 | After a couple weeks of trekking through Pennsylvania woods I remembered something I had experienced when I was in New Zealand a few months earlier ; not having my "go bag".... sucked. I had decided against dragging it all the way back home but I realized quickly that I had made a mistake. Without that carefully planned assortment of gear I wasn't getting very far. Here are a few odds and ends that have really helped me out through my treks. If your considering spending some time in the forest and your a survival enthusiast this is the blog for you. |
Add Comment  Admittedly this blog came about while playing my buftravels drinking game. Its pretty straight forward but no need for the details; I was in a very "altered" state and had a bit of enlightenment during the process. I thought, what would be the worst place I could be in right now in my condition? Folks, no need to risk your lives. Between a bit of research and a few 1st hand experiences here are the top things to steer clear from while killing your personal mini keg. You'll thank me for this blog one day; I accept checks or cash. Or you can always leave me a line in the comments section and get another free gift from buftravels. The greatest magnet you will ever own shipped to your door absolutely free. It may look better than your fridge though.  In previous blogs, I’ve talked about transit during your overseas trip; getting from one place to another. In some cases it can serve more curious than the place you end up. From gondolas to go-carts and oceans to deserts you may rethink travel methods next time you opt for the run of the mill taxi.  I have talked to several married couples that sadly state that they have never taken a honey moon. Until September of 2012 that was also true for my wife and I. It was our 7th year anniversary and my 3rd time overseas. I was coming home on leave on the 1st of September and our anniversary was on the 2nd. I wanted to take her some place that she would enjoy, would be memorable, and that would give us plenty of time alone. At first we considered the beach but after much juggling of the idea we decided that the mountains would give us the privacy we wanted and still allow us to have a good time with attractions in the area. As John Muir once said “The Mountains are calling and I must go”.  Finish time 3:59:50 If your sitting halfway across the world what else is there to do? Running the 2013 Dubai Marathon was an experience that will be hard to forget for both good and painful reasons. It turned out to be one unique travel opportunity. Not only are you in a new part of the world; your seeing it in a truly exceptional way. Places and people you wouldn't have seen normally while taking a path that is definitely less traveled. They don't close six lanes of traffic for people to walk down the street everyday. Add police cars, motor bikes, mounted cameras and helicopters. Then it becomes even more fascinating. Did I mention you get a chance to run a course that world competitors are running at the same time? Read more for my biggest takeaways from my first marathon and why you should consider one on your next overseas adventure.  I’ve only been to handful of countries but I have picked up quite a bit when it comes to building a trip itinerary and maximizing your options. Usually, I average about five locations per 2 weeks. That may not sound like much but it’s the consideration of variables you need to look at. My big three are cost vs. value, effort vs. fulfillment, and complexity vs. convenience. As a foundation, I found these to be sound and fitting. They serve as gauges to estimating the total experience you will be getting on your dollar and your time. Use these guidelines or don’t. Regardless, I guarantee it will spur questions you never knew you had and answer ones you have always been asking.  According to the good old Mayan calendar, the 21st of December, 2012 marks the end of the world for all you weirdos out there; I guess that would be me. If you haven’t been tracking, it it’s a 2000 year old prophecy stating that on this date the world will end with some cataclysmic event or a "new beginning". The good news is that there is a host of other prophecy theories that corroborate this (yes that’s good news). Basically, if this doesn’t happen all of the “end of the world” predictions will be debunked. Although, there are some spectacular places to see and things to do before it’s all over. It will make you take a step back; I know I did after finding a few of these. Plus, I have to write this blog before the end of the world ; ) Enjoy my top list of places and things to do with your time on this most final Christmas season. I’ll still got $20 on the bet that I will be seeing you again next year though. Enjoy the list and have a very Merry Christmas!  Here's my way of saying thanks to all my brothers and sisters out there, try and enjoy the holiday spirit, I know this guy is. To my few and random followers out there, I apologize for the extended hiatus. As you are fully aware, the Holidays are upon us, the turkey is dead, and Christmas madness is in full swing. I wish I could be in the states right now to see the chaotic raging disorder at shopping centers everywhere. It’s the closest thing to a real zombie apocalypse. Hundreds of thousands of people drudging out of bed at 4am, aggressive, with one goal in mind. P.S. -To the mobility scooter army out there looking for me, "Not gunna find me this year!" Had a few drinks with my brother and went to a shopping center at 4am last year; got hit by three people……. two of those people were in mobility scooters. Thus the conspiracy blossomed. In the spirit of the season, heading into a gladiatorial battle to get the last $5 iPhone is a rush. Getting hit in the face by a soccer mom is priceless but what if you didn’t feel like it, or you just got finished paying off the medical bills you sustained from last year. I got one word for you…….. INTERNET. There have never been more opportunities to get some great things at great prices. For once I’m telling you keep your keys on the table; get some whiskey, get a nice chair, and get a good internet connection. We are about to follow the "white rabbit". (If you didn't get that you probably didn't get my Yoda jokes either). I have officially published the pictures for both AUS and NZ. The video logs & journal for AUS has also been published. Lastly, be sure to check back every once in a while as I am starting my journals for Italy, and Germany and will be updating them throughout the season. If you like these journal logs send me a shout out and let me know. I write this thing to provide context, advice, and stories to enjoy with all of you,...... strangers that I don't know, for what reason, I have no idea. I'm just doing my part to make the internet a little less boring. My rambling self will always be on here providing you with a level of travel planning that is, well not like professional travel planning,....... its more fun than that. x ) P.S. If anyone is out there from the UK get at me, I have some questions of my own as I may be coming to a town near you in the future. Hide your kids, hide your wife, hide your dog, but please don't hide the whiskey. And of course, Cheers!  BLUF- For all the PETA activists and vegans out there, you best go hide under a hemp blanket. I've had a lot of nights in my life, many of which I can't fully remember and I've been a lot of places, most which I will never see again. Through it all, there's only one thing that's been a constant and that's the jacket. Maybe its because I grew up in the northern Pennsylvania, stumbling through blizzards every other day but the jacket becomes a permanent staple. Like it or not, we are a superficial society. People start remembering you by that appearance and it becomes a part of who you are. This isn't a bad thing, but you should take the time to consider it. My jacket has saved me from typical (rain, hail, sleet, snow, dust, dirt, etc.) More importantly, its saved me from not so typical things ( rocks, beer, piss, puke, blood, fire, cornfields, the police, boring people, etc.) Wingman my ass, the jacket has saved me quite a bit. And I've had mine for nearly a decade, that's a lot of saves,....... especially the fire. I think those are good enough reasons to have one, but if you need some more than here you go. | AuthorI write the majority of the blogs here with some contributions from my wife. I would love to hear what you have to say so leave a comment. If you contribute I'll even send you a free magnet! ArchivesMay 2013 |
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