Finally Took the Camera Along

[Brian Andrews]

I have been out in the woods quite a bit lately. However, I find it hard to leave the kiddies behind. One or both of them has been going with me lately. Which can mean lots of food, extra clothes, even diapers. So, with all the extra "stuff" the camera has been staying behind.

Today, me and my boy made it out, and I took the camera. Usually at this time of year, we would be out under the pretense of "hunting squirrels" : ) But today, I left the rifle behind because I wanted to cover some distance, and I knew that would mean a 6 year old on my shoulders for a mile or two.

So, here are the pics:

My son at the start of the trail head.

Some of the scenery.

Very nice colors right now. I just love the smell of the woods this time of year.

Since this was new stompin ground, I actually paid attention to the map and compass. You can see the two spots I marked. To the far right, were the truck was at, and to the left, a bridge over the river that I wanted to make it to.

We made it to the river, and it was a good place to stop.

This river is very popular for canoeing. At the bridge, there was a man-made waterfall, so they provided portage docks on both sides. That is what we are hanging out on.

Being that it is not THAT cold, I figured we didn't need the whole thermos of hot chocolate. So, I took my trangia, and was already planning on having the Kleen Kanteen and cup.

More river.

To be continued......

 

[Brian Andrews]

The bridge is actually closer to a road then where we started, and they had this cool sign there.

The trailhead starting back.

We took a longer way back, and had to stop and hang out for a bit. Here is my big man practicing his whittling.

Here is the new pack my honey bought me. I have had it about a week now, and this is its 3rd time out. I already have a Condor, but I really like this one.

Overall, it is smaller than the Condor, but there is plenty of room and I like multiple compartments. It seems that everything gets "lost" in the big compartment of my Condor.

Our outer clothes and my PSK.

I also like how the main comportment opens up ALL the way.

There is even room for my favorite tool : )

Fiddleback on the side, in Jeff H kydex.

To be continued again.....

 

[myright]

Great pics - What kind of knife does your son have on his belt?

 

[Brian Andrews]

She also got me the bottle holder.

I have found the 40oz Kleen Kanteen with GSI cup works really well in the bottle holder. When it is attached to the bag like this, it is not a big deal, because the bottle has to come out anyway. However, I have used this quite a bit alone and a Nalgene or Guyot is shorter and the rim sits below the opening. The Kleen mouth is high enough that the bottle doesn't have to be removed. However, the ring cap doesn't fit. So, my favorite is the 40 oz KK, with flat top.

More cool stuff. Even with 1 or 2 extra layers on, getting a knife on the belt can be a pain. With some help from folks here, I made a paracord baldric. This isn't the fancy knot style, but it is quick to tie up, is unraveled just by pulling, and best of all, contains about 50 foot of emergency paracord. It works out well, and I almost forget it is there.

Besides my knife, I have my compass (in case) and my leather pouch from mtnfolk mike. I have put fire fixins in the leather case. Waxed jute and a nice piece of fat wood.

My boy didn't want me to have all the picture taking fun, so he wanted to take one of me.

Finally, one of us together.

It was a GREAT day to be out in the woods. We spent quite some time out, and the fresh air made him fall asleep in the truck on the way home : )

Thanks for putting up with the LONG post.

B

 

[Brian Andrews]

Great pics - What kind of knife does your son have on his belt?

It is a bark river classic lite hunter. Great little knife. He "claimed" that one quite some time ago.

 

[Millhouse]

Great pics. Love the Autumn colours.

 

[Farnsrocket]

Great pics!!

 

[ROCK6]

Great looking boy Brian! Looks like you guys had a great day out...and you gotta love the wife for the toys she got for you:thumbup:

ROCK6

 

[Rupestris]

Great pics Brian!

If you hadn't posted the pic of the map I'd have thought you were much further up north. I haven't been to that area in a couple years. I've canoed it a couple times and know of the portage docks you were at.

Awsome stuff! Keep it up :thumbup:.

 

[Mack]

Great pics. I wish I could get home so I could do the same.

 

[Mike Fitz]

Great pictures! I'm at the point (once again) where I'm thinking about moving from the Pygmy Falcon II to something larger to hold more stuff. Glad to hear you're liking your Falcon II better than the Condor, makes my decision easier. I've got 2 bigger Osprey bags, but I like pockets on the outside and in, so the Maxpedition stuff is what I usually use. At least with the Falcon II, it looks like there's enough room to attach my GB Small Forest Axe on the side.

Thanks for sharing!

 

[jds1]

Nice pics Brian. Today was an awesome day for Michigan woodswalking. :thumbup:

Jeff

 

[Brian Andrews]

Thanks for the comments guys :thumbup:

If you hadn't posted the pic of the map I'd have thought you were much further up north.

My first couple years in this area, I just plain ignored this area thinking that I always had to "get away" further. Then, I went canoeing out there. It is actually a really magical spot. There are lots of places that make you feel like you are "up north" a lot farther, including some of the nice woods we were in.

I couldn't get up north this weekend, so this is one of my "quick fix" spots

 

[DOC-CANADA]

Hey briang,

Really nice pictures. Really captured the essence of fall in our neck of the woods.

I guess when your son laid claim to the Bark River, that also included one of your hats?

Doc

 

[Rupestris]

I couldn't get up north this weekend, so this is one of my "quick fix" spots

Yep. Just got a "quick fix" spot myself. Its out in Waterloo, Jackson Co. Just past Chelsea. rediscovering these close-to-home spots has helped me a ton when it comes to getting a little away time.

 

[Brian Andrews]

Yep. Just got a "quick fix" spot myself. Its out in Waterloo, Jackson Co. Just past Chelsea.

I will be out there all weekend next weekend

 

[pitdog]

Great pics there buddy, your son looks quite the adventurer already !!!

Great gear you have as well, thanks for showing us !!!!!

 

[udtjim]

Mighty nice shots. Just yesterday (it seems) my kids were 8,9 and 10. Today they are 37,38 and 39. Where did those years go? Enjoy them, they just don't last.

 

[kgd]

Nice pictures Brian. Thanks for sharing them.

 

[mtnfolk mike]

awesome pics brian...:thumbup: the little dude is loving every minute of it.. i love his little barkie knife too..

i'm glad that you're liking the pouch i made you... those are some great pics.. thanks for putting those up..