Days - 19Miles travelled - 4,888 (plus about 1,000 unexpected miles for various reasons)States - Indiana, Missouri, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Arizona, Texas, Arkansas, IllinoisCampgrounds - 14National Parks - 8Fuel cost - $2,385Photos taken - 1,887 Our Wild West trip was a success! I will be posting about each of our stops in the next month or so.
Wilderness is a huge state park at the northern most tip of the lower peninsula of Michigan. Official details here. There are no shortage of things to do here. From full hook up to rustic campsites, back country cabins to lake front camp sites. Miles and miles of trails to hike and a seemingly endless sandy beach on Lake Michigan. If you are an…
Here we have a quick demonstration on how to refill your fuel canisters and dispose of empty canisters you no longer need. https://youtu.be/a4FSIPOKBgY
The big three is a term used in the backpacking community to refer to your pack, shelter and sleep system. These three will likely take up the bulk of your gear budget. There is a delicate balance between cost, comfort and weight/pack size. And finding that balance will allow you to spend many amazing nights out in the wild. ShelterYour shelter is one of the most…
Bowman Lake is a beautiful little lake surrounded by all manner of Michigan trees. It can be accessed from the south by a half mile hike from the Bowman Trailhead Parking. The North Country Trail also hikes just past the campground if youre looking for a spot to rest or spend the night. site 1 entrancesite 1 camping padsite 1 fire pitsite 2 entrancesite…
Our first camping trip with kids was a success. Mostly. They, of course, wanted a TV or tablet instead of beautiful scenery and fresh air. Kids these days. On the way in, we saw wild turkeys and deer. On the first night, we were visited at the cabin window by a coatimundi peering in the window. Then there were blue jays and other birds…
In a three way boil off we find out what stove is fastest, JetBoil Flash, MSR Pocket Rocket Deluxe ("Pro, 2"), or the JetBoil MiniMo. https://youtu.be/vwpIG-LcEaI
So you spent the big bucks on a fancy down puffy coat. And then you wore it on a couple adventures. But now, somehow, its got a tear or burn through. Heres what you need to do. https://youtu.be/Gk2SP3C0AC4
Here is a gear loadout and some shots from our latest backpacking trip. https://youtu.be/-KcaAY-XTqk
My beautiful wife and I dropped Jack off at Grandmas house and took the camper up north for the weekend. We spent 3 nights on the shores of Black Lake in Onaway State Park. Its a small campground but one of the most beautiful Ive ever been too. The bathrooms are on the older side but they have a more modern shower building. There…
