Back to the channel…..

This weekend Tim & I will be heading to the Lost Channel area. What makes this trip different than others is the fact that we will be trying to maintain a stealth-like existence whereas in the past, we were using ATV's to cover a large amount of ground in a very short period of time. Having a better understanding of the area from past trips, we know what to expect in the way of terrain and wildlife. The idea is to draw in whatever might be out there, to a decoy camp that is setup to monitor the surrounding area. As you may recall, we have a fantastic audio recording of "the breather" which has sparked much interest in this area and it will remain a prime candidate for future investigation until the origin of that sound is discovered, and even then, it will remain a major area of interest.

The drive to this place will be somewhat different this time around (at least for me). I will be coming in from the east, above the top of Algonquin Park, along Hwy 17. If things go as planned, Tim will already be at the site (of which we have yet to determine the exact location), and he will relay the coordinates to me via text messaging or voice call. There are several trails in the area and without a proper recon, we are unsure of the condition of some of them based on the data that we have, some of which is out of date. One other dilemma we have to deal with is the ability for us to even get a cell signal in this area. In the past we have had to use a repeater to get an adequate signal. Probably have to do the same again. For this, we use a Wilson Dual band amplifier with an external antenna. This is a full power 3 watt booster with a cradle that has a built-in stripline antenna, used to send & receive to the phone and to rebroadcast within the general area (so that passengers in the vehicle can also take advantage). The actual circumference of the coverage or "mini" cell system is about 20 feet or so. 

Wilson "Signal Boost" System

Having been in this area before, we know that the weather can act up quite quickly, rolling off of Georgian Bay with some tenacity. Since we will be slightly further inland, we don't expect any issues but will be keeping our ears open for the weather alert system, in case of any unforeseen events.

Our camp setup has already been somewhat planned out, for our own benefit and for the sake of sourcing out wildlife that might get a little curious - in particular, fox, raccoons and bears. For this trip, we have planned our camp setup in such a way that we have sheltered ourselves not only from the elements but also from potential invaders. By using portable PIR alarms strategically located around the camp, we will be warned of approaching visitors and react accordingly. It might seem like a drastic measure but what it really boils down to is the ability for us to be alerted should we have the visitor that we really want to visit, hopefully it will do so and we can catch that infamous breathing sound again. Highly doubtful, but one can wish, right?

Here is the proposed camp setup

We intend to do a broadcast of SS radio from the field, providing we have a signal, should be a good time.

J

Home in the bush

Tim recently wrote about the use of hunting blinds, not specifically for hunting, but more for observation / recording. I suppose they may also offer some security if it is a tree stand type of blind, or a tower blind. The idea would be that it would keep you out of harm's way when it comes to the critters running around the forest. (You can visit Tim's blog at http://thewildernesshunter.blogspot.com)

Convenient timing to bring up blinds, on one of my recent episodes of Simply Sasquatch radio I spoke about the use of a blind in the field while I was on a mini-trip. A home made setup - basically a small nylon shelter with a camo tarp over it. A little warm in the summer but it does the job. Problem is, when there is wind, it can be noisy. Not a good thing when you are trying to hide your presence or do some localized audio recordings. (Recall the infamous "breather" audio clip from Still River, you could hear the tarp blowing around).

If I were to select a blind I would ensure it was big enough for two people. In addition, I would also want to be able to rest / lie down in it if I had to. It would have to be weather resistant - at least waterproof and be able to be setup in a short period of time.  People who frequent the same area for hunting or wildlife observation may benefit from a permanent homemade platform like this:

Pretty neat eh? During inclement weather it would be easy enough to tarp this thing , possibly even insulate it with some styrofoam. The point is, it’s an easy setup and with two people would probably not take too long to make. Thing is, what if you are transient, always moving around and having to carry your gear around? I guess you have to look at portable blinds. One such blind manufacturer that interests me is The Altan Safe Outdoors series ( http://www.altansafeoutdoors.com/index.html). In fact, as of writing this, Home Hardware has one of their blinds on sale until September 10.  It’s called the “Hideout” and it is $50 off http://www.homehardware.ca/en/rec/index.htm/Outdoor-Living/Sporting-Goods/All-Season/Hunting/Accessories/BLIND-HUNTING-HIDEOUT-CAMOFLAGE/_/N-2pqfZ67l/Ne-67n/Ntk-All_EN/R-I7638048?Ntt=Hunting+Blinds

For $89 I think it’s a great deal.

Here are a few pics:

 

The question remain about safety and security when using a ground blind, ESPECIALLY when it is hunting season. It only take a few yards distance to lose sight and perspective, since the blind is camouflaged, it would be very easy for a stray bullet to pass by. you should definetly be cautious when you are in active areas.

One idea I have thought of is the use of warning posters to indicate your presence. Such a poster, which I have created, CAN BE FOUND HERE. Feel free to use it as necessary.

If your not armed and your worried about critters, the use of air horns, bear spray, tripwires with bells attached can be useful. Of course, the obvious – knifes, hatchet, etc are still very useful. Especially for those who do not carry / own a firearm.

Be safe out there!

