It’s time for an interesting weekend. I will take a break from work and studies to go to a Combat Focus Shooting class with Rob Pincus. I am very excited to learn all that I can at this class and to improve my shooting skills for both sport and defense. I have my saddle bags loaded up and we will be ridding east bright and early loaded with a ton of ammo and a few hand guns. I know this will be tough but I plan to forget everything I know going into this class and absorb as much as I can from these experts in the shooting field. Any time I get the opportunity to learn an interesting skill set I try to take full advantage of it. The class I am attending focuses on personal defense and use of a fire arm against bad guys instead of the typical competition and recreational shooting I am accustom to. We will be out all day and burn through over 500 rounds of 45ACP. The best part is that my father will be taking the class with me and I’ll have a chance to try and out shoot the guy who taught me all I know about shooting. Wish me luck and dad you’re going down!
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Friday, September 28, 2012
Thursday, September 27, 2012
8 Things better than duct tape…
8 Things better than duct tape… Ok well we all know that was a lie. Here are 8 products that are almost as useful at fixing things in the field as duct tape. I keep these handfuls of things with me on any adventure and they have saved me many times in the field with bike repairs, car repairs, tent repairs, and I think I have even fixed my tent a time or two.
Numero uno Bailing wire, every hillbilly out there worth their salt knows about 100 uses for bailing wire. It is useful in fixing heavy repairs and works in high heat unlike rope. I personally have fixed my motorcycle chain, car muffler bracket, bicycle chain, and tent. You couldn’t carry enough of this stuff.
Number 2 Aluminum brazing rods, I found these things at an auto swap meet and assumed they were a gimmick but sure enough you can fix minor metal repairs with this. I haven’t used them in the field yet but I was able to make solid connections in a soda can where I had cut holes that needed to be filled. Based on that experience I am sure you could repair a hole in an oil or transmission pan with ease although I am doubtful it would withstand any higher pressure applications, further testing will take place.
Number 3 Silicone tape, Anderson's General Store now carries this high temperature silicone tape that only sticks to its self. This tape is strong, waterproof, and even an electrical insulator. You can use your imagination to find a few uses for this tape. I have tested it on a minor hose repair with success. Radiator hose repair, electrical insulation, vacuum line repair, and I bet it would be a good temporary fix on a hydraulic line.
Number 4 Para cord, any former solider or seaman, should know how valuable this stuff is. Just make sure you don’t but the department store variety as it does not have the 7 inner strands. This cord is rated at 550lb and I have used it to tie down just about anything. When I was younger I may or may not have used this for a short rappel when I didn’t have any rope but I can’t recommend any vertical activities with anything other than climbing rope. If you don’t need something so strong just cut off the ends and use the inner strands, they are like a heavy nylon twine and are great for lashing things together in a survival situation or even in making snares.
Number 5 Fishing line needles and hooks. I throw these three together because fishing line can make an excellent thread for campsite repairs as well as sutures if you were so brave. The obvious use as a fishing line and it can be used to tie up anything that doesn’t require much strength.
Number 6 Tri-Flow. Tri-Flow is one of the best lubricants I know of. A lot of people don’t understand that WD-40 is not a lubricant it is a solvent. If you use WD-40 and then fail to lubricate the item you are just prolonging your problem. Another popular lubricant that fails to get the job done is 3 in 1 oil. This is a vegetable based lubricant and is typically not the answer when lubricating metal parts. Tri-flow is a thin free flowing lubricant that works incredibly well for chain lubrication, door hinges, and anything else that could use a thin coat of oil to prevent rust.
Number 7 quality multi-tool. What repair kit is complete without a tool? Multi-tools are being made by a number of quality manufactures and having as few or as many options as you wish. I like to keep things simple a screw driver or two, a blade, and pliers work for me. Every person has their own preference. The only general recommendations I can make are that the SOG products work really well and if it says made in china on it go ahead and throw it in the trash can now while you are at home, that way you don’t have to throw it away in the field and become really pissed off. You truly get what you pay for so buy quality here and it will outperform and out last.
