Hiker Humor

Here's a bit of trail humor to keep ya smiling through the day...

Sixteen Steps to Building a Campfire

1. Split dead limb into fragments and shave one fragment into slivers.
2. Bandage left thumb.
3. Chop other fragments into smaller fragments
4. Bandage left foot.
5. Make structure of slivers (include those embedded in hand)
6. Light Match
7. Light Match
8. Repeat "a Scout is cheerful" and light match.
9. Apply match to slivers, add wood fragments, and blow gently into base of fire.
10. Apply burn ointment to nose.
11. When fire is burning, collect more wood.
12. Upon discovering that fire has gone out while out searching for more wood, soak wood from can labeled "kerosene."
13. Treat face and arms for second-degree burns.
14. Relabel can to read "gasoline."
15. When fire is burning well, add all remaining firewood.
16. When thunder storm has passed, repeat steps.

Forest Service Complaints

• A small deer came into my camp and stole my bag of pickles. Is there a way I can get reimbursed? Please call."
• "Escalators would help on steep uphill sections."
• "Instead of a permit system or regulations, the Forest Service needs to reduce worldwide population growth to limit the number of visitors to wilderness."
• "Trails need to be wider so people can walk while holding hands."
• "Ban walking sticks in wilderness. Hikers that use walking sticks are more likely to chase animals."
• "All the mile markers are missing this year."
• "Found a smoldering cigarette left by a horse."
• "Trails need to be reconstructed. Please avoid building trails that go uphill."
• "Too many bugs and leeches and spiders and spider webs. Please spray the wilderness to rid the area of these pests."
• "Please pave the trails so they can be plowed of snow in the winter."
• "Chairlifts need to be in some places so that we can get to wonderful views without having to hike to them."
• "The coyotes made too much noise last night and kept me awake. Please eradicate these annoying animals."
• "Reflectors need to be placed on trees every 50 feet so people can hike at night with flashlights."
• "Need more signs to keep area pristine."
• "A McDonald's would be nice at the trailhead."
• "Too many rocks in the mountains."
• "The places where trails do not exist are not well marked."

Q: What is the difference between a homeless person and a thruhiker?

A: Gore-Tex!

Hope you enjoyed, keep trekking, GTFO!

~EcoHiker

Outdoor Tip #4

Here's 5 "great ideas" (by others, not myself) that are Do Not's on the list of tips.

1. It is raining or windy outside so let's start the fire inside the tent.

2. Pitching the tent or swag in a "dry" creek/river/gully bed with a storm coming.

3. Setting up camp below the high water mark on an ocean tidal riverbank.

4. Putting an unopened can of baked beans in the fire to warm them up.

5. Driving away from the campsite to get some supplies with the tent still set up... and roped to the car.

Outdoor Tip #3

A friend just sent me a link to a site that offers advice to beginner campers, I was about to dismiss it but then I saw this... which just so happened to be the best thing on the page...


"Is nudity tolerated at the camp?  I see the occasional naked person coming out of a sauna, and I once attended a spiritual camp with a naked couple dancing.  It doesn't bother my family, although we are split as to whether or not we would join in!  I thought I'd warn you, though, in case it matters to you."


Ironically enough I've actually run into a couple nudies (and sometimes I enjoy the same freedom) on my trips, keep it in mind and consider joining in sometime!

Outdoor Tip #2

To make a waterproof emergency fire starter, roll 20 narrow strips of newspaper together and secure with a rubber band. Soak the roll in melted paraffin, then let drain and harden. Make up a supply of these fire starters to have ready for future camping trips. 

Outdoor Tip #1

Don't feed the wildlife or else the wildlife may feed on you....

P-Tec Fuel Headlamp (custom colors series)

The P-Tec Fuel Headlamp is a great gadget, I've used one for biking for the last 3 years, it's also by backup in case something happens to my Remix. Even with a great headlamp already under their belt with a proven design P-Tec decided to follow the customization trend that Apple started in the early 2000's by creating a custom colors line for the Fuel in their Spectrum Project. Now gear junkies can have this lightweight flexible headlamp in an array of custom colors best suited to their liking, completely original designed by it's user. It's a pretty cool idea, I've been diggin' it since P-Tec sent me my Halloween themed Fuel. The color change along with an updated 4th LED are the only differences between this headlamp and it's predecessor, you still get all the functionality of the Fuel Headlamp with a nice color combo to boot. Here's the specs for the junkies...

