tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10704604145355300732024-03-12T19:45:27.609-07:00Meanwhile, in WisconsinJed Brownehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04901141334768230844noreply@blogger.comBlogger14125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1070460414535530073.post-30976992934552498952011-04-18T21:40:00.000-07:002011-04-18T21:40:16.599-07:00100 MPG Motorbicycle Pusher Trailer/ContraceptiveHere it is. This is my solution to escalating fuel prices. The latest version of my motorbicycle. Note the buckhorn handlebars, motorcycle controls, and all-around essence of I-don't-give-a-shit-if-I-look-stupid. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TasEO7WKet4/Ta0Oa2jp64I/AAAAAAAAACU/y58b9E7BMG4/s1600/IMG_0412_small.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TasEO7WKet4/Ta0Oa2jp64I/AAAAAAAAACU/y58b9E7BMG4/s320/IMG_0412_small.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-agoys-2FtsI/Ta0QWMMQzVI/AAAAAAAAACw/fw4s88Su218/s1600/IMG_0408_small_noLicense.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-agoys-2FtsI/Ta0QWMMQzVI/AAAAAAAAACw/fw4s88Su218/s320/IMG_0408_small_noLicense.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Fa7acezsHMk/Ta0O_Y1UpVI/AAAAAAAAACk/c_FBX06fNec/s1600/IMG_0409_small.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Fa7acezsHMk/Ta0O_Y1UpVI/AAAAAAAAACk/c_FBX06fNec/s320/IMG_0409_small.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0TX5d63BxHs/Ta0O2487L5I/AAAAAAAAACg/wrMvXzLAKEQ/s1600/IMG_0408_small.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div> The last time I checked, this baby got 100.7 MPG. I don't even care if gas gets to be $6/gallon. Is it going to cost me $2 to fill up instead of $1.30? <br />
Equally important; the more I'm seen riding this around town the less I have to worry about contracting an STD or causing an unexpected pregnancy. You can't put a price tag on that! <br />
Jed Brownehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04901141334768230844noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1070460414535530073.post-61806108679662345522011-03-06T21:19:00.000-08:002011-03-06T21:19:23.341-08:00J-Pawed. Like an iPod but J comes after i (and is therefore better)I had this idea quite a while ago, and I finally put it all together. Behold: The J-Pawed!<br />
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Features:<br />
<br />
<ul><li> Replaceable battery</li>
<li>750 MHz CPU</li>
<li>Over 300 MB RAM</li>
<li>High-strength aluminum carrying frame</li>
</ul>Options:<br />
<ul><li> Extended life marine battery</li>
<li>AC adapter</li>
<li>Battery charger</li>
<li>Quick battery charger</li>
<li>Doan's pills </li>
</ul><br />
The first two images have the standard-life battery pack. The rest include the extended-life marine battery pack<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-YHRd9BxU1AI/TXRm5Yd2nII/AAAAAAAAACE/3s1oYwVFyA0/s1600/IMG_0401.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-YHRd9BxU1AI/TXRm5Yd2nII/AAAAAAAAACE/3s1oYwVFyA0/s320/IMG_0401.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-oS1oIbknnDI/TXRoinstGcI/AAAAAAAAACQ/iWD1UsGnIAU/s1600/IMG_0400.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-oS1oIbknnDI/TXRoinstGcI/AAAAAAAAACQ/iWD1UsGnIAU/s320/IMG_0400.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-aITfDZYPo1Q/TXRloKnb3MI/AAAAAAAAAB8/IP_0_E_CirM/s1600/IMG_0399.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-aITfDZYPo1Q/TXRloKnb3MI/AAAAAAAAAB8/IP_0_E_CirM/s320/IMG_0399.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-qX9L4xFwSDI/TXRmPnL50ZI/AAAAAAAAACA/1ESCW76B6oY/s1600/IMG_0396.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-qX9L4xFwSDI/TXRmPnL50ZI/AAAAAAAAACA/1ESCW76B6oY/s320/IMG_0396.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-93NjkXad5gA/TXRnbYFd1dI/AAAAAAAAACI/ELB8bvCGk48/s1600/IMG_0398_rotated.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-93NjkXad5gA/TXRnbYFd1dI/AAAAAAAAACI/ELB8bvCGk48/s320/IMG_0398_rotated.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>Jed Brownehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04901141334768230844noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1070460414535530073.post-76480484388669316312011-02-23T21:45:00.000-08:002011-02-23T22:01:42.841-08:00Box Elder Savage - It's Fun Making Money Just For Killing a TreeTuck Pence is one hell of a guy. Replace "jack pine" with "box elder", "12 Pack" with "30 Pack", "PBR haze" with "Hamm's haze", and "56 Jeep" with "98 Ranger".