy consistency. Knead approximately 10 minutes.
2. You can add cinnamon/brown sugar to make it taste a bit differently.
3. Grease and heat a frying pan. Form the dough into cakes (sort of like tortillas or pancakes) about 1/2
inch thick and dust lightly with flour.
4. Lay the bannock in the frying pan.
5. Wiggle the pan every so often to keep the bannock from sticking.
6. Once a bottom crust has formed and the dough has hardened enough to hold together, turn them.
7. Cooking takes 12-15 minutes.

This video contains a clip of me cooking bannock over the campfire on a stick.

Removing Anti-Reflective Coating from glass lenses

2013-06-29T11:30:00.000-04:00

Removing Anti-Reflective Coating

Anti- reflective coatings sometimes will start to flake off your plastic lenses if you have the older type of coating.
As I type this, I'm looking through lens that are now clear as new. My progressive glasses are 3 years old and are polycarbonate, scratch resistant, UV protected with a $65 anti-reflective coating.
About an hour ago I could hardly use them and pricing new lenses were $400. When I asked the Optician about the quick deterioration of the coating ( they now offer a new and improved coating costing $135) he asked if I sweat a lot, as that can cause problems. Lately this has been true, because I have been doing spring yard work and digging a garden pond causing the lenses to deteriorate fast.

This is how I removed the coating from my lens.

I took standard iodized table salt (figuring if salty sweat was effective, a salt solution might be also), poured it into a bowl of water, heated in microwave to a temp I could touch, making a dissolved salt solution.
I took bounty pick-a-size paper towels and began rubbing with the solution, keeping it nice and wet.
I intermittently washed them off with dish-washing soap to check my progress and it only took about 45 minutes. The rubbing and solution didn't scratch my lenses, but did remove the film coating. Not a bad return on my time!

4. The photos show the difference in the removed and remaining coating. When I did the process of removal, I didn't take my frames off. I have zoomed to the hinge and nose and you can see where I was not able to rub the solution very well and the coating remains.

So, if your lenses have progressed to the point where you will need new ones, give this a try. You have nothing to lose, since you can't see anyway!

Make a cheap tripod adapter to hold a smartphone

2013-06-26T13:36:00.000-04:00

You can make this easy, fast and cheap tripod adapter to hold your smartphone! It is small and light for backpacking.

Step 1: Obtain a 3" bulldog paperclip. You can get these anywhere that sell office supplies. You might have one at your office or at home right now!

Step 2: You need a nut that fits your tripod screw. It is a common size, but you might want to take your tripod so you can match up the nut. Look in your junk drawer, I bet you have one that fits it!

Step 3: Bend the finger tab so it will be 90 degrees and fit the tripod screw. A pair of pliers will make it easy, or you can just use your fingers if you are tough!

Step 4: Take some duct tape, cut two pieces and tape it down and around the clipping edges for extra protection. You don't want metal on glass or plastic!

Step 5: Attach to the tripod, screw nut on with your fingers and you are finished!

Here is a video of it.

Leopard climbs a tree and takes down another leopard.

2013-06-22T23:00:00.000-04:00

This video reveals the awesome power a leopard has in leaping and climbing. Wikipedia states that a leopard is the smallest of the four big cats and is unequaled in its ability to climb trees, even carrying an animal.

Watch this leopard climb a tree and take down another leopard.

Senior Discount List: Save MONEY!

2013-06-21T12:32:00.000-04:00

This Handy Senior Discount List can save you money. Found on other websites, I decided I would post it here too.

I was in Panda Express and asked if they give a senior discount and they gave me 10% off, so ALWAYS ASK!

