tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29140271957168486212024-03-08T14:13:11.965-05:00Wayfinder AliLessons learned from adventuring around the world, plus gear reviews and packing adviceWayfinder Alihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16236837136684241198noreply@blogger.comBlogger127125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2914027195716848621.post-38179905444268889232021-01-10T12:00:00.000-05:002021-01-10T12:00:08.228-05:00Triangle Mountain Biking Resources<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHE2cEZQOUukIvVp7K1_9lBLXtQhvKaE1Zh4J1mhshNRcafcvhBlhs-2pricKkoNJP7XahzEo3hgZ8K2DgsKekkmZFUYztWxYr7KastgzrT3RegmLK3G2PQHRh1PCIUYZ1BBUDqEEg9bY/s2048/IMG_7113.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHE2cEZQOUukIvVp7K1_9lBLXtQhvKaE1Zh4J1mhshNRcafcvhBlhs-2pricKkoNJP7XahzEo3hgZ8K2DgsKekkmZFUYztWxYr7KastgzrT3RegmLK3G2PQHRh1PCIUYZ1BBUDqEEg9bY/s320/IMG_7113.PNG" /></a></div>I get asked this question SO much, so I decided to put all the info in one place for you. If you're a mountain biker who recently moved to the North Carolina Triangle or you already live here and new to riding, here's all the info you need for getting the most out of this area. <p></p><p>We are lucky that we have a TON of places to go with a good bit of variation in terrain. </p><p><b>Places to Ride</b></p><p>First, download a couple of apps dedicated to mountain biking. The two I use are Trail Forks and MTB Project. I usually prefer Trail Forks, but I have both because the data detail can vary between the apps. They are both free. </p><p><a href="https://www.trailforks.com/" target="_blank"><b>Trail Forks</b></a></p><p><a href="https://www.mtbproject.com/" target="_blank"><b>MTB Project</b></a></p><p>Here's a list of legal places to mountain bike within an hour of Raleigh:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="http://www.wakegov.com/parks/lakecrabtree" target="_blank"><b>Lake Crabtree</b></a> - flowy beginner and intermediate trails, advanced loop, skills sections, jump area and pump track</li><li><a href="https://raleighnc.gov/places/forest-ridge-park" target="_blank"><b>Forest Ridge</b></a> - very flowy and great for beginner and intermediate riders</li><li><b><a href="https://leecountync.gov/Departments/SanLeePark" target="_blank">San Lee</a> - </b>most people love it or hate it, located in Sanford. Lots of rock gardens and technical sections. It also has a gravity park</li><li><b><a href="https://www.rtp.org/trails/" target="_blank">RTP</a> - </b>4 miles of trail, flowy and fast. No amenities</li><li><b>New Light</b> - pretty views along Falls Lake, difficult, black diamond trail</li><li><b>Beaver Dam- </b>intermediate and advanced loops. $4 fee per car memorial day through labor day</li><li>Wake Forest Reservoir</li><li>Legend</li><li><a href="http://www.wakegov.com/parks/harrislake" target="_blank"><b>Harris Lake</b></a> - very flowy and great for beginner and intermediate riders, has a super fun flow trail</li><li><a href="https://www.briarchapelnc.com/amenities/trails/" target="_blank"><b>Briar Chapel</b></a> - a few trails for beginners but mostly for intermediate and advanced riders. Lots of rock gardens</li><li><a href="https://www.googleadservices.com/pagead/aclk?sa=L&ai=DChcSEwiHq9P8kY3uAhWt--MHHd5-D0YYABAAGgJ5bQ&ohost=www.google.com&cid=CAESQeD2jEN5IA8R5R3qXHdzaVSIyP0hh5IPWS2Utk6l3C6D9KKpMXR4GIQaWDI-NroIR-tV4UutHYf6_7B0bTRuPWl8&sig=AOD64_1mSuVtQWj8BjcwhKlzmcHbujHBQw&q&adurl&ved=2ahUKEwjkwsf8kY3uAhVFlKwKHe75Cf0Q0Qx6BAgGEAE" target="_blank"><b>Brumley</b></a>- Nice large preserve with a few rock gardens. Something for all levels of rider here</li><li>Carolina North Forest</li><li>Little River Park</li><li><a href="https://www.googleadservices.com/pagead/aclk?sa=L&ai=DChcSEwi43_rNko3uAhXbOLMAHX52BuoYABAAGgJ5bQ&ohost=www.google.com&cid=CAESQeD2Iy77MrT9Kx5XIjwIqjMpZU-WiVV2bTqc5olL3RSDICm4ToQaOYV4AOPjFXsP6gJVV10-m77sUsH4Bdn7P2tx&sig=AOD64_2LyIjDesIEkVjXEbnpqfXqRUGUmQ&q&adurl&ved=2ahUKEwjdpvDNko3uAhUCX60KHY4hDTUQ0Qx6BAgGEAE" target="_blank"><b>Sarah Williamson Preserve</b></a></li></ul><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;">People to Ride with</span></b></div><div><a href="https://www.torc-nc.org/" target="_blank"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.torc-nc.org/" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGao6d83gQG8V3sxOdTo9WCk-aXHQfIlZIuYdRuesoR0Q0Blk9HlVSU9U1GltrMM59wTTeVSwBSpJTvhaSLWGzfj1XX10sTQIyPUDM8aKN59CIileQkKxTHxMzDe3YquYvjXs9UTXb_us/s1041/ride+with+friends.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="782" data-original-width="1041" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGao6d83gQG8V3sxOdTo9WCk-aXHQfIlZIuYdRuesoR0Q0Blk9HlVSU9U1GltrMM59wTTeVSwBSpJTvhaSLWGzfj1XX10sTQIyPUDM8aKN59CIileQkKxTHxMzDe3YquYvjXs9UTXb_us/w200-h150/ride+with+friends.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>Triangle Off-road Cyclists (TORC) This group leads trail rides, hosts events and does a TON of trail building and maintenance in the triangle. If you're looking for people to ride with or learn from, you'll want to join. You can find them on their <a href="https://www.torc-nc.org/" target="_blank">website</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SORBA.TORC/" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://www.meetup.com/torc-nc/" target="_blank">Meet-up</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Trail Status</span></b></div><div>Trails in the triangle are very susceptible to erosion and damage if ridden while wet, so expect closures during and after wet weather. Use <b><a href="https://www.trianglemtb.com/" target="_blank">Triangle MTB</a></b> to check the status of a park before you head out. This website is updated by users and the status for each location shows when it was updated. If it was updated several days ago, it may be useful to call the park. </div><div><br /></div><div>If the park you want to go to hasn't been updated recently, try calling their main office. Typically their answering machine will tell you if trails are currently open or closed even outside of office hours. </div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Know Before Your Go</b></span></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><i>Helmets are required</i> in all managed parks. Most parks have fines for not wearing a helmet and/or will kick you out</li><li>Some parks have bike tools, bathrooms and other facilities (Forest Ridge and Crabtree, for example) and other parks have only a porta-potty or no facilities at all (RTP and Brumley for example) </li><li>San Lee asks that all riders sign in at trail head. Proven trail use is how they keep their funding. </li><li>Riding alone isn't the safest, but if you must, share your ride plan with a friend</li><li><i>Electric bikes</i> are not allowed at some parks, so check with the park if you have one</li></ul></div><p></p>Wayfinder Alihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16236837136684241198noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2914027195716848621.post-16765432663970511572021-01-08T13:57:00.007-05:002021-01-10T12:11:08.955-05:00How I became an outdoor instructor and educator [video]<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0000ee; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-line: underline;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=00lf7vVJV7k&t=3s">How I became an Outdoor Instructor [video link]</a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0000ee; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-line: underline;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="340" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/00lf7vVJV7k" width="471" youtube-src-id="00lf7vVJV7k"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><p></p>Wayfinder Alihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16236837136684241198noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2914027195716848621.post-68009562733097992522020-07-22T20:10:00.000-04:002020-07-22T20:10:19.256-04:00My Favorite Paddling Shoes<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YgGG6H6DHo0" width="320" youtube-src-id="YgGG6H6DHo0"></iframe></div><div><br /></div>
Links to the shoes I talk about in the video:
<div><br /></div><div><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B011AK8C1M/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B011AK8C1M&linkCode=as2&tag=wayfali-20&linkId=861981fe65d16a3896b7a73e28d0d7af">Women's ZX2 Chaco</a></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B072KHVRG2/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B072KHVRG2&linkCode=as2&tag=wayfali-20&linkId=0698c4da78b671c997ce433662cc1be1">Men's Z2 Chaco</a></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B071YDQ7SW/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B071YDQ7SW&linkCode=as2&tag=wayfali-20&linkId=89b223e559f185c1eab25ecde41fe8ac">Keen Women's Newport</a></b></div><div><br /></div><div><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000ERGGMU/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000ERGGMU&linkCode=as2&tag=wayfali-20&linkId=84b8d746fae47c0e72070c7218e8c1dc">Keen Men's Newport</a></b></div><div><br /></div><div>(Vibrams no longer in production so no links here)</div><div><br /></div><div><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MA35MSY/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B01MA35MSY&linkCode=as2&tag=wayfali-20&linkId=529e6cad58486191b6bf443e0bfd5422">Women's Astral Loyaks</a></b></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00WO7WLY0/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00WO7WLY0&linkCode=as2&tag=wayfali-20&linkId=1f330d006cd8575fb674089c768ae21f"><b>Men's Loyaks</b></a></div>Wayfinder Alihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16236837136684241198noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2914027195716848621.post-67130701662343370472020-02-10T22:32:00.000-05:002020-03-12T11:54:46.889-04:00How to Fix a Roto-molded Plastic Kayak with a Hole in it<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">While working as a sea kayaking guide, I had to repair some enormous holes in plastic kayaks. One of our trailers was built for canoes and didn't have fenders over the tires. Unfortunately someone wasn't paying attention when loading it with kayaks and the sides of a few boats sat on the tire for a 2 hour trip. We had 3 boats with gaping holes in them.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">It isn't very likely that you'll have a kayak with such a large hole, but whatever the size, here's how to fix it.</span><br />
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<b><span style="color: #666666; font-size: large;">What you need:</span></b></div>
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<li style="color: #555555;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Heavy duty gloves</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3aT1aGz"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>Heat gun</b></span></a><span style="color: #555555;"> (</span><a href="https://amzn.to/2wQoqWZ"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">propane blow torch</span></a><span style="color: #555555;"> works in a pinch)</span></span></li>
<li style="color: #555555;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Metal spoon / spatula</span></li>
<li style="color: #555555;"><span style="color: #555555; font-family: , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Patch (made from spare boat, 50 gallon plastic barrel, etc)</span></span></li>
<li style="color: #555555;"><span style="color: #555555; font-family: , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Water bottle for temperature regulation and safety</span></span></li>
<li style="color: #555555;"><span style="color: #555555; font-family: , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Safety glasses</span></span></li>
<li style="color: #555555;"><span style="color: #555555; font-family: , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Pliers</span></span></li>
<li style="color: #555555;"><span style="color: #555555; font-family: , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Clamp (depending on the type of repair)</span></span></li>
<li style="color: #555555;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Rough grit sandpaper</span></li>
<li style="color: #555555;"><span style="color: #555555;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Well ventilated space</span></span></li>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #555555;"><span style="color: #555555; font-family: , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 20px;"><b>Prepping the kayak and the patch</b></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #555555;">If the hole is next to the seat or any rigging or anything that would either get in the way or catch fire, remove it. For the boat pictured, we had to take the seat out, take the paddle holder off, and move the rudder cable.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #555555;">Sand the edges of the patch and the edges of the hole. I used a grinder for the patch to make things go faster. Some people will tell you to sand the side of the patch that will stick to the boat and the plastic of the boat around the hole the patch with attach to. I don't know if this helps the patch stick or not because I didn't bother doing it. It's probably worth trying.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #555555;"><b style="color: #555555; font-family: myriad-pro, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;">Attaching the patch</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This is truly the hardest part. I needed assistance because you have to move very quickly.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">set up your work space so that everything is accessible.</span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Put on your gloves</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Turn on the heat gun or ignite the torch</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">With the pliers, hold the patch at a corner</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Using the torch/gun, melt the patch to the point that it is droopy but be careful not to burn a hole in it. Its easy to burn a hole through it with a torch. A little harder with the gun. I use slow sweeping motions across the body of the patch</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Sweep the torch across the outer edges of the hole enough so that the plastic starts to turn a different color. This boat turned yellow when it was ready, others turn white. be careful not to stay in one place for too long or you'll have two holes instead of one!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You have to work EXTREMELY quickly, while both the patch and the boat are still hot. The patch needs to be pretty droopy and the boat sticky. you'll have to hold the patch in your hands and press it to the boat. Even with gloves on it gets hot!</span></li>
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<b style="color: #555555;"><span style="font-size: large;">Smoothing things out</span></b></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">Now that the patch is on, you need to make sure it'll stay on, hold water and look a bit better. This means you'll need to smooth things out. this part is really all about trial and error. It took me a good 15 minutes to get the technique down. Here's what to do.</span></div>
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<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">Get your torch and metal spoon or putty knife</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">F</span>requently the edges of the patch won't be stuck to the boat even if the patch is staying stuck to the boat, I held the torch so that the flame went between the edge of the patch and the side of the boat until both turned yellow then I pressed them together using my gloved hand or the spoon.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">To smooth things out: heat up a small area (4 square inches) at the edge of the patch until it turns a color but not to the point that it catches on fire</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">With small sweeping and frequent strokes, sweep the melted plastic of the patch out onto the sides of the boat. move quickly. as the plastic cools, or if you press too hard, the plastic with stick to the spoon. I would frequently wipe the hardened plastic off the back of the spoon using the cinder block</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It is best to heat up a small section and focus on it until you are satisfied with the smoothness and then move on. don't heat up a long section and try to work because it cools too quickly</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I turned the boat over and propped it up on a cinder block for better access to the bottom of the patch</span></li>