• 4 bright LEDs - 3 brightness settings and a strobe function
• Flood Light beams up to approx. 35m - high, 28m - medium and 20m - low
• Runs on 3 AAA batteries - up to 50 hrs. of runtime on high, 90 hrs. on medium and 146 hrs. on low - 90 hrs. on strobe
• Max light output 43 lumens, min. 13 lumens
• Single-arm ratcheting head
• Large push-button switch
• Weight 2.75 ounces
• Water resistant
• Limited 5 yr warranty.

The Fuel 4 comes with 3 AAA batteries and a stylish elastic headband, plus you get a little p-tec sticker as well (which is nice). Since I've bought my Remix I've noticed that the button on many of P-tec's headlamps is getting harder to push, with or without gloves on (which is what they say the big "easy to push" button is all about) though it's not impossible. The swivel head offers a good range of visibility and allows you to move around in tight fitted areas while still having ample light. The battery door... now this has always been an issue... many people (including myself) have complained about the flimsy nature of the battery door (which on this model you have to use the plastic pry-tool built into the headband). I find that if you're careful you can get the door open without too much trouble, but this is definitely the Achilles heel of the light. The strobe is a nice feature if you're walking or biking in an urban environment to keep vehicles aware of your presence. I primarily use my headlamps for camping and when I brought this one out for the night hike test, it made good on it's promises. Putting it through the rings was nothing short of what I expected, water resistant (not waterproof), shock resistant (dropped from 25 ft. and still worked), bright enough light to get where you're going (though if you want a brighter light I'd go with the Remix), no qualms about the burn time, and as comfortable as a headlamp can be. Though it's almost a given with most of these products, a reminder that you can use rechargeable batteries in this light; it's a planet friendly way to conserve resources and the power as well as value you get out of a single set is worth it by the second time you change your batteries. Overall I'm giving the Fuel 4 a 4 out of 5 stars, it's a great product with few issues from a reputable company (that I've trusted for years).


Bottom line: Yes I would recommend it to a friend.


I think this is a great idea, it's going to give a lot of people a chance to share a piece of themselves while hiking, biking, caving, whatever! So if you're looking for a stylish piece of gear with good capability and great credentials, look no further, the P-Tec Fuel 4 is a go!


~GTFO, Eco

Winter Wonders

Now living in Wisconsin I have a bit of a bias towards winter, the deep snows and cold temps energize me and remind me that there is a whole winter world out there to be explored, most people I find forget this. So here's your reminder, winter is great and has just as many activities to do as the warmer seasons. Here's a couple activities to consider as winter approaches in the northern hemisphere...


Snowboarding / Skiing
Grabbing your feet sled(s), a backpack filled with snacks (and beers in my case), and a couple friends to go hit the hills and search for that powder to ride can be one of the greatest times of your winter even if you have no idea how to ride, carve, or plain stop! If you haven't gone before save up a bit and rent a set of skis or a board at the hill, come prepared with good warm clothing (no cotton) and a good attitude. Take it easy at first and warm-up on the bunny hills, ask the kids how to ride, they LOVE having a "big kid" ride with them on their level. Even if you biff it and take a digger the laughter of your friends will get you back up with a smile ready to hit it again. If you can bring a camera and catch these candid moments all the better, by the last run everyone will want to sit around the fire with some cider (harder the better!) and good food and review the antics of the day. If you're a bit more advanced I suggest taking the time to roadtrip out to a backcountry hill and making the most of the fresh powder. Rip the hill like it's your own and revel in the fact that nobody else can claim this powder this day! When I go backcountry I usually like to rent a cabin somewhere to head back to after a long day out, if you can't rent do some car camping or get a nice big group tent and campout with your friends; the comradeship you'll find is unlike anything else.

