outdoors

Fun Remote Hiking

/ Robert Bruton / Leave a comment

Remote hiking can be a thrilling and rewarding experience, but it’s essential to be prepared and take specific safety measures to ensure a successful and enjoyable trip. Here are some things to consider when planning a small hike:

  1. Pack the right gear: Bring all the necessary equipment and supplies, such as a map and compass, a first aid kit, plenty of water and high-energy snacks, a flashlight or headlamp, and appropriate clothing and footwear. In addition, consider bringing a satellite phone or personal locator beacon for emergency communication.
  2. Tell someone your plan: It’s always a good idea to let someone know your hiking route and the estimated return time. Just in case you need help with search and rescue efforts in the unlikely event that you become lost or injured.
  3. Please stay on the trail: It can be tempting to stray from the marked trail to explore, but it’s crucial to stay on the designated path to avoid getting lost and damaging the natural environment.
  4. Be aware of your surroundings: Pay attention to your surroundings and any potential hazards, such as steep drop-offs, wildlife, or unstable terrain.
  5. Take breaks and pace yourself: It’s important to pace yourself and take regular intervals to avoid exhaustion. Drink plenty of water, stay hydrated, and be mindful of the signs of heat stroke or hypothermia.
  6. Respect the wilderness: Leave no trace by packing out all trash, and be mindful of your impact on the natural environment.

By following these guidelines and being prepared, you can enjoy a safe and enjoyable remote hiking experience.

picturesque thorsmork mountain ridge covered with moss and volcanic ash
Photo by ArtHouse Studio on Pexels.com

Five awesome hikes:

  1. The Kalalau Trail on Kauai, Hawaii: This 11-mile trail takes hikers through the lush, tropical landscape of the Napali Coast State Wilderness Park. The trail offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the chance to spot a variety of rare plants and wildlife.
  2. The Pacific Crest Trail: This 2,650-mile trail stretches from Mexico to Canada through California, Oregon, and Washington. It offers a diverse range of landscapes, from desert to mountain, and takes approximately four to six months to complete.
  3. The Appalachian Trail: This 2,190-mile trail runs from Georgia to Maine and is known for its challenging terrain and beautiful vistas. Hikers can expect to see a variety of wildlife, including black bears and moose, as well as a diverse range of plant life.
  4. The John Muir Trail: This 211-mile trail runs through the Sierra Nevada mountain range in California and is named after the famous naturalist and conservationist John Muir. The trail offers breathtaking views of some of the tallest peaks in the continental United States, including Mount Whitney.
  5. The Camino de Santiago: This 500-mile trail runs through the beautiful countryside of Spain and is popular with hikers and pilgrims alike. Along the way, hikers will have the opportunity to visit historic towns and villages and enjoy the region’s delicious food and wine.

Overall, these five trails offer some of the best remote hiking experiences in the world, with beautiful landscapes, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural histories. Depending upon whether you are looking for a short, week-long hike or a multi-month trek, there is a trail on this list that suits your needs.

Hiking in the Wilderness Solo

/ Robert Bruton / Leave a comment

Hiking in the wilderness alone can be an enriching experience. It allows for solitude, introspection, and connection with nature. However, being prepared and aware of the potential risks and dangers of being alone in the wilderness is essential.

Before embarking on a solo hike, it is essential to plan and prepare, including researching the trail and weather conditions, packing critical supplies, and letting someone know your itinerary. In addition, understanding wilderness survival skills are vital, such as finding shelter and water, building a fire, and navigating with a map and compass.

When hiking alone, it is crucial to be mindful of your surroundings and to stay alert. Be aware of potential hazards, such as wildlife or unstable terrain, and take necessary precautions. It is also a good idea to bring a personal safety device, such as a whistle or bear horn, in an emergency.

waterfalls in forest
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It is also important to be respectful of the wilderness and to leave no trace. It also means being mindful of your environmental impact and following Leave No Trace principles, such as disposing of waste properly and respecting wildlife.