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<span style="color: #555555; font-family: , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 20px;"><span style="font-size: 20px;"><b>Sand and check for leaks</b></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCUvA08G5vgzq3SGM3dYKV4B8f9lIix9NJFYiVy6MXUO2XR17LFORt5kNQIyzq8rbryGEZd-tSlTO7WLGbV9iZzfBpjUZkNrPRAdio5hVrfdHZUFkPPsgwzvbpi4gBhaIbUz2Ci8ffRKI/s1600/finished+patch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCUvA08G5vgzq3SGM3dYKV4B8f9lIix9NJFYiVy6MXUO2XR17LFORt5kNQIyzq8rbryGEZd-tSlTO7WLGbV9iZzfBpjUZkNrPRAdio5hVrfdHZUFkPPsgwzvbpi4gBhaIbUz2Ci8ffRKI/s320/finished+patch.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Watertight but still needing sanding</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">Put the boat up on some saw horses if you have them and pour water into the cockpit. Watch for drops of water to come out of the patch. Work these areas over again with the torch.</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: myriad-pro, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; max-width: 100%; overflow: auto;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-family: myriad-pro, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; max-width: 100%; overflow: auto;" /><span style="background-color: white;">Now if you want to, you can use the torch on the inside of the boat to transition the plastic of the boat to the patch. This time you're smoothing the plastic of the boat onto the patch. I think this step isn't very necessary unless your patch is leaking.</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: myriad-pro, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; max-width: 100%; overflow: auto;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-family: myriad-pro, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; max-width: 100%; overflow: auto;" /><span style="background-color: white;">Now all you need to do is sand the patch smooth. </span></span></span>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>What about repairs in the field?</b></span></div>
<div>
The repair above is a reliable, secure and permanent repair, but requires lots of equipment you wouldn't have with you out on a trip. What do you do if you put a hole in your kayak while out on a trip? </div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<b>Triage paddler safety </b>Keep the paddler safe by either landing or keeping the kayak afloat using a paddle float and improvised flotation made from dry bags filled with air. I always have two paddle floats and an empty dry bag with me on my trips.</div>
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<div>
<b>Choose repair method</b> Both <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000BRQ0TW/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000BRQ0TW&linkCode=as2&tag=wayfali-20&linkId=e146b8a11915f3803fa959f6138c13ec"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">JB Water Weld</span></a> and <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N5Q3G8H/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B01N5Q3G8H&linkCode=as2&tag=wayfali-20&linkId=118ad6ddde52a768bb0f86f5a950ed1d"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Flex Tape</span></a> will work underwater. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N5Q3G8H/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B01N5Q3G8H&linkCode=as2&tag=wayfali-20&linkId=118ad6ddde52a768bb0f86f5a950ed1d"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Flex Tape</span></a> is a great general purpose option, and best for larger holes. JB Water Weld works well for punctures and in places where curvature of the boat won't work as well with Flex Tape. Flex Tape won't work on plastic kayaks that have a dimpled or textured surface.<br />
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Wayfinder Alihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16236837136684241198noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2914027195716848621.post-78833673746293479432020-01-07T12:45:00.001-05:002020-01-14T10:07:19.318-05:00Cold Swimming for Mindfulness and Connection<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
From even before I can remember, I always felt the need to get in whatever body of water was nearby. As a toddler, my mother had to keep close watch whenever we were around water, because if she looked away, I was pulling my clothes off and running for the water. Water temperature and cleanliness never fazed me, at least not that I remember. I just remember needing to be in the water.<br />
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It is only in this last year, at 33 years old, am I beginning to understand the pull wild water has always had on me. For all my years spent paddling and exploring in waters all over the world, I never gave this connection much thought, I simply enjoyed it.<br />
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A little over a year ago I got super interested in this guy named Wim Hof, and all the cool things he could do just from breath training and cold exposure. As a chronically cold outdoor guide, I wanted to be a better outdoors-woman, and I wanted to be less miserable in the winter. My boyfriend Travis and I started taking cold showers (which I still hate) and swimming in cold bodies of water.<br />
<br />
Cold, clean bodies of water are only available during a fraction of the year where we live, and even then are too far away for a daily or even weekly dip. We take opportunities for wild, cold swims whenever we can find them.<br />
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This New Years Eve we took just such an opportunity and jumped into the Atlantic at Folly Beach, much to the surprise and amusement of other beach goers who were bundled up against the cold wind. We stripped down to our swimsuits and wondered aloud to each other if we were crazy or just stupid.<br />
<br />
Once we were all out there, in it together, something felt really special, and powerful, being in the cold ocean in our little tribe of four. <i><b>Why is it that swimming in nature feels so magical? What is so special about cold water?</b></i><br />
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Within choice is where power resides</span></i></b></div>
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I hadn't noticed the difference in how he and I face full immersion until Travis pointed it out to me.<br />
"<i>You're always so calm and quiet.</i>"<br />
<br />
He bounds into the water at nearly a run, slowing down as the cold digs in, until he methodically strides deeper and deeper. He whoops and hollers before plunging in head-first. I think he hypes himself up for it like a warrior yelling a war cry.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2aiq8Xrp83ZS8Zbwh7cdwKd5LA3tJdn6_fulxLRQ9fFeGiivh1yJSPh_y6XTcqJlVr35g_ahTMJot_Gr8YaD5TRpFTApsvgdnh24nStVZNQEapG78Gb9TlJMlahTUs6XYfvup4rzGa04/s1600/folly+beach+cropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1472" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2aiq8Xrp83ZS8Zbwh7cdwKd5LA3tJdn6_fulxLRQ9fFeGiivh1yJSPh_y6XTcqJlVr35g_ahTMJot_Gr8YaD5TRpFTApsvgdnh24nStVZNQEapG78Gb9TlJMlahTUs6XYfvup4rzGa04/s200/folly+beach+cropped.jpg" width="183" /></a>I, on the other hand, appear to be just the opposite. I walk slowly and purposefully into the cold. I'm not quite easing myself in, but rather allowing the cold to take over without such a shock to my senses. It feels more like acceptance. I pause in waist high water to breathe and think. It is here where I experience the strongest objections from within myself. Immersion will be shocking, uncomfortable- I dare say painful. It is so much easier to just stay as I am. But here is where choice resides. Here is where I have true power. I choose to have power over my actions, I choose to embrace challenge.<br />
<br />
I think everyone's mind screams at us not to dive in. He screams back at his. I'm not sure what I do in that moment of choice. I am not able to silence its screaming, and can't say I just ignore it. I take a conscious breath in to remind myself that in this moment, I am in control of my body, and I choose to dive in. The real moment of choice happens in the second that I push off the ocean floor with my feet, spring upward and launch downward into the cold.<br />
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Be here now.</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></i></b></div>
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When I plunge into freezing cold water, there is only right here and right now. I am painfully aware of my body. I can feel the blood vessels in my legs spasm and constrict, cutting the blood flow to my feet. The slightest hint of wind is offensive and I struggle to control my shivering. I am forced to look at my out of control thoughts, telling me how stupid I'm being for making my body so cold and trying they're damnedest to convince me to get out asap.<br />
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Meditation is in right now. It's -the- thing to do. Science has proven it can literally change your brain. But man is it hard. It's so hard to rein in your thoughts to focus solely on your breath, or 'om,' or however you choose to meditate. I think most people think meditation is about focusing, but to focus means to eliminate awareness.<br />
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Mark Twight says that meditation is "<i>cultivating an intense state of awareness</i>." And to be fully aware, we must also be fully present. I won't say that simply dunking yourself in cold water is like meditating, but it does bring you right into the present and holds you there. It's kind of a hack into presence. If you can live there for a bit, look around and explore the place, you'll begin to cultivate awareness within presence.<br />
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Connection</span></i></b></div>
I believe we humans feel best when we are connected- to self, to nature, and to others.<br />
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<i>Self</i><br />
That snap into the present that cold immersion achieves brings the mind fully into the body. Mentally, you are nowhere other than in your body, in the cold. There is no daydreaming, no worrying about what to make for dinner or that dumb thing you said yesterday. For me, I become very aware of both the connection of, and distinction between, my mind and body. Feeling fully present means feeling truly alive, and flexing my mind's power over my body allows me a deeper understanding of the connection between them.<br />
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<i>Nature</i><br />
We stood on the beach, wrapped in towels and trying not to shiver, considering our next move. I was thinking about how I'm so much more willing to be cold when it involves swimming in a natural body of water, and how much easier it is than a cold shower. Matt's thoughts were in the same place.<br />
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"<i>Its funny how different that is from a cold shower. You know, a cold shower is entirely mental, its all self discipline. You have to choose to turn the water colder. That [ocean] water is already cold. You either get in or you don't.</i>"<br />
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Ah-hah. This experience is <i>authentic</i>. The ocean is as it is, and we are as we are. There is nothing contrived. We immerse ourselves in a wild, naturally cold thing over which we have no control. <br />
<i>We form authentic connection with nature through wild swimming</i>.<br />
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<i>Community</i><br />
Our little tribe did something challenging together, and we became closer because of it. Doing challenging things with my partner and friends makes me feel so much closer to them, and so much stronger and braver. <i>We connect with others through shared experience</i>.<br />
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<b>Did this post inspire you? Do you want more inspiration and motivation? Click the photos to snag the books that inspired me!</b><br />
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Wayfinder Alihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16236837136684241198noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2914027195716848621.post-76016608210930763752019-12-27T10:50:00.000-05:002019-12-27T10:50:18.864-05:00Are we addicted to comfort?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I admit that addicted might not be the best word, but it’s unfortunately the closest in the English language to describe what comfort is doing to us. I suspect German may have a better word. When we are addicted to something, we need more and more of it to feel the same effects. We’ve made our modern lives as comfortable as technology allows, and we’ve cocooned ourselves. The deeper into the cocoon we go, the more sensitive we become to smaller and smaller levels of discomfort. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Our bodies are actually incredibly good at adapting, but we insist on keeping the thermostat at 70</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; font-family: sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">°</span></span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> year round. We curse the heat in the summer and then again curse the cold in the winter- making ourselves miserable year-round unless we are indoors. We’ve long exchanged sustainably warm wool for snuggly, plush polyester and nylon. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Let me explain with an example from my past. I used to lead sea kayaking expeditions during the summer on the coast of North Carolina. I spent six to seven hours a day sitting in my narrow kayak paddling in 100 degree heat. We camped each night on a beach. Everything was covered in salt and sand, and there were always mosquitoes stalking our every move. My memories from my first trip were of how gritty everything felt all the time, how itchy and prickly my skin was, how the heat was suffocating and the headwind exhausting. It was radically uncomfortable, but also beautiful and epic. By the end of the summer, I didn’t even notice the grit and I was accustomed to the heat. I have a distinct memory of walking into my house barefoot and marveling at how soft the carpet was. To me, the pristine white sand was soft- but the carpet in my dilapidated college rental was impossibly, remarkably soft. I was so accustomed to the heat, I had to take a fleece jacket out to dinner to tolerate the air conditioning in the restaurant.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">It is currently winter, and I’m not leading outdoor trips at the moment. As I walk into the grocery store in fleece pants and a fleece jacket on a windy 36 degree day, I feel piercing cold when the wind blows. I haven’t spent enough time outside over the last two months for my body to acclimate to the change in temperature. I’m hyper-sensitive to the discomfort, and my brain resists hard (aka screams) when I try to force it to adapt by wearing less clothing on cool days, taking warm-not-hot showers, and turning down the thermostat. It’s SO EASY for me to avoid discomfort and therefore requires an enormous amount of discipline to not make myself more comfortable by flipping a switch or staying inside. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I would argue that we’re all generally worse off for this extreme level of comfort. Climate controlled homes are great at keeping us from dying of hypothermia, and are critical for public health and safety. </span>Our comforts are life savers for those of us with chronic illness and with disabilities.<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> I am thankful for running water, electric heat and a gas stove when I'm sick or overwhelmed from work. But for many of us, we’re making ourselves more miserable year round by avoiding the discomfort of acclimatizing. So bump your thermostat closer to outside temps, get outside when the weather isn’t perfect, and marvel at your body’s ability to adapt. </span></div>
