We hiked Mount Mitchell this week-end. We didn't get a full up/down hike, but put in 6 miles (3 up, 3 down). I packed a little too much for the trip (twice as much water as I needed), but better safe than sorry :) It was some good exercise and part of our preparation for Kilimanjaro. There was a bit of rain and thunder for our trip too, but cooled things down so wasn't all bad.
There is construction on the Blue Ridge Parkway that can really bite you if you want to go to Mount Mitchell. Right where the park office is, the road is closed only allowing you to reach it from one direction. Unfortunately for us, we tried to get to it from the other side, and finding out way too late that we couldn't get there. It added about 1.5 hours to our journey having to drive around the mountain to eventually find a path into it.
The GPS we were using wasn't very helpful after we told it to Detour. It kept trying to find other ways to put us on the Blue Ridge Parkway on the wrong side (no option to disable a section of road available to it). We knew we were in trouble when it had us start going down this gravel road (toward "Craggy Gardens"). After that, we hit up a gas station for some advice along with talking to the wife on sporadic cell reception while she looked on google maps. Eventually we got close enough to the other side, that the GPS started figuring things out (but by then we could follow the signs).
Here are some pics from the excursion
http://picasaweb.google.com/CrumpPhotos/MountMitchell
And here is a geocache we hit up while there
http://www.geocaching.com/seek/cache_details.aspx?guid=efd970f9-4783-481d-995b-7f4f8ea6c1e4
A funny thing about this one, with all my recent experience on Geocaching, I've always found a box or canister. This one was a 'virtual cache' which I didn't know about at the time. We didn't find anything, and the coordinates were right in the middle of a construction area (and where the grave of Elisha Mitchell was). We figured something destroyed it and gave up. When I got back I was going to log the situation, but read this one was wanting you to find a plaque and prove you found it by making note of a word on it. Luckily when I explained this to my sister, she remembered the words on it verbatim and recited it to me. Way to go Bek!
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Geocaching is a blast!
I've been meaning to start Geocaching but never got around to it. That changed this week-end. I bought a Garmin eTrex from Best Buy and psyched up the kids about what Geocaching was. Their eyes gleamed with the thought of a real life treasure hunt. After fiddling a bit with the GPS unit to make sure I understood how everything worked, and visiting the geocaching site (http://www.geocaching.com/) we were off. We quickly found two caches in our area in under an hour.
It was a lot of fun, and a very contageous sport. We then met up with family later this week-end, shared our geocaching experience, and took them along on some hunts in their areas. We've only started this week-end, and already have found 6, one on Mount Mitchell, 2 in Charlotte/Harrisburg NC, and 3 in High Point NC.
The idea is you use your GPS to find the cache, sign your name in the log inside, take an item, and place back an item you brought. There are trackable items as well and we participated by taking one of those from one cache, storing it in another some ~55 miles away, then logging our transaction on geocaching.com. These things can really travel.
One surprise to us was how big this sport is, and how many people participate. There are caches EVERYWHERE and when you find one hidden away, and look in the log book, it's not uncommon to find anywhere from 20-50 entries of people who were there before you. One of the items we found this week-end (a relatively new cache, just created 2 days prior), already had about 8 entries, 3 of which were on the same day as us! One of the harder ones we tracked down I noticed we were the only ones to find it in the last 6 months.
It was a lot of fun, and a very contageous sport. We then met up with family later this week-end, shared our geocaching experience, and took them along on some hunts in their areas. We've only started this week-end, and already have found 6, one on Mount Mitchell, 2 in Charlotte/Harrisburg NC, and 3 in High Point NC.
The idea is you use your GPS to find the cache, sign your name in the log inside, take an item, and place back an item you brought. There are trackable items as well and we participated by taking one of those from one cache, storing it in another some ~55 miles away, then logging our transaction on geocaching.com. These things can really travel.