Number 8 Flash lights, Murphy’s Law states anything that can go wrong will. So if you bring a flash light you probably won’t be working on your field repair in the dark. If you forget your flash light something will break when it is dark out and no one wants to use their cell phone for light while the try to repair a muffler with bailing wire. Flash lights vary in price from 2-200 dollars and they are worth what you pay for. If you want a budget item then stick with the Mag-lite. I prefer the newer high out put options from Streamlite and surefire though if you have that kind of money to spend.
Be creative in your field repairs and don’t forget that something as simple as an empty soda cans can become a part of your repair when your miles from home and don’t have very many options. Honorable mention should be made for zip ties, blue tarps, and super glue.
Numero uno Bailing wire, every hillbilly out there worth their salt knows about 100 uses for bailing wire. It is useful in fixing heavy repairs and works in high heat unlike rope. I personally have fixed my motorcycle chain, car muffler bracket, bicycle chain, and tent. You couldn’t carry enough of this stuff.
Number 2 Aluminum brazing rods, I found these things at an auto swap meet and assumed they were a gimmick but sure enough you can fix minor metal repairs with this. I haven’t used them in the field yet but I was able to make solid connections in a soda can where I had cut holes that needed to be filled. Based on that experience I am sure you could repair a hole in an oil or transmission pan with ease although I am doubtful it would withstand any higher pressure applications, further testing will take place.
Number 3 Silicone tape, Anderson's General Store now carries this high temperature silicone tape that only sticks to its self. This tape is strong, waterproof, and even an electrical insulator. You can use your imagination to find a few uses for this tape. I have tested it on a minor hose repair with success. Radiator hose repair, electrical insulation, vacuum line repair, and I bet it would be a good temporary fix on a hydraulic line.
Number 4 Para cord, any former solider or seaman, should know how valuable this stuff is. Just make sure you don’t but the department store variety as it does not have the 7 inner strands. This cord is rated at 550lb and I have used it to tie down just about anything. When I was younger I may or may not have used this for a short rappel when I didn’t have any rope but I can’t recommend any vertical activities with anything other than climbing rope. If you don’t need something so strong just cut off the ends and use the inner strands, they are like a heavy nylon twine and are great for lashing things together in a survival situation or even in making snares.
Number 5 Fishing line needles and hooks. I throw these three together because fishing line can make an excellent thread for campsite repairs as well as sutures if you were so brave. The obvious use as a fishing line and it can be used to tie up anything that doesn’t require much strength.
Number 6 Tri-Flow. Tri-Flow is one of the best lubricants I know of. A lot of people don’t understand that WD-40 is not a lubricant it is a solvent. If you use WD-40 and then fail to lubricate the item you are just prolonging your problem. Another popular lubricant that fails to get the job done is 3 in 1 oil. This is a vegetable based lubricant and is typically not the answer when lubricating metal parts. Tri-flow is a thin free flowing lubricant that works incredibly well for chain lubrication, door hinges, and anything else that could use a thin coat of oil to prevent rust.
Number 7 quality multi-tool. What repair kit is complete without a tool? Multi-tools are being made by a number of quality manufactures and having as few or as many options as you wish. I like to keep things simple a screw driver or two, a blade, and pliers work for me. Every person has their own preference. The only general recommendations I can make are that the SOG products work really well and if it says made in china on it go ahead and throw it in the trash can now while you are at home, that way you don’t have to throw it away in the field and become really pissed off. You truly get what you pay for so buy quality here and it will outperform and out last.
Number 8 Flash lights, Murphy’s Law states anything that can go wrong will. So if you bring a flash light you probably won’t be working on your field repair in the dark. If you forget your flash light something will break when it is dark out and no one wants to use their cell phone for light while the try to repair a muffler with bailing wire. Flash lights vary in price from 2-200 dollars and they are worth what you pay for. If you want a budget item then stick with the Mag-lite. I prefer the newer high out put options from Streamlite and surefire though if you have that kind of money to spend.
Be creative in your field repairs and don’t forget that something as simple as an empty soda cans can become a part of your repair when your miles from home and don’t have very many options. Honorable mention should be made for zip ties, blue tarps, and super glue.