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Wayfinder Alihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16236837136684241198noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2914027195716848621.post-8149090947234849152019-11-25T10:45:00.002-05:002020-05-03T17:27:36.742-04:00Video: Paddle Boarding to Climb a Magical Tree <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
It is so hard to pick a favorite tree, but this one just might be mine. The only way to get to it is by water, and it reaches down to the water's surface with big strong branches to let us climb up. I can't think of a better way to have celebrated the Autumn Equinox than by enjoying a paddle in the sunshine and fellowship with a human I love and a beautiful tree.<br />
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Wayfinder Alihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16236837136684241198noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2914027195716848621.post-48285325956527390102019-09-19T21:03:00.000-04:002019-10-10T12:54:24.737-04:00Pitch Your Tent Like a Pro<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Take the Right Tent</span></b></div>
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A tent in the wrong environment spells misery, no matter how well you set it up! </div>
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<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><b>High winds:</b> (<i>beach, mountain-top, plains)</i> Take a low profile dome or pyramid. The lower the better! If you're camping on the beach, take a tent that's shorter than the dunes. </li>
<li><b>Hot and humid:</b> Two wall tent with as much mesh as possible means better ventilation. Go as big as you can get away with- a bigger tent won't get as hot.</li>
<li><b>Cold and dry:</b> Single wall tents are warmer and more wind-resistant. Get the smallest one you fit in, because your body heat will keep a smaller tent warmer. </li>
<li><b>Raining cats and dogs:</b> Make sure your rain fly covers the tent entirely and reaches all the way down to the ground. A <i>vestibule</i> (a covered 'porch' area under the rain fly) is a gear saver in wet weather.</li>
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<b style="font-size: x-large;">Follow the Video for the Perfect Pitch</b><br />
<b>Can't watch the video? Keep reading...</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBEbU9i3DrYbZZHyurpz0st7w9pXPoVeM0RI3u_YkDblumU0aE81mbw6eQpTq-uq1AzJFNPMLRSE4IhS993UUMp4Mm2fUiZdNksu8PjqN54KpgHQHc4s-mqp_QhwKN8ovmGG0A-_aHh2A/s1600/packed+tent+bag+only_LI.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1069" data-original-width="892" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBEbU9i3DrYbZZHyurpz0st7w9pXPoVeM0RI3u_YkDblumU0aE81mbw6eQpTq-uq1AzJFNPMLRSE4IhS993UUMp4Mm2fUiZdNksu8PjqN54KpgHQHc4s-mqp_QhwKN8ovmGG0A-_aHh2A/s200/packed+tent+bag+only_LI.jpg" width="166" /></a><b><br /></b>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Pack Before you Go</span></b><br />
<b>Unpack, and then re-pack</b><br />
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<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li><b>Unpack:</b> and separate the tent, poles, rain fly, footprint and stakes</li>
<li><b>Stuff don't roll:</b> stuffing protects the waterproof coating on your tent and rain fly</li>
<li><b>Stuff in opposite order:</b> rain fly at the bottom, poles on the side, then tent, then footprint, then stakes</li>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Use the Right Tools</span></b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuSSSPd6yp8dnALL3_MP4pwyj45EWB8ExgVUWopWA-CYH_DTYe29073bseBSkRd4rbpc8IAvJTCYCsFXkUcUNswQkGH6iAubZoJDijKMSqtHiDF5nB_zSdJrt3_TX3M4Lfn-2NxLO5ir0/s1600/buffy+stakes.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="321" height="124" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuSSSPd6yp8dnALL3_MP4pwyj45EWB8ExgVUWopWA-CYH_DTYe29073bseBSkRd4rbpc8IAvJTCYCsFXkUcUNswQkGH6iAubZoJDijKMSqtHiDF5nB_zSdJrt3_TX3M4Lfn-2NxLO5ir0/s200/buffy+stakes.gif" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Buffy chose the right stake for killing vampires.<br />
You should pick the right stake for your campsite</td></tr>
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<i><b>The stakes are high.....</b></i><br />
See what I did there?! But seriously, you need the correct type of stakes for the environment you're camping in. Those cheap aluminum stakes your tent came with? Leave them at home.<br />
<b>Forests and general use: </b><span style="background-color: white; color: #3d85c6;"><a href="https://amzn.to/30bsWvX" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">MSR Groundhog Tent Stakes</span></a> </span><span style="background-color: white;">are super strong and won't bend when you hammer them, and resist being pulled out due to their design</span><br />
<b>Sand: </b><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B013U2BTWC/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B013U2BTWC&linkCode=as2&tag=wayfali-20&linkId=a7c19103206d223f875dfbb5a2380078"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">12" Sand Stakes</span></a> </span>because bigger is better<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Set-up in this order</b></span><br />
<ol>
<li style="text-align: left;"><b>Stake it first:</b> Stake out the footprint and tent, with the narrow side into the wind. Stake down the windward side first. </li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><b>Poles: </b>Set up the poles and connect the tent to the poles</li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><b>Rain fly: </b>Put the rain-fly on the tent and connect it. Connect the windward side first. </li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><b>Guy lines and vestibules: </b>Stake out <i>all</i> the guy lines and vestibules to make your tent strong against the wind, and to keep the rain fly tighter. A tight rain-fly will shed water and is less likely to leak. </li>
</ol>
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Wayfinder Alihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16236837136684241198noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2914027195716848621.post-30645006480129414502019-08-20T15:33:00.001-04:002021-05-13T20:44:56.795-04:00Super Powers and Full Frontal Nudity (Sorry Mom and Dad)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This is the story of how I discovered my super-power, and how I am unable to share the single best photo of myself because in it, I was naked. If you’re wondering what this has to do with adventure, just keep reading. </span><br>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjpPr3vnBedXEhAbd3T7Wq6v6NE0vXtjM_zYCn9WsfGUITx2MpnHAOduaMWD0wSJzS3TJgPA68t_N5pKz8GiypJGcLeX1fHFlUI40PFX3G2xe0Ut6z2QsCIitn3x5SkqIM-9vRFa87SbA/s1600/IMG_9685.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjpPr3vnBedXEhAbd3T7Wq6v6NE0vXtjM_zYCn9WsfGUITx2MpnHAOduaMWD0wSJzS3TJgPA68t_N5pKz8GiypJGcLeX1fHFlUI40PFX3G2xe0Ut6z2QsCIitn3x5SkqIM-9vRFa87SbA/s400/IMG_9685.JPG" width="400"></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">By August of 2013, my friends in North Carolina were accustomed to my being out of the country more than I was than in it. I had spent the better part of a year working as an outdoor educator in Oman, did a high altitude trek in Nepal, and then spent the summer in California teaching horseback riding. Two close friends from high school decided that this was the perfect moment for an epic road trip. They flew to meet me in San Francisco and the three of us drove back east, trying to pack in as many sights and shenanigans as we could.
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On the first day of our trip, one friend hesitantly shared with us a goal she wanted to achieve, that she could not fulfill without our help. She wanted to be photographed naked in the desert. This wasn’t a sexual thing- it was about freedom and artistic expression. We said yes without hesitation. What are friends for, if not to help you live your best, weirdest life?
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeHrsz0V59zUejex0uTR7T_-aZEYjqdI09uVOVUcLvVr0yQuNsmqye3AMLWDokYm73sLdGO5ZSIFyHHsU2VhwsQgNOsDl58AYjFFoOs1Tp39f0m5ES2uLpKSJxp5cm87r0vayrGm4SPv4/s1600/775ff844f4ce7c5b605993db9a7a7e71.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="500" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeHrsz0V59zUejex0uTR7T_-aZEYjqdI09uVOVUcLvVr0yQuNsmqye3AMLWDokYm73sLdGO5ZSIFyHHsU2VhwsQgNOsDl58AYjFFoOs1Tp39f0m5ES2uLpKSJxp5cm87r0vayrGm4SPv4/s400/775ff844f4ce7c5b605993db9a7a7e71.gif" width="400"></a></div>
</div></div><a href="http://www.wayfinderali.com/2019/08/super-powers-and-full-frontal-nudity.html#more">Keep Reading »</a>Wayfinder Alihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16236837136684241198noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2914027195716848621.post-61366023849574638982019-07-20T12:51:00.000-04:002019-08-08T18:00:13.222-04:00Blissful Beach Camping<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia8BdkzdlX5_4ggjWK3xfF6MXbvie1akqFXy3zOZpPbALsMElNeNfwM5aQa0_jNzmQ_R6hcVFNbaelcwuu26KZSlB955eWZj1IO_S-lXdnMRurjOgXM1syRvat5GifqkztfO07PaWPyMA/s1600/blissful-beach-camp-2.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 0em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="how to beach camp" border="0" data-original-height="684" data-original-width="684" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia8BdkzdlX5_4ggjWK3xfF6MXbvie1akqFXy3zOZpPbALsMElNeNfwM5aQa0_jNzmQ_R6hcVFNbaelcwuu26KZSlB955eWZj1IO_S-lXdnMRurjOgXM1syRvat5GifqkztfO07PaWPyMA/s320/blissful-beach-camp-2.jpg" title="" width="320"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beach camping in Hong Kong</td></tr>
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Beach camping is one of those outdoorsy things that <i>sounds</i> like a great idea. Spend your day fishing, swimming, and soaking up the sun then drift off to sleep to the sound of the crashing waves after a glorious sunset.<br>
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Our imaginations tend to gloss over the not-so-nice realities of our daydreams. Just like dreaming of moving to Paris means you'll have to learn French and pay 5 euros for a coffee, camping at the beach comes with a few challenges that can make for a miserable time. Has one of your beach camping trips ended in disaster or misery?<br>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Things that </b>(usually)<b> Suck about Beach Camping</b></span></div>
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<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Sand gets EVERYWHERE, in EVERYTHING<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkLARu6_PFhZlMyTmiv1KMCdSG-1wCRwzt5HMkt9e2ymAhYp-6v2DbNU68LhMvIdzROAIfb731q2L7aQcVeOzFS0ygn5L_5GXuxXBepJq8DF73UX99drJyaKaxKH33L7qdEA5VpV4-_wI/s1600/i-dont-like-dzzj49.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="800" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkLARu6_PFhZlMyTmiv1KMCdSG-1wCRwzt5HMkt9e2ymAhYp-6v2DbNU68LhMvIdzROAIfb731q2L7aQcVeOzFS0ygn5L_5GXuxXBepJq8DF73UX99drJyaKaxKH33L7qdEA5VpV4-_wI/s320/i-dont-like-dzzj49.jpg" width="320"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The worst line in any Star Wars movie? I think so.</td></tr>
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</li>
<li>It's hot</li>
<li>Sunscreen is sticky and gross</li>
<li>There are bugs that bite</li>
<li>Your tent blows away in the wind, or leaks when it rains</li>
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So while I can't magically make any of those things go away for you, I can share the tricks I've learned that make camping on a beach actually really wonderful.<br>
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</div></div><a href="http://www.wayfinderali.com/2019/03/blissful-beach-camping.html#more">Keep Reading »</a>Wayfinder Alihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16236837136684241198noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2914027195716848621.post-90620815030614314742019-07-08T12:52:00.000-04:002020-02-04T11:29:50.685-05:00Headache Free Vacation Photos- Document Your Adventure without the Hassle<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ9-5fRb7xjO3KDEYak8k4_ONm1ldue7CY9IuPjb193ZXsda6LY6YgGe9LUIpyxrSrRaMZSHh2cz2FCct3B-XnntQmzbwN29kSRj8q-r_mB0dUdx6j4k8Fic1V5NSCzZebhcsN1YWj6U4/s1600/IMG_3540.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ9-5fRb7xjO3KDEYak8k4_ONm1ldue7CY9IuPjb193ZXsda6LY6YgGe9LUIpyxrSrRaMZSHh2cz2FCct3B-XnntQmzbwN29kSRj8q-r_mB0dUdx6j4k8Fic1V5NSCzZebhcsN1YWj6U4/s200/IMG_3540.JPG" width="200"></a></td></tr>
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My cousin is heading on a trip to Hawaii and asked me for info on what GoPro I'm using and what accessories I use most. I thought y'all might find the info useful too!<br>
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<b><br></b>
<b>Balancing Experiencing with Documenting</b></div>
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<i>I choose to be okay with using the best photo of the actual experience instead of </i><i>impacting the experience to get the shot I want. </i><br>
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<b>Set it and forget it...</b><br>
I am always sensitive to how documenting an experience can <i>impact</i> the experience itself. I'm sure you have all heard the horror stories of people so obsessed with getting 'the shot' that they ruin their honeymoons, or worse, fall off cliffs. The way I get most of my shots in the moment is by setting my GoPro on video at an angle I think will get me something good, and then focus on the experience. I think it is okay to spend a second or two adjusting the camera angle, but I try not to get too hung up on getting a specific shot. Instead, I set it on video, try to ignore it, and just pull whatever the best stills are later. I also sometimes shoot while I am teaching, in which case I <i>cannot</i> pay any attention to the camera. Sometimes when I am teaching, I end up not being able to use any of the footage, but that's ok, because teaching is the primary focus of that experience, and any photos I might get are just a bonus.<br>
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<i>Guidelines for 'Set it and Forget it' success:</i><br>
<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li><b>Use a wide angle lens or camera (like a GoPro)</b></li>
<li><b>Set the camera in a good location to capture the action- with a wide angle lens, a little closer to the action than you would a traditional camera</b></li>
<li><b>Set it on video and try to ignore it</b></li>
<li><b>Use either the camera software or use <span style="color: #3d85c6;"><a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/video-to-photo-grab-hd-frame/id1146086375"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Video to Photo- Grab HD Frame</span></a> </span>app to pull stills from the video after your adventure</b></li>
</ol>