One surprise to us was how big this sport is, and how many people participate. There are caches EVERYWHERE and when you find one hidden away, and look in the log book, it's not uncommon to find anywhere from 20-50 entries of people who were there before you. One of the items we found this week-end (a relatively new cache, just created 2 days prior), already had about 8 entries, 3 of which were on the same day as us! One of the harder ones we tracked down I noticed we were the only ones to find it in the last 6 months.
Passport arrived!
Wow, I recently went to get my passport renewed, and with all the horror stories of waiting months and months, I actually got mine back in under a week!!!
It may have something to do with the way I filed for renewal. I had lost mine about 2 years ago but haven't needed it so haven't gone through the trouble of renewing. In preparation for my Kilimanjaro trip, I went and filled out the 'I lost my passport' form along with filing out a new application with new photos. Perhaps the renewal in tandem with the lost passport was to credit for the speed.
It may have something to do with the way I filed for renewal. I had lost mine about 2 years ago but haven't needed it so haven't gone through the trouble of renewing. In preparation for my Kilimanjaro trip, I went and filled out the 'I lost my passport' form along with filing out a new application with new photos. Perhaps the renewal in tandem with the lost passport was to credit for the speed.
Monday, June 9, 2008
Sole E55 Elliptical Trainer on the way!
In deciding how I want to stay fit, I did some research and opt'd on buying an Elliptical Trainer. The one I settled on was the E55 from Sole Fitness. Here is a link to the product details
http://www.soletreadmills.com/details.php?name=E55&product_type=ellipticals
The cost was $1500 but I think it will be worth it. I'll post my feedback about it after I get a chance to try it out.
In the mean-time, I wanted to get a head start (I'm impatient). I found a cheap little 'elliptical' unit at Wal-Mart while the kids were picking out some toys. It was the 'Stamina Instride Elliptical, and it was $75. Here is a link to it:
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=7680169
DO NOT BUY THIS PRODUCT. It is a piece of junk. After one day, one of the foot pedals came off. I tighted it back on only for it to find a way to wiggle itself back off. I tighted it back on again - this time with extreme force and it seemed to work for that session. The next day when trying again, one of the pedal legs started slipping off the roller. I put it back on, looked for loose connections and tried to tighten things up (both legs still felt a little 'loose' though). Shortly after that, the whole leg came off the wheel. I could not re-fasten the leg to the wheel and gave up. We disassembled it, put the pieces back in the box, and plan on returning it to Wal-Mart tomorrow. If you're considering this product and find this post, don't buy it!
http://www.soletreadmills.com/details.php?name=E55&product_type=ellipticals
The cost was $1500 but I think it will be worth it. I'll post my feedback about it after I get a chance to try it out.
In the mean-time, I wanted to get a head start (I'm impatient). I found a cheap little 'elliptical' unit at Wal-Mart while the kids were picking out some toys. It was the 'Stamina Instride Elliptical, and it was $75. Here is a link to it:
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=7680169
DO NOT BUY THIS PRODUCT. It is a piece of junk. After one day, one of the foot pedals came off. I tighted it back on only for it to find a way to wiggle itself back off. I tighted it back on again - this time with extreme force and it seemed to work for that session. The next day when trying again, one of the pedal legs started slipping off the roller. I put it back on, looked for loose connections and tried to tighten things up (both legs still felt a little 'loose' though). Shortly after that, the whole leg came off the wheel. I could not re-fasten the leg to the wheel and gave up. We disassembled it, put the pieces back in the box, and plan on returning it to Wal-Mart tomorrow. If you're considering this product and find this post, don't buy it!
Subway -- Did you know about the Sodium?
When I was diagnosed with "pre-hypertension", I started watching out for sodium in foods.
My first instinct instead of my usual fast food was to grab something I thought was healthy, and should at least be better than say McDonalds.
I got a Subway sub and while eating it was checking out the nutrition info guides they have lying around. Oh my God, the Sodium is through the roof!
A 6-inch turkey breast has 1000 mg of Sodium. If you get the foot long of course, that's 2000.
A large order of McDonald's fries only has 350 mg.