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Making the Time
Today’s thoughts; As Benjamin Franklin once wrote, “If time be of all things the most precious, wasting time must be… the greatest prodigality.” Keeping that in mind I ask, how much time do you waste? Wasting time is not truly a problem until there are things left undone. When work is left unfinished, projects to be completed, and skills left to be learned. Reflecting on my own life I look at my busy schedule as a full time student at OSU and a full time paramedic I would consider myself quite busy, but in spite of this busy schedule there is much time wasted. When a man has wasted time and desires to be fulfilled it makes the most sense to fill your idle time, waste as little of this precious resource as possible so that you can be as effective as possible. There are a few methods I have employed to make myself more effective.
The first of these methods being the importance of making a plan. Scheduling your day and forming a plan of attack takes only a few minutes each day and yields your time much more effective. Schedule in order of priority and then in order of those things taking up the largest blocks of time. Once you have filled the largest portions of your day you will have a general idea of what you need to do.
Then it’s time to fit in the little tasks, making phone calls, paying bills, and writing letters. I found that making a list of all of the small things gives you a better way of keeping accountable for the little things. Rather than schedule a time to take care of the little tasks try to fit them in to the odd hours of your day. While you are waiting in line at the store make that quick phone call. If you have canceled meetings make use of that time to run an errand or pay a bill. By doing this you will find your day having larger blocks of free time with less going on allowing you to take on bigger projects or take advantage of this time to actually rest.
Work out often. Even though working out takes away time it can make you much more productive during your day since you will be health and more full of energy. A good work out can take as little as 30 minutes and can be done at home or outside, you don’t need a gym membership to get exercise. Remember the most benefits will be gained by cardiovascular exercise. Tied in with a good work out are healthy eating habits. These habits don’t develop overnight so work at it slowly buy first adding in healthy snacks like fruits and vegetables and then deleting unhealthy habits such as soda, sugary snacks, and fatty foods. Don’t forget this is a lifelong goal not a sprint race so be slow and realistic with your goals so that you do not become discouraged and fail.
Sleep is another interesting topic when it comes to time management. Sleep I’ve been told by a very special lady is about balance. If you sleep too much you will be wasting time and too little sleep makes anyone ineffective. “The sleeping fox catches no poultry… there will be sleeping enough in the grave.” Benjamin Franklin. I agree here to a point but I have found in myself that in the pursuit of my goals I frequently choose work over sleep and after reaching a certain threshold I have found that without sleep you will find yourself in an early grave.
Don’t kill yourself but keep busy because there is always work to be done when the job is self improvement!
The first of these methods being the importance of making a plan. Scheduling your day and forming a plan of attack takes only a few minutes each day and yields your time much more effective. Schedule in order of priority and then in order of those things taking up the largest blocks of time. Once you have filled the largest portions of your day you will have a general idea of what you need to do.
Then it’s time to fit in the little tasks, making phone calls, paying bills, and writing letters. I found that making a list of all of the small things gives you a better way of keeping accountable for the little things. Rather than schedule a time to take care of the little tasks try to fit them in to the odd hours of your day. While you are waiting in line at the store make that quick phone call. If you have canceled meetings make use of that time to run an errand or pay a bill. By doing this you will find your day having larger blocks of free time with less going on allowing you to take on bigger projects or take advantage of this time to actually rest.
Work out often. Even though working out takes away time it can make you much more productive during your day since you will be health and more full of energy. A good work out can take as little as 30 minutes and can be done at home or outside, you don’t need a gym membership to get exercise. Remember the most benefits will be gained by cardiovascular exercise. Tied in with a good work out are healthy eating habits. These habits don’t develop overnight so work at it slowly buy first adding in healthy snacks like fruits and vegetables and then deleting unhealthy habits such as soda, sugary snacks, and fatty foods. Don’t forget this is a lifelong goal not a sprint race so be slow and realistic with your goals so that you do not become discouraged and fail.
Sleep is another interesting topic when it comes to time management. Sleep I’ve been told by a very special lady is about balance. If you sleep too much you will be wasting time and too little sleep makes anyone ineffective. “The sleeping fox catches no poultry… there will be sleeping enough in the grave.” Benjamin Franklin. I agree here to a point but I have found in myself that in the pursuit of my goals I frequently choose work over sleep and after reaching a certain threshold I have found that without sleep you will find yourself in an early grave.
Don’t kill yourself but keep busy because there is always work to be done when the job is self improvement!
