I just thought that for those who were needing more than the slide show on the family blog I would give you a color version of it here. Enjoy

Backpacking

Well I uploaded a bunch of pictures from the camera so I could post on the family blog and came across the pictures of my new tent. I am on a quest to lighten my load for backpacking. I started this quest about two years ago or so after I went winter camping with Marcus and Drew. I had a very heavy pack and decided that there needed to be a way to escape the pains of the heavy pack and create more enjoyment out of the trek. Thus I began to research a more lightweight alternative. WOW!!!!! There is plethora of information out there revolving around lightweight, ultralight weight, minimalist....yada yada yada. There is a style for everyone and everyone is willing to share. So I might as well join in. I have spent many hours researching and developing my own comfort level of lightweight. And I am far from there yet. I don't have a surplus of cash laying around to try and buy everything I would like so this conversion is a very gradual process. Last year I got a Backpack, the Granite Gear Vapor Trail, to be exact.( I will take some pictures and upload them later.) I also learned how to make a soda can stove, made a couple, and used them. It is fun making things sometimes. (again I will take some pics and post them later.) I also adopted a 3/4 length sleeping pad. This year I acquired my shelter. It is a Henry Shires Cloudburst 2 Tarptent. I have spent numerous hours researching tents, hammocks, tarps, bivys, and every sort of shelter out there. In the end I decided to go with the Tarptent. It provided the protection I wanted with a great weight.

You can see that it is very similar to a tent. I am anxious for the weather to improve so that I may head on out backpacking. I have a number of trips I want to take around the state. I will probably be looking for individuals who want to go with. If you are interested msg me. I will post a list of the trips I want to take and maybe I can drag people along with me. Well I will get some pictures of some of my other gear and put together my desired trips. I don't plan on taking them all this year. Maybe I will throw together a poll of where everyone thinks is the best place to go out of my desired trips. I should have some time later so maybe I can scramble something together. Later

Wii

Well I have only had the opportunity to play the wii once before and it was for about 10 min. Last night I had my second opportunity which lasted for more than an hour. I must say that I had a good time. I played the wii sports games and a couple different modes for each one. I even created my own mii. I didn't do too good of a job on the resemblance but maybe next time I can modify him. Thanks to Brad and Jackie for the good food and fun time playing the wii. Once i got used to the wrist flick required by the games I started to do much better, but in honor of my good friend Drew I am felling it in my wrist today. I can empathize with his pains and aches:) I am not sure that I want a wii yet but I have been thinking about it, and with the announcement of Rock Bands June release date for the wii maybe I will get on board. My sister Brittney just bought a wii also so I will have to go play hers also and ad some more gaming experience under my belt. Wii fans chime in on your feelings or non Wii fans can give their 2 cents worth on why to stay away.

Before I get ahead of myself I am going to need a new video card for my home pc. The old card gave up for the second time. Ahhh I have had a few frustrations with this computer build. Lots of bad luck. I have replace d the motherboard, and processor (twice each) and now the video card for a second time. Although some of those issues dealt with power surges and a bad outlet so I am not complaining too much. I hope to do the entire system by the end of the year so I may wait. I am not sure yet what I am going to do. I know I can pick up a far better card for not too much money so I may do that and put it in the new computer at the end of the year. Only time will tell. Well nuff said I'll be back.

Why not

Well I decided to create my own personal blog. This will separate all my personal crap from the family stuff. Since I will be maintaining the family one as well I decided that I should limit my personal deliriums to a separate blog. I may be prone to run off on any variety of subject here as opposed to my family dealings. So away we go. I will try to keep both up and running and fairly up to date. :P