If your goal is a diet and watching calories, you're probably much better off with Subway (although you should still limit your portions). But, be careful if you have high blood pressure - it might not be as healthy as you think.
If you search the web on "subway sodium" you'll find a lot of similar reports.
My first instinct instead of my usual fast food was to grab something I thought was healthy, and should at least be better than say McDonalds.
I got a Subway sub and while eating it was checking out the nutrition info guides they have lying around. Oh my God, the Sodium is through the roof!
A 6-inch turkey breast has 1000 mg of Sodium. If you get the foot long of course, that's 2000.
A large order of McDonald's fries only has 350 mg.
If your goal is a diet and watching calories, you're probably much better off with Subway (although you should still limit your portions). But, be careful if you have high blood pressure - it might not be as healthy as you think.
If you search the web on "subway sodium" you'll find a lot of similar reports.
Hiking Gear update
Here's the hiking gear I've bought so far this week. I'm preparing for a Mount Mitchel hike we're going to do as early practice for the eventual Kilimanjaro climb next year:
----------------------------------------------------------
$170 Hiking Boots (Asolo Fsn 95 GTX)
http://www.asolo.com/content.asp?L=3&idMen=432
$150 Backpack (Osprey Stratos 40)
http://www.ospreypacks.com/Packs/StratosSeries/Stratos40/
$20 Socks (SmartWool heavy)
http://www.theoutdoorsource.com/cgi-bin/commerce.cgi?preadd=action&key=ST-3153
$85 Wind breaker (Marmot Driclime Wind Shirt)
http://marmot.com/spring_2008/mens/outerwear/wind/original_driclime_windshirt
$30 Swiss Army Knife (Champion Plus edition)
----------------------------------------------------------
I tried to pick up some versatile stuff for future hikes, etc. I really liked the Stratos 24 backpack instead of the Stratos 40, but the 24 just seemed a tad small. The 40 didn't seem that much heavier or cost much more, so I opt'd for it. The Marmot shirt was something to put in my pack in case of temperature changes. I plan on starting out with very thin clothes on with the hot weather we've been having, but have something to stack over it if it gets chilly at high altitude.
I tried on a few different boots at REI (the guy there was extremely helpful), and none of them seemed to fit my feet as well as these Asolo boots. I don't know if it was the quality of the boot, or just that they fit my feet so well, but I fell in love with them. When I tried on the socks with the boots, it was even better. I stumbled on the socks just browsing around, then found it comforting to hear one of the guys there notice I had them while picking out backpacks. He said after trying SmartWool socks, that's the only kind of sock he uses now (even when not hiking).
I can't wait to see how they feel after a full day hike. Isn't shopping fun? No wonder my wife spends so much money. ^_^ Just kidding honey! If you're reading this... I love you!
----------------------------------------------------------
$170 Hiking Boots (Asolo Fsn 95 GTX)
http://www.asolo.com/content.asp?L=3&idMen=432
$150 Backpack (Osprey Stratos 40)
http://www.ospreypacks.com/Packs/StratosSeries/Stratos40/
$20 Socks (SmartWool heavy)
http://www.theoutdoorsource.com/cgi-bin/commerce.cgi?preadd=action&key=ST-3153
$85 Wind breaker (Marmot Driclime Wind Shirt)
http://marmot.com/spring_2008/mens/outerwear/wind/original_driclime_windshirt
$30 Swiss Army Knife (Champion Plus edition)
----------------------------------------------------------
I tried to pick up some versatile stuff for future hikes, etc. I really liked the Stratos 24 backpack instead of the Stratos 40, but the 24 just seemed a tad small. The 40 didn't seem that much heavier or cost much more, so I opt'd for it. The Marmot shirt was something to put in my pack in case of temperature changes. I plan on starting out with very thin clothes on with the hot weather we've been having, but have something to stack over it if it gets chilly at high altitude.