Tubing/Sledding
Classic example of finding your inner child and letting it out! Go to your local hardwear store or wal-mart and grab a couple $5.00 sleds, call all your friends and go to the local sledding hill. You don't have to stay long but you won't need to, the feeling of being 7 years old again will set in by the time you reach the bottom of the hill on your first run. If you would rather have a lighter faster ride go to a ski hill and go tubing. Much less impact on your person... specifically your south end. You can double up, go solo, or hang at the top while you watch your friends ride comfortably downhill and scream like they just saw a spider all the same! Make sure to have some after-tube snacks and drinks to spark a conversation and regail each other with stories of old and tales of long past days when we were all young ;) Make it just a little better by adding fire!

Camping
Whether your car-camping, backpacking, XC skiing on your trip always be prepared (as usual the boyscouts got this one nailed). Make sure to have a good meal system to keep your energy up; it should consist of 50% carbs, 25% protein, and 25% miscellaneous other fats/vitamins/minerals. The carbs will keep you going throughout the day and greatly increase your chances of staying warmer longer, the protein will keep your mind working and give your body something to burn other than muscle and fat tissues, and the other bits will round out your diet. This is to maximize your efficiency and maintain a good core homeostasis in conditions that we were never meant for. If you're car camping I suggest finding a campground that is well maintained and has some sort of running water (and bathrooms if you're lucky), get a site with electricity if you can and bring an extra heater to warm up your hands quickly (instead of running down your car). If you're backpacking make sure you stay dry and bring an extra set of quick dry clothes (just in case you find yourself looking like a snowbeast). If you're XC'ing it up get a sled to pull behind you, there are plenty of designs online if you'd rather make on yourself instead of buying one (much cheaper). I prefer the sled to a backpack on skis due to the balance issues and uncertain terrain. Any way you decide to camp make sure to bring that camera and document your shenanigans!

Hiking/Snowshoeing/XC Skiing

This is my all-time favorite category of winter activities, the kind anyone can do. Grab your warm booties and snowpants and run amok in the fields and forests of your local park like an antelope on the Serengeti! Explore a new area every time or take the old faithful trail out to your favorite lookout for your moment of Zen. Solo, group, or with your furry friends these activities give you the opportunity to explore the way the great explorers before us did. Make sure to bring along a hefty day pack with an extra everything (almost), if you're going with friends consider packing a "picnic" lunch complete with blanket (or tarp in this case) and sit around a small fire munching and conversing. Remember to keep your body as snow-free and dry as possible, this will prolong your trip if you keep on brushing yourself off. Remember to watch the terrain because obstacles and hidden trenches can be below any snowpack and you'll never see the coming until you're upon it. Also remember that anytime you see sun in the sky it's doing some melting to that snow you're on which makes it easier to soak up that moisture! As always go prepared and plan for an all-out adventure, even if you don't have one it'll still feel awesome knowing you came prepared.

Ice Fishing/Hunting/Wildlife Watching
In Wisconsin we have a hefty tradition of getting some shacks out on a lake and trying to catch a fish before we freeze to death or drink too much and fall into the hole... and it's awesome. As with anything outdoorsy if you come prepared and have the right gear you'll have a great time. Even if all else fails and the fish don't bit you can bust out your ice skates and play some hockey on the frozen lake... or jump in your car and do some donuts :) Similar story for hunting, we have a proud tradition of hunting here in Wisconsin, hunting weekend is sacred not only to our manly men but to the ladies as well. Every year during deer season one Packer football game is always taking place and tradition prevails by all the wives, daughters, and girlfriends heading to Lambeau Field for the ladies game wearing pink all the way! If you do hunt make sure to check your firearms, play it safe, and let it be known where you are at all times. I ALWAYS suggest anyone enjoying the land during the season wear bright orange and make themselves known every so often. Be safe, who know, Chenney may still be on the loose... If you're not the killer-at-heart bring a camera and identification book for your region and see just how many different species of plant/animal you can spot. Everyone thinks the land and animals disappear in winter, but this is far from true, there's plenty out and about to see!

