Do Suspended Mesh Backpacks Really Ventilate?
Since I often hike in deserts, over the years I have gotten quite a few inquiries about the best backpack to ventilate the hiker’s back.
Continue reading Do Suspended Mesh Backpacks Really Ventilate?
Easy Trailer Stabilizer Upgrade!
The stabilizers on our trailer have been irritating me for almost 5 years. They’re too short and they’re welded to the frame. Typical replacement requires:
- Welding new ones means grinding off the old ones and welding the replacements. And I’m not an accomplished welder.
- Bolting on new ones still means grinding off the old ones, drilling holes in the frame, and then bolting the replacements to the frame.
Or is there another option that is easier? Yes, there is. Continue reading Easy Trailer Stabilizer Upgrade!
The Business Case for Renting an RV Instead of Buying One
The average person can become a multi-millionaire and create a secure retirement. Buying toys like recreational vehicles, motorcycles, and other stuff is a sure way NOT to become financially independent. For most people who like to go camping, renting instead of purchasing is smarter. If you go to a RV dealer, the salesman will likely tell you that a RV is an investment. That is absolutely false – a RV is a depreciating asset. Continue reading The Business Case for Renting an RV Instead of Buying One
Doug Finds the Cave and Other Discoveries
After our backpacking trip, Doug had to leave for home Saturday afternoon, so Saturday morning the three of us headed out to find the cave. Locating the location was easy. Finding the cave not so much.
Looks pretty straight forward. The cave is just above two mine shafts and a few yards to the east. Continue reading Doug Finds the Cave and Other Discoveries
A Walk in the Desert With Doug – Or How to Plan a Backpacking Trip
My friend Doug, who lives in the Pacific Northwest, and I have been talking about getting together for a desert backpacking trip for over a year. Doug was going to be in Phoenix for a family event and asked if I was up for a backpacking trip. Heck yes!! Continue reading A Walk in the Desert With Doug – Or How to Plan a Backpacking Trip
Gathering of the (backpacking) Gear Geeks (GGG) — So Cal Edition
It’s been a little over a month since the last post here. I’ve been busy. Latest project was to finish and texture a bunch of new drywall then paint the living room and dining room. Whew! I needed a break. So the first weekend of May I hiked up into the San Gabriel Mountains to hang out with a group of backpackers for a couple days. Continue reading Gathering of the (backpacking) Gear Geeks (GGG) — So Cal Edition
Confession Time: I’m a Philatelist
I’ve been addicted to philately for nearly 60 years. I do it for the fun. It gives me pleasure. I spend money on it for only my personal benefit. Continue reading Confession Time: I’m a Philatelist
Camping and the Hot Dog Conundrum
Have you ever noticed that hot dog buns come in packages of 8 and hot dogs usually come in packages of 10? So if you want to buy an equal amount of buns and hot dogs you need to buy 5 packages of buns and 4 packages of hot dogs. That’s 40 hotdogs! Do the math – there is no smaller combination. Continue reading Camping and the Hot Dog Conundrum
The Changing Landscape of Campgrounds
We just got back from a two-week camping trip a few days ago and the changes are plainly visible for Joyce and me – we are frequent campers. No, this isn’t a post about climate change. Over the past four years I have seen dramatic changes in the use of the campgrounds we frequent. Keep in mind that this is an unscientific perspective from my little corner of the world where people can and do camp all 12 months of the year.