RESTAURANTS:
Applebee's: 15% off with Golden Apple Card (60+)
Arby's: 10% off (55+)
Ben & Jerry's: 10% off (60+)
Bennigan's: discount varies by location (60+)
Bob's Big Boy: discount varies by location (60+)
Boston Market: 10% off (65+)
Burger King: 10% off (60+)
Chick-Fil-A: 10% off or free small drink or coffee (55+)
Chili's: 10% off (55+)
CiCi's Pizza: 10% off (60+)
Denny's: 10% off, 20% off for AARP members (55+)
Dunkin' Donuts: 10% off or free coffee (55+)
Einstein's Bagels: 10% off baker's dozen of bagels (60+)
Fuddrucker's: 10% off any senior platter (55+)
Gatti's Pizza: 10% off (60+)
Golden Corral: 10% off (60+)
Hardee's: $0.33 beverages everyday (65+)
IHOP: 10% off (55+)
Jack in the Box: up to 20% off (55+)
KFC: free smal l drink with any meal (55+)
Krispy Kreme: 10% off (50+)
Long John Silver's: various discounts at locations (55+)
McDonald's: discounts on coffee everyday (55+)
Mrs. Fields: 10% off at participating locations (60+)
Shoney's: 10% off Sonic: 10% off or free beverage (60+)
Steak 'n Shake: 10% off every Monday & Tuesday (50+)
Subway: 10% off (60+)
Sweet Tomatoes: 10% off (62+)
Taco Bell: 5% off; free beverages for seniors (65+)
TCBY: 10% off (55+)
Tea Room Cafe: 10% off (50+)
Village Inn: 10% off (60+)
Waffle House: 10% off every Monday (60+)
Wendy's: 10% off (55+)
White Castle: 10% off (62+)

RETAIL & APPAREL:
Banana Republic: 10% off (50+)
Bealls: 20% off first Tuesday of each month (50+)
Belk's: 15% off first Tuesday of every month (55+)
Big Lots: 10% off
Bon-Ton Department Stores: 15% off on senior discount days (55+)
C.J. Banks: 10% off every Wednesday (60+)
Clarks: 10% off (62+)
Dress Barn: 10% off (55+)
Goodwill: 10% off one day a week (date varies by location)
Hallmark: 10% off one day a week (date varies by location)
Kmart: 20% off (50+)
Kohl's: 15% off (60+)
Modell's Sporting Goods: 10% off
Rite Aid: 10% off on Tuesdays & 10% off prescriptions
Ross Stores: 10% off every Tuesday (55+)
The Salvation Army Thrift Stores: up to 50% off (55+)
Stein Mart: 20% off red dot/clearance items first Monday of every month(55+)
GROCERY:
Albertson's: 10% off first Wednesday of each month (55+)
American Discount Stores: 10% off every Monday (50+)
Compare Foods Supermarket: 10% off every Wednesday (60+)
DeCicco Family Markets: 5% off every Wednesday (60 +)
Food Lion: 6% off every Monday (60+)
Fry's Supermarket: free Fry's VIP Club Membership & 10% off every Monday
(55+)
Great Valu Food Store: 5% off every Tuesday (60+)
Gristedes Supermarket: 10% off every Tuesday (60+)

Harris Teeter: 5% off every

Tuesday (60+)
Hy-Vee: 5% off one day a week (date varies by location)
Kroger: 10% off (date varies by location)
Morton Williams Supermarket: 5% off every Tuesday (60+)
The Plant Shed: 10% off every Tuesday (50+)
Publix: 5% off every Wednesday (55+)
Rogers Marketplace: 5% off every Thursday (60+)
Uncle Guiseppe's Marketplace: 5% off (62+)
TRAVEL: Airlines: Alaska Airlines: 10% off (65+) American Airlines:
various discounts for 65 and up (call before booking for discount)
Continental Airlines: no initiation fee for Continental Presidents Club &
special fares for select destinations Southwest Airlines: various
discounts for ages 65 and up (call before booking for discount)
United Airlines: various discounts for ages 65 and up (call before booking
for discount)
U.S. Airways: various discounts for ages 65 and up (call before booking
for discount)
Rail: Amtrak: 15% off (62+) Bus: Greyhound: 5% off (62+)
Trailways Transportation System: various discounts for ages 50+ Car
Rental:
Alamo Car Rental: up to 25% off for AARP members