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</div></div><a href="http://www.wayfinderali.com/2019/07/my-camera-gear-set-up-for-adventuring.html#more">Keep Reading »</a>Wayfinder Alihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16236837136684241198noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2914027195716848621.post-57721826878671266932019-06-04T23:35:00.001-04:002019-10-10T13:00:58.601-04:005 Awesome Micro-Adventures in the Triangle<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><strong>mi</strong></span><strong style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">·</strong><strong style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">cro - ad·ven·ture: </strong><em style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">noun </em><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1. </span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-align: center;">an unusual and exciting experience or activity of short duration, achievable by normal people with busy lives</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-align: center;"> </span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Climb Lake Raleigh Boulders</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf6gQKcw7c7_SfIxuXnPmhFBev4AEvKIf39SK0kinSp9fOqyPnN5q9m5zo4M9uup3nzhe1DPikGEQHXIs1PvqyiSBvx-L9i7l_0hf7KAo1rD7CfXppOrlNWqu8wlWMdWkEj-d2byKvNnk/s1600/IMG_5979.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 0em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1077" data-original-width="1077" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf6gQKcw7c7_SfIxuXnPmhFBev4AEvKIf39SK0kinSp9fOqyPnN5q9m5zo4M9uup3nzhe1DPikGEQHXIs1PvqyiSBvx-L9i7l_0hf7KAo1rD7CfXppOrlNWqu8wlWMdWkEj-d2byKvNnk/s320/IMG_5979.JPG" width="319" /></a></span></strong></span></strong></div>
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Itching to get on real rock, but don't have the time to head West? Get immediate satisfaction at the Lake Raleigh Boulders. They aren't super tall, and only have a handful of problems, but they're a fun way to spend an afternoon.</div>
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<em><strong><br /></strong></em><em><strong>Getting There</strong></em></div>
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Park at Centennial Campus Middle School in the far corner by the woods. Go into the woods and turn left on the forest 'road.' About 100 feet down that path, you'll see an obvious trail on your right heading into the woods. Follow that trail downhill and to the right to eventually meet up with the <span style="color: #3d85c6;"><a href="https://www.hikingproject.com/trail/7048980/lake-raleigh-trail"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><strong>Lake Raleigh Trail</strong></span></a>. </span>Once you hit the Lake Raleigh Trail, turn left and follow it until it dead-ends at the boulders and Walnut Creek. </div>
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<em><em>Need to Know</em></em></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">You'll need to bring your own crash pad and spotter. One of the routes has a large pointy rock underneath, so multiple crash pads make the landing safer. If the weather has been rainy recently, the rock is likely to be too wet to climb. </span><a href="https://www.mountainproject.com/area/112092814/lake-raleigh-boulders" style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><strong>Here</strong></span></a><span style="color: #3d85c6; text-align: left;"> </span><span style="text-align: left;">is a link to the info on Mountain Project. *NOTE: Don't follow the 'getting there' directions on MTN Project as of 4/9/19, follow the directions above</span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Float the Neuse</span></strong></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">A lazy afternoon float in early summer</td></tr>
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The Neuse river is a (usually) slow moving river winding its way through Wake County. You'll float at a leisurely pace to the sound of songbirds. We spotted beaver, deer and osprey on our 3 hour float in early June.</div>
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<b><i><br /></i></b><b><i>Getting There</i></b><br />
We only had a short afternoon for our float, so we chose a small section. Wal-mart had cheap floats for $10 each that we grabbed right before we headed out. They even had a float for the cooler! I used my sea kayaking tow line to keep our three floats connected. It took us about 3 hours to float the 2.5 mile section from the Poole Road Canoe Launch to the bridge at Auburn Knightdale Road. The city of Raleigh has a handy list of access points <a href="https://www.raleighnc.gov/parks/content/ParksRec/Articles/Programs/Outdoor/RiverAccess.html"><b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">here</span></b></a>. You'll need two vehicles or a friend to help with shuttling.<br />
<b><i><br /></i></b><b><i>Need to know</i></b><br />
Never float this river at flood stage- it is full of submerged trees that turn into dangerous strainers and the river is deceptively fast and powerful at that height. You can check the river levels online by typing "Neuse River water levels" and the town you plan to float near into a Google search. The Neuse is notoriously dirty, so avoid floating after heavy rains. It is a good idea to wear shoes instead of flip flops as there are often sharp rocks when getting in and out. Avoid super low levels, as you'll just drag your butt the whole time.<br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Wild Swim in Sennet's Hole</span></strong><br />
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On a sunny day in April, the water was still cold and<br />
we had the place to ourselves</td>
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This is a gorgeous swimming hole along the Eno river, where large smooth rocks emerge from the river make you feel a little closer to the mountains.<br />
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<strong style="font-style: italic;">Getting There</strong></div>
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The optimal access is via the <a href="https://www.hikingproject.com/trail/7024804/south-river-trail" style="color: #3d85c6; font-weight: bold;">South River Trail</a><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-weight: bold;"> </span>(0.6 miles) to where it meets up with <strong><a href="https://www.hikingproject.com/trail/7024799/sennett-hole-trail"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Sennet Hole Trail</span></a><span style="color: #3d85c6;"> </span></strong>(0.3 miles) Access to the South River Trail begins in a designated parking lot off of Roxboro street.<br />
There is a shorter route via the <span style="color: #3d85c6;"><strong><a href="https://www.hikingproject.com/trail/7024953/sennett-hole-access-trail"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Sennet's Hole Access Trail</span></a> </strong></span>which is 0.3 miles, BUT there is not designated parking, and you won't find a spot on a warm sunny day. </div>
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<em><strong>Need to Know</strong></em><br />
Water quality and flow levels of the river are important to safe swimming. If there has been lots of rain recently, check the river level data available from the USGS <a href="https://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/uv?02085000"><strong><span style="color: #3d85c6;">here</span></strong></a>. Avoid swimming until the water levels have come back down to normal after flood stage. This is a SUPER popular spot, so expect to share the bank and the water with lots of other people during the heat of the summer.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Forage for Wild Edibles with Piedmont Picnic Project</strong></span></div>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Piedmont Picnic-er with a bountiful persimmon harvest<br />
photo credit <a href="https://www.instagram.com/piedmontpicnic/"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">@PiedmontPicnic</span></a></td>
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Piedmont Picnic Project connects people to their food through hands-on experiences that build skills and community. Commune with deeply rooted food traditions, nature, and a vibrant community through foraging and creating your own foods. Foraging along the greenway deep within the city feels like discovering hidden treasure. I had great time exploring and laughing with new people.<br />
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<em>Need to Know</em></div>
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While there is always something to harvest year-round in North Carolina, opportunities for foraging are more plentiful beginning in the Spring. Expect to forage for leaves and flowers in the spring, fruits in the summer, and nuts in the fall. Other learning opportunities include learning to ferment, can, and pickle.<br />
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Find out about upcoming Piedmont Picnic Project events below:<br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><strong><a href="https://piedmontpicnic.com/">Website</a></strong><br /><strong><a href="https://www.facebook.com/piedmontpicnicproject/">Facebook</a></strong></span><br />
<strong><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/piedmontpicnic/">Instagram</a></span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Paddle Robertson Millpond</span></strong></div>
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Roberston Millpond is the only bald cypress blackwater swamp in Wake County. Paddling through a cypress swamp feels like floating through a forest on a black mirror.<br />
<em><strong>Need to Know</strong></em></div>
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Bring your own boat to get on the water any time the preserve is open. Hours of operation and more info is available <a href="http://www.wakegov.com/parks/robertsonmillpond/Pages/park_info.aspx"><strong><span style="color: #3d85c6;">here</span></strong></a>. Life jackets are required to be worn at all times while on the water. If you don't have your own boat, Paddle Creek offers rentals from mid April to mid October on Saturdays. To schedule a rental, visit their website <a href="https://paddlecreeknc.com/project/robertsons-millpond/"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><strong>here</strong></span></a>.</div>
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Wayfinder Alihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16236837136684241198noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2914027195716848621.post-67858017280107089592018-09-03T13:46:00.005-04:002019-03-27T12:50:15.751-04:00Every Day Carry Tiny Knife Roundup<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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If you know me at all, you know how <i>obsessed</i> I am with tiny things, and how I pride myself on being ready for anything at a moment's notice. I've got quite the collection of tiny things for travel and EDC, a collection which would be terribly incomplete without a useful variety of knives. Here are my favorites.<br />
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<i>These are wonderful blades for every-day use and survival, but should be noted that tipped blades (blades with points) should NEVER be used during rescues.</i><br />
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<b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AU6AVM6/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00AU6AVM6&linkCode=as2&tag=wayfali-20&linkId=7eaaa136f820e4322cf8be2afabf656f" target="_blank">Gerber GDC Zip Blade</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=wayfali-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B00AU6AVM6" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></b> $15</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhStBoESsH7VlHlUenx8annIlHAyCZ-WI8oQ6tbmp0cvfAIxQc7SNQZrUvb9LQHxU05lrm9No3z_6XV4H2LJc-05WByUFXK-XKMKff7GOJark-MmGr6i7bzajKccve73D-l0rlSrUadRZE/s1600/IMG_2831.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1204" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhStBoESsH7VlHlUenx8annIlHAyCZ-WI8oQ6tbmp0cvfAIxQc7SNQZrUvb9LQHxU05lrm9No3z_6XV4H2LJc-05WByUFXK-XKMKff7GOJark-MmGr6i7bzajKccve73D-l0rlSrUadRZE/s320/IMG_2831.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">This knife is a game changer and the ultimate in tiny. Can you believe such a tiny knife both folds and locks? It attaches to a zipper pull and is easily accessed via a quick release buckle.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">It's one of my favorite purchases and a knife I use almost every day. I use it frequently to open boxes, cut string and for other small tasks.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">At a price point of right around $15, there's no reason not to have several.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Weight:</b> 0.32 ounce</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Closed length:</b> 1.7"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Blade Length: </b>.68"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcuGKg-Q7FSxPuNbgooO4d4jjHyutqEcKaTjvFml6qtSCDLwkALmcSCYre9YCFuWHMNtZkNCMNb_9y0Xl1neUP5XeqlxSG4mltTtzAvbvkXE1EgehsJ2uEElYHbr4DVe549UdY3DHIz3Y/s1600/GDC-Zip-Blade_fulljpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: #0066cc; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-left: 16px; margin-right: 16px; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><b></b><b></b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><b></b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><b></b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><img border="0" data-original-height="369" data-original-width="1360" height="86" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcuGKg-Q7FSxPuNbgooO4d4jjHyutqEcKaTjvFml6qtSCDLwkALmcSCYre9YCFuWHMNtZkNCMNb_9y0Xl1neUP5XeqlxSG4mltTtzAvbvkXE1EgehsJ2uEElYHbr4DVe549UdY3DHIz3Y/s320/GDC-Zip-Blade_fulljpg.jpg" width="320" /></a></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001QFE0EK/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B001QFE0EK&linkCode=as2&tag=wayfali-20&linkId=e172a5e7e3efdb78117aa7beebdd5363" target="_blank">CRKT Rsk MK5</a> </b><span style="color: black;">$14.50</span></span><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="color: black;"></span></span>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRcQZtWYkmDKzoz1bGcpRAwX6mJed8gDu5j1qqkz3SPV1VLnwHIMbruizEd6MCipfkepcA7hCNznPncaolo7Neky6s42b9YeMrNnoQfHWB2dXe19SQxPlRWQh49JmFVPzkSYs8IjGfyJ8/s1600/CRKT+Ritter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="758" data-original-width="1152" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRcQZtWYkmDKzoz1bGcpRAwX6mJed8gDu5j1qqkz3SPV1VLnwHIMbruizEd6MCipfkepcA7hCNznPncaolo7Neky6s42b9YeMrNnoQfHWB2dXe19SQxPlRWQh49JmFVPzkSYs8IjGfyJ8/s320/CRKT+Ritter.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="color: black;">I keep this knife in my 'go anywhere' survival kit because it is so slim, short and light. While it is too small to tackle large survival demands, it comes razor sharp right out of the box and is perfectly capable of cutting rope, slicing meat and shaving twigs for kindling. I have even cut heavy weight leather with it. I found the sheath it came with too clunky for such a tiny knife, so I made a leather one for mine.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="color: black;"><b><br /></b></span></span>
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Weight:</b> less than 1 ounce</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Length:</b> 3.8"</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Blade type:</b> 1.75" fixed drop point</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BBQQ3AI/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00BBQQ3AI&linkCode=as2&tag=wayfali-20&linkId=82995adf1122ad4b9ce05672cdfaec2b" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">SOG Snarl</span></b></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=wayfali-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B00BBQQ3AI" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="0" /> $32.50</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdQaAW5CXTrXiC1_ZKprfOo19jFo9UNTlyn-Y8BXGwvY_kSuQC_dPsBK_OI2ZbqtZB__IN1Dk_xEWxV_0lSQmW1CnqDUZir9WQoDZE1sdJTskSXx63VZ7OGdtq3sQMtYdDrNIokhN3L1Q/s1600/293238_ts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMXbv45RJCJId-oQHEbKNml77qMpNy3MxK1kfncnXjOJ-69Lsy-QnArbH8p4lBij7akZNdLHQn4BaGQCsVL0VtgwsmqSoHPrNygDgqpuHcuCCrbknPa5tNizE5OXnRICYmh2hd2HcSKdU/s1600/IMG_2899.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1203" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMXbv45RJCJId-oQHEbKNml77qMpNy3MxK1kfncnXjOJ-69Lsy-QnArbH8p4lBij7akZNdLHQn4BaGQCsVL0VtgwsmqSoHPrNygDgqpuHcuCCrbknPa5tNizE5OXnRICYmh2hd2HcSKdU/s320/IMG_2899.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx-v7S3aO3Fwjrhiuld5RasAPxOdredKThKy8mah7FCNYfMmQyQCJ31cS3DaOtcCKhE8bSKkJNxOC3he9entwggzPhTrGYBKxGef-YonFaY10TY-G067RKQZOK2f19O6C4zgnk5Ro6SlE/s1600/293238_ts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: transparent; clear: right; color: #0066cc; float: right; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"></a>The Snarl is a large scale production version of a knife designed by Jason Brous. It is a badass little tactical self-defense blade that comes in a nylon sheath designed to be worn in a wide variety of ways. Finger holes not only improve grip, but also keep the user from dropping the knife should they open their hands when defending themselves from attack. Jimping for the thumb also improves grip and reduces slip. I've worn mine on my belt, on my pack, hung around my neck, and clipped to my bra beneath my clothes. Eventually, I'll stonewash it so it isn't so bright.<br />