Snowball Fights/Snow Angels/Forts
Ok so I know this seems childish but seriously it's one of the greatest memories I have of being a child... spending the day with a group of friends and siblings building forts and preparing ammunition for an epic snowball fight... Even with adults I find that if you can get one to get into it you'll get others, it's somehow a strange need to pelt each other with frozen water and claim victory (no matter how small it is). Now be fair and make sure you aren't throwing ice-balls... I can tell you the fun stops the moment someone gets a black eye or cut, lets keep it fair yall. When you're all finished and tired as a dog, plop down in a bank and make a snow angel, or if you have the energy a snowman is awesome! Maybe accessorize it with twigs/leaves/pinecones or whatever else you may find. Have a competition to see who can make the best snow angel/man, winner gets a toast and first sip of that cider of cocoa...mmmmmmmmmmm....

Polar Bear/Winter Festivals/Odds n' Ends
In Port Washington Wisconsin on new years there is a gathering of the crazies on the shoreline all in speedos and suits ready to take an icy plunge into the frozen Lake Michigan. I've been to this event a lot in the last ten years and I can say it's one of the (coldest) best swims I've ever had... even though it lasts about 10 seconds :) It's great taking the dip and then running back on shore for your drinks, towel, and fire you have going to warm up and say you did it! Don't forget that there are plenty of festivals and local activities going on during winter, search online or your local paper for times, places, and events. My personal midwest favorite is the Michigan Ice Festival where you can scale 40 foot tall frozen waterfalls, learn about climbing, and meet some local and international legends. Keep an eye out for party buses or groups going to these events, sometimes you can hop a ride with them and have even more people to enjoy your winter with! Other odds n' ends include things like building snowmen, burying your best buddies car under 6 feet of snow, hiding in a snowbank until someone comes by just to jump out and scare them like a crazy yeti, using your porch as a refrigerator (very eco-friendly), tasting icicles, BBQing (I pretend it's summer sometimes), and good deeds like shoveling your neighbors walk or spreading salt where it's slippery. Remember the golden rule and be kind to others.

So you might ask what's on my plate for this winter... well... all the above! I revel in this season, people forget that there are 4 seasons of outdoor fun, not 3. So take advantage of it and have some fun while the fluffy white stuff is still around, you might even surprise yourself and have a most memorable time! Keep your eyes peeled on my facebook page (EcoHiker Adventures) for winter activities and outings, we'll get out even if we have to fight mother nature for the opportunity! Stay warm, GTFO (Get the FUN Outdoors), and happy holidays!

~EcoHiker

*pictures are not to represent a political message, the crazy (awesome) UP'ers did the deer one!*

Door County Camping 2011

Halloween weekend I got together a group of people to head up to Peninsula State Park to camp out for a fall weekend. This is an annual event I hold with up to 60 guests everyone has someone to play with and something to do. This year the trip was just as grand as last years.

Friday I arrived in Fish Creek at about 5:00 pm, stopping at the ranger station to find out who was already there I got a warm welcome and was told they had already gone down to camp and were setting up. Pleasant surprise I thought, but the next day I had the ranger come around to tell me that 5 people had no park sticker or pass on their cars, weaksauce yall. Anyway Friday night was a nice warm fall night, good people sat around a huge fire ($50.00 of wood) sharing foods, spirits, and libations of all sorts. Though I have to say it was the coffee rum that did me in that night. We all turned in after a good buzz had settled in and the air started cooling, best to get some rest for the morrow!

Saturday started cloudy but gave way to sun and partly cloudy skies in the morning hours. I awoke to see half my camp awake and alive around the still smoldering fire huddling for warmth. So I started up the fire and got crackin' on breakfast, but much to my surprise one camper showed up with tons of bagels and cream cheese for the whole camp! So after that business was done many set off to hike, bike, and kayak while still others decided to hang at camp. I had to run into town to grab supplies (forgot my dog's food at home... oops), but when I got back (with another $50.00 in wood) most everyone had already started getting ready for family dinner night while others had gone zip-lining outside of town! It's like a potluck, everyone brings something to share, and boy did we have a great variety of chili's, curry's, hotdogs, chips, and the like! Again the specialty rum broke out and the mood started flowing into the glowing phase of campfire time. I had found that there was a lack of room around the large fire (and was craving some alone time) so I set off to make another... but where there's fire, there's man. Like a swarm of moths the campers came over to my new campfire and sat, drinking more and breaking into "guess that song" singing games! Crazy crazy evening, everyone was going strong!

