Garmin InReach Mini
With some pressure from my daughter and a couple others close to me, I caved in and purchased the Garmin InReach Mini.
There’s not much I can say beyond what you’ve probably already read elsewhere or whats available at the link above.
I would like to address a few things in regard to the emergency use of these devices:
First and foremost – Ensure that you are indeed in an emergency!
If you can not self-rescue then hit that button!!! But be damn sure that it’s an emergency, please! When you start a search by sending that SOS, you are in fact putting others lives in danger. People will indeed be coming to help you, but given terrain, weather and more you are putting others at risk.
There’s the argument that yes, they signed up for this as a part of their paid (or volunteer) time on that rescue department, Search And Rescue team or whatever agency they are with. However, your inability to care for yourself in a non-life-threatening emergency should *never* endanger others.
I realize that’s a little blunt and borders on callousness, but if you look at the realities involved I think you’ll understand.
You should always attempt self-rescue in non-life-threatening situations.
Learn basic back country/wilderness first aid! Learn First Aid period! Take CPR courses! If you’re an REI member (if not, join!) check out your local store or their website for Wilderness Medicine courses.
Feeling more adventurous? Search for Wilderness Medical training.There’s tons of it available from multiple entities. If you’re a Basic, Intermediate EMT or Paramedic, then you’re off to a good start, but still have a lot to learn. ALS in a city is a whole different scenario than back country ALS.
Railbiking?
OK, how cool is this? I’d probably have a heart attack 🙂 This just looks like it would be an epic adventure.
Random Rambling
What’s your plan for the weekend?
Mine is nothing special, but I do plan on heading out Saturday to fish somewhere, play with my new Kovea Spider to make a Coffee and lunch…
Speaking of stoves, do you camp or cook outdoors while out and about? What’s your favorite way of generating cooking temps?
I’ve always been partial to alcohol stoves because well, other than below freezing temps, they just plain work. No fuss, no muss. One of my favorites is and will probably always be the Fancy Feast (Fancee Feest) stove. Simplicity in itself, you can build them or buy them. For longer cooking, the Trangia systems are hard to beat! A bit bulky for daily carry, but car campers rejoice! It’s perfect.
I’ll plan on doing some stove write ups and/or videos soon too.
Have any ideas for articles? Want to create an article? Comment away!
Hammock Use and Camping Pt. II
And we’re back for part II!
A few general rules:
- Don’t hang any higher than you are willing to fall!
- Always use an underquilt (unless it’s 100 degrees and dead calm with no winds). Convective heat loss will make you cold.
- Have fun! Even miserable experiences bring lasting memories.
Pads, underquilt or other wind blocks/warming aids will make the experience much more enjoyable.
Learning the correct knots will help stop a fall.
And now, more Shug:
Here’s a Shug playlist on knots and more:
Hammock Use and Camping
Funny thing this morning, I’d intended to make a post this week about beginning hammock camping (setup and other basic info) and another blog I read had done the exact same post today!
I debated on just skipping it for a few weeks, but what the hell…
I’ve enjoyed hammocks on and off for many years and find them to be a super way to just chill out though I’ve yet to find “the perfect hammock” that will allow me to get a full nights sleep undisturbed.
A great primer from Sean (Shug) Emery is below. If you’re new to hammocking or just looking for someone to watch and learn from as far as hammock camping, hiking and etc., Shug is definitely worth following on YouTube! Shug’s videos run to range of hiking and more. Including food (meals), alcohol stoves and more. I’m particularly fond of the videos he does with his buddy Kent (A.K.A. Hickory, they’ve been friends since childhood and it shows). Always good for a laugh – watch out for the Maple King!
In the future I’ll delve a bit more into hammocking as both an alternative to ground dwelling (tents) and a way to chill streamside during hotter summer days.
Finally Coming Online
So I decided to just throw the blog up and online. It won’t work/do anything until I actually use it!
I kept setting up themes and poking until it was “perfect”. It’ll never be perfect!
More posts soon!
Looking for:
- Guest Posters/Bloggers
- Trip Reports
- Short stories (fishing/outdoors related)
- Gear Reviews
Input welcomed!
Rick