Episode One 5-minutes-with-jack

I listen to this guy...Jack Spirko, often on his podcast, "The Survival Podcast". I find him very imformative and thought provoking. I recently came across his videos on YouTube.

This commercial is hilarious

I saw this on TV and I must have rewound it 20 times on the DVR.

Scout Hike Follow-up

My last entry included a spot that I scouted that my son and I will hopefully go to set up a day camp and practice some camping and bushcraft skills.

The scene was so different looking than you see on the Scout Hike vids. It snowed about 4 days prior and after it snowed there was a day or so of freezing rain. It left a beautiful sight with snow covering the branches and pine boughs of so many trees. There was even tear drop shaped icicles in the water in this nature area along the riverbank. The snow was somewhat packed and real crunchy. Reminds me of if you would be walking in trail mix.

We looked around a bit and found some alternate trails that we want to explore when we come back. We were only there about 45 minutes and made a few snow balls but it was a lot of fun and a nice short experience with my son. It really made me look forward to trekking there in the future.

Scout Hike Part 1

Uploaded a short 3 part series of hiking vids. As I've said before this is a learning process and I welcome those so interested in learning as well to come along for the ride. I welcome your comments.

A Lesson in survival

The last couple of weeks, we had the horrific situation in northern Japan. A large 9.8 magnitude earthquake occurred in the Pacific Ocean causing a tremendous Tsunami.

The devastation was astounding. Since video cameras are so ubiquitous, there was amazing footage of the waves and subsequent aftershocks. The waves looked like something out of an old "B" movie. Watching wave after wave of water go across rural farm land and flow right into the cities, left me speechless. The sheer force of the water took houses, businesses, yachts, navy destroyers, cars, buses, everything along with it. It all was flowing unobstructed. It reminded me of two things.

Those old Godzilla movies, where I could see toy boat sloshing around in a fake scale harbor. It was so fake looking, but was photographed to look somewhat realistic. It also reminded me of some of the video footage that has been around so long of nuclear testing and the immense devastation that the blast and mushroom cloud would make. It looked just as if I was within the storm it self; as close as their cameras were to the waves.

I also saw a few segments by reporters after the water receded and cars were everywhere. There was even a boat precariously perched on top of a house.

This all made me think of preps and being prepared in general, including their necessity and if that would do any good in such a situation.

My wife and I saw a news story where the news anchor was talking with a Red Cross spokesperson. This man was discussing the importance of being prepared for a disaster and was showing a Red Cross emergency preparedness kit. The kit contained some basic first aid supplies, 3 days of survival food and packets of emergency water. My wife commented that that looked somewhat like the 72hr. packs that I made up for each member of our family.

It all made me ponder an important question. As a preparedness minded person, with 72hr. kits, storage food and water, survival skills...would you be prepared for something like what happened in Japan? With anything close to that level of destruction and mayhem, I believe the answer would be "no". And that includes all of us. No amount of preps can withstand a tidal wave that can move buildings and vehicles through a city.

Don't get me wrong, the need to prepare is still paramount. There are many other smaller disasters that can bring those systems to bear as well and we need to be ever vigilante in preparing for them.

This has made me do some thinking on preps though. If none of the skills, equipment or training can be used; the only thing left is your mind.

The mind is ever powerful. It can control your perceptions as well as your ability to handle adverse situations. It also controls how you will make choices. It reminded me of a quote from the Victor Frankl book, "Man's search for meaning."

"We who lived in concentration camps can remember the men who walked through the huts comforting others, giving away their last piece of bread. They may have been few in number, but they offer sufficient proof that everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms- to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances. to choose one's own way."

This passage was so profound for me and reminds me daily that no matter how difficult life may get, we can control at least one thing. That was evident in Nazi concentration camps and I've even seen it among the tirelessly strong people of Japan.

I saw a reporter interview a small family that was sitting among the ruins of their home and city eating a meal. After the reporter completed the interview, one man offered offered the reporter and her crew some food. That was amazing. Though I will never know that man, his generosity will always inspire me.

Koneechewa to all my friends in Japan. Take care and stay strong.

NeverQuitEver...out.

Charlie bit my finger - again !

This has been on the net for some time, but I love it. Whenever I might be feeling a little bummed in life this is a great video to cheer me up.

Todd Jarrett on pistol shooting.

This is an excellent video by one of the best shooters in the world. It shows many of the basics of shooting and will give any beginner or experienced shooter a good solid foundation to start their shooting experience or add to their battery of skills. I've learned many things to incorporate into my own shooting experiences.

NQE out.

First trip to Comerica Park and DetroitTigers Game for the Family

This is the first time we caught a Detroit Tigers Game at Comerica Park. I personally haven't been to see the Tigers since their last few years at Tiger Stadium at Michigan and Trumbull. It was a great atmosphere and everyone enjoyed themselves. I plan to setup another game day for us to attend in the summer of 2010. Compared to some other professional sports, I thought this was relatively reasonable in price.

Consider taking your family out to a great time at a local ball game. Your kids won't forget it and the memories can last forever.

NQE out.

Second Hike

I went on a second hike after enjoying the first one so much. I invited my wife and kids along and they really appeared to enjoy it as well. I took the time to explain some survival skills or preparedness techniques to them. It was the same short route, but the family really seemed to take to it.


 
Initially we checked out the visitor center and learned a little about different animals indigenous to this area.

After that previous successful hike we decided to take another one together. It was in the same nature preserve, but the route was about 3 times as long and much more diverse in scenery. As you can see the scenery is a bit more lush and green than the previous hike.

Actually this hike was long enough we sort of got tired...which I suppose is a good thing.