Sunday morning was pack down and get out day, so I spent the morning getting everything and everyone set. A good portion of the group left while another portion decided to keep going on some day activities they had planned, so I did the campsite policing and called the ranger down to check it out. On the way out the lady at the desk of the ranger station stopped and told me all about how she had meet all my campers and all of the talked about what  blast they had! She asked if we would come back next year and do this, to which I obliged, and said she was super thrilled to see a group like mine coming and enjoying the park to it's fullest! How awesome, warm fuzzies for me!


That was 2011, better than 2010, could 2012 be even better?! You should come along and find out, get your stuff ready now cause next year will be amazing! Hope you can make it and I hope this gives you an idea of what a great time a group camp-out can be anytime of the year. Peace, love, and trailspace!

~M

Are you afraid of these creepy crawlers?!

1. Spiders

There a ton of myths about spiders out there – including the urban legend that you’ll swallow a few of them in your sleep over the course of your life (which has no factual basis at all). But one of the top fears is spider bites.

There are about 3,000 spider species are found in North America and only 2%  have bites that cause illness in humans. The National Safety Council estimates that theodds of dying from a spider bite are 1 in 38 million. The black widow, brown recluse, and hobo spider are three types of venomous spiders that can be harmful, but knowing how to identify them and what to do if bitten will minimize the risk of serious effects.

The truth is, most spiders are not dangerous and they do us a huge favor by keeping insect populations under control. Also, scientists studying spider venom think it could lead to new advances in treating heart conditions.

2. Snakes

Garter snake by Paul Marsh

Two big fears people have when it comes to snakes are getting bitten and contracting a disease from them. About 8,000 venomous snake bites happen each year, but only 1.5% of those are fatal(source: American Academy of Family Physicians). Knowing the venomous snakes that live in your area and places you might find them outdoors can help you avoid surprising one.

Snakes and other reptiles can carrysalmonella, even reptiles like turtles and lizards that people keep as pets. But prevention is easy — always wash your hands with running water and soapafter coming into contact with a reptile.

Both an important predator and food source in their ecosystem snakes help us by limiting pest populations. Like spider venom, snake venom is also being studied for possible use in medicine.

3. Scorpions

Are scorpions aggressive animals waiting in the shadows for the opportunity to deliver a life-threatening sting to humans? Not really.

Striped-back scorpion with jumping spider prey by Howard Cheek

Scorpions are actually shy and only sting humans if they feel threatened. They’re nocturnal and during the day will rest in burrows, under woodpiles, rocks or other small, dark spaces. In areas where they are common, like the southwestern United States, people can prevent scorpions from wandering into their homes by sealing cracks, moving woodpiles and yard trash away from the house, and using screens on doors and windows.

Scorpion venom is meant to paralyze or kill their prey, which usually consists of insects, though larger scorpions can eat small lizards, snakes, and mice. Roughly 70 species of scorpions live in the United States but only one, the bark scorpion, is potentially fatal to humans. Even in the case of the bark scorpion, death from a scorpion sting is very rare and there are anti-venoms available for serious cases.

Some neat facts about scorpions:

• They “glow in the dark” under a black (UV) light
• Scorpions have been around for more than 400 million years
• By eating insects, they help with pest control. And scorpions eat one of the things that creeps me out the most – cockroaches!

While there’s no need to fear these critters, we should always treat wildlife with caution and keep a respectful distance.

*All information and article provided by the NWF per their website*

DELETED! Gear list incoming!

Don't Panic! I did enough of that for both of us. So the title of this blog is there because after a week of writing a nice long trip report I accidentally deleted it while cleaning up my hardrive. Bummer, I know...

