In January I wrote that home solar might be lipstick on a pig, and it makes more sense to make a home energy efficient before even considering solar. I also promised to post monthly updates on our utility bills.
Here is month 5:
Category Archives: General Talk
My Thoughts on the Presidential Race
This blog is about camping and backpacking. Since it is my site, I can write about anything I want. So here are my thoughts on the Presidential Race.
El Niño Is Here (and so am I)
Last week really sucked, although it started out as an optimistic 2016 beginning.
On Monday I cleaned our camper and then took it to the storage facility. That evening, watching the local news, I was informed that a storm would dump up to 5 feet of snow on our local mountains on Tuesday and Wednesday. Wow! On Tuesday I assembled my backpacking gear for a multi-day snow trip. My plan was to request a kitchen pass from Joyce for the trip, which normally is immediately approved.
Before I could present my request, Joyce informed me that our roof was leaking from the rain and the laundry room was flooded and a large bubbled had formed on the kitchen ceiling. Drats!
Merry Christmas
For the first time in at least 10 years we spent Christmas at home, instead of a camper.
I have been informed that it isn’t Politically Correct to wish strangers a Merry Christmas, and I know complete strangers do read this blog. As a matter of fact, it is now incorrect to have company Christmas parties or Christmas celebrations. Merry Christmas has been replaced with Happy Holidays.
I say, bullshit.
Gear that Works: Flip Flops
Flip-flops are my everyday footwear unless there is some rule, like a workplace dress code, that forbids them. I have been wearing flip-flops for at least 58 years, maybe longer. My earliest remembrance of flip-flops was wearing them at the public plunge (swimming pool for you young-in’s) at the age of seven. These days a pair of flip-flops last me several years of urban walking and day hikes on our camping trips.
When modern flip-flops wear out, it is the straps or strap connecting point that usually fail, leaving you with a now useless foot bed that could still go on for hundreds of miles had the strap not failed. Last week I noticed my Reef brand flip-flops were about to expire. Strap failure. Damn. Good news is that Nicole, my daughter, had bought me a pair of Chaco flip-flops last Christmas.
I hear so many hikers and backpackers complain about foot problems and they are constantly trying to find all kinds of gimmicky sole inserts, pronation control shoes, and other quackery to make their feet feel better. I don’t have any of these problems and backpack in minimalist shoes. I attribute this to lots of miles and daily walking in flip flops. Flip flops make your feet strong!
Hunting, Morality, and Gun Control
With the mass shootings over the past few years, there has been an increased demand by the public for greater gun controls. Counter-point to these demands is positions by the NRA, hunting, and other groups. The issue is complex and battle lines are drawn. Unfortunately there appears to be no middle ground and any attempts to sway opinion or convince someone to change their point of view are about nil at best.
Amidst this debate two of my favorite backpacking personalities, two very accomplished and knowledge men, Andrew Skurka and Dave Chenault have become hunters and are now writing about their new hobbies. I have read disparaging remarks towards both of them from the animal rights people. Not that I can sway anyone’s thoughts on this issue either, but I thought I would comment on the whole volatile discourse on the morality of hunting and the larger gun control issue.
I should preface my comments with the following information:
- I have never hunted
- I have never owned a firearm
- I have been robbed at gunpoint twice in my life
- I was trained in the use of firearms in the military
When Work Ceases To Be Fun
With one exception, I have absolutely loved every job I’ve held and every business I have owned.
Packrats and how my summer is going…
As you know, if you have read my posts here, I get out quite often every year for backpacking and camping. Usually over a hundred nights a year. Well, that hasn’t been the case this summer: so far. You see, there is one very important rule in life:
Happy Wife = Happy Life
Fastest Known Time redux
Almost two years ago I wrote about the phenomenon known as the Fastest Known Time or FKT. At the time, I stated I wasn’t against the concept per se, but I did express several concerns.
Stuck at home this weekend, I spent some time catching up on a few of my favorite blogs. And my fears about the FKT negatively impacting wilderness areas were personified in this simple one line statement and picture on Tom Jamrog’s blog.
I don’t have anything to add.
You might want to read Paul Magnanti’s comments on the above subject. His thoughts mirror mine.
Prudence and Weather
PRUDENCE
The concept of prudence is a critical cornerstone in Western thought, philosophy, and theology; often considered to be a virtue. Prudence is the ability to make good decisions using reason.
It has been nearly a month since my last post. I have been away from home on several trips with little time for publishing anything here. That is how my summers seem to go. Perhaps I will put together a trip report or two, since I am at home this weekend: the result of a prudent decision.