March 23, 2023

A quick getaway, Stopped at my brother’s Blowing Rock home and racked and cleaned gutters, went for a ride on the BRP, then headed to teh woods…. our favorite spot was taken, so this was the second choice. I like how without leaves you can see the mountains.

These are my cheap Walmart traction mats. I took my Maxtrax off the roof when I installed my solar panel and haven’t found a home for them yet, but right after, I helped a girl who drove over a curb and her wheel dropped into a hole and was sitting on her car’s frame. If I still had the MaxTrax, I would have had her free in minutes, instead I had to rummage through the woods for rocks and discarded wood chunks. I know it’s popular to make fun of trucks with all the “overland” gear strapped on, But if you know how to use it and willing to help people, it is useful and I was pissed I didn’t have mine that day. Anyway, I needed to raise the left front more than the height of this wood, so I ramped up for a level sleeping bed.

Feb. 24, 2023

A morning kayak and a look at our camp spot.

As we paddled, I kept looking at these rocks… wonder if I could be a first assent?

It’s a heart and maybe the Aries symbol

Feb. 23, 2023

An anniversary camping trip

The first place we wanted to set up, just as we moved in, a fisherman showed up, even offered us $100 if he could have the spot (must be a hell of a honey hole) we let him have the spot, didn’t take his money and headed out for a late paddle.

A peaceful evening

Dec. 31, 2022

I am glad 2022 is over, it’s been a year of change and loss. I miss loved ones I lost everyday. Please let 2023 be a better year.

Last year for Christmas a friend and I decided to get Apple Watches as a training tool. This is the first time I have looked at my yearly totals.  

Cycling – 1,385 miles, mostly off-road. This was the first year in maybe 20 I didn’t race once, so I feel this total is low to normal years.

Running – 48 miles. Not much but I only started running again 6 weeks ago, so I can live with those numbers.

Walking – 106 miles. These are mostly short walks with Kodak or on my lunch break.

Hiking – 106 miles. I did the math twice, to count as a hike, it had to be in the woods and on a trail.  It’s funny the mileage was teh exact same.

Tennis – 75 hours. 

The rest – Too lazy to do the math, but climbing, weights, yoga, indoor cycling, and the other odd things I did. 

Oct. 20, 2022

A quick trip to the mountains, search for fall colors and peace.

The color near Boone was past peak, so we headed south…

A loved the beam of light

Found a campsite off Old NC 105, very peaceful, not one vehicle past us from 7pm till 9am

Is there a better camp meal than Cincinnati Chili?

Aug. 4, 2022

I had no idea Biscuitville had dog treats, but Kodak approves!

Who goes camping without checking the forecast? This guy.

A fire, Northern Lights show inside the Flippac and a lightning show in the sky.

July 1, 2022

Camping with the McNabbs are days packed and great food. They fed us breakfast, we paddled, worked on a an axle, swam….

Dutch oven bread

and their version of shrimp boil

and every night ends with games.

June 30, 2022

Kerr Lake. Flippac + Eno = Perfect

Kodak was happy just to lay on me.

June 9, 2022

A beautiful day to ride on the Blue Ridge Parkway

Tailgate dinners are best. Steak stroganoff over ramen noodles and zucchini seasoned with soy sauce.

Awesome campsite, deep in the Pisgah Forest

May 18, 2022

Morning at camp