<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/0q0_PZkqnSg" title="YouTube video player" width="480"></iframe>Jed Brownehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04901141334768230844noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1070460414535530073.post-24540916301467066362011-02-21T16:38:00.000-08:002011-02-21T16:42:08.470-08:00Two the cat, son of Barn Cat<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XZr-6DJ57Yg/TWL_sq2tghI/AAAAAAAAABs/xc1C1t3A5Ng/s1600/IMG_0380.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Here are a few shots of Two the cat enjoying the sunshine on Saturday. I was outside reinstalling a door that had blown off the barn in one of this winter's storms. He likes to jump up on the roof of barn addition. He just hangs out up there and keeps an eye on things. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XZr-6DJ57Yg/TWL_sq2tghI/AAAAAAAAABs/xc1C1t3A5Ng/s1600/IMG_0380.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XZr-6DJ57Yg/TWL_sq2tghI/AAAAAAAAABs/xc1C1t3A5Ng/s320/IMG_0380.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Zfa4w4XEyLY/TWMAmmWMJOI/AAAAAAAAABw/CKIHBGU3H88/s1600/IMG_0381.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Zfa4w4XEyLY/TWMAmmWMJOI/AAAAAAAAABw/CKIHBGU3H88/s320/IMG_0381.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8Lw9s7ZBDOk/TWMDb-vr_FI/AAAAAAAAAB4/jYrEsgqGz8U/s1600/IMG_0385.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8Lw9s7ZBDOk/TWMDb-vr_FI/AAAAAAAAAB4/jYrEsgqGz8U/s320/IMG_0385.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Jed Brownehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04901141334768230844noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1070460414535530073.post-59288635088023633142011-02-16T19:26:00.000-08:002011-02-17T05:02:00.165-08:00Motorbicycles, gas bikes, and biking in Wisconsin<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Motorbicycles... gas bikes... whatever you want to call them, chances are you will be seeing more of them on the road in the future. With the state of the economy and the cost of fuel rising, it just makes sense to use a vehicle that gets 80-100 MPG.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>That being said, I was never able to achieve the 80-100 MPG people claim they get on these bikes. Maybe that's because I spent most of my time running at full speed. I'd get somewhere around 70 MPG. <br />
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Since these pictures were taken, I've moved on to building a "pusher" bicycle trailer with a drive wheel powered by a 4-stroke Briggs 3.5 HP. More on that in a later post...<br />
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</div>Jed Brownehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04901141334768230844noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1070460414535530073.post-45379964201978946252011-02-13T08:31:00.000-08:002011-02-14T02:29:17.854-08:00Poor person's homemade Tyvek & Kevlar backpackIn my REI review of my Black Diamond Trail Back trekking poles, I included a photo of my backpack with the poles strapped to it. REI shoppers may not grasp exactly what they are looking at, since it doesn't have a $350 price tag attached to it. <br />
<br />
This is my backpack, made entirely from stuff I had lying around the house. Continue reading below to learn what I made it out of.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M2WLOFwG_3c/TVgEJAXZoqI/AAAAAAAAAAw/RsDWe5Q16sc/s1600/poorPersonsBackpack_small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M2WLOFwG_3c/TVgEJAXZoqI/AAAAAAAAAAw/RsDWe5Q16sc/s640/poorPersonsBackpack_small.jpg" width="504" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Poor person's backpack, with Black Diamond trekking poles</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WbRwOhRB7is/TVgENlP9oVI/AAAAAAAAAA0/2qy8RANM1wI/s1600/poorPersonsBackpack2_small.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WbRwOhRB7is/TVgENlP9oVI/AAAAAAAAAA0/2qy8RANM1wI/s640/poorPersonsBackpack2_small.JPG" width="476" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Poor person's backpack, showing back support webbing and frame</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The white material is leftover Tyvek. I purchased it to make groundcloths for my tents. It's cheap... So much cheaper to cut your own groundcloth than to buy the fancy ones they sell specifically for your tent. <br />