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<b>Length: </b>4.3"<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdQaAW5CXTrXiC1_ZKprfOo19jFo9UNTlyn-Y8BXGwvY_kSuQC_dPsBK_OI2ZbqtZB__IN1Dk_xEWxV_0lSQmW1CnqDUZir9WQoDZE1sdJTskSXx63VZ7OGdtq3sQMtYdDrNIokhN3L1Q/s1600/293238_ts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; clear: right; color: #0066cc; float: right; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="440" data-original-width="1154" height="75" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdQaAW5CXTrXiC1_ZKprfOo19jFo9UNTlyn-Y8BXGwvY_kSuQC_dPsBK_OI2ZbqtZB__IN1Dk_xEWxV_0lSQmW1CnqDUZir9WQoDZE1sdJTskSXx63VZ7OGdtq3sQMtYdDrNIokhN3L1Q/s200/293238_ts.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
<b>Blade:</b> 2.3" fixed wharncliffe<br />
<b>Weight:</b> 3.4 oz<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdQaAW5CXTrXiC1_ZKprfOo19jFo9UNTlyn-Y8BXGwvY_kSuQC_dPsBK_OI2ZbqtZB__IN1Dk_xEWxV_0lSQmW1CnqDUZir9WQoDZE1sdJTskSXx63VZ7OGdtq3sQMtYdDrNIokhN3L1Q/s1600/293238_ts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; clear: right; color: #0066cc; float: right; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"></a><br />
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<b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0030IT76C/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0030IT76C&linkCode=as2&tag=wayfali-20&linkId=4b0d77e96159ec9d606e165b8e353ad8" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">CRKT Minimalist</span></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=wayfali-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B0030IT76C" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></b> $18.95</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLeXRt-dzhvKdUTvRT1dEIMQgDVA0e2wa2IxclOvqVWWKOIqqFwut9J6l5vegJhHUNmFZY_Wq1LdLes3VD8-dPmErLUIiehB0Kly0dh8jER27lGloy613_OF082ahEMrdgdS8nIyzBt6g/s1600/CRKT+Minimalist+Bowie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="369" data-original-width="500" height="147" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLeXRt-dzhvKdUTvRT1dEIMQgDVA0e2wa2IxclOvqVWWKOIqqFwut9J6l5vegJhHUNmFZY_Wq1LdLes3VD8-dPmErLUIiehB0Kly0dh8jER27lGloy613_OF082ahEMrdgdS8nIyzBt6g/s200/CRKT+Minimalist+Bowie.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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The minimalist is available in five blade types: bowie, tanto, drop point, keramin, and wharncliffe to suit anyone's purpose or fighting style. It is designed to be worn as a neck knife and comes in a secure nylon sheath that comes with both a paracord for neck wear and a clip for wear on the hip. Finger grooves keep this small knife securely in the hand.<br />
<b>Length:</b> 5" to 6.6"<br />
<b>Weight:</b> around 1.5 ounces<b></b></div>
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<b><a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20target=%22_blank%22%20href=%22https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0032Y2OT6/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0032Y2OT6&linkCode=as2&tag=wayfali-20&linkId=a440fcafc15263d4f29d7a45dc6711fa%22%3ELeatherman%20Squirt%20PS4%20Multitool%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=wayfali-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B0032Y2OT6%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20!important;%20margin:0px%20!important;%22%20/%3E" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Leatherman Squirt Multitool</span></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=wayfali-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B0032Y4ITU" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></b> $29.95</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtL7KnqF38K05MN_dUnX_IXLyHylQQfF4MNucDzxgJZpLOedpalZP7Sa0kBpo86IkqmiOSGsFP0Ammiu-C29e6x6AFGo6TGvWZhlSMTcB1dyaSi_R4Bid1HThrgoGf7XTPfU8xj0hcedY/s1600/leatherman-squirt-ps4-blue-500x500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtL7KnqF38K05MN_dUnX_IXLyHylQQfF4MNucDzxgJZpLOedpalZP7Sa0kBpo86IkqmiOSGsFP0Ammiu-C29e6x6AFGo6TGvWZhlSMTcB1dyaSi_R4Bid1HThrgoGf7XTPfU8xj0hcedY/s200/leatherman-squirt-ps4-blue-500x500.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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This is the smallest, most useful multi-tool I own. It lives in my EDC adventure bag that moves from dry bag, to day pack, to handbag as I move through activities and locations. It's actually pretty cute, although I do wish it had tweezers. If you're looking for a multi-tool to take on a backpacking trip, this is it.<br />
<b>Weight: </b>1.92 ounces<br />
<b>Length:</b> 3"<br />
<b>Tools:</b> spring pliers, wire cutter, knife, file, scissors, flat head, Phillips head, pry bar<br />
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<b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00TBF5JC4/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00TBF5JC4&linkCode=as2&tag=wayfali-20&linkId=d6636d341614b64681a9c0ef442df8a0" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Gerber Dime Travel Multi-Tool - Bladeless</span></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=wayfali-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B00TBF5JC4" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></b> $14</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtXGijyxJYRx8J8WqitxDiVuwyoOzV9r6mwHIIfmUlDs4jSFKDTn8LXI1F0YYNOXcjc3mC-3xtoG10AG7LJ6CNSwxfc5ZE6IH2O5ryw-hfvSUIH3pqcgu6ATvoaMArQYI5e5g9cNuC5js/s1600/Gerber+Dime+Bladeless.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="298" data-original-width="500" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtXGijyxJYRx8J8WqitxDiVuwyoOzV9r6mwHIIfmUlDs4jSFKDTn8LXI1F0YYNOXcjc3mC-3xtoG10AG7LJ6CNSwxfc5ZE6IH2O5ryw-hfvSUIH3pqcgu6ATvoaMArQYI5e5g9cNuC5js/s320/Gerber+Dime+Bladeless.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This bladeless multi-tool is TSA approved, so you can still have the basics even while traveling. I like this tool because it gives me what I use often- pliers, tweezers and scissors- in a compact, travel friendly package. And its only 14 bucks.<br />
<b>Weight:</b> 1.5 ounces<br />
<b>Length:</b> 4"<br />
<b>Tools:</b> spring loaded pliers, wire cutter, file, flat head, Phillips head, zipper pull, tweezers, scissors, bottle opener<br />
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Wayfinder Alihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16236837136684241198noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2914027195716848621.post-68437232426879619292018-05-16T13:48:00.000-04:002018-06-01T22:17:42.055-04:00Exciting News for Outdoorsy DIY-ers and MYOG <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Does your favorite piece of gear have a hole in it, and you just can't find fabric to match it for repair? Or maybe you have a new design for a pack, but want to use two types of fabrics and need them in the same shade.<br />
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Now you can get the fabric you need in any color or pattern you want. <a href="https://ripstopbytheroll.com/products/omnicolor-solids-fabric?inf_contact_key=70ac896bd918771bcfe9d0f7a1f625f872d33146f566383b4afee0b8dc989b31"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Ripstop by the Roll</span></a> just debuted 9 outdoor fabrics that can be printed on demand in over 1,000 colors AND whatever pattern you upload. I don't know about you, but my creative gears just started spinning!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCgsz0rv_t-s8qRIaaVHSLM-RxayRNACINPJniO2hZijjxLnKEZkCRcB6Ku73SKtmDH3UWWRdIiseWQTXy3k6CPkELZc3BCZuSIaOjZR-zGGbmPMHEPEiei77SxDxm0wsoxjQWw6NVAps/s1600/logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="138" data-original-width="558" height="79" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCgsz0rv_t-s8qRIaaVHSLM-RxayRNACINPJniO2hZijjxLnKEZkCRcB6Ku73SKtmDH3UWWRdIiseWQTXy3k6CPkELZc3BCZuSIaOjZR-zGGbmPMHEPEiei77SxDxm0wsoxjQWw6NVAps/s320/logo.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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If you need to match pre-existing gear or want to see what each color looks like on the fabric you'll use, you can order <a href="https://ripstopbytheroll.com/products/outdoorink-color-map"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">color swatches</span></a> containing all 1300 colors. You can also custom print your own patterned fabric- in custom camo, your favorite galaxy print, a map of a beloved trail....the possibilities are endless.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOZFa_5u3CdVJSD7beBr_G1d05GWAQzzy5uP4cVwWQKMuBNVPm22h0w2r8ntpenctZNzK9LxH_BLvzCUETnUiEd37DD6AwZJpzWIBXSW173TswOjSDt4g04xRQ2tncrktLUvWKE63XxHQ/s1600/color+map.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="395" data-original-width="599" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOZFa_5u3CdVJSD7beBr_G1d05GWAQzzy5uP4cVwWQKMuBNVPm22h0w2r8ntpenctZNzK9LxH_BLvzCUETnUiEd37DD6AwZJpzWIBXSW173TswOjSDt4g04xRQ2tncrktLUvWKE63XxHQ/s640/color+map.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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To get the best results in pattern printing, I suggest designing or purchasing what is called a "seamless" pattern. This means that the pattern can be repeated like tile- laid end to end horizontally and vertically, and appear seamless.<br />
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Here is a youtube video that will show you how to make a seamless pattern:<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Knw2z7CEW9g/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Knw2z7CEW9g?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Happy creating!</span></div>
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Wayfinder Alihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16236837136684241198noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2914027195716848621.post-63488783573680886412018-05-09T13:25:00.001-04:002018-06-06T01:11:58.489-04:00Fun Fast DIY for Your Foreign Coin Collection<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXdqgqUyBPc9JcEWvDXU1rugoPPLpJ-6ZEM6OJy5zEUwcpwXQl2-JfHUgWANEn498DIvhGpzdMIsikFBTx60AMH8y8fg_MFrh43B3A_-tSg7e6P3N2ApQvbYkovMDEqwFjDa2rzwhNH9I/s1600/coin+magnets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 2em;"><img alt="Travel Coin Magnets" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXdqgqUyBPc9JcEWvDXU1rugoPPLpJ-6ZEM6OJy5zEUwcpwXQl2-JfHUgWANEn498DIvhGpzdMIsikFBTx60AMH8y8fg_MFrh43B3A_-tSg7e6P3N2ApQvbYkovMDEqwFjDa2rzwhNH9I/s320/coin+magnets.jpg" title="" width="320" /></a></div>
Do you have a jar of coins from your travels that you don't want to get rid of, but you're not quite sure what to do with?<br />
Enjoy looking at and using your collection by turning them into magnets!<br />
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This project is super fast, easy and cheap! Here is what you need:<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>-<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JP3X9WE/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00JP3X9WE&linkCode=as2&tag=wayfali-20&linkId=f42a8b9db604c619ee12829ebfe6bb27" target="_blank">E6000 Adhesive</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=wayfali-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B00JP3X9WE" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> </li>
<li>-<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><a href="https://www.unitednow.com/product/13456/darice-magnets.aspx?item=29464&offer=SUNNY&gclid=Cj0KCQjwuMrXBRC_ARIsALWZrIgSMXHaX_ph5WoYYnCs1Lm8c8Qbcyvb9gWysjiJnfSrRQ4lZIfttNQaAu6YEALw_wcB"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Round magnets</span></a> </span></li>
<li>-Foreign coins</li>
<li>-Roughly 2 minutes of work time and 12 hours of drying time</li>
</ul>
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I'm so happy with how my magnets turned out- they look so good on my gold dry erase board!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBNVyOZv4QVK4Zh_KRTBkYgEWVdkYP_twS0ICzbGLweCHH9-kL0_Etv5aJurlDcs_k1BWdR2yuagRHFtZ7VfPRsSECyN2EfHgZ4S6Ydw_PzW3uybfBZzvlw1h6Q8TOxOa5gnJwGcmm6nM/s1600/IMG_4094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBNVyOZv4QVK4Zh_KRTBkYgEWVdkYP_twS0ICzbGLweCHH9-kL0_Etv5aJurlDcs_k1BWdR2yuagRHFtZ7VfPRsSECyN2EfHgZ4S6Ydw_PzW3uybfBZzvlw1h6Q8TOxOa5gnJwGcmm6nM/s320/IMG_4094.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Did you enjoy this post? Do you find my blog helpful? Now you can help me get the gear I need on my new <a href="http://a.co/hqheNRE"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Amazon List</span></a><br />
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Wayfinder Alihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16236837136684241198noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2914027195716848621.post-61624473486715162532018-04-25T12:46:00.002-04:002020-05-03T18:02:31.784-04:00Dramatic Rescue on Falls Lake<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<h3 style="text-align: left;">
A harsh morning for a paddle.....</h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmvtRK6j_5oTcbWucEgxPwt6uUNb9A0nZVxCHNfVhO2NU8K2sduIW1fzGG8FeJqMcvKe2gbwJVPYCIpOMfn9ME-XDIQTUe7suTaHGVMZRORtQNkMUucQtDTSTnLaAFqDWjk-zqCsi9LpA/s1600/IMG_4032+edited.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="kayaking on falls lake raleigh" border="0" data-original-height="1260" data-original-width="1600" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmvtRK6j_5oTcbWucEgxPwt6uUNb9A0nZVxCHNfVhO2NU8K2sduIW1fzGG8FeJqMcvKe2gbwJVPYCIpOMfn9ME-XDIQTUe7suTaHGVMZRORtQNkMUucQtDTSTnLaAFqDWjk-zqCsi9LpA/s320/IMG_4032+edited.jpg" title="" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looks like a lovely morning doesn't it?<br />
Looks can be deceiving. </td></tr>
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Last week, a few of my fellow instructors and I got together on Falls Lake for some pre-season paddle training. </div>
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We began our session huddled and shivering at a picnic table, discussing our plans for the summer. The bright sun did little to warm us in the chilly 43-degree air while the howling wind sucked our heat away as it moved through the fabric of our jackets. </div>
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<b>Changing Plans</b></div>
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Most of us were dressed in wool and fleece layered beneath wind and rain jackets. Few of us own neoprene wetsuits and still fewer have dry suits. Our original plan for the day was to review wet exits and rescues with newly hired instructors. The water was only 60 degrees, and with such a low wind chill, the likelihood of hypothermia for those of us without neoprene was high. We decided to postpone our skills session for a warmer day. </div>
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It's rare for all the instructors to be together, and with a trailer full of boats and boards, we couldn't resist getting out on the water together. We are all professional paddling instructors, with the ability to manage the risks we were taking and the knowledge and skills we needed to stay safe ourselves should one of us accidentally end up in the water. Our decision to paddle was based on knowledge, technical skill, available safety equipment, and experience. </div>