So, I've decided to get something up in the interim, one common question I'm asked is "what do I need to go camping?"
My answer differs based on the type of camping you plan on doing, you may take the kitchen sink car camping but hell if you'l carry it for days on a backpacking trip. Things like this come up often, so here's a  gear list from REI for car/family camping to get you going. Now realize you may not need everything on these lists, or you may need (more often want) more. I try to minimalize my packing because I believe the less I have the more I can pay attention to the beauty of nature around me (I pack less than half of what is on this list). However, this is a good list and gives you lots to consider when planning your adventure ;)

Car/Family Camping

• Tent (with stakes and guylines)
• Tent footprint
• Tent-pole repair sleeve
• Sun shade, tarp or screen house
• Sleeping bags (with optional liners)
• Sleeping pads/air mattresses
• Pad/mattress repair kit
• Pump for air mattresses
• Pillows
• Multi-tool or knife
• Daypacks (see our Day Hiking checklist)
• Trekking poles
• Child carrier
• Rolling jogger
• ______________________

• Folding chairs
• Folding table
• Cots
• Other furniture __________________
• Headlamps (with extra batteries)
• Flashlights (with extra batteries, bulbs)
• Lanterns (with mantles, if needed)
• Lantern fuel or batteries
• Water filter or treatment tablets
• Bikes
• Bike trailers
• Inflatable boat with paddles
• Fishing gear (and license)
• Canoeing/kayaking gear
• ______________________

Clothing and footwear

(if chilly nights are possible, come prepared)

• Moisture-wicking T-shirts
• Moisture-wicking underwear
• Quick-drying pants/shorts
• Long-sleeve shirts (for sun, bugs)
• Sun-shielding hats
• Swimsuits
• Bandanas or buffs
• Boots or shoes suited to terrain
• Socks (synthetic or wool)
• ______________________

• Long underwear
• Sleepwear
• Insulating jacket or vest
• Insulated pants
• Gloves or mittens
• Rainwear (jacket and pants)
• Clothesline with clips
• Water sandals
• In-camp sandals or booties
• _______________________

Kitchen

(select according to personal tastes and needs)

• Stove
• Windscreen
• Fuel
• Fuel bottle(s) with fuel funnel
• Matches/lighter
• Charcoal (with fire starter)
• Firewood (plus saw or ax)
• Grill rack
• Frying pan
• Cook pots
• Pot grabber
• Dutch oven
• Portable coffee/espresso maker
• Hot-cold vacuum bottle
• Hand-crank blender
• Bottle opener/corkscrew
• Tablecloth and clips (or tape)
• Recipes
• Marshmallow/wiener roasting sticks
• Food-storage containers
• Resealable storage bags
• Trash bags
• ________________________

• Coolers
• Ice
• Water bottles
• Plates, bowls, mixing bowls
• Mugs/cups
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Utensils
• Paring knife
• Spatula
• Whisk
• Kitchen organizer
• Cutting board or cutting surface
• Funnel
• Foil
• Egg holder(s)
• Biodegradable soap
• Pot scrubber/sponge(s)
• Collapsible water container(s)
• Portable or standing camp sink
• Drying rack
• Quick-dry towels
• _______________________

Food

(for more options, see our Outdoor kitchen checklist)

• Coffee
• Cereal/granola/oatmeal
• Eggs (freeze-dried or fresh)
• Breakfast bars
• Batter mix
• Syrup
• Butter/margarine
• Jelly/jam
• Bread/bagels
• Meat (fresh and jerky)
• Soup mixes/bouillon cubes
• Prepared or freeze-dried meals
• Cooking oil/spray
• Salt/pepper
• _______________________
• ______________________
• ______________________

• Tea
• Milk (powdered or fresh)
• Cocoa
• Drink mixes
• Bottled/canned beverages
• Energy food (bars, gels, trail mix)
• Fruit (dried and fresh)
• Vegetables
• Cheese
• Crackers/chips
• Chocolate/sweets
• Marshmallows
• Spice kit
• Herbs
• ______________________
• ______________________
• ______________________

Personal items

(tip: To more easily locate gear, keep similar items in a single duffel)

• Toilet paper
• Sunscreen
• Lip balm
• Insect repellent
• Hand sanitizer
• Alcohol or antiseptic wipes
• Spare eyeglasses/contact lenses
• Mirror
• ______________________