<br />
The frame of the pack is made from 1" thick rigid cellulose foam insulation covered with Kevlar cloth treated with epoxy resin. The Kevlar and epoxy were leftover from a small boat I built a few years ago. The foam is scrap left over from what I bought to insulate my windows. It's impossible to see in these pictures, but the frame is contoured to match an aluminum external frame like what is found on a Kelty Tioga.<br />
<br />
The strapping is from a busted ratchet strap. The padding attached to the straps for the shoulders was made from foam I grabbed out of the garbage at work and covered with nylon from a torn and useless sleeping bag. Anything to save the planet.<br />
<br />
Now that I think about it, I DID buy something to put this together... I bought a small bottle of Gorilla Glue. Not much will stick to polyethylene, and Tyvek is non-woven polyethylene fibers. From what I read, polyurethane adhesive like Gorilla Glue is the best thing you can use to glue Tyvek together. It is much stronger than sewing to Tyvek.<br />
<br />
The pack, when completed, weighed 1 kg (2.2 lbs). I was a little disappointed because I wanted it to weigh only 2 lbs. Either way, it weighs about 3 lbs less and is more comfortable than my Kelty Tioga. However, I have carried 105 lbs in my Kelty Tioga. I wouldn't use my homemade pack with more than 40 lbs in it. Jed Brownehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04901141334768230844noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1070460414535530073.post-42833572250597124642011-02-13T07:25:00.001-08:002011-02-13T07:25:06.668-08:00My Review of Black Diamond Trail Back Trekking Poles - Pair<div class="hreview"><div class="item"><p><a href="http://www.rei.com/product/768624">Originally submitted at REI</a></p><div><img src="http://images.powerreviews.com/images_products/02/09/1035685_100.jpg" class="photo" align="left" style="margin: 0 0.5em 0 0"><p style="margin-top:0">The Black Diamond Trail Back trekking poles feature ultralight shafts and double FlickLock adjustability for ease of use.</p></div><a href="http://www.rei.com/product/768624" style="display: none;" class="url fn"><span class="fn">Black Diamond Trail Back Trekking Poles - Pair</span></a></div><br clear="left"><p><strong class="summary">No problems</strong></p><div>By <strong>Too-Poor-4-REI</strong> from <strong>Delavan, WI</strong> on <strong><abbr title="2011213T1200-0800" class="dtreviewed" style="border: none; text-decoration: none;">2/13/2011</abbr></strong></div><p><div style="margin: 0.5em 0; height: 15px; width: 83px; background-image: url(http://images.powerreviews.com/images/stars_small.gif); background-position: 0px -180px;" class="prStars prStarsSmall"> </div></p><div style="display: none"><span class="rating">5</span>out of 5</div><p><strong>Pros: </strong>Strong, Lightweight</p><p><strong>Best Uses: </strong>Backpacking, Hiking</p><p><strong>Describe Yourself: </strong>Casual/ Recreational</p><p><strong>What Is Your Gear Style: </strong>Minimalist</p><p style="margin-top:1em" class="description">Four years ago I thought trekking poles were a silly idea. A lot can change in four years. I started to find that descents were causing me some pretty significant discomfort. I, like other hikers, find the ascents to be much more pleasant than descents. Trekking poles make all the difference!<br xmlns:pr="xalan://com.pufferfish.core.beans.xmlbuilders.xsl.Functions"><br>I've had these poles for about 2 1/2 years now, and I love them. Before these poles I had a cheaper twist-lock type of pole with an anti-shock mechanism. The cheap poles only lasted for one trip. I didn't like the twist-lock and I didn't like the anti-shock mechanism.