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<b>That looks bad.....really bad</b></div>
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Typically at this specific location on Falls Lake, we turn right from the boat ramp, but for some reason (maybe the wind) we decided to turn left. Unbeknownst to me, we were heading toward something floating in the water, that another instructor thought was trash. </div>
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Upon inspection, they discovered it was a kind of improvised fishing device that used part of a pool noodle in the design. While they floated and talked by the pool noodle, Cameron and I bobbed next to each other, pointed in a different direction from the group. </div>
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We watched a lone fisherman in a canoe catch a large fish. Cameron reckoned it was a catfish, but we were too far away to know for sure. I think we were about 100 yards away from him at the time. </div>
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I looked away, back toward our group, when Cameron spoke up. </div>
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"Did that guy just jump out of his boat?" </div>
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I thought to myself. <i>No one jumps out of their boat in these conditions.</i> I turned my head to see the fisherman in the water, swimming violently toward his boat, which sailed away from him much faster than he could swim. In winds like those, it is impossible for anyone but maybe Michael Phelps to swim fast enough to catch an empty canoe. </div>
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My second thought was that we would need to recover his boat and bring it back to him. Within seconds it became very clear that the man was in distress. His movements changed from obvious forward strokes to thrashing, and then to desperate attempts to keep his face above water. Without a lifejacket, the layers of cotton clothes he wore and his heavy boots dragged him down.</div>
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Cameron and I began sprinting toward him as fast as we could. His face submerged several times, and I worried that we wouldn't get there before he lost consciousness. Luckily, he was strong and fought long enough for us to get to him. </div>
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Cameron and I presented him with the bow (front) of our kayaks. This is the safest place for a swimmer to hold onto the kayak. One should never present a distressed swimmer with the side of a kayak, as the swimmer is likely to flip the boat over with their weight. He was exhausted when we arrived and could hardly talk for being so out of breath. </div>
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Lisa (of <a href="https://distressedmullet.com/"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Distressed Mullet</span>)</a> appeared almost instantly on her paddleboard. I couldn't believe how fast she got to us, but she does race paddleboards, so I shouldn't have been surprised. She knew it would be easier to get him up onto her paddleboard than onto one of our kayaks. Meanwhile, Brett (of <a href="http://www.paddlingotaku.com/"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Adventure Otaku</span></a>) went after his boat. </div>
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When the swimmer caught his breath, we asked him questions, including his name. We'll call him Jay to protect his privacy.</div>
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When Lisa arrived, and I knew Jay would be ok, I thought to turn on my GoPro and focus it on the action.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJuOXLT08fS1hDG2YUb-3E_KJSoTfM8vPTeld9fhwnYMl6zI3yU_0q3rcr0pWsCaSMzgc61LyDM8EfyBT8ydBtJPuns_3OVT38-kWzfhvj6XR07lkNvQtO58go_0abhvFz8Qps6gU4qq8/s1600/rescue+4004++pixelated.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="rescuing swimmer with kayak" border="0" data-original-height="865" data-original-width="1600" height="345" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJuOXLT08fS1hDG2YUb-3E_KJSoTfM8vPTeld9fhwnYMl6zI3yU_0q3rcr0pWsCaSMzgc61LyDM8EfyBT8ydBtJPuns_3OVT38-kWzfhvj6XR07lkNvQtO58go_0abhvFz8Qps6gU4qq8/s640/rescue+4004++pixelated.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lisa arrives on her paddleboard, while the swimmer uses our kayaks for flotation</td></tr>
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Jay used Cameron's bow and Lisa's paddleboard to hoist himself onto the board. Paddleboards and kayaks are designed to hold the weight of one person and can become very unstable when you double the load. I was concerned about Lisa flipping with the extra person on her board, so I kept my bow next to Lisa to help her balance. I was impressed by Jay's ability to push himself and his heavy clothing up out of the water. This isn't an easy thing to do, especially after swimming in heavy clothing. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLcEFbeE0hWeyjABc0D7udHVJuastxjZMO7FkCCsgX07_8ycVvlUhC4SYONxQftfd0xuomWsHEGpcK1AA7zE3gghETh08O82al4UyLMyVhaOnsdvq62TJ-OkMIqB5KmjJT619lezGztUw/s1600/rescue+4012+edited.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="818" data-original-width="1600" height="324" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLcEFbeE0hWeyjABc0D7udHVJuastxjZMO7FkCCsgX07_8ycVvlUhC4SYONxQftfd0xuomWsHEGpcK1AA7zE3gghETh08O82al4UyLMyVhaOnsdvq62TJ-OkMIqB5KmjJT619lezGztUw/s640/rescue+4012+edited.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cameron is actively paddling at this moment. The force of J pushing up on his boat also pushes kayak away, and if Cameron didn't paddle against that force, J would have had a much harder time getting up. </td></tr>
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It was around this time that Jay's friend came over on his kayak. You can see him in the background, wearing a jacket with a neon yellow collar.<br />
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Moments later, Brett arrived with Jay's canoe in tow. After introducing himself, he began a patient assessment. Brett is an EMT and was concerned about not only hypothermia but also worried that Jay may have hit his head on his boat when he fell. We listened as Jay told us how he caught a big fish and was trying to get a photo of it when he dropped his phone overboard. He fell out of the canoe lunging to catch the phone.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAVKkYIpH1rO_qIn7fc_ptR19xO50cftwPvJ0zwaz4LVIfyLSE7dypyZuXC7sM4m4HETD_bVVpTqHX-auB3Kp3SIFTHtoY8LhHaBm_S8JyqX-KCE6KGleGEPQGzZxXcITDl7EvgqDfLE0/s1600/rescue+4015+pixelated.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="798" data-original-width="1600" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAVKkYIpH1rO_qIn7fc_ptR19xO50cftwPvJ0zwaz4LVIfyLSE7dypyZuXC7sM4m4HETD_bVVpTqHX-auB3Kp3SIFTHtoY8LhHaBm_S8JyqX-KCE6KGleGEPQGzZxXcITDl7EvgqDfLE0/s640/rescue+4015+pixelated.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ypv3-sNNyZHsPYWWys2-5HGfIHLujP3KbTXu8oYi9cYwBfd5KV5LOlkUH8W07y-bFHv0N7Ros3kPE659pluDJRfQ8328FiZRNkNlDDgCFGr-q9ZyalS7M8JDc2gJkim6TEF_D3cI_5c/s1600/rescue+4024+edited.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="victim realizes he almost died" border="0" data-original-height="780" data-original-width="1080" height="460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ypv3-sNNyZHsPYWWys2-5HGfIHLujP3KbTXu8oYi9cYwBfd5KV5LOlkUH8W07y-bFHv0N7Ros3kPE659pluDJRfQ8328FiZRNkNlDDgCFGr-q9ZyalS7M8JDc2gJkim6TEF_D3cI_5c/s640/rescue+4024+edited.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brett asks Jay questions about what happened and how he's feeling.<br />
It seems that Jay is beginning to realize the severity of what just happened. </td></tr>
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After finding out that Jay had not hit his head, Brett decided it is best to put him back in his boat and get him to land. Jay's shivering was becoming more violent and hypothermia was setting in. Brett noticed a 6 pack of beer in his canoe but wasn't able to count open containers. </div>
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We got him back in his boat but wanted to get him in a life jacket. There was no life jacket in his canoe. His friend wasn't wearing a life jacket either but had one in his kayak, which he handed to him. In a situation like this, most instructors would tow the person back to shore, but after finding out the canoe had a small motor, we agreed to let his friend accompany him back to land. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioXj8omZ6K2Vz9zQp6bynlsXvW31nSbsbxqRgl59Ds2obi7k8QpuaGyAVIv4XqA_rgDdagZf-2Bh9L_rboDd4ZafUD-ArxBuJ2GVil_xN_I8gsQWsCJdISQDQoV36mEnSI9Kld2FqVyMA/s1600/Rescue+4030+pixelated.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="766" data-original-width="1600" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioXj8omZ6K2Vz9zQp6bynlsXvW31nSbsbxqRgl59Ds2obi7k8QpuaGyAVIv4XqA_rgDdagZf-2Bh9L_rboDd4ZafUD-ArxBuJ2GVil_xN_I8gsQWsCJdISQDQoV36mEnSI9Kld2FqVyMA/s640/Rescue+4030+pixelated.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brett and Lisa stabilize J's canoe while he climbs back in. I float nearby to support Lisa.</td></tr>
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I asked his friend if he had a whistle, and he said yes. I told him that if they had trouble on the way back to blow his whistle and we would come help.<br />
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Back on shore, Jay changed out of his wet clothes and into his friend's spare clothes. He vomited up lakewater several times but was otherwise ok after warming up in the truck. Both Jay and his friend thanked us and swore they would always wear life jackets from then on.<br />
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
A Lucky Break and Lessons Learned</h4>
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Jay made several decisions that day that, when combined, would have cost him his life. The only thing that prevented loss of life was the coincidence that we happened to be on the lake that day, at that time, and were close enough to respond rapidly enough to keep him from drowning. </div>
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Whenever anyone makes mistakes, it is important to learn from them so we can prevent them in the future. Let's review the decisions that caused Jay's brush with death. </div>
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<b>1. Paddling in conditions beyond his skill level</b></div>
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The conditions on the water (the wind and chop) made it much more likely that one of them would flip over. Jay and his friend did not know how to rescue each other safely if one of them had flipped over, and neither knew how to safely rescue someone in the water. </div>
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<b>2. Not wearing a PFD / Life Jacket</b></div>
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Most of us who paddle usually consider ourselves decent swimmers, but when faced with an unexpected swim of several hundred yards many of us would come up short. Combining cold water and heavy clothes can make swimming even several yards extremely difficult. A personal flotation device (PFD) keeps your head above water without any effort from you. If Jay had been wearing a PFD, he could have leisurely swum back to shore and worried about retrieving his canoe later. He would have been nearing hypothermia, but he wouldn't have drowned.</div>
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<b>2. Not wearing proper clothing</b></div>
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Whenever dressing for a water activity, it is important to dress for immersion. This means wearing garments that will keep you warm even when wet and won't become too heavy when saturated. Wearing proper clothing would have kept Jay warm both in and out of the water, and wouldn't have dragged him down. </div>
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<b>3. Drinking </b></div>
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We don't know if Jay and his friend had actually drunk any of the beers in his canoe. Alcohol compromises our ability to make good decisions, our reaction time in emergencies and our sense of balance. All of these abilities are critical to staying safe on the water. </div>
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<b>4. Paddling too far from 'paddling buddy'</b></div>
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No one should ever paddle alone. Jay and his friend had a false sense of security because they were out on the water together. The problem was that they were so far apart, Jay's friend didn't know what was going on until he heard people on the fishing dock yelling as they watched Jay struggling to swim. Jay's friend would not have gotten over to him fast enough to prevent drowning. Even if his friend had been close by, without proper training it was likely his friend would have flipped trying to rescue him, and without his life jacket on, his friend may have also drowned.<br />
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Mistakes I made:<br />
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<b>1. Not bringing a tow line</b><br />
With so many instructors on the water, I neglected to bring a tow or throw line because three other instructors were equipped with them. In hindsight, if I had needed to go get Jay's boat, I would have had nothing to tow it with.<br />
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<b>2. Watching for too long</b><br />
As soon as I saw Jay in the water I should have immediately begun paddling toward him. Instead, I waited several seconds until I saw he was in distress. Those seconds could have made the difference between life and death for him had be not been as strong.<br />
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Wayfinder Alihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16236837136684241198noreply@blogger.comFalls Lake, North Carolina, USA36.027528 -78.719277635.822041 -79.0420011 36.233014999999995 -78.3965541tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2914027195716848621.post-9902845336401427692018-01-13T11:49:00.000-05:002018-01-31T17:39:01.893-05:00Gear Up for Adventure on a Shoestring Budget<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Are you itching to head out into the wilderness on your own adventures but can't afford the gear you need? This is the series for you. You'll learn what to look for and where to find it to get what you need for one-tenth of the cost of new gear.<br>
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This post is the where, but not the how. Stay tuned for upcoming posts in which I'll cover how to shop for used clothing, kayaks, backpacks and more.<br>
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<b>Rules of Frugality</b></div>
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I love this list, and I use it when I'm tempted to buy something new. If you think you need to buy something, start at the top, and hopefully you'll find a solution before you get to #6. </div>
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<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li>Find an alternative you already own </li>
<li>Borrow it </li>
<li>Rent it</li>
<li>Buy it used</li>
<li>Pitch in with another person to get it</li>
<li>Buy new</li>
</ol>
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Another rule of frugality is caring for what you already own. This means knowing how your gear should be stored and cleaned to make it last as long as possible. I'll get around to writing a post on that at some point, hopefully...</div>
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Click the keep reading to learn where and what to buy used....<br>
