Ok, so with a new backpacking trip on the horizon I thought about using my new hammock. I also thought that I wanted to stay warm and dry. So a couple weeks back I took full advantage of my REI dividend and their members only 20% off sale and bought my new ENO Pro Rain Fly. The reviews on the large majority of ENO's stuff is always awesome and so is true for this fly. I haven't used it yet, but as soon I put her through the paces I will surely double back for a full review.

And then there is my new vintage Coleman stove circa 1976... that has never been used! She is a beauty, I almost don't want to cook on her. But given our recent move from the trailer to real camping I knew we were going to need a good stove. But, I didn't want a new Coleman stove, I wanted something vintage that reminded me of making sausage or eggs when I was a Boy Scout. 

Where did I find her you ask? Well I looked for months on Ebay and Craiglist and most were very over priced for their "loved" condition. I follow and use a website often called www.shopgoodwill.com. Yes, its Goodwill online. They take all their good stuff and put it in an auction like setting similar to Ebay, but the money goes to a good cause. Check it out. 

I got the stove with the original box and papers (instructions and warranty from 1976) for $29.00 plus shipping! It's the find of the century. I can't wait to use this and know that one day she will most likely get passed down to the kids and grand kids. My next project is to build a chuckbox or patrol box to store the store and to use as a prep, cooking and pantry while camping. I needed to wait till I found the stove so I had the proper dimensions. Stay tuned for progress and pics of our new chuckbox.

Keep Hiking Forward.

Last weekend, we sold our beloved travel trailer. I will clean her out and up for the new proud owners this weekend and send her on her way next week to enjoy many more years of adventures. Growing up a Boy Scout I loved the outdoors and today could spend everyday among the trees. We bought the camper years ago to provide our young family with and outlet and a mechanism to enjoy the outdoors. And, I am happy to report, she did her job. Even though we didn't use her all the time, our family style has lead us now to three National Parks and one of them twice. 

So, this week I feel as though we are transitioning and for me back to my roots. Back into a tent, cooking off the fire, and enjoying the stars not the A/C. The one downside for me always with the trailer was it took so long to set up and put up while on site that I lost time I could have been using to Kayak, Fish or Hike. No longer, minutes to set up our new tent (which will arrive today) and the rest of camp and then right to enjoying the reason we are outside. 

While my girls are lovers of the outdoors like I am, I hope they fully embrace nature and the joy of this new way of being outdoors with us. My wife, is somewhat apprehensive but I know that years of comfort and the allotment of equipment we have accumulated of the years will provide similar comfort for all.

While I knew this day would come, I have been searching for the right tent for our family and finally pulled the trigger last weekend once I had sold the trailer.

Today, we will be the proud owners of an REI Kingdom 8 Tent and REI Tech Garage. This two room tent is highly reviewed and provides enough space and comfort for the four of us plus our dog Sid. The Tech Garage will provide a great vestibule for gear, equipment or someplace to sit if the weather turns nasty. 

I look forward to writing a full review once we have fully tested the tent and Tech Garage, stay tuned for that and pics!

Keep Hiking Forward.