<br><br>The flick-locks on these poles have never slipped on me. They have saved me more than once from taking a spill. I'm no lightweight at 6'2 and about 230. I've had one of these poles support my whole weight in an "OH MY WORD!" situation and it didn't even shrug. <br><br>I tried to use a cleaned up form of the s-word up there in place of "MY WORD", but the REI anti-profanity stormtroopers didn't care for it. <br><br>I've found that I like having poles when crossing creeks on slippery logs. I think I have a case of "slippery-log performance anxiety" because I'm pretty good at staying on my feet and maintaining balance until I need to cross some water. <br><br>I bought the "Trail Back" poles over the "Trail" poles because the Trail Backs have replaceable carbide tips.</p><div class="prCustomerPics"><p style="margin-top:1em" class="prCaption">Trail Back poles, and poor person's homemade pack</p><a href="http://images.powerreviews.com/temp/50D0AE7566CBA9FEB800404774FC2460.smoky1services_1297610584966_raw.jpg"><img height="75" width="59" alt="thumbnail" src="http://images.powerreviews.com/temp/50D0AE7566CBA9FEB800404774FC2460.smoky1services_1297610584966_thumbnail.jpg"></a><p><strong>Tags: </strong>Using Product, Picture of Product</p></div><p style="margin-top:0.5em">(<a href="http://www.powerreviews.com/legal/terms_of_use.html" rel="license">legalese</a>)</p></div>Jed Brownehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04901141334768230844noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1070460414535530073.post-56111133382060260412011-02-12T13:30:00.001-08:002011-02-12T13:30:45.855-08:00My Review of MSR Fuel Bottle with CRP Cap - 20 fl. oz.<div class="hreview"><div class="item"><p><a href="http://www.rei.com/product/784303">Originally submitted at REI</a></p><div><img src="http://images.powerreviews.com/images_products/00/18/9251288_100.jpg" class="photo" align="left" style="margin: 0 0.5em 0 0"><p style="margin-top:0">With a 20 fl. oz. fill capacity, this aluminum bottle stores and transports your fuel and is compatible with all MSR liquid-fuel stoves.</p></div><a href="http://www.rei.com/product/784303" style="display: none;" class="url fn"><span class="fn">MSR Fuel Bottle with CRP Cap - 20 fl. oz.</span></a></div><br clear="left"><p><strong class="summary">Great bottle</strong></p><div>By <strong>Too-Poor-4-REI</strong> from <strong>Delavan, WI</strong> on <strong><abbr title="2011212T1200-0800" class="dtreviewed" style="border: none; text-decoration: none;">2/12/2011</abbr></strong></div><p><div style="margin: 0.5em 0; height: 15px; width: 83px; background-image: url(http://images.powerreviews.com/images/stars_small.gif); background-position: 0px -180px;" class="prStars prStarsSmall"> </div></p><div style="display: none"><span class="rating">5</span>out of 5</div><p><strong>Pros: </strong>Functional</p><p><strong>Cons: </strong>Heavy</p><p><strong>Best Uses: </strong>Motorbicycling, River</p><p><strong>Describe Yourself: </strong>Casual/ Recreational</p><p><strong>What Is Your Gear Style: </strong>Minimalist</p><p><strong>Was this a gift?: </strong>No</p><p style="margin-top:1em" class="description">I have the old non-child resistant version of this bottle. It works wonderfully for me because I don't like children very much.<br xmlns:pr="xalan://com.pufferfish.core.beans.xmlbuilders.xsl.Functions"><br>They aren't kidding when they say not to use this with alcohol. When I bought this I meant to use it for "white gas". Later I made a pop-can alcohol stove and began storing alcohol in the bottle. The cap did not hold up to alcohol very well. It's still functional but I would not recommend using it for alcohol!<br><br>This bottle is a bit heavy to use for backpacking, in my opinion. I now carry my alcohol fuel in a PET bottle (plastic pop bottle). <br><br>Now I use this bottle to carry 20 ounces of gasoline when I'm riding my motorized bicycle. It acts as a "reserve tank". It works great. This thing it TOUGH! I have no worries about it leaking or breaking when I crash my bike.</p><p style="margin-top:0.5em">(<a href="http://www.powerreviews.com/legal/terms_of_use.html" rel="license">legalese</a>)</p></div>Jed Brownehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04901141334768230844noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1070460414535530073.post-15937796834894161322011-02-12T13:08:00.001-08:002011-02-12T13:08:55.564-08:00My Review of MSR MiniWorks EX Filter<div class="hreview"><div class="item"><p><a href="http://www.rei.com/product/695265">Originally submitted at REI</a></p><div><img src="http://images.powerreviews.com/images_products/02/07/499523_100.jpg" class="photo" align="left" style="margin: 0 0.5em 0 0"><p style="margin-top:0">This compact filter features new EX technology, which utilizes back pressure to improve the water flow rate.