Avis: up to 25% off for AARP members

Best Western: 10% off (55+)
Budget Rental Cars: 10% off; up to 20% off for AARP members (50+) Dollar
Rent-A-Car: 10% off (50+)
Enterprise Rent-A-Car: 5% off for AARP members Hertz: up to 25% off for
AARP members Holiday Inn: 10%-30% off depending on location (62+)

National Rent-A-Car: up to 30% off for AARP

members Over Night
Accommodations:

CambrSuites: 20%-30% off (60+)
Clarion Motels: 20%-30% off (60+)
Comfort Inn: 20%-30% off (60+)
Comfort Suites: 20%-30% off (60+)
Econo Lodge: 20%-30% off (60+)
Hampton Inns & Suites: 10% off when booked 72 hours in advance
Hyatt Hotels: 25%-50% off (62+)
InterContinental Hotels Group: various discounts at all hotels (65+)
Mainstay Suites: 10% off with Mature Traveler's Discount (50+); 20%-30%
off (60+)
Marriott Hotels: 15% off (62+)
Motel 6: 10% off (60+)
Myrtle Beach Resort: 10% off (55+)
Quality Inn: 20%-30% off (60+)
Rodeway Inn: 20%-30% off (60+)
Sleep Inn: 20%-30% off (60+)
ACTIVITIES & ENTERTAINMENT:
AMC Theaters: up to 30% off (55+)
Bally Total Fitness: up to $100 off memberships (62+)
Busch Gardens Tampa, FL: $3 off one-day tickets (50+)
Carmike Cinemas: 35% off (65+)
Cinemark/Century Theaters: up to 35% off U.S. National Parks: $10 lifetime
pass; 50% off additional services including camping (62+)
Regal Cinemas: 30% off Ripley's Believe it or Not: @ off one-day ticket
(55+)
SeaWorld Orlando, FL: $3 off one-day tickets (50+)

CELL PHONE DISCOUNTS:
AT&T: Special Senior Nation 200 Plan $29.99/month (65+)
Jitterbug: $10/month cell phone service (50+)
Verizon Wireless: Verizon Nationwide 65 Plus Plan $29.99/month (65+).
MISCELLANEOUS:
Great Clips: $3 off haircuts (60+)
Super Cuts: $2 off haircuts (60+)

Black Bear Climbs Tree and Sniffs.

2013-06-18T18:29:00.000-04:00

Bears will eat people!

This video (at the bottom of the page) shows a black bear climbing up a tree where a hunter has attached a hunting platform. The hunter certainly remains cool as the bear climbs to investigate.

Black bears are excellent tree climber, as opposed to brown bears, also known as grizzly bears (photo below).

If you were in a situation where a grizzly bear was running toward you to attack, and you had enough time to climb a tree, you would potentially be safe, depending on the tree size and height. A black bear, as shown by this video, could easily climb up after you!

As a backpacker, I venture into the forest where bears dwell. Knowledge about bears, their habits, tendencies and probability for aggressiveness is very important. A book that I highly recommend reading, authored by Stephen Herrero, is called Bear Attacks: Their Causes and Avoidance (revised edition) . This book examines all aspects concerning the nature of the black bear and the brown bear, how you should react if you encounter one in the wild and methods for sound backwoods camping.

From the the inside book flap:

What causes bear attacks? When should you play dead and when should you fight an attacking bear? What do we know about black and grizzly bears and how can this knowledge be used to avoid bear attacks? And, more generally, what is the bear's future?
Bear Attacks is a thorough and unflinching landmark study of the attacks made on men and women by the great grizzly and the occasionally deadly black bear. This is a book for everyone who hikes, camps, or visits bear country – and for anyone who wants to know more about these sometimes fearsome but always fascinating wild creatures.