I tried on a few different boots at REI (the guy there was extremely helpful), and none of them seemed to fit my feet as well as these Asolo boots. I don't know if it was the quality of the boot, or just that they fit my feet so well, but I fell in love with them. When I tried on the socks with the boots, it was even better. I stumbled on the socks just browsing around, then found it comforting to hear one of the guys there notice I had them while picking out backpacks. He said after trying SmartWool socks, that's the only kind of sock he uses now (even when not hiking).
I can't wait to see how they feel after a full day hike. Isn't shopping fun? No wonder my wife spends so much money. ^_^ Just kidding honey! If you're reading this... I love you!
Concealed Carry Update
I completed my required Concealed Carry Handgun Training course this Saturday. It was a LONG day. The class started at 9am and didn't let out until 8pm. It covered North Carolina laws on concealed carry and when you can use deadly force. The instructor was great (Tom Iradi) with Eagle Rock Training systems. This guy is hilarious, here's a link to Eagle Rock with a pic of Tom...
http://www.eaglerockts.com/aboutus.html
I actually had the same instructor when I took the class a little over 5 years ago. He did some of the same antics this time around as well, including some upside down firing of his 50-caliber pistol (LOL). His marksmanship is awesome too. He shared with us a lot of tips on marksmanship which I think really helped my performance on the firing range.
At the end of the day you get your certificate which you carry to your county Sheriff's department along with paying $90 cash (in addition to the $120 you paid for the training course). They make you fill out some paperwork (like asking you if you are crazy) then take your finger prints. You then leave and wait until they notify you when the permit is ready (which can take up to 90-days). I'm in Cabarrus County and have heard it can sometimes be sooner (like 30-days) for us here. We'll see. I turned in my certificate today.
http://www.eaglerockts.com/aboutus.html
I actually had the same instructor when I took the class a little over 5 years ago. He did some of the same antics this time around as well, including some upside down firing of his 50-caliber pistol (LOL). His marksmanship is awesome too. He shared with us a lot of tips on marksmanship which I think really helped my performance on the firing range.
At the end of the day you get your certificate which you carry to your county Sheriff's department along with paying $90 cash (in addition to the $120 you paid for the training course). They make you fill out some paperwork (like asking you if you are crazy) then take your finger prints. You then leave and wait until they notify you when the permit is ready (which can take up to 90-days). I'm in Cabarrus County and have heard it can sometimes be sooner (like 30-days) for us here. We'll see. I turned in my certificate today.
LOL - Nutrigrain ad
This was hilarious. It's an ad for Nutrigrain bars. Gotta love it
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y6rE0EakhG8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y6rE0EakhG8
Nutri-grain bars
I was looking for a snack this afternoon since I missed lunch, and saw these Apple-cinnamon Nutrigrain bars. I just started a new exercise program last week (daily cycling + minor weight lighting) to prepare for some upcoming mountain hiking, so I was in the mood to try something healthy.
I'm a 'fast food' junkie and never eat health foods. I was amazed at how good it tasted. So I naturally started thinking, 'Hey, these taste so good, I could eat these all the time.' And of course, I then proceeded to do some web searches to see what others thought of them.
Doh! I should have known - they tasted too good to be 'healthy.' They are criticized over and over again for their sugar content and likened to a regular 'candy bar' rather than a health bar. Shoot!
I guess it's at least somewhat better than other snack foods you might choose though, so I might try them as a substitute for a regular candy bar when the snack-urge hits.
By the way, Nutri-grain itself isn't alone - it's breakfast bars in general. There are a lot of references on the web if you care to search, but here's one example link for you with more information:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/1613141.stm
PS: One 'good' thing that came of this though, was that I found a lot of hikers recommend these. Since they tasted good to me, I think I'm going to shove a few of these in my hiking pack.
I'm a 'fast food' junkie and never eat health foods. I was amazed at how good it tasted. So I naturally started thinking, 'Hey, these taste so good, I could eat these all the time.' And of course, I then proceeded to do some web searches to see what others thought of them.
Doh! I should have known - they tasted too good to be 'healthy.' They are criticized over and over again for their sugar content and likened to a regular 'candy bar' rather than a health bar. Shoot!