Monday, September 24, 2012
EDC Every Day Carry
Some thoughts on wilderness survival. The best way to survive in a situation is to plan ahead. There are a few things that every person should keep with them at all times to improve their outcomes in any adverse situation. I try to keep all of these things with me whenever it is practical or allowed. With the right preparation you can make it through any situation un-scoffed.
Knife/multi-tool; a knife can help with lots of tasks from cutting open packaging to self defense. Make sure what you choose is sharp and functions well. SOG MULTI_TOOL and SOG FLASH II reliable affordable functional
Flashlight; All people need a good flashlight. It is dark at least 30 percent of the time and you can’t be safe if you can’t see where you are going. A high output flashlight especially one with a strobe makes an effective tool for disorienting a bad guy. Streamlight Stiron rechargeable bright durrable
Lighter; a simple bic lighter comes in handy more times than you would think and fire provides heat in an emergency. BIC cheap and works every time
Cash; You never know when you’ll end up in the country where they do not accept credit cards. It is also nice to have a small amount of cash to offer someone when you need a ride, or to ask for a favor. USD AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE :) you can never have enough
Energy bar; your mind is much sharper on a full stomach. These provide many calories along with vitamins and minerals. ZONE BAR they simply taste great and provide nutritional balance
Water bottle; water is essential and since you can only live 3 days without it it’s wise to bring some along. CAMEL BAK PODIUM these bottles are double leak proof, they have a valve and a lock off top. You will never find a better water bottle
Handgun; if you have a CCW I strongly encourage you to carry whenever it is legal. It is useful in protection and can have many uses in a survival situation from signaling, fire starting, protection, and hunting. GLOCK 21 and or RUGER LCP the Glock is heavy but 14rounds of .45ACP are hard to beat. It is accurate and has more than enough fire power. It is also nice to know you can throw it in the mud and still shoot the cheapest ammo through it. Ruger makes for a super light way to carry 7 rounds of 380 ACP. It is accurate for personal defense and is small enough to tuck anywhere.
Watch; it is important to know the time but an analog watch can also be used to navigate if you know how. CITIZENS ECO DRIVE this watch will run for 20years between the lithium ion cell and the solar panel built in. It is simple and durable.
Survival bracelet; these provide yards of useful cord for any survival tasks and it is so easy to keep with you.
CPR mask and gloves; these may not help you much but during an emergency they allow you to provide someone else with life saving help.
Cell phone; never know when you will need to chat or call for help.
Jacket; You need a thin layer you can throw on to add warmth and protection. One of the top reasons people die in survival situations is due to exposure. NORTHFACE SOFT SHELL soft shells are the way to go it stays water and windproof even at 90mph on the motorcycle they are very packable and super warm.
Hat; a hat is light and for its size provides more heat retention than you could imagine. 80 percent of the body’s heat can be lost through the head. ARTEREX its wool it looks cool and stays warm
Matches; Fire is important to have more than one method of starting one STRIKE ANYWHERE are a must in a waterproof container
Compass; I like to keep a compass and a good map of any area I'll be traveling in with me, experience has taught me it is better to have these things as a backup then to risk being without them.
Paper/pen; No explanation needed on this one.
This is my basic daily bag, what do you carry with you?
Sunday, September 23, 2012
Bucket list
Bucket lists make me think a lot about what all this world has to offer. I have a few Items from my bucket list and I invite anyone to comment with their additions to my bucket list. The only stipulation being that these are adventures, test of endurance, destinations, and craziness.
Swim across lake Erie
Hike Appalachian trail
Mountain bike continental divide
Hike pacific crest
Climb highest point in every state
Bushwhack through the Amazon
Hike Victoria falls
Climb 7 Highest peaks
Kayak the Mississippi
Raft the Colorado
Kayak arctic circle
Circumnavigate Globe
Road bike Canada to Mexico
Multi day adventure race
Climb k2
Ski to north pole
Trek to south pole
Running of the bulls
Mountain bike koccapeli trail
Hike the buckeye trail
Hike across the black forest
Snorkel great barrier reef
Solo skydive
Bungee jump new river gorge
Flying winged suit
Climb Colorado’s 50 highest peaks
Climb devils tower
Climb half dome
wilderness survival for 1 week with nothing
Complete Baja 1000
Backpack across Patagonia
Bicycle from Alaska to Argentina
Climb mount rainier
Ironman
Bicycle the entire tour de France
Private pilot’s license
30 day wilderness survival course
Ski aspen
Ski Andes
Ski alps
Hunt dangerous game
Complete a B.A.