I highly recommend this book if you plan on doing any hiking in the backwoods.

To play video below, click it.

Backpacking Bly Gap to Neels Gap

2013-01-03T21:23:00.000-05:00

Backpacking Southbound

from Bly Gap to Neels Gap

Back in the month of December, 2011, the JaxTal Adventure Club embarked on a 45 mile backpacking trip. We had transport up to the closest drop-off point we could get to Bly Gap and started our hiking just below Bly Gap at Blue Ridge Gap, hiking southbound to Neels gap on the Appalachian Trail. We visited most of the shelters, enjoyed mountain vistas and rugged trails.

We planned out our itinerary before starting, allowing plenty of time to complete the trek.

Here is a video account of our trip.

Fly Over Balloon

2012-09-09T11:28:00.000-04:00

Hot pinwheel spiral

unified into summer's

glorious blue sky.

A Haiku

2012-09-03T13:17:00.001-04:00

Dead leaves in water
harbours mist blue demon dog.
Winter time is close.

ProShow Web: A free site for video creation

2011-10-08T19:27:00.003-04:00

I tried ProShow Web and created this quick video. It was very easy and fast. Check it out at http://web.photodex.com/

Backpacking From Three Forks to Neel's Gap

2011-09-14T11:29:00.003-04:00

Back in February of 2011, I, along with my friend Shawn, did a sectional hike on the Appalachian Trail from Three Forks to Neel's Gap. The video is about our hike.

The North Face Solaris 40 Backpack - Black (Google Affiliate Ad)

The Risk of Blog Site Transfer.

2011-08-30T21:27:00.002-04:00

Beware!! Transferring A Blog To Another Blog Site May FAIL!!

I started my first blog at Vox.com. It was a great site with lots of features and a wonderful community of Bloggers who linked together. Vox was then sold and the powers that be decided to close it down. They gave the option of moving our blogs to another site they had or Wordpress. I chose the free Wordpress site since they were an open source software company. Since it was set up very different from Vox, I lost interest in blogging.

Just recently I have regained my interest and I decided to move the Wordpress blog to Blogger. The move was successful so I thought I might as well delete the Wordpress site, which I did. Unfortunately, I failed to realize that all my blog photos and videos didn't transfer, but were linked to the Wordpress site. Soooo, now my old blog entries on Blogger have no photos or videos. What a disappointment!!

Life goes on, so I will move forward with new entries and maybe go back to certain older post and upload important photos so the entries will be complete.

That's my story.

Moral: If you move your blog to another site, be careful about deleting the old one until you know for certain the new one is completely self-contained and not linking back to the old one for certain data.

Make A Super Cat Alcohol Stove

2011-08-30T17:07:00.003-04:00

My Super Cat Alcohol Stove

A few years ago I decided to try to make a Super Cat Alcohol Stove so I could test it and potentially take it on some backpacking trips. Alcohol stoves are very popular with Thru-hikers due to their lightness and simplicity. They are also very cheap to make! The can used to make the stove typically cost under a dollar which usually is a cat food can or potted meat can. In my case I bought a Hormel potted meat can since I don't own a cat. Making the stove is very simple and I chose the most basic design. This stove, I believe was created by Jim Wood and all the information is at his website.

The method I used to do the holes was to make a heavy construction paper template, copying his hole design, marking on the circular template and then using a paper punch to punch the holes. I then wrapped the template around the can, taping it and then using a magic marker drew the circles. Once drawn, I removed the template and used my paper punch to punched the holes. The benefit of using a paper template to wrap around the can to mark the holes is it is very easy to fabricate more cans as the marking of holes is the tedious part of the process. I must say it is very simple to make this stove!!!

I now only needed to test it. You can use a product called Heet or just Denatured alcohol for fuel. My video was basically a spur of the moment event, so as a result the quality was not that good, but it will give you an idea of what to expect.