I guess it's at least somewhat better than other snack foods you might choose though, so I might try them as a substitute for a regular candy bar when the snack-urge hits.
By the way, Nutri-grain itself isn't alone - it's breakfast bars in general. There are a lot of references on the web if you care to search, but here's one example link for you with more information:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/1613141.stm
PS: One 'good' thing that came of this though, was that I found a lot of hikers recommend these. Since they tasted good to me, I think I'm going to shove a few of these in my hiking pack.
Cheddar's Restaurant Nutrition Information
I went out to eat this week-end at Cheddar's restaurant. When I got back I was curious how many calories were in the meal I had. Like most anyone else would do, I searched the web. To my surprise, you can not find it anywhere! There were numerous other posts and blogs that confirmed this. I was under the impression restaurants were required by law to provide this information. But I was wrong.
At the federal level, there is the 'Nutrition Labeling and Education Act' which gives the FDA authority to require labeling, but there were exceptions for restaurants that allowed them to avoid it. However if the company makes any nutritional claims (like 'low fat', 'low fiber', 'low sodium', etc), they are required to provide the information. A few states apparently have recently enacted laws within their boundaries to require nutritional information for chain restaurants (ones with 'standardized menus'), but North Carolina is not one of them.
I find it pretty disrespectful they don't provide this information, so I won't be visiting their establishment again even though both my wife and I enjoyed it.
Shame on you Cheddars! Step up and provide this information.
At the federal level, there is the 'Nutrition Labeling and Education Act' which gives the FDA authority to require labeling, but there were exceptions for restaurants that allowed them to avoid it. However if the company makes any nutritional claims (like 'low fat', 'low fiber', 'low sodium', etc), they are required to provide the information. A few states apparently have recently enacted laws within their boundaries to require nutritional information for chain restaurants (ones with 'standardized menus'), but North Carolina is not one of them.
I find it pretty disrespectful they don't provide this information, so I won't be visiting their establishment again even though both my wife and I enjoyed it.
Shame on you Cheddars! Step up and provide this information.
Monday, June 2, 2008
Tweetsie Railroad!
Tweetsie Railroad is a great place to take young kids, especially boys. And even more especially, if they like trains.
We went there this week-end. It was my wife and I, the two kids, my sister, her son and friend, my mom and grandmother.
They are having a 'Thomas the Train' special event where they turn their train into 'Thomas.'. I caught a nice picture of my son just to the left of the entrance. They have pretend horses the kids can get on. I put Nick on as the train was just passing by with smoke plumes going up. Here was the result:
http://www.immortaltheory.com/nick.jpg
He bought a little cowboy toy pack that included gun, mask, handcuffs, etc. He wore that mask most (if not all) of the day.
We went there this week-end. It was my wife and I, the two kids, my sister, her son and friend, my mom and grandmother.
They are having a 'Thomas the Train' special event where they turn their train into 'Thomas.'. I caught a nice picture of my son just to the left of the entrance. They have pretend horses the kids can get on. I put Nick on as the train was just passing by with smoke plumes going up. Here was the result:
http://www.immortaltheory.com/nick.jpg
He bought a little cowboy toy pack that included gun, mask, handcuffs, etc. He wore that mask most (if not all) of the day.
CCW permit in NC
I made the mistake of letting my CCW (Carrying Concealed Weapon) permit expire before submitting for renewal. When you do that, even if it's just 1 day late, you have to take the class again. *sigh* It costs $120 and takes up a whole day, not to mention extremely boring.
I signed up for that to go ahead and get it knocked out. I'm taking it at a place called FIREPOWER. They have a nice little shop and an indoor shooting range. That's where I took it 5 years ago. You pay $60 up front to save your spot, then show up at 9am on the scheduled day.
I signed up for that to go ahead and get it knocked out. I'm taking it at a place called FIREPOWER. They have a nice little shop and an indoor shooting range. That's where I took it 5 years ago. You pay $60 up front to save your spot, then show up at 9am on the scheduled day.
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