Afterwards, we went back to a picnic area and had lunch. I prepared everyone for what I had in mind for lunch. I wanted to try a freeze dried backpacking food, "Mountain House" meal and the Mountain Oven. We were quite intrigued at how the flameless oven worked and it heated up the meal quite well. We had a Chili Mac meal which other than tasting a bit salty which was expected, was pretty good.

We had a lot of enjoyment on these hikes and look forward to experiencing some others in many great places in the future.

Frankenmuth Balloon Village Competition and show Part 1

Frankenmuth Balloon Village Competition and show Part 1

One evening in early June 2010, I heard a news report on our local station about a Hot Air Balloon competition in a location about 25 miles from home. I looked the story up again on the stations' website and found the details. It indicated that there was a competition and that it would continue the next morning at 6:00am. While I figured that I'm never afraid of an early morning jaunt and decided to go there and take a look. It was in Frankenmuth, MI. As I got there they weren't even set up yet. I waited a few minutes and  I could see some of the competitors getting things together.

I was able to watch them setup the several of the balloons, inflate them and launch just over my head. It was great. I took a bit of video footage and pictures to hopefully give you a feel for what it was like. Enjoy.

How to Adjust Your Backpack Properly Video

I liked this video as it is pretty straight forward in explaining the different adjustments and straps on todays' modern internal framed backpacks. I have one and it didn't take long to realize that the companies don't put instructions with them because they assume that you already know what you're doing. Well for us neophytes this video is great. It showed me a lot of things about my backpack that it didn't know.

Speaking of things I didn't know...Last year I had planned on getting another pack because I wanted to get one that was hydration compatible. Well as I said this pack didn't come with any instructions so lo and behold when I watch a video on YouTube of a kid describing the same backpack, he says it is hydration compatible. WHO KNEW! He was right.

Just goes to show you that you can always learn new things. I guess that is what makes everyday new and interesting. You never know what's going to to come around the corner.

NQE out.

First Official Hike...well sort of.

Today I did something I've contemplated for some time. Well it's not real exciting to most folks, but I had a great time anyway. Approximately 10 miles from my home there is a County Park with an extensive amount of trails and gravel roads. As silly as it seems, I never took the plunge and went to this park and took off on a short hike. Well today that changed. Actually I had a great time and am looking forward to going back sometime soon and taking my son and possibly my daughters along with me. I might take my wife but she's not the outdoors type; so I'm not holding my breath on that one.

As I said earlier, I'm looking forward to going again soon. It was so quiet and serene. It felt perfect in so many ways. More to come.

NQE out.

Shotgun1

Another great vid by Hickok45 for shotguns. I'm a big fan of the Remington 870, but I thought this was a great look at some other types of shotguns and their uses. Wouldn't it be great to have a personal range like his. Take a look.

NQE out

Glock Top Models

I came across this guy (username: hickok45) today while looking up some videos on YouTube. I thought he had a very informative video on the different types of Glock and their different models and calibers. I really like the dependability and history of the Glock weapon systems and  I think they would be a great choice for concealed carry or home defense.

He offers some great detailed information about several types and would be a great assist to someone looking to purchase a Glock one day. Anyone looking for a dependable handgun should take a look at this great vid.

NQE out

It's Over

Although I'm not happy that Michigan State lost there bid to beat Butler and move on to the Championship game...one positive note is that I can go back to wearing the old Maize and Blue again :)

Take care all...NQE out.

I'm Torn

If you've been following college sports lately you may know that the NCAA mens basketball is coming to an end. As I write this, it is 2 days until the beginning of the final four. As per normal practice I am a die hard U of M fan. Michigan State is in the tournament and has been playing well and been quite enjoyable to watch. I live in the state of Michigan and can often be seen wearing this or that (U of M) apparel.

But I find myself at a perplexing moment in life. A moment that transcends all logic and reason. This is the "Final Four Zone."

The same situation went on 10 years ago when Michigan State not only went to the final four but won the whole darn thing. At that time I forced my self ;) to buy a Green and White Michigan State Hat and wear it in support. That hat has been hanging on my basement door ever since and now I find myself needing to wear it to support  the team from my home state again.

The other day my wife was talking with me and had to do a double take when she saw that hat on my head. She said its so strange not seeing me in a University of Michigan Hat. I try to consider myself supportive of the home team no matter where they are. Although this seems difficult and appears to be a betrayal to the Maize and Blue, I'm looking forward to donning my favorite college colors real soon. So to all those that may read this...put me in your thoughts. I will need all the positive energy any of you can send my way.

NQE Out ...and wearing a State hat :(

1 of 3: The Purpose, Planning and Packing your Bug-Out-Bag 1/3

This is the first in a 3 part series of a topic that I have found quite intriguing. I don't look at this as something to utilize only in the worst situations, but as something that can be used in the everyday type of life altering emergencies as well. Those could include, flood, power outages, etc. Take time to look at the entire series and see how it may work out for you. NQE out.

Refueling on the Run: Revisited

I was impressed at the ease of this refuel. If you check out this guys first video on refueling you can see the drastic, and I mean drastic difference in the ease of use. I've ordered two of these, several 5 gallon gas cans and a quart of Sta-bil fuel stabilizer. If the need ever presents itself, I feel more confident that I will be ready to move quickly and refuel safely. NQE out.

Time to go shooting.

I decided that today would be a good day to go to the range for a little target shooting. I call it target shooting and not training because as with most ranges, everything is static. No rapid fire, No drawing from a holster (Although they're not too strict about this depending on the holster type), and No movement.

I understand that this is all for safety sake, considering there are usually a mix of new and more seasoned shooters on the range at any given time. I'm currently looking for a location near my home where I can do some running and gunning type training. I have located a sportsmen's club within 30 minutes of home that practices IDPA. I may look into that in the near future. I've wanted to try my hand at some competitive shooting for some time. I'll give some updates on how this works out.


Take care,

NQE