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</div></div></div><a href="http://www.wayfinderali.com/2018/01/gear-up-for-adventure-on-shoestring.html#more">Keep Reading »</a>Wayfinder Alihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16236837136684241198noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2914027195716848621.post-35906708463669890872017-12-07T13:24:00.000-05:002017-12-08T16:08:10.601-05:00Better Than Stuff: Meaningful Outdoor Gifts They'll Love<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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The holidays are a time of giving, and we've all heard the phrase 'it's the thought that counts.' But it can be hard pick just the right thing, and you have to worry about whether it will fit, or they already have one. This year, why not give your outdoor enthusiast something more meaningful than a new backpack or the latest Garmin?<br>
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</div></div></div><a href="http://www.wayfinderali.com/2017/12/better-than-stuff-meaningful-outdoor.html#more">Keep Reading »</a>Wayfinder Alihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16236837136684241198noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2914027195716848621.post-53802336899926826922017-11-30T12:27:00.001-05:002017-12-07T17:17:45.389-05:00Surprising Extremes- The Mueller Hut Hike<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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One of the coolest things about New Zealand- other than the absolutely fantastic geography and wonderful people, is their hut system in the national parks. Huts enable hikers to travel longer distances without carrying tents and cooking gear and make great places to get to know other hikers from around the world.<br>
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Tony and I decided to hike to the Mueller Hut in Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park. This park is epic. I loved the feeling of standing in the plains of the valley surrounded by towering alpine peaks. </div>
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In New Zealand, you don't have to climb as high as you do in the states to reach "alpine" conditions. The Mueller Hut sits at just 6,000 feet / 1,800 meters, shorter than the tallest mountain in the Appalachians. Don't let the elevation fool you, the hut is definitely in an alpine environment and you should pack in preparation for that. We did, and we were glad for it. </div>
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<b>Preparing for Conditions</b><br>
We booked our spots ahead to make sure there was room for us. These huts fill up fast in the high season. By the time the day came, we knew that our hike out the next day would be miserable in cold, pouring rain, but the following nights were fully booked so we couldn't change plans for better weather. We decided that the beautiful hike up would be worth the cold, wet hike down. Because the hut is in an alpine setting, and weather in the area is notoriously unpredictable, we packed both rain and snow gear.<br>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the way up, with a view down the valley</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tony taking a break on the steep stair section</td></tr>
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The trail from the valley floor to the treeline consists of a series of incredibly steep steps that zig-zag in switchbacks. Beyond the treeline, the trail traverses a scree-field and a stroll on sturdy rock.The trail itself gains roughly 3,000 ft in 3.23 miles.<br>
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The steepness of the route and the stairs themselves were more challenging than I anticipated.<br>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Past the steep scree field, into the big solid rocky section connecting pole to pole. </td></tr>
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As we gained elevation and headed into late afternoon, the weather started to roll in. Once we actually reached the hut, the wind had significantly picked up and the clouds were dense with incredibly low visibility. After sunset, the rain began.<br>
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</div><a href="http://www.wayfinderali.com/2017/11/surprising-extremes-mueller-hut-hike.html#more">Keep Reading »</a>Wayfinder Alihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16236837136684241198noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2914027195716848621.post-7659280072511885252017-09-06T18:06:00.001-04:002019-04-13T15:44:24.960-04:00How to Pick the Perfect Day Pack<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Are you shopping for a day pack but feel overwhelmed by all the options? Will you be buying your first day pack? With so many packs on the market right now, choosing the right one can be tough. This post will help you make a decision with confidence and save you from buyers remorse.<br>
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I have owned and used lots of day packs over my 10 years teaching outdoors, in a wide variety of activities and conditions. I've learned the best features for different activities and environments. </div>
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</div></div></div></div><a href="http://www.wayfinderali.com/2017/09/how-to-pick-day-pack.html#more">Keep Reading »</a>Wayfinder Alihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16236837136684241198noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2914027195716848621.post-17402241590767113182017-06-07T15:01:00.000-04:002019-07-04T21:20:18.477-04:00How To Stay Cool When It's Hot As $#*! Outside<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNLKTZ4uVHFbrEyaEZyXoZmtfvW2wxuixKDUz3T4_5wM58zcPWyqZD3mxrNcTOa55jTqitHSLSh_uZ9xyTEZ9fMkODhdykbWteDtE_NpmX0QhlW_Ao_by0v4v5TLZVWuxYCzLbAKFQH7k/s1600/heat-blog-cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="453" data-original-width="453" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNLKTZ4uVHFbrEyaEZyXoZmtfvW2wxuixKDUz3T4_5wM58zcPWyqZD3mxrNcTOa55jTqitHSLSh_uZ9xyTEZ9fMkODhdykbWteDtE_NpmX0QhlW_Ao_by0v4v5TLZVWuxYCzLbAKFQH7k/s320/heat-blog-cover.jpg" width="320"></a>Summer is *almost* here and it's already getting crazy hot and <i>humid.</i> For some reason, I tend to gravitate toward VERY hot places, and happen to go there during the hottest time of year. The most extreme example was heading to the Sahara in August!<br>
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I learned a lot from the cultures who have thrived for thousands of years in those insanely hot places, and now I'm sharing what I've learned.<br>
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<b><br></b> <b><br></b> <b>First Some Science!</b></div>
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A crucial part of staying cool is understanding how heat<br>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTiyBtZZzpa9bMEFKplmiiA8PakIhh6id8hY02Ak_O2OKlKhllh0IDn965NvTI0c4TdoWjkbBhXOqS-2kAV11MGuK4zg8K1AaYM7iLWbc1cfz24RWIahfqxQ29cpYo6IA-_QDS93RUApM/s1600/c6dfirs2a1d43b3782715a23aadfc13b0050.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="385" data-original-width="500" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTiyBtZZzpa9bMEFKplmiiA8PakIhh6id8hY02Ak_O2OKlKhllh0IDn965NvTI0c4TdoWjkbBhXOqS-2kAV11MGuK4zg8K1AaYM7iLWbc1cfz24RWIahfqxQ29cpYo6IA-_QDS93RUApM/s320/c6d2a1d43b3782715a23aadfc13b0050.jpg" width="265"></a>is transferred and how our bodies self-regulate. I want you to imagine that you are a little campfire. Why? Your body creates heat. What we have to do in summer and winter is figure out how to either hold onto that heat (in winter) or get rid of it (in summer). Imagine you're in a cabin with a nice little fire in a small fireplace. It's snowing outside. Do you want the cabin to be small or big? A little fire can warm a little cabin, but not a big one, so in winter we need a small cabin. Now let's imagine it's a hot summer day, and we've got that fire going. Now, we want our cabin to be big, and maybe we'll open a few windows and turn the fans on to try to let that heat out. Remember, putting out the fire means we are no longer alive, so all we can do is adjust the size of the room. This blog post is how to accomplish that.<br>
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Heat moves in 4 ways:<br>
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<li><b style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Conduction</span></b>:<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">T</span></i></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">he process by which heat or electricity is directly transmitted through a substance when there is a difference of temperature between adjoining regions, without movement of the material.</span></span></i></span></span><i style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br>AKA: touch cold things, don't touch hot things</i></li>
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<li><b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Convection</span></b>:<i> </i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>the transfer of heat by the circulation or movement of the heated parts of a liquid or gas</i></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> <br>AKA<i> use wind and water to take heat away from your body</i>.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Radiation</b>:</span><i> </i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>the<span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span class="oneClick-link" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;">complete</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span class="oneClick-link" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;">process</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span class="oneClick-link" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;">in</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span class="oneClick-link" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;">which</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span class="oneClick-link" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;">energy</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span class="oneClick-link" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;">is</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span class="oneClick-link" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;">emitted</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span class="oneClick-link" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;">by</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span class="oneClick-link" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;">one</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span class="oneClick-link" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;">body, </span><span style="background-color: white;"></span><span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer;">transmitted</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;">through</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span class="oneClick-link" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;">an</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span class="oneClick-link" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;">intervening</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span class="oneClick-link" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;">medium</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span class="oneClick-link" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;">or</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span class="oneClick-link" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;">space,</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span class="oneClick-link" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;">and</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span class="oneClick-link" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;">absorbed </span><span style="background-color: white;"></span><span class="oneClick-link" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;">by</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span class="oneClick-link" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;">another</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span></i></span><span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>body.</i></span> <br><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">AKA</span><i style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">: heat from the sun, body heat. Stand close to cool objects, stand far away from hot objects or put a barrier between you and the hot object. </span></i></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b>Evaporation:</b> water molecules heat up until they have enough energy to transform from liquid into gas- effectively 'transferring' that heat into the surrounding atmosphere</span></span></span></span></li>
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<i><b>How do we use the science of heat to help us stay cool?</b></i><br>
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We'll utilize <i>conduction</i> to transfer heat out by touching cold things- like ice and shaded rocks. When I was in Morocco, I would find a cold tile floor in the bottom of a building and lay on it- letting it suck away my body heat. We'll prevent conduction by not touching hot things like sun baked black cars.We'll use <i>convection</i> to transfer heat out by swimming in cool water and standing in front of moving air.<br>
We'll help our bodies <i>radiate</i> body heat by wearing thin, loose fitting, minimal clothing. We'll prevent our bodies from absorbing <i>radiant</i> heat by getting out of the sun and staying away from objects that radiate stored heat (like concrete buildings and black top parking lots)<br>
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<b><i>The Science of Sweat</i></b><br>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX7f8AilEFL4a-x2EFLLLKzdLZlYXbpxCbKmztDPD5tYmMUGWYCGiVk261rCDo_uMXK1aWov_i7K0r1RSSvtmloz9rS6pbkooXtnY2O0zHtXHKmFTaZM4K9yWkBv0D7KUD3wec5XYNVAk/s1600/erotic-1539514_640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="426" data-original-width="640" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX7f8AilEFL4a-x2EFLLLKzdLZlYXbpxCbKmztDPD5tYmMUGWYCGiVk261rCDo_uMXK1aWov_i7K0r1RSSvtmloz9rS6pbkooXtnY2O0zHtXHKmFTaZM4K9yWkBv0D7KUD3wec5XYNVAk/s200/erotic-1539514_640.jpg" width="200"></a>When it's hot, we sweat. Our bodies push a combination of water, salt and minerals out our sweat glands an onto our skin. When those molecules get enough heat energy from our skin, they evaporate, effectively 'taking' that heat with them. This process is not 100% efficient, and is very dependent on the humidity of the environment. In a hot and humid environment, like a jungle, sweat just doesn't work very well to cool us off, and instead we end up with soaking wet clothing. This is why it's so important to wear fabrics that help that water evaporate as much as possible- which I'll get into later.<br>
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</div></div><a href="http://www.wayfinderali.com/2017/06/stay-cool-when-its-hot-as-outside.html#more">Keep Reading »</a>Wayfinder Alihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16236837136684241198noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2914027195716848621.post-7239113650728659112017-05-30T12:45:00.001-04:002017-12-15T09:08:33.534-05:00Werner Kalliste Review: A Sleek and Sexy Badass Blade<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjEEjKfuIArloKXI1vLNo2SpNV3bj3kMcrVE91sxvaklmIx9Bx6lfRK-lnd1bLS7WVdrZPFrW2v0dtkn3Tw9IygU6JRlXXB8yTh4jr8bKYzwjr9IagVjruIcuA31n0_dsXIG9uDPe2Juo/s1600/werner-kalliste-review-for-web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjEEjKfuIArloKXI1vLNo2SpNV3bj3kMcrVE91sxvaklmIx9Bx6lfRK-lnd1bLS7WVdrZPFrW2v0dtkn3Tw9IygU6JRlXXB8yTh4jr8bKYzwjr9IagVjruIcuA31n0_dsXIG9uDPe2Juo/s320/werner-kalliste-review-for-web.jpg" width="320"></a></div>
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The Kalliste by Werner Paddles is an elite performance, sleek and sexy carbon fiber paddle for low angle paddlers. This beauty will set you back about $400. Is it worth the money? Keep reading to find out why it's totally worth it.<br>
<b><br></b>