Alternative power - Everything you need in a simple setup

Batteries are really a nuisance to deal with when you head out for the weekend and find yourself changing back and forth between sets that you think are still good and one's that are questionable or dead. New LED lighting technology can make a set of batteries last a long time - easily cover a weekend with no problems, but eventually the batteries do die out and your left without light. Or whatever else you use your batteries in.

Solar technology has come a long way but we are still not seeing the price drops - at least yet, until it really catches. - in household consumer level stores (I.e. Walmart, Canadian Tire, Home Depot, etc), you are still going to pay several hundred dollars for a panel that might give your 40, 60, perhaps 80 watts. Ah hell, might as well just grab a few packs of batteries right? Yeah, I would do the same, but now I am starting to rethink this after a few experiments that have been quite positive.

As you know, providing there is sun, solar can operate quite a few things directly, but the majority of setups involve charging a battery bank while the sun is out and having your load run off the batteries. Seems easy enough, but what is realistic?

First - Don't have a closed mind. If you need area lighting while it is dark, think about your other options. I have seen packages of those garden / walkway solar lights on sale for really low prices - For example, I got a set of Westinghouse solar garden lights with two solar spotlights for $24.99, regular $69.99. A great deal, but moreover, a great way to light up your camp, with the spotlights being used for task oriented areas (eating / cooking / reading). They do last a pretty long time. Off during the day charging, on at dusk. Place a couple of the LED heads inside your tent or trailer and you have some nice subdued yet capable lighting that costs you nothing but sunshine.

Panels work well too and while people cringe at the cost, look at the alternatives. Quite often Walmart and Canadian Tire put their solar stuff on clearance or sale. You can get a 1.8 watt mini panel with alligator clips and screw terminals for $9.99 when on special. I've seen 15 watt panels at Walmart for $20, on clearance. Hooked up to a rechargeable lead acid battery or gel-cell, this will provide ample power to drive a strip of LED lights and charge a cellphone. (12 volt cig. lighter adapter cord for the charger)

In a pinch, you could also charge your high power spotlights, computer, iPad, etc. It's supply and demand. It's easy to setup and will last for a very long time.

So what about devices that use regular AA or AAA or any other type of battery? Your still stuck buying them, right?  Yeah - perhaps - but look at what is available. There are a few electronic stores in Mississauga, Dixie and Matheson to be exact, that sell all sorts of stuff. A lot of it is cheap "crap" while some is considered very useful. One such item is a battery charger for AA & AAA battereies. A rapid charger, comes with a 110v adapter but also works off 12v power (with included 12v cig lighter adapter). Perfect. Run that off your panel and you are set. Just need a set of rechargeable batteries, something that I am sure we all have.

Markers are a good idea. What are markers? Well if you look at a airport at night time, there are lights all over the place, the landing strip is a prime example. They use red and white lights to indicate specific areas and boundaries. Placing one or two LED marker lights by your camp, perhaps in a tree - just a soft glow light, may assist in locating when it is dark and you need a visual queue or reference. Why you ask? Well, sometimes you just need to get your bearings and you would normally flick on your flashlight and scan the area, something you may not want to do if you are actively trying to be quiet - stealth like.

A few cheap panels bought on sale, hooked into a 12v gel cell or deep cycle battery, will provide a weekend of care-free power without breaking the bank.

An interesting side note to this is the rejuvenation effect on some batteries with a slow trickle. I tore apart a UPS once after the battery indicated a failed situation. The battery appeared dead and would not take a regular charge via plug-in battery charger, but after 2 days on a small solar panel it was up to 12.4 volts. I followed up with a conditioning charge via my "smart charger" for the next 48 hours and the battery has been great ever since (still using it!!) Funny, you would figure that the UPS would have a small trickle charger and monitors in place to keep the battery in prime condition but obviously not - perhaps because they want the sale of a new battery? C'mon.....(Actually...it did last 4 years. Yeah ok I got my money's worth).

Keep an eye on solar products and grab them when they are on sale - you will find panels indispensable after you begin to use them and become familiar with how you can benefit from them. You won't be sorry!

Everyone's own way of doing things.....

Everyone has a level of expectation when it comes to your own way of doing things - but in the eyes of others, that effort might not be good enough. If you set the bar at a certain point and say "I want to at least accomplish this" - your goal is set. When others look, they might reflect back upon their own goals and personal expectations and say that they are doing better.

Self improvement is something that we can chase after to make you a better performer. This is the basic principal behind education and actual work / hobby experience. I cannot say with 100% confidence that I am the best I can be - in fact, I don't think that many people can say that without having that little glimmer in the back of your mind saying "I wish I was like that person" or "I wish I could do that". We all have ambitions, dreams, etc. Making them work for you personally is a different story. You have to want to do it.

I look at some people who have really put a great effort into researching our "ever changing" great outdoors and I admire them for doing so - it helps to form some of the culture & behaviour when looking back at ourselves and others.

