I was delighted to find that KOA compiled a list of useful camping apps. I have not used any yet but will try them while on my trip. The KOA list: 1. Study Stars: GoSkyWatch Planetarium Easily and quickly identify and locate stars, planets, constellations, galaxies and more by simply pointing to the sky. It’s…
Most people think that all dogs are natural swimmers. Not true. My dog, Tango, hates the water and will only dog paddle if he absolutely must. He prefers to sort of glom onto me– he expects me to carry him out of the water. So, what about dog safety on the water? I purchased a…
My personal locator beacon (PLB) arrived and is ready to use. Couldn’t be easier to set up. It comes activated with batteries that expire in 2019 and has a test button. The only other action required is to register the device and your name at NOAA. Their registration website comes with the PLB literature. Should…
Many people have expressed concern about my traveling into the mountains by myself for 6 weeks So I began to think–thanks to the incessant media coverage about black boxes, pings, and towed pinger locators–that the world needs personal black boxes. Someone could make a great deal of money by inventing a personal pinger device for…
The last few days I have been keeping vigil at the hospital–a beloved parishioner has been wavering on the threshold. His large and wonderful family took over the back hallway and we waited, only to watch him revive a few days later. I know he doesn’t want to leave his wife and the rest of…
Sleeping Bag Recommendations Many people purchase mummy bags. I find them a little too confining unless I use unzipped. It is wise to buy one rated to zero degrees. Sleeping bag technology is improved from the days when I was buying them. Fibers are much lighter and warmer, bringing bags into the very affordable…
At night I sleep on top of an electric blanket. I put it under the fitted sheet and let it simmer all night long! I wonder: how did I get through so many Wyoming and Colorado winter without this? One night I got to thinking, “can I find a 12 V electric blanket for the…
This device is often used as a power source by boaters. Others keep one for jump starting a vehicle. No matter what, it’s an amazing little device if you need power and an air compressor, and an ultra bright light to scare away the noctural critters. Here are the features of my battery box. 9…
I love my pedometer. It keeps track of the steps I walk or jog. Each day it starts over and then keeps track the whole week. Additionally, the device converts to miles walked and MPH. With a calendar and date readout, what is not to like? It comes with a lanyard, but you can also…
The last time I went van camping, I settled into the van after dinner to read my Kindle. However, I had forgotten to charge the Kindle before I left home. It was not a disaster because I had with me a brand new solar charger. It’s a little device the size of a smart phone…