</p></div><a href="http://www.rei.com/product/695265" style="display: none;" class="url fn"><span class="fn">MSR MiniWorks EX Filter</span></a></div><br clear="left"><p><strong class="summary">Pretty much bulletproof</strong></p><div>By <strong>Too-Poor-4-REI</strong> from <strong>Delavan, WI</strong> on <strong><abbr title="2011212T1200-0800" class="dtreviewed" style="border: none; text-decoration: none;">2/12/2011</abbr></strong></div><p><div style="margin: 0.5em 0; height: 15px; width: 83px; background-image: url(http://images.powerreviews.com/images/stars_small.gif); background-position: 0px -144px;" class="prStars prStarsSmall"> </div></p><div style="display: none"><span class="rating">4</span>out of 5</div><p><strong>Pros: </strong>Easy to clean, Low maintenance, Good filtration</p><p><strong>Cons: </strong>Bulky</p><p><strong>Best Uses: </strong>Backpacking</p><p><strong>Describe Yourself: </strong>Casual/ Recreational</p><p><strong>Was this a gift?: </strong>No</p><p style="margin-top:1em" class="description">I have had this filter for 5 or 6 years. Prior to that I'd boil water or use iodine or bleach purify water.<br xmlns:pr="xalan://com.pufferfish.core.beans.xmlbuilders.xsl.Functions"><br>Filtering is the best option. Keep in mind, though, that if you are concerned about viruses you'll need to use something in addition to this filter to make your water safe.<br><br>I bought the field service kit for this filter, but I've had no reason to use it yet. The only maintenance I've had to do is cleaning (of course) and using a little petroleum jelly to lube the piston.<br><br>One thing I've noticed is that if you get too crazy and pump too fast, you are just going to work extra hard and not get any more out. Take your time... what's your rush anyway? You are out in the wilderness enjoying yourself. Settle down! If you want to get all wound up about stupid little things go back to Chicago... FIB!<br><br>Compared to some other options, this filter is pretty big and heavy. I've considered trying smaller, lighter filters but this one works so well that I can't bring myself to buy anything else. Also, I'm cheap. <br><br>Here's a tip... when you are done pumping and are ready to get back to hiking, pump the filter full of air. That will cut down on the weight. <br><br>I think the base cap should be attached to the filter via a lanyard of some sort. The same goes for the MSR Hydromedary bag that I use. I guess MSR hasn't considered what could happen if you accidentally drop the cap in a stream. I guess with the Miniworks it wouldn't be the end of the world. With the Hydromedary, you really need to be very careful with that cap.</p><p style="margin-top:0.5em">(<a href="http://www.powerreviews.com/legal/terms_of_use.html" rel="license">legalese</a>)</p></div>Jed Brownehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04901141334768230844noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1070460414535530073.post-63963150631527330222011-02-12T12:09:00.001-08:002011-02-12T12:09:20.371-08:00My Review of GSI H2jO! Coffee Filter<div class="hreview"><div class="item"><p><a href="http://www.rei.com/product/750397">Originally submitted at REI</a></p><div><img src="http://images.powerreviews.com/images_products/09/06/533505_100.jpg" class="photo" align="left" style="margin: 0 0.5em 0 0"><p style="margin-top:0">Create great tasting, no-hassle coffee on your next camping trip with this GSI filter.