In 2011 I had the opportunity to spend a few weeks in Nepal. I traveled with a Canon Powershot G10 which is an amazing little monster, and great for travelers. There were times, however, when I just didn’t have the focal range that I craved. Some shots were burned only to my mind because of the inherent limitations of a point-and-shoot camera. (Check out the gallery at Rogue Images.)
This year, when I learned that I would make the journey one more time, I immediately began searching for a new toy. Mirrorless system cameras like the Sony NEX or Olympus Pen lines really caught my eye due to their large, high quality sensