The good news is that I did not receive a SPOT so I do not have to lug along that piece of gear which i do not view as a useful item. The bad news is that I received a solar charger for my electronic items. The problem is that I do not carry any rechargeable electronics items and the thing is about a pound.
It really bothers me that folks buy me stuff that is just going to set in the cabinet. I really do not want or need any more hiking gear but the family feels that they have to do something for husband/father/grandfather. They do not want to believe me when I tell them that I do not want anything. Once they gave a donation in my name but the problem with that was that one of my daughters gave a donation to an organization with which I disagree.
Registered: 02/03/06
Posts: 6800
Loc: Gateway to Columbia Gorge
Try returning the gifts you don't want! I'd rather my kids do that (and have told them so) than have something they don't want.
You might try hinting about gift certificates. I did all amazon.com certificates for the family this year--nobody would give me any hints. They now carry everything but the kitchen sink, so hopefully everyone will be happy.
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May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view--E. Abbey
Registered: 02/07/07
Posts: 3917
Loc: Ozark Mountains in SW Missouri
Well, I'm about like GrumpyGord, I've got everything I need and more, but I still got some fun stuff.
I got a game camera. I've never hunted, but I will use it to see what critters are around here.
I've been told by two neighbors this year that we have a wolf hanging around. About a week ago I did see a big coyote on the road that goes down behind our house. He's big, but he's not wolf sized. I'd like to get a pic of him to show the neighbors. And I've got a few critter holes down back that I'll set it up in front of to see what goes in and out.
I got a Garmin "Nuvi" with the South Central Lakes Maps SD card. That should work great in the little houseboat and I can get the Topo maps for four wheeling to hiking/camping spots.
I also got a pack of 3 LED flashlights, 2 headlamps, and 2 keychain lights. It's an inexpensive "Lowes" gift pack but it was too good of a deal so I asked Santa to get one for me. The flashlights are pretty light and very bright, so they'll be good for backpacking.
And I got a vicious cold. I felt it coming on during Christmas day and couldn't do anything about it so it got a head start on me. I started taking vitamin C and snorting salt water the next day and finally kicked it last night.
It might have been "Swine Flu". I'm pretty sure some Arkansas hillbillies sneezed on me when I was out shopping last week.
Registered: 02/07/07
Posts: 3917
Loc: Ozark Mountains in SW Missouri
Oh yeah, I almost forgot.. I also got a big ziplock bag full of " Fatwood ".
I've heard about it for years, but never had seen it before. My "Cousin-in-Law" got a couple logs from a friend who lives in Florida and he split it up into kindling sized pieces about the size of those waxy fire starter sticks you can buy at Wal-Mart in the camping section.
One piece would be plenty for a couple days on the trail, and it supposedly lights off even when wet. Cool stuff!
Registered: 02/23/03
Posts: 2124
Loc: Meadow Valley, CA
Fatwood, I have had a good supply for over 15 years, use a few pieces when I car camp to light up the campsite, since I don't car camp much, it'll last another 20 years. Doesn't go bad, so much pitch in it. Mine are split bigger, so for kindling, would have to be split another half dozen times.
Registered: 02/02/08
Posts: 75
Loc: The Third Maine
Even though I live in an evergreen section of Maine (hence the Boreal) I love getting some fatwood either for Christmas or some we find ourselves. We use this to start the morning or evening fire here at the house. Yes, even though I've got spruce and cedar growing like weeds, to say nothing of several species of pine a tamarack, and a hemlock. But fat wood is like a luxury.
I never thought of taking it into the woods before, just a few sticks. Nice. I doubt it's been soaked in any other but it's own terpentines---I think it comes from various southern pines.
Registered: 02/02/08
Posts: 75
Loc: The Third Maine
A SteriPEN Adventurer! As I finally begin to enter into the world of water safety. I don't preclude having a filtering device, for the times I'm dealing with turbid water. Usually, the water I deal with at least "looks" clear and safe, and the SteriPen will disrupt the DNA in protozoans, bacteria, and viruses. I can't wait for spring so I'm testing it now, in Nalgene jars.
Actually, the product is good for travelers, or during any time when safe drinking water cannot be counted on.
A mountain hardwear tent, silnylon stuff sacks, Snow Peak Ti cookset, leatherman micra, smartwool socks, Keen gift cert, 2 platys, etc.
skippy, you been good.
Me? I just got two lumps of Esbit and plan on being better next year. (Note: I got Esbit, not Nesbit for Christmas, although I wish Santa had brought me the latter:)
Evelyn Nesbit, famous turn-of-that-century model & actress.
Registered: 02/23/03
Posts: 2124
Loc: Meadow Valley, CA
I live in the extreme northern Sierra, amongst the mixed conifir forest, about an hour south of Lassen Volcanic National Park. The county I live in covers a section of Lassen Peak. The tree I found years ago was only a couple miles from home and I spotted another over five years ago, but I don't need more so I have left that tree. What I have is Doug Fir, the other I think was pine.
Registered: 02/02/08
Posts: 75
Loc: The Third Maine
Love that country. I was treated to living in Yosemite NP for 3 years, and the Sierras, even up to your extreme northern end, left a mark on my heart, and I need badly to go back. My part of Maine is just as coniferous, much colder, much less snowy, and of course less mountainous! But I love both situations.
Registered: 02/23/03
Posts: 2124
Loc: Meadow Valley, CA
With the mixed forest, it is very pretty. Other parts of the country have their own beauty. I'm not rich enough to have property all over. I think when I retire, I'll get some "traveling" property and see what's out there.
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