</p></div><a href="http://www.rei.com/product/750397" style="display: none;" class="url fn"><span class="fn">GSI H2jO! Coffee Filter</span></a></div><br clear="left"><p><strong class="summary">Great idea; works as advertised</strong></p><div>By <strong>Too-Poor-4-REI</strong> from <strong>Delavan, WI</strong> on <strong><abbr title="2011212T1200-0800" class="dtreviewed" style="border: none; text-decoration: none;">2/12/2011</abbr></strong></div><p><div style="margin: 0.5em 0; height: 15px; width: 83px; background-image: url(http://images.powerreviews.com/images/stars_small.gif); background-position: 0px -180px;" class="prStars prStarsSmall"> </div></p><div style="display: none"><span class="rating">5</span>out of 5</div><p><strong>Pros: </strong>Functional, Affordable</p><p><strong>Best Uses: </strong>Brewing, Home, Coffee</p><p><strong>Describe Yourself: </strong>Casual Drinker</p><p style="margin-top:1em" class="description">I had what I thought was a million dollar idea. Then I did some Googling and found it already existed... and this is it.<br xmlns:pr="xalan://com.pufferfish.core.beans.xmlbuilders.xsl.Functions"><br>I don't drink coffee every day. However, when I do make it at home this is what I now use. For me it is much easier to just boil some water on the stove to make coffee when I want it rather than use the coffee maker.<br><br>When I'm backpacking, I do drink coffee every day and this thing works wonderfully. Once you get used to it, you can make a nice strong full-bodied coffee that tastes great. <br><br>What works best for me is this:<br>1. Pour boiling water into the bottle.<br>2. Screw on the filter with coffee in it. Make sure it is screwed on tight.<br>3. Screw on the Nalgene bottle cap (tight). <br>4. Invert the bottle for a while.<br>5. Pick up the bottle and tighten the caps again.<br>6. Shake the s-it out of the bottle. <br>7. Shake it to the left.<br>8. Shake it to right.<br>9. Do the hippy shake-shake, with all of your might.<br>10. Stand the bottle upright.<br>11. Give it one last little shake to try to wash the grounds off the Nalgene cap.<br>12. Enjoy!<br><br>Notes:<br>Don't try to pour the boiling water through the coffee and filter. That's a pain and makes a big mess.<br>You need to agitate the bottle or you'll end up with tan-colored water. <br>Use a course-ground coffee like Torke percolator-grind.<br>You might want some little glovey-things to wear while you're shaking the bottle. It gets pretty hot. I have homemade fleecey mittens that I carry for sleeping because my pinkies get chilly at night. They work great for steps 6 through 9.</p><p style="margin-top:0.5em">(<a href="http://www.powerreviews.com/legal/terms_of_use.html" rel="license">legalese</a>)</p></div>Jed Brownehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04901141334768230844noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1070460414535530073.post-50370632476702306112010-10-01T10:26:00.000-07:002010-10-01T10:28:59.976-07:00Get Sweeping Well it's time for me to get sweeping. This weekend it is supposed to get down to freezing overnight and I have yet to clean my chimney. I'll try to get some pictures detailing how it is done. <br />
If you are just getting started burning wood and need to get some sweeping supplies, they are of course available at Home Depot or Lowes. Not to mention any hardware store you happen to have nearby. I've got a Rutland brand brush and poles that I use.<br />
<br />
<br />
Until I get back with some pictures from this weekend, here are a couple of instructional videos...<br />
<br />
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<br />
<br />
<object height="289" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/yu23HHmOG48?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/yu23HHmOG48?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object>Jed Brownehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04901141334768230844noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1070460414535530073.post-72502614412692772162010-09-30T08:45:00.000-07:002010-09-30T08:45:03.964-07:00Tree Farm by John EstabrookI didn't write this one. I've always enjoyed it and thought I should share it.<br />
Not only is it a good read, but it is instructional. <br />
<br />
Tree Farm by John Estabrook<br />
<br />
WOOD HEAT<br />
<br />
Beech wood fires are bright and clear<br />
If the logs are kept a year.<br />
Chestnut's only good, they say <br />
If for long it's laid away.<br />
But ash wood new or ash wood old<br />
Is fit for a queen with a crown of gold. <br />
<br />
Birch and fir logs burn too fast, <br />
Blaze up bright and do not last.<br />
Is by the Irish said<br />
Hawthorn bakes the sweetest bread.<br />
Elm wood burns like churchyard mould -<br />
E'en the very flames are cold;<br />