Motorcycle across America as fast as possible
Motorcycle across Eurasia
Snow shoe to see northern lights
Climb a pyramid
Drag race quarter mile under ten seconds
Catch a shark
Join 200 mph club
Sail transatlantic
Kayak across lake Erie
Won mountain state cup championship
Bicycle across America
Climb Colorado’s highest peak
Live off the land for 3 days
Motorcycle Columbus-mount Rushmore in 4 days
Live in a tent for 3 months
Paramedic
Survival school instructor
Personal trainer
Run a marathon
24hr mountain bike race
100 mile mountain bike race
100 mile road ride
Join 100 mph club
Join 150 mph club
24hr road ride
African safari
Heli ski
Shark dive
Spear fish
Deep sea fishing
Kayak to Easter island
visit stone hinge
cross the equator
cross the prime meridian
climb an active volcano
climb el Capitan
cross the Sahara
cross the Mojaha
cross the Gobi
dive the blue holes
walk about Australia
learn martial arts
take advanced pistol course
take advanced rifle course
Appleseed rifle course
critical care paramedic
tactical medic course
motorcycle racing school
explore the everglades
explore ancient ruins
Mine for gold and diamonds
Swim across lake Erie
Hike Appalachian trail
Mountain bike continental divide
Hike pacific crest
Climb highest point in every state
Bushwhack through the Amazon
Hike Victoria falls
Climb 7 Highest peaks
Kayak the Mississippi
Raft the Colorado
Kayak arctic circle
Circumnavigate Globe
Road bike Canada to Mexico
Multi day adventure race
Climb k2
Ski to north pole
Trek to south pole
Running of the bulls
Mountain bike koccapeli trail
Hike the buckeye trail
Hike across the black forest
Snorkel great barrier reef
Solo skydive
Bungee jump new river gorge
Flying winged suit
Climb Colorado’s 50 highest peaks
Climb devils tower
Climb half dome
wilderness survival for 1 week with nothing
Complete Baja 1000
Backpack across Patagonia
Bicycle from Alaska to Argentina
Climb mount rainier
Ironman
Bicycle the entire tour de France
Private pilot’s license
30 day wilderness survival course
Ski aspen
Ski Andes
Ski alps
Hunt dangerous game
Complete a B.A.
Motorcycle across America as fast as possible
Motorcycle across Eurasia
Snow shoe to see northern lights
Climb a pyramid
Drag race quarter mile under ten seconds
Catch a shark
Join 200 mph club
Sail transatlantic
Kayak across lake Erie
Won mountain state cup championship
Bicycle across America
Climb Colorado’s highest peak
Live off the land for 3 days
Motorcycle Columbus-mount Rushmore in 4 days
Live in a tent for 3 months
Paramedic
Survival school instructor
Personal trainer
Run a marathon
24hr mountain bike race
100 mile mountain bike race
100 mile road ride
Join 100 mph club
Join 150 mph club
24hr road ride
African safari
Heli ski
Shark dive
Spear fish
Deep sea fishing
Kayak to Easter island
visit stone hinge
cross the equator
cross the prime meridian
climb an active volcano
climb el Capitan
cross the Sahara
cross the Mojaha
cross the Gobi
dive the blue holes
walk about Australia
learn martial arts
take advanced pistol course
take advanced rifle course
Appleseed rifle course
critical care paramedic
tactical medic course
motorcycle racing school
explore the everglades
explore ancient ruins
Mine for gold and diamonds
Intro
So here I go with my first blog. I realized after writing my girlfriend 30 letters or so , (I see her almost daily) that I need a way to get some of the ideas out of my head without bothering all of my friends and family. I have always had a passion for crazy adventures. I have cycled across the United States, Climbed mountains, Kayaked across Lake Erie, and numerous other small adventures including living in a tent for a few months in Colorado. I’ll post knowledge and skill helpful with this kind of travel, as well as my exploits. I’m a personal trainer, bicycle mechanic, wilderness survival instructor, and Paramedic. Hopefully I can pull some of these skills together for something useful or at least exciting.
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