My Super Cat Alcohol Stove Test

Considerations When Making A HDTV Purchase

2011-08-29T20:48:00.000-04:00

Buying a new HDTV can be a very confusing decision. LCD TV, DLP TV, Plasma TV, 3D TV, the list of types seem to change by the day. In the not too distant past, Plasma TVs were the rage, but then the newer LCD TVs took over. Now, we have the comeback in Plasma TVs due to improved technology and design.

In my research, I have found one Plasma TV that offers an excellent price point with a wide range of features. That TV is the Panasonic TC-P42S30 Viera 42" wide screen Plasma TV which offers 1080 p, 1920 x 1080, 16:9, 600 Hz, HDMI, USB and has the Energy Star rating.

I suggest you take a look at this Plasma TV if you are in the market.

Long-term review of The North Face Hedgehog GTX XCR III hiking shoe

2011-08-28T12:13:00.003-04:00

THE NORTH FACE HEDGEHOG GTX XCR III

Recently I switched to a lighter boot / shoe for backpacking since most of my hiking is geared toward ultralight. My first hiking shoe was a Merrill brand. It was light with a Vibram sole with Gore-Tex outer waterproof shell. I liked the shoe. Besides backpacking in it, I wore it daily and went on 4 mile trail runs a few times a week.

Eventually, the shoe wore out and I went on the search for a replacement. I basically wanted the same features, but I decided to try another brand so I could compare performance for future purchases. I decided on The North Face Hedgehog GTX XCR III.

This shoe is superior to my Merrill in terms of insole padding, aggressive Vibram sole and lacing eyes. It provides better support and the fit size is accurate.

I wore it a daily for a few weeks, then went on a vacation and hiked 13 miles in the Smoky Mountains. No blisters, not issues. The Gore-Tex served me well due to the many wet areas I had to cross.

I would recommend you check this shoe out if you are in the market.

Update 12/18/2012: I have had these shoes for over a year, wearing them daily. I have gone on a 13 mile hike, 45 mile backpacking trip and a 33 mile backpacking trip. They are holding up great and have shown little wear. I will buy them again.

Update 06/16/2013: I still wear these shoes almost everyday! I had to replace the insoles, but the exterior remains good. The tread, being Vibram, has shown little wear. On my last backpacking trip, I sprain my ankle, so I'm considering buying the high top design in this shoe when I replace this pair. Below is a photo of my shoes.

Update 09/25/2013:

I love these shoes so much I just ordered a new pair, but I got the Hedgehog Tall this time (see photo below), mainly because I twisted my ankle last year on a winter, leaf covered trail. I'm thinking the Tall will provide better support. I'm not sure, but I'm thinking The North Face have changed the model a little. I was able to order my pair from 6pm for the incredible price of $69.99 with free shipping! As of this date, they still have them advertised, so check them out if you read this in time.

11/15/2013 News Flash!

REI.com has the Hedgehog III GTX XCR on sale from 11/15/13 to 11/24/13 for $79.99. Regular price is $120.00. I may buy me a new pair.

If you are lucky enough to catch the sale, click the LINK.

P.S. I don't get a penny from your purchase. I just like these shoes and share my enthusiasm.

Endurance

2010-04-01T22:09:00.003-04:00

I just finished reading an absolutely fantastic book! A story of survival that was miraculous, where the polar expedition of Earnest Shackleton and crew were ice bound in the Antarctic and fought to beat all odds and survive.
This book ranks at the top of my list and I highly recommend this book if you love adventure survival stories.

Amazon.com - Read eBooks using the FREE Kindle Reading App on Most Devices

The Peepoo. Pee in a bag.

2010-03-08T19:53:00.001-05:00

I read about this new product developed mainly for third world countries to help cope with unsanitary waste disposal systems. I naturally thought it might be a good solution for backpackers too. The basic idea of the Peepoo is: "The Peepoo (pat.pend) is a personal single use toilet, that sanitise the human excreta shortly after the defecation, preventing the faeces from contaminating the immediate as well as the larger environment."