But ash wood green and ash wood brown<br />
Is fit for a queen with a golden crown.<br />
<br />
Poplar gives a bitter smoke,<br />
Fills your eyes and makes you choke.<br />
Apple wood will scent your room<br />
With an incense like perfume.<br />
Oaken logs if dry and old<br />
Keep away the winter cold. <br />
But ash wood wet and ash wood dry <br />
A king shall warm his slippers by.<br />
<br />
Oak logs will warm you well, <br />
If they're warm and dry. <br />
Larch logs of pine wood smell <br />
But sparks will fly.<br />
Beech logs for Christmas time; <br />
Yew logs heat well.<br />
Scotch logs it's a crime <br />
For anyone to sell.<br />
Birch logs will burn too fast, <br />
Chestnut scarce at all.<br />
Hawthorn logs are good to last, <br />
If cut in the fall.<br />
Holly logs will burn like wax, <br />
You should burn them green.<br />
Elm logs like smouldering flax; <br />
No flames to be seen.<br />
Pear logs and apple logs, <br />
They will scent your room.<br />
Cherry logs across the dogs <br />
Smell like flowers in bloom.<br />
But ash logs all smooth and gray,<br />
Burn them green or old,<br />
Buy up all that come you way,<br />
They're worth their weight in gold.Jed Brownehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04901141334768230844noreply@blogger.com31tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1070460414535530073.post-47845123624126216452010-09-29T12:43:00.000-07:002010-09-29T15:31:10.524-07:00Ode to Box ElderBox elder, box elder where would I be<br />
If you were not there to occupy me?<br />
<br />
I cut you and haul you,<br />
Split you right down the middle<br />
I wish that your wood would<br />
Not smell like stale piddle<br />
<br />
Your heartwood is oft' red<br />
Due to bacterial infection<br />
But I am warm in my bed<br />
From your heat (you know, convection)<br />
<br />
In the fall your bugs <br />
Try to get in my house<br />
<br />
I hate those bugs.<br />
<br />
<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_B9Y2rTMhjgI/TKO-HNStCwI/AAAAAAAAAAU/Pihg51KrXL8/s1600/bug2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="134" px="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_B9Y2rTMhjgI/TKO-HNStCwI/AAAAAAAAAAU/Pihg51KrXL8/s320/bug2.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Jed Brownehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04901141334768230844noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1070460414535530073.post-38421271026923958232010-09-28T11:48:00.000-07:002010-09-28T11:48:45.065-07:00Cutting, Splitting Wood Winter is on the way, and that means it is time to make sure your logs are in order. By now you should have enough wood to heat your home. If not, it's time to get cutting!<br />
Whether you use a Husqvarna, Echo, Homelite, Poulan, Stihl, or some other chainsaw; the most important thing is safety! Make sure you wear the proper safety equipment. Hard toe shoes, eye protection, protective long pants, leather gloves, and other safety equipment may be purchased at your local Fleet Farm, Farm & Fleet, Tractor Supply, Lowe's, Home Depot, or other stores. In my experience, I've found the best safety boots are made by Red Wing Shoes. They combine safety with exceptional comfort. <br />
I've got an old hand-me-down chainsaw that I use. In fact, it is at least 40 years old. That's older than me! It still works great, but it weighs a ton. If you are in the market for a new saw; I just want to mention something. The Husqvarnas they sell at Lowe's are made by Poulan. There's nothing wrong with a Poulan saw, but you should be aware that you are paying extra for the pretty orange plastic and Husqvarna label.<br />
Now on to splitting equipment. If you are anything like me you are poor and that means you aren't going to be running out and buying some fancy gas powered log splitter by Husky, Ryobi, or even MTD. You're going to use the good old splitting maul, maybe some wedges and a sledge. Hard work is good for the soul. I use both an Estwing Sure Split and a Graintex Wood Blaster. Personally, I prefer the Graintex Wood Blaster. It's the pyramid-style wedge. They start easier, and are easier to drive in straight. Jed Brownehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04901141334768230844noreply@blogger.com6