michaelhobson

Way too much fat in most restaurant food. I have cut almost all oils out of my diet and am feeling better than ever.

Hello and welcome, from an old guy who still stops by once in a while.

We had a relaxing adventure on Big Wheeling Creek a couple of summers ago. Planning to do it again this year. This section of the creek runs through a few miles of completely uninhabited area. No roads, no houses, no people. Surprisingly, nobody tubes, kayaks or canoes this area. Oh well, all for us! Photos: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.88751442450.81761.553697450&l=1b6c63d4ae

Nice mountain! Hiking in Russia sounds great, maybe someday.

Thanks Lisa, it was just for fun. Intentionally jobless and homeless summer of '07, living out under the trees. My two youngest daughters don't remember it very well, hopefully we'll get to do it again.

Thanks for this thread. Love the outdoors and hearing about your adventures. I'm not a mileage junkie or peak bagger. I'm more likely to take the shortest trail to a waterfall, cave, swimming hole, panoramic view or whatever else is interesting. Love to hike rivers and creeks, rock-hopping, wading and swimming rather than following a trail. As for hot showers and clean sheets, I'm fine without them. Have lived outdoors for months at a time and never showered, just dipped in some creek, river, lake or ocean every day. I'm just as likely to sleep on the ground under the stars as to bother with a tent. My favorite was in New Mexico a couple of summers ago, sleeping on the ground in a thunderstorm, dozing in and out catching glimpses of the amazing light show in the sky. The best part was that by the time I got out of my sleeping bag, almost everything was completely dry including me. Gotta love the desert! We're planning some hiking and camping in Shenandoah National Park this summer. It's the park in Virginia where I first started hiking and backpacking over 20 years ago. Can't wait to share it with my wife and kids.

Bored with all the negative b.s. in the world, I popped in here looking for something positive. I found it! Thanks Yeti for your thoughtful and interesting post!

That's cool, our Loving Hut is not cheap at all. It's the most expensive place we eat. They also charge for things you did not order, have to watch your bill carefully. I only use cash now too after they double charged our credit card.

Commented and posted to my Facebook wall. Thanks BW.

I never win drawings. Definitely go for the guarantee.

Damn! I'm glad you understand that! I've been "nesting" like a frickin squirrel, trying to get the home ready for winter. The cold nights give me a bit of a sick feeling in my stomach. It rained most of the day Monday, was dark and gray out all day and I really felt it. I picked up my little white LED flashlight and shined it right in my eyes, instant endorphin rush. Holy crap, I really need one of those SAD lights!!! Good to hear you're staying sober! I'm still off the coffee and all caffeine, has been hard these past couple of weeks as I've been temping in an office where everyone is sucking down the coffee like it was oxygen!

LL. have you ever met or heard of this guy? http://zerocurrency.blogspot.com/ He is based out of Utah, but spends a good bit of time in Portland as well. He has lived completely without money for 8 years.

Loving New Mexico, spent a couple of weeks there this summer. Welcome to the forum!

Phew, I was worried for a minute. Thought you were referring to my personal grooming habits!

Damn Tom, that is deep. I'm really digging some of your insights.