<b>Specs:</b><br>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><i>Shaft:</i> carbon fiber available straight or bent</li>
<li><i>Blades:</i> carbon fiber with foam core</li>
<li><i>Ferrule style:</i> 180 degree feathering adjustment right and left</li>
<li><i>Weight:</i> 23.25oz to 26 oz depending on length and shaft size/type</li>
</ul>
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<br>
<br>
<b>Features:</b><br>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><i>Foam core blades:</i> buoyant carbon fiber blades make each stroke smoother and lifting the blade out of the water at the end of the stroke effortless</li>
<li><i>Dihedral power face: </i>the three dimensional face of the blade eliminates the 'flutter' of the blade through the water which is present in paddles with smooth power faces. This makes your strokes more efficient and reduces wrist and arm strain. </li>
<li><i>Smooth back face: </i>a smooth back face makes for a smooth entry into and out of the water, unlike a fiberglass paddle which has a spine on the back face of the blade.</li>
<li><i>Smart view adjustable ferrule: </i>gives the look and feel of a single piece shaft with a tremendous range of feathering which allows you to adjust the feather to both your paddling style and wind. There is nothing to get caught on your clothes or gear, and you can alter the feathering quickly and easily on the water. I love the way it looks and feels like a single piece paddle.</li></ul></div><a href="http://www.wayfinderali.com/2017/05/werner-kalliste-review.html#more">Keep Reading »</a>Wayfinder Alihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16236837136684241198noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2914027195716848621.post-35641868013857652822017-05-23T10:56:00.001-04:002017-09-26T09:38:27.888-04:00The Captivating Mystery of Wilderness<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Wilderness is a refuge for the human spirit. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I look out over wild places and wonder at their mystery. What secrets lie hidden in the depths of the forest? </span></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">What will I discover around the next bend in the river, over the next precipice of mountain? </span></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">For every step I take and every discovery I make, there lie millions ahead yet to be discovered. </span></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">This is the magic of wilderness- that it both beckons us to explore, and yet no matter how far or deep we go, retains its mystery.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">-Wayfinder Ali</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></b>
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Wayfinder Alihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16236837136684241198noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2914027195716848621.post-63225842112450276132017-04-18T16:15:00.002-04:002018-06-06T01:20:25.573-04:00DIY Ultralight Adventure Travel First Aid Kit: Small Groups Multi-Day [Printable]<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigcp15rb5bZXFaqouYP9NFiGDXl6zQAn-T8T4FUOrimml0PLdvntQ9fddQD-k_nqJpUOl-92rLjuk3WNWdbKXYGakgRHifgh0s-K08lPmxNIipO96jdaLNPjTGWj7kVIyyZs_fo1-nL6k/s1600/Ultralight+First+Aid+Kit.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="lightweight travel first aid kit" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigcp15rb5bZXFaqouYP9NFiGDXl6zQAn-T8T4FUOrimml0PLdvntQ9fddQD-k_nqJpUOl-92rLjuk3WNWdbKXYGakgRHifgh0s-K08lPmxNIipO96jdaLNPjTGWj7kVIyyZs_fo1-nL6k/s320/Ultralight+First+Aid+Kit.PNG" title="" width="320"></a></div>
I never go anywhere without a medical kit. After many years of traveling internationally, my kit is now both comprehensive and as efficient as possible. As a Wilderness First Responder, I do not want to get caught in an emergency without the basics like gloves, gauze and a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KTKGPWI/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00KTKGPWI&linkCode=as2&tag=wayfali-20&linkId=2WOZD6JYCRN2JKS4"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Sam splint</span></a>.</div>
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<div style="font-size: 12pt;">
I want to make sure that I can properly care for myself and my companions. In this post I'll share with you what I bring and why.<br>
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The kit detailed in this post is for a group of around 4-6 people for up to a week-long trip.<br>
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<h3 style="font-size: 12pt; text-align: center;">
</h3>
<h3 style="font-size: 12pt; text-align: center;">
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</h3>
<h3 style="font-size: 12pt; text-align: center;">
Equip Your Mind: Knowledge is Paramount</h3>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; font-size: 12pt; margin-right: 1em;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbSi_eV_P_rugsWO3AZ81DTw3ihhe8wQPOTvWiMjuOVL1Ez8WQLkMZ-bCf3jP2u5BqGz1I0ovmP5u6bh76HUoeWX_2Nzf8DCzPqAmZW64hRgGfvUbFMXhIixwc8-khmbgmKIG2r4hNF9A/s1600/171903_10100790899423233_1835369221_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="spinal neck cervical stabilization sam splint wilderness first responder" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbSi_eV_P_rugsWO3AZ81DTw3ihhe8wQPOTvWiMjuOVL1Ez8WQLkMZ-bCf3jP2u5BqGz1I0ovmP5u6bh76HUoeWX_2Nzf8DCzPqAmZW64hRgGfvUbFMXhIixwc8-khmbgmKIG2r4hNF9A/s320/171903_10100790899423233_1835369221_o.jpg" title="" width="320"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">Learning about spine stabilization during my<br>
Wilderness First Responder course in UAE</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h4 style="font-size: 12pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><i>The best kit is useless if you don't know how to use its contents.</i> </span></h4>
<div style="font-size: 12pt;">
A medical professional can often save a life by improvising with whatever is at hand. The best way to prepare for any kind of emergency is to ready yourself with knowledge and practice.</div>
<div style="font-size: 12pt;">
<br></div>
<div style="font-size: 12pt;">
I recommend taking a <a href="http://www.wildmed.com/wilderness-medical-courses/advanced-first-aid/wilderness-advanced-first-aid/"><span style="color: #0b5394;">Wilderness Advanced First Aid</span></a> or <a href="https://www.wildmed.com/wilderness-medical-courses/first-response/wilderness-first-responder/"><span style="color: #0b5394;">Wilderness First Responder</span></a> class before traveling. WAFA is a comprehensive course that gives you the tools and mindset you need to handle medical emergencies in any environment. If you're planning a water-based adventure, take a lifeguarding class in addition to WAFA. If WAFA is too expensive, consider the basic <a href="http://www.wildmed.com/wilderness-medical-courses/first-aid/wilderness-first-aid/"><span style="color: #0b5394;">Wilderness First Aid</span></a> course.</div>
<div style="font-size: 12pt;">
<br></div>
<div style="font-size: 12pt; text-align: center;">
<i>Wilderness Medical Organizations</i></div>
<div style="font-size: 12pt;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; font-size: 12pt; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQxKnCwhlSQCVHhCfJOuQFeKH3Syo_g8QmHxb_Xvl6cmgUPQfqpzx2U3rdbNwPULJfuwYWcDH3m6YYAhuEO9pcb-ZUUacp9JazARbxFH58Wxu81LBXkVDsCk-M6Z1uVeSEMkH8v10uj7U/s1600/SOLO-Logo.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQxKnCwhlSQCVHhCfJOuQFeKH3Syo_g8QmHxb_Xvl6cmgUPQfqpzx2U3rdbNwPULJfuwYWcDH3m6YYAhuEO9pcb-ZUUacp9JazARbxFH58Wxu81LBXkVDsCk-M6Z1uVeSEMkH8v10uj7U/s200/SOLO-Logo.gif" width="154"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://soloschools.com/"><span style="color: #0b5394;">Solo Wilderness Medicine</span></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<i></i><br>
<i></i></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; font-size: 12pt; margin-right: 1em;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhghyphenhyphennPufIkXJM56AKxF1ejirfQyLTRb_0CZijQpgYF8rE8m51Mlm2HMYyWTgzi3Pq9xGfimGaKpKOyoVtaGkmYQ0aSpjpuTvoK4LtuRPU1_WkiKd33MJCi9RrRq-zJKPmnlffSg9pCVj8/s1600/wilderness-medical-associates-international-logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhghyphenhyphennPufIkXJM56AKxF1ejirfQyLTRb_0CZijQpgYF8rE8m51Mlm2HMYyWTgzi3Pq9xGfimGaKpKOyoVtaGkmYQ0aSpjpuTvoK4LtuRPU1_WkiKd33MJCi9RrRq-zJKPmnlffSg9pCVj8/s1600/wilderness-medical-associates-international-logo.jpg"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.wildmed.com/"><span style="color: #0b5394;">Wilderness Medical Associates</span></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div style="font-size: 12pt; text-align: left;">
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<br>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; orphans: 2; padding: 6px; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><tbody>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLPgJGj94BBmdO7E07Qy_s_AG-cTC7BaBj7r_5B2JksootD_Elgd0-kX9RmrJjQUzcSc1H49clU0cv0CU2se1Q5Q6kXHy9L6tU3lSurBrovow0rcLg6LNjmawEC3_ZURGnFvWOBI9b6Ko/s1600/wmi_logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLPgJGj94BBmdO7E07Qy_s_AG-cTC7BaBj7r_5B2JksootD_Elgd0-kX9RmrJjQUzcSc1H49clU0cv0CU2se1Q5Q6kXHy9L6tU3lSurBrovow0rcLg6LNjmawEC3_ZURGnFvWOBI9b6Ko/s200/wmi_logo.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="200"></a></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin: 0px;">
<a href="http://www.nols.edu/wmi/"><span style="color: #0b5394;">Wilderness Medical Institute</span></a></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br></b></div>
<div style="font-size: 12pt;">
<br></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX4_0HCqQKTxKa2EjOe5sUzK_FXFkZSyCQI6RUwciH8UXz0elSJItWQiRUAjypg4MovORgtJE6jpiYZiKlBjZaLNLAcV01rr47r3xBGIKbv1DkqY5JBdeAf2GAJTjEtP1y1fhLiUz0IHE/s1600/Adventure-medical-kits-weekender-first-aid-kit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX4_0HCqQKTxKa2EjOe5sUzK_FXFkZSyCQI6RUwciH8UXz0elSJItWQiRUAjypg4MovORgtJE6jpiYZiKlBjZaLNLAcV01rr47r3xBGIKbv1DkqY5JBdeAf2GAJTjEtP1y1fhLiUz0IHE/s320/Adventure-medical-kits-weekender-first-aid-kit.jpg" width="320"></a></div>
<h3 style="font-size: 12pt;">
<b>Pre-stocked Kits</b></h3>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I never buy pre-stocked kits because they are so pricey. I can stock a kit with what I want and need for much less money. A pre-stocked kit is a great </span><i style="font-size: 12pt;">starting point</i><span style="font-size: 12pt;">. It will equip you with the basics and is typically stocked based on trip size and duration which is incredibly helpful. If you choose this route, grab a pre-stocked kit that fits your trip size and duration, then customize it for your specific trip. For pre-stocked kits, I recommend the </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000G7YIL4/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000G7YIL4&linkCode=as2&tag=wayfali-20&linkId=GM6W5FGNPDMSDCZM" style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">Adventure Medical Kit</span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> brand. They come in <i>absolutely the best </i>bags. The bag unfolds to create a work space and they are very durable. Stay away from Wal-Mart and Target kits because they are made for use in the front country where quality care is close by. </span></span>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br></span></span> <span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br></span></span>
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<div>
<b>Things to consider when packing your kit:</b></div>
<ul style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<li><i>Group Size-</i> More people = more problems. You will need more of everything. If someone has a high fever, you'll go through Tylenol (acetaminophen) very quickly.</li>
<li style="margin-top: 10px;"><i>Trip Duration- </i>longer trips mean more potential for sickness and injury</li>
<li style="margin-top: 10px;"><i>Trip Location-</i> Will you have access to quality health care where you are heading? How far removed from that medical care will you be? Are there lots of pharmacies where you can restock? It is a smart idea to bring broad spectrum antibiotics to third world countries where they may be hard to find or fake. Some people even bring their own IV kits to places where contaminated needles are prevalent.</li>
<li style="margin-top: 10px;"><i>Planned activities-</i> Going snorkeling? Bring tweezers and vinegar for sea urchins and jellyfish. Hikers need more moleskin and splinting supplies. Everyone heading to third world countries should bring extra re-hydration salts for food poisoning. High altitude trekkers should have detailed knowledge of altitude illness and stock their kit with Diamox</li>
<li style="margin-top: 10px;"><i>Pre-existing conditions- </i>Prone to motion sickness? Bring extra Dramamine. Pre-existing conditions often worsen during times of stress. Ensure all travelers have extras of their prescription medications. Plan ahead for dealing with flare ups of issues like heart conditions, joint injuries, and diabetes. </li>
</ul>
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</div></div><a href="http://www.wayfinderali.com/2017/04/diy-ultralight-adventure-travel-first.html#more">Keep Reading »</a>Wayfinder Alihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16236837136684241198noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2914027195716848621.post-9739174887354652402016-12-06T13:56:00.000-05:002017-05-01T12:12:59.326-04:00Inshallah - The Arabic Word the West Needs<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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**Please realize that I am not Muslim, and do not speak for Muslims, nor am I attempting to do so. This is <i>my</i> experience and relationship as an atheist western woman with an inherently religious Arabic word. **<br>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDpI2XznIywEdRGpVUO21ZbN9jwcr2YxSyyTYRz_1Qp1Aj5I_LeetIAR6CZB58hmIIjWWQn7SIsPHH5VibeMHjJyzURcpiAArJIErY3WJBKH3ldskjWnnIFkYZUFQuDduO51a5OI33jyU/s1600/Inshallah.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDpI2XznIywEdRGpVUO21ZbN9jwcr2YxSyyTYRz_1Qp1Aj5I_LeetIAR6CZB58hmIIjWWQn7SIsPHH5VibeMHjJyzURcpiAArJIErY3WJBKH3ldskjWnnIFkYZUFQuDduO51a5OI33jyU/s320/Inshallah.gif" width="320"></a></div>
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It is my personal experience and belief that we in the West would benefit from the daily reminder of a word like Inshallah. I have come to really love the word, even though I am not Muslim. Before I get into how we could benefit from using this word in our own conversations, let's look at its meaning and context.<br>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEuNTPvomHg4A5uRSd-xMHoPx_S46trllx1VA8QaTUiqKarG5Co_toelbH8K3q5GEl1w9By88WC3LjH3AHIwNC1c7xN94wbaYGkjvpnA2GuPVzYsR4PEZm5rSGXokbmPMYgrBoixchwDc/s1600/inshallah2.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEuNTPvomHg4A5uRSd-xMHoPx_S46trllx1VA8QaTUiqKarG5Co_toelbH8K3q5GEl1w9By88WC3LjH3AHIwNC1c7xN94wbaYGkjvpnA2GuPVzYsR4PEZm5rSGXokbmPMYgrBoixchwDc/s1600/inshallah2.gif"></a>Inshallah, translated literally, means 'God willing' or 'if God wills it.' It is meant to be used seriously, when you truly hope something will happen. An example of this use might be when speaking about a loved one who is ill.<br>
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In modern language, it is used in this way, as well as more liberally as punctuation and in jest. For example, if a child asks his parent if they can go to get ice cream, the parent might say inshallah (translation: probably not)<br>
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There are similar words in other languages. Spanish, for example has its own word that was borrowed from Inshallah- Ojalá. In the formal sense, it means God willing, informally it means hopefully.<br>
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My relationship with this word did not begin as rosy as it is now. When I lived in UAE and Oman, I flip flopped between being pissed off and emboldened by it.<br>
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