In the next couple of years I plan to walk the Camino de Santiago. The following are notes I pulled together for myself which might be useful to others who are considering walking The Way of Saint James. I am considering integrating this pilgrimage with the 30 … “Camino de Santiago”
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In 2001 I created a list I called “Books that Changed Me.” Alas, the title of that list should have been “Books I Recommend“. While I believe the books in that list are worth reading, I can’t honestly say most of them have changed me. This list … “Books that Really Changed Me”
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Not a week goes by when Jackie and I don’t have a serious argument…. and I am so thankful for this because our arguments grow our understanding and character. The root of our arguments is often that we see the world from different perspectives. As … “The Joy of a Good Argument”
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Every Saturday Jackie and I take at least a couple hours to walk in one of the parks in our area. Within a few minutes of beginning our walk I can feel myself relaxing. I periodically take a long weekend in one of the nearby … “Get Outdoors”
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Today there is a wide range of ultralight shelters including traditionally designed tents using exotic materials to move them into the ultralight weight classification. Many of the ultralight shelter designs came from people’s experiences on long thru hikes combined with a desire to find the … “Tarp-tents and Other Ultralight Shelters”
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Originally Published in 1991Minor updates in 2000, and 2018 “How many IT staff does an organization need?” is a commonly asked and difficult to answer question. There is no magic ratio. There is no ideal staffing level. The appropriate number of a staff depends on … “Estimating IT Staffing”
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I tend to prefer mildly spicy food with complex combinations of tastes. Southwest, Mexican, Indian, Thai, Fusion, Californian, and especially Pacific Rim. I can enjoy classic French and Vietnamese, but the subtlety is sometimes lost on me. Great meals involve more than food. It also … “Great Meals”
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Today I was deeply sadden by the news that Doug Goins had succumbed to his three year struggle with cancer. Like many people, and especially Candy, I will miss him, and look forward to seeing him in the next life. As I pedaled my way … “A Tribute to Doug”
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I just finish my second, one year long shopping diet. During the shopping diet I attempted to purchase nothing but food, household consumables like cleaning supplies, and items that wore out like the tires for my bike, light bulbs for the house, or toner for … “Retro on from my Shopping Diet”
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Over the last six years I have tried to answer the question “What is a Healthy Lifestyle?”. The following is a brief summary of what I have learned. By applying what I have learned I am in better condition in my 50s than I was … “Health and Fitness in One Page”
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Minimalism has become an important tool for my life. I like Joshua Becker’s definition of minimalism found on his blog becoming minimalist “The intentional promotion of the things we most value and the removal of anything that distracts us from it”. Brian Gardner points out … “Simplifying Stuff”
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Great Stuff for Me and Maybe You. The complete list of gear and clothing for my life in 2018. I have an updated this year’s gear. Minimalism led me to simplify my stuff, keeping just the items that are regularly used and give me joy. I considered … “Gear in 2018”
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I am not a sound engineer or music producer. I do consider myself am an audiophile because I really care about the sound qualty of the music I listen to, but unlike some audiophiles, the audio equipment is only a means to an end and … “Mark’s Audiophile Journey”
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I define sports watches and wrist worn instruments which collect and display information that grants insight about health, fitness, and/or physical activities. My experience is that in most cases Garmin make the category leading watches. There are also “smart watches” which can be used as … “Sport Watches”
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Updated December 31, 2019 ArcTeryx Norvan SL Rain Jacket is one of the lightest, most breathable rain jacket currently available. I can actually wear it comfortably jogging in cool, rainy weather. I can go for 15 minutes before I notice any moisture accumulation. As a reference, … “ArcTeryx Norvan SL Rain Jacket Review”
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I think most people would be best served packing light, and using a carry on size “travel pack” which is a cross between a backpack and soft-side luggage. Travel packs will often have light weight internal frames to make them easier to carry, handles on … “Travel Packs”
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Flashlights and headlamps let you continue your activities once it is too dark to see. The ability to expend the hours that we can do things is invaluable. Today, virtually all flashlights and headlamps use LEDs to produce light. I strongly encourage people to retired … “Flashlights & Headlamp”
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Many activities requires cutting things. Cutting needs varies: food preparation, opening packaging, trimming material to cover a blister, or hacking branches off a tree to build an emergency shelter. My Choice My every day carry (EDC) knife is a Victorinox Rambler Pocket Knife which is … “Knives and Other Sharps”
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Next to staying warm, the most important survive and comfort factor is to make sure you drink an adequate amount of safe water. This often means you need to carry water and be prepared to treat water. Not all locations have a continuous supply of … “Water Treatment & Containers”
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