In addition to the practical considerations, solo hiking can also provide an opportunity for personal growth and self-discovery. Being alone in the wilderness allows for reflection and can help to increase self-reliance and confidence. It can also be a chance to disconnect from technology and daily life’s distractions and connect with nature and oneself.

Overall, solo hiking in the wilderness can be a rewarding experience, but it is crucial to be prepared and aware of the potential risks and to respect nature. By taking the necessary precautions and being mindful of your surroundings, you can have a safe and enjoyable solo hike in the wilderness.

Beef Stew Recipe for Open Campfire

/ Robert Bruton / Leave a comment

Beef stew cooked on a campfire:

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound beef stew meat
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 3 carrots, sliced
  • 3 stalks celery, sliced
  • 1 large potato, diced
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 cup red wine
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

  1. Start a campfire and let it burn down to a bed of hot coals.
  2. Heat a little oil over the coals in a large, heavy-bottomed pot.
  3. Add the beef stew meat and cook until browned on all sides.
  4. Add the onions, carrots, celery, and potato to the pot and cook for a few more minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
  5. Pour in the beef broth, red wine, and tomato paste. Add the thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf—season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for 1-2 hours or until the beef is tender.
  7. Remove the bay leaf and serve the stew hot. Enjoy!

Note: You can also add other vegetables to the stew, such as peas, green beans, or bell peppers. If you want a thicker stew, you can mix together a little flour and water to create a slurry and stir it into the stew to thicken it up.

burning wood on fire pit
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Camping with Pets

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Camping with pets can be a fun and rewarding experience for you and your furry friend. Not only does it allow you to spend quality time together in the great outdoors, but it also allows your pet to explore new surroundings and get some exercise. However, it’s essential to keep in mind that camping with pets requires a little extra planning and consideration to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip for all involved.

First and foremost, ensure that your pet is up to the camping task. Some pets, especially older or smaller animals, may be unable to handle the physical demands of hiking or spending long periods in a tent. If you’re unsure whether your pet is fit for camping, consult your veterinarian or consider taking a shorter, more leisurely trip to test the waters.

Once you’ve determined that your pet is ready for a camping adventure, planning is essential. Research the campsite or national park you’ll be visiting to see if they have any specific rules or regulations regarding pets. Some camps may not allow pets or may have restrictions on where they can go or what they can do. It’s also a good idea to check with the local ranger station or park headquarters to discover any potential hazards, such as wildlife or poisonous plants, that your pet might encounter.

When packing for your trip, don’t forget to bring all the necessary supplies for your pet, including food, water, a leash, a collar with identification tags, and any medications they may be taking. It’s also a good idea to bring a portable water dish and a few plastic bags for waste disposal. If you spend a long outdoors, consider investing in a portable shade shelter or canopy to protect your pet from the sun.

Once you arrive at the campsite, keep your pet on a leash. Not only is this a requirement at many camps, but it’s also essential for the safety of your pet and other campers. It’s also a good idea to keep a close eye on your pet and ensure they don’t get into trouble, such as chasing after wildlife or eating something they shouldn’t.

Camping with pets can be a fun and rewarding experience for you and your furry friend as long as you plan and take the necessary precautions. You can ensure a safe and enjoyable trip for all involved with extra planning and consideration.

Five suggestions for safe camping with pets:

  1. Leash laws and campsite rules: Many campsites and national parks have specific rules and regulations regarding pets, including leash laws and designated areas where pets are allowed. It’s essential to familiarize yourself with these rules and follow them to ensure your pet’s and other campers’ safety.
  2. Wildlife: Camping in the great outdoors means you and your pet may encounter wildlife, such as bears, snakes, or other potentially dangerous animals. It’s important to keep your pet on a leash and closely supervise them to prevent them from getting into any trouble.
  3. Poisonous plants: Some plants, such as poison ivy or oak, can be harmful to pets if ingested or if they come into contact with their skin. It’s important to familiarize yourself with the plants that grow in the area you’ll be camping in and take precautions to prevent your pet from coming into contact with them.
  4. Heat exhaustion: If camping in hot weather, it’s vital to ensure your pet stays hydrated and has access to shade. Signs of heat exhaustion in pets include heavy panting, lethargy, and loss of appetite. If you notice any of these signs, it’s essential to provide your pet with water and a fantastic place to rest and seek veterinary care if necessary.
  5. Water safety: If you are near a body of water, keep a close eye on your pet and prevent them from drinking or swimming in any potentially contaminated water. It’s also a good idea to bring a portable water dish and plenty of fresh water to keep your pet hydrated during the trip.

Have fun with your fur babies!

a dog standing on the ground
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The Only Happy Resources You Will Ever Need

/ Robert Bruton / Leave a comment

We all want to be happy! Duh!!!!!

The real monkey wrench is most folks are not. Happy is some now-and-again thing. Smiling is a choice we get to make every waking moment of life. Happy, or sad it’s our decision.

A choice to be happy, yes I can hear so many screaming “I want to be happy you as@ but I can’t” because of this or that. YES, dear friends, you can make a choice to be happy in the middle of adversity! You only need some tools to draw from.

self help, happy, freedom

With a bit of reconditioning ourselves, we can learn to smile amid adversity. No, I am not saying you should say, “Oh boy, I just lost my relationship to a cheating so-and-so.” What I am suggesting is the response could be something more, “thank God; this person is out of my life to make room for someone right for me.”

How we internalize our pain will determine if we live depressed or we live with a free heart. Easier said than done, you say? Not if you recondition yourself for happiness. How you say?

Let’s see, this is in no particular order:

  1. Meditate daily. Learn to meditate to quiet your mind. Your practice will help you find inner peace. Armed with inner peace life’s trials and tribulations will roll off your back.
  2. A spiritual connection with your God, higher power, or whom you call God.
  3. Faith, unwavering faith that no matter how hard you get kicked in the gut. Standing up facing adversity with a power you find when you stay in faith. Knowing in your heart that even if you’re at the brink of destruction, God’s hand will reach in and pull you out. “Now, faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”– Hebrews 11:1
  4. Gratitude is the cornerstone of life. If you cannot find appreciation, you need a spiritual cleanse. We all can find recognition. If your children woke up this morning healthy, imagine the parents who’re children are fighting for their lives today. If you drove to work, imagine having to ride the bus today in the cold. See my point we all have something to be grateful for! Always!!!
  5. Prayer, make it a part of every day. First, don’t beg “please God just get me through this.” God knows what you need, go to him confess what you need to admit to him. Repent of your sins. Then thank him for the favor he shows in your life. “Thank you, God, for my healing favor” “Thank you, God, for my financial favor” ” Thank you, God, for my beautiful relationships.” Talk to God as you would a friend!
  6. Make time for you. This needs to be in the form of a walk outdoors. Get to a park, hiking trail, your neighborhood, just find a place that you can get outside. Why? Walking helps you relieve tension. Further, you can enjoy some fresh air, look around you, and experience nature. Get outside yourself, if only for a moment!

These are six things that if you immerse your life into the practice of, you can find happiness. When you learn to relax, let go physically with Yoga, walking, let go emotionally via meditation, prayer, then you can draw happiness at will.

Let go of the past. If you’re hanging onto the past, let that shi^ go! The rear-view mirror gives you a focused view backward. What that means to you, a constant look at the garbage that you need to leave at the dump. There is a reason the front window is significant, and the rear window is small. What’s ahead of you is FAR more important than what’s behind you!

No matter what your state-of-mind is today. Start! Begin the process of training your noodle to embrace happily. All it takes is retraining our mind to embrace happily. Start right now by throwing your shoulders back, putting a smile on your face and say, “today is my day!” Congratulations you took the first step, KEEP GOING!!!

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