Take a few minutes to read the following links:
Peepoo
The New York Times

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The Bartram Trail -Georgia Section Video

2009-12-24T06:45:00.000-05:00

I finally got around to making the video of my backpacking trip hiking on the Bartram Trail in Georgia. The complete story of the trip can be found at this LINK with photos.

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Cherry Gap Shelter on the A.T.

2009-12-23T21:16:00.000-05:00

After Thanksgiving, my son and I went day hiking on the A.T. in North Carolina to Cherry Gap shelter. The day before we got some snow and for Florida boys, it was very exciting. The wind was howling, but we had planned for the cold so we were pretty well protected from the elements. Unfortunately the wind wreaked havoc on the video sound which was disappointing.

Cherry Gap Shelter Hike

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Owlbebak

STAYC : RUN2U

They look gorgeous and sound wonderful. The video is visually stunning with high quality production.The song is sure to be their next big hit! Be sure to check it out.

Tapestry Design Crop Top

This swing crop top features Indian inspired tapestry and solid crochet straps. Fabric Content: 100% POLYESTER ---

Boho Exposed Shoulder Lace Top

Chic BOHO Poncho Top

Multicolored Pattern Print Poncho Style Top

This flirty poncho top will capture your BOHO style with flair! Looks great with jeans for that easy, relaxed evening mood.

Forest Path

Review of Crocs Men's Modi Flip Flops

Review of Crocs Men's Modi Flip Flops

Collection of Bannock Recipes- Campfire Cooking

Collection of Bannock Recipes

Bannock is a very old and simple bread that is easily made and simple to cook. It's great for outdoor campfire cooking, either in a pan or wrapped on a stick. Wrapped around a stick is how I cooked it.

Ingredients

Bannock Recipe

Ingredients

Directions

Survival Topics Bannock on a Green Stick

Multi-flour Bannock Recipe

Fried Bannock

Try Making Bannock

Removing Anti-Reflective Coating from glass lenses

Removing Anti-Reflective Coating

Make a cheap tripod adapter to hold a smartphone

You can make this easy, fast and cheap tripod adapter to hold your smartphone! It is small and light for backpacking.

Step 1: Obtain a 3" bulldog paperclip. You can get these anywhere that sell office supplies. You might have one at your office or at home right now!

Step 2: You need a nut that fits your tripod screw. It is a common size, but you might want to take your tripod so you can match up the nut. Look in your junk drawer, I bet you have one that fits it!

Step 3: Bend the finger tab so it will be 90 degrees and fit the tripod screw. A pair of pliers will make it easy, or you can just use your fingers if you are tough!

Step 4: Take some duct tape, cut two pieces and tape it down and around the clipping edges for extra protection. You don't want metal on glass or plastic!

Step 5: Attach to the tripod, screw nut on with your fingers and you are finished!

Here is a video of it.

Leopard climbs a tree and takes down another leopard.

Senior Discount List: Save MONEY!

This Handy Senior Discount List can save you money. Found on other websites, I decided I would post it here too.

I was in Panda Express and asked if they give a senior discount and they gave me 10% off, so ALWAYS ASK!

Black Bear Climbs Tree and Sniffs.

Backpacking Bly Gap to Neels Gap

Backpacking Southbound

from Bly Gap to Neels Gap

Fly Over Balloon

A Haiku

ProShow Web: A free site for video creation

Backpacking From Three Forks to Neel's Gap

The Risk of Blog Site Transfer.

Make A Super Cat Alcohol Stove

Considerations When Making A HDTV Purchase

Long-term review of The North Face Hedgehog GTX XCR III hiking shoe

Endurance

The Peepoo. Pee in a bag.

The Bartram Trail -Georgia Section Video

Cherry Gap Shelter on the A.T.

They look gorgeous and sound wonderful. The video is visually stunning with high quality production.
The song is sure to be their next big hit!
Be sure to check it out.