Why is this important? I think because we begin to take things not necessarily for granted, but we begin to make them habit.. Here's what I am eluding too.....Driving home one night, I stopped at the side of the road in a rural area because I saw eyeshine - as luck would have it the nightscope was in my jumpsack and I had my audio recorder with me. While I didn't really see anything, the point is that I was semi-prepared. Now, for someone who is a newcomer or not as informed as those who are, that eyeshine might have been ignored and the car would have just kept driving past. I'm no expert but all it takes is just a little bit of experience, education, wit and a desire to work with new things and you might find yourself a new interest. If the mere topic of BF is enough to make you squeamish.....Take another look - perhaps through anothers eyes. Ask questions - poke around.

I've received emails from my Simply Sasquatch listeners and my blog viewers saying that they appreciate the introduction to such a field / hobby / interest and some of the experiences it might bring. I really do appreciate the responses and I hope I can help you find your place on this shrinking planet. As I click "Publish Post"...it becomes available to the entire world. Something we couldn't do not so long ago.  Information travels fast and there is a lot to share, even though sometimes it feels we have put everything on the web......then something new appears on the horizon.


Don't be shy or scared to try new things. You may gain the wisdom and knowledge that will be deeply satisfying, plus being able to extend your experiences to others may spark a fire within them.

TM

Absorbing change....

Talk about circumstances, I have found myself in a position that really lets me see things in a different way. Actually - that should be plural. Yes, different WAYS. I've been on both ends of a situation or conversation and I can see how things, in most cases, end up turning out before it actually comes to fruition.

As a perfect example, do I heed my own warnings or wisdom? I like to think that I do but here I find myself trudging out into the bush looking for answers about things I think you might already know about. Even though I have committed myself to promoting safety in the field - curiosity, ambition and desire always wins us over. It is the reflection and review of past experiences that opens our eyes to some of the things that we have (or will) go through which consistently drives us to our goals.

Now something has changed and I know it is for the better. I'm perhaps a little bit wiser, more responsible, more committed to self preservation and most of all, more committed to longevity in things that I believe in and hold dear to me.  "Off the cuff" seems to work for many and might do so for some time. Structured, methodical approaches to things also work, usually for the better - and this is what I have learned. If you take the time to think stuff out, it might make things much more clear. If not, move towards your thoughts, goals and ambitions at a slower pace so that you can begin to absorb and appreciate the outcome.

I havent blogged as often as I promised I would and now I realize one of the reasons why - my life and the way I live it is very important to not only myself but to the others around and with me. Blogging doesn's take too much time but it does if you really have to think about what you want to say without just putting a couple sentences out there about last week's news. Nope. That's not me. I want this to be fresh, genuine, straight from the heart and it will be just that. It's a Tickingmind of ideas, thoughts and opportunities.

To my followers, friends & acquaintances, I thank you for your patience and your patronage. My forthcoming blogs are hopefully going to be well received and I trust that growth is inevitable, not only in spirit but in knowledge and wisdom - the three cornerstones of a truly sociable and open environment.

Good night folks, will be posting again soon.
TM

Garmin 2360LT. A dud? I think so...

It would seem that Garmin has the upper had on mobile navigation. I assume that they have also cornered the outdoor market as well, with their handheld devices. The word GPS and Garmin seem to click & stick together.


I had the opportunity to try out a Garmin 2360LT unit and I really hoped that I was going to be treated to a pleasant commuting experience by this device. This is one of the newer offerings from Garmin and it comes with lifetime traffic and a free map update up to 60 days after first satellite acquisition.

What interested me about this unit? A few things at first, before actually being able to put my hands on it.
-Voice command (since in Ontario it's illegal now to play around with electronic devices while driving)
-Bluetooth
-EcoRoute
-Traffic Trends

So away we went, first trip. Ok, a bit buggy. Without going into details, I plugged in the unit and found that I had a few software upgrades to do. Ok, fine - done. Back into the car.
Routing, at best, is mediocre. Yes, it will get you from point A to B, but sometimes in a very weird way.
My profile was set to bring me home using the fastest route, without U-turns, toll highways, off-road and ferries.
Traffic trends and the traffic receiver were on.

The first route was wrong. So wrong. For the "fastest" route it had me driving through a major city to the south end of it, then jumping on the highway for the majority of the trip home.

I can see the highway bit, but when the traffic system shows a delay in the area planned out, you would think that the GPS would re-route. I can think of several ways to navigate the area of congestion. Nope, I had to deal with the traffic jam.

And how about those phantom ramps and backwards highway entrances and exits? The entrance to our local highway, according to Garmin, is on the other side of the road (opposing traffic) heading down the ramp that brings the offramp highway-people into the city. Perhaps this was the "suicide" mode because if I followed the directions I would surely be in a bad situation.

Voice command - A welcome addition but lacks in accuracy and features. Get's bogged down and sits there with a spinning hour glass. Ok I just asked it for the nearest Canadian Tire. It sits and spins. And spins. One of the SLOWEST route calculation / recalculation I have dealt with. Disturbing.

It's supposed to learn my driving habits and places that I go and build upon it, of which I have yet to see. For example, it ALWAYS suggests one particular route when I know that the route I take is shorter and quicker.

Trust me, this is not the end. I am putting this unit to the test. I do not want to see people spending their hard earned money on something that could have been had for less than half the price. Stick around, part two will be out in a little while and you can judge from there.


J