Sasslong Update

This is a followup to the first impressions review I did on Asolo's Sasslong hiking boots. You can find it here:http://musinginthedesert.blogspot.com/2013/07/gear-review-asolo-sasslong-hiking-boots.html

I really, really, really wanted to like these boots. However, I have paddle-like hind paws, and even in a wide size, they were crushing my little toe. Thus, I'll be going back to the L.L. Bean Cresta Hiker, because it seems to be the only high-quality hiking boot on God's holy green Earth that fits my feet. As to the abrasion problems, I don't know what I'll do. Perhaps shoe-goo another piece of leather to the toe when it wears through. L.L. Bean was kind enough to send me a new pair of Crestas, since the ones I had been using leaked.

My Apologies

For all 1.7 of you that are actually paying attention to this blog, I apologize for being inactive recently. School just started up, and we were up in the Jemez over Labor Day weekend on the search for the missing firefighter. So, been busy. Beyond that, the Inspiration Faerie has been beating me over the head with respect to the novella I'm working on, so when I have had time for leisure writing, I've been focusing on that.

Hopefully I'll be able to post some more in the near future. I'm planning to do a series of "what I carry and why" when I'm out in the field. I'm intending to do separate posts for day hiking, backpacking, and SAR work. Stay tuned. In the meantime, have a map of the Continental US as outlined by the location of McDonald's restaurants.

Monte Cristo and Fried Pickles at the Fat Squirrel

Wanted to do a writeup on one of my new favorite restaurants, the Fat Squirrel Pub in Rio Rancho, NM. For those of us who don't live on the wrong side of the Rio Grande, Southern and 528 is a bit of a drive, but it's certainly worth the occasional trip. My girlfriend and I have gone several times. Highly recommended.

New headlamp!

Just got a new toy in the mail, Petzl MYO RXP headlamp. Proper first impressions article to follow when I'm more awake, but this thing is BRIGHT. On low power, it lit up my backyard. I don't have a small backyard.

Stock photo because I don't feel like taking pictures at the moment.

Gear Review: Asolo Sasslong Hiking Boots (First Impression)

Today's entry will be a first impressions look at the Asolo Sasslong boots I bought from Sierra Trading Post.

Gear Review: Belleville 310 Boot

I wanted to talk about a pair of boots. I'm not a professional gear critic, and haven't tried every boot on God's Earth. However, between Civil Air Patrol, my time at the Merchant Marine Academy, my volunteer EMS work, and wilderness SAR, I've worn more than a few pairs of boots. The ones I want to bring to your attention today are some of the best I've had the opportunity to use. Specifically, the Beleville 310 Army-style desert boots.

Hypothermia, Thoughts on Firestarting

I was on an outing when matters got to the point of me trying to treat hypothermia in the field. Search and Rescue also had to be called, because one of us was hurt and couldn't walk out. On a positive note, everyone that was on the trip is alive and no one sustained any severe injuries, so I'm calling this a win.

Keep in mind, SAR is available as a resource when you get in over your head. Call sooner rather than later. In the state of NM, I believe (99% certain, does not constitute legal advice) that there is no charge to the subject for a legitimate search or rescue. If you think you're in trouble and need help, call the NM State Police.