• First-aid kit (see First-Aid checklist)
• Prescription medications
• Toothbrush, toiletry kit
• Cosmetics
• Brush/comb
• Eyeshades; earplugs
• Biodegradable soap
• Shower water bag
• _______________________

Other items

• Camera
• Camcorder
• Memory cards/film
• Binoculars
• Campsite reservation confirmation
• Maps
• Guidebook
• Interpretive field guides (flowers, insects)
• Star chart/night-sky identifier
• Pet tent
• Pet bed
• _______________________

• Paperbacks/DVDs
• Notebook and pen/pencil
• Sketchpad with art supplies
• Radio or music player with headphones
• Two-way radios
• GPS receiver
• Cell phone
• Travel alarm clock
• Umbrella
• Pet food (with favorite bowl)
• Pet toys (such as Chuckit!)
• ______________________

Fun stuff

(search "toys" at REI.com for more ideas)

• Playing cards
• Rolling ice cream maker
• Kick-around foot bag
• Kites
• Geocaching materials (with GPS receivers)
• Paddle ball set
• Glow sticks
• _______________________

• Flying discs
• Puzzles (crosswords, etc.)
• Board games
• Water toys
• Electronic toys
• Boomerang
• _______________________ for kids
• _______________________

New Shoes

I was given a new pair of Merrell Solo Origins thanks to Merrell and Outdoor Nation this summer and I loved the shoes right away... the only problem was that there was someone else who needed them far more than I did... This is the story of my Merrell Solo Origins.


So while on a Wilderness Survival Class outing I noticed one of my campers had flip-flops on... not the best choice for outdoorsy things, but they weren't your Wal-mart foam-style flops either. Anyway, in concern, I proceeded to ask "Where the heck are your shoes..." to which he responded "It was either these or my dress shoes... I have no others..."


This made me cringe for two reasons: first because I can imagine the pain his feet must have been in from the northern Wisconsin backcountry... and secondly because he really was so enthusiastic about the outdoors that he decided to take this class even if it meant going in flip-flops! It wasn't until we had started taking a hike that I thought to myself "oh...I have 3 pairs of shoes in the car, he can borrow a pair for the weekend..." So when we arrived at the vehicles I quickly ran to the trunk of my car and pulled out my Merrell Solo Origins and I said "Here, take these...Merrell Solo Origins, it'll be a bit more protection for your feet than those flops will be!"


Graciously he put them on and wore them the rest of the trip. When it was time to go the group elected to stay another night in the outback, so I left them some gear (and the shoes) and said I'd pick it up from them when they got back. I got a Facebook message the next day from all the students, who had decided that my nickname for the trip was "Dad", explaining they were all safe and had a great time; they guy I borrowed the shoes to said he'd return everything to me that I had left that week, so we set up a time and planned to meet up...


 Meeting at UWM's campus we stood and talked for a minute about the trip and how much fun it was, I was so happy to see someone so impacted by the outdoors... I'm not sure what came over me... but when the time came for him to hand back my stuff... I took everything... but said "Keep the shoes dude, I think you'll get much more out of them than I will."


THIS was NOT planned... what was I thinking? A perfectly good pair of shoes that I really did like... not cheap either (now looking at the price knowing I'll have to cough it up for another pair)...It's not that I didn't like the shoes, I love them in fact, but it just seemed so wrong that I had 3 other shoe/boot options in the trunk of my car alone (and more at home) and this guy had next to nothing for his feet for his daily living... much less for hiking and surviving the wild! Walking back to my car I mulled it over balancing the thoughts of "stupid decision" and "RAK" (Random Acts of Kindness) over in my head and before I could even put my key in the lock I knew what I did was the right thing.


So what... I lost a good pair of shoes... I have more... and now he has a pair which he can go just about anywhere with. I'll pony-up for my next pair of Solo Origins with a happy heart knowing I did something more than just teach someone how to get outdoors, I actually gave them the tools to GTFO*! Hope you're wearing them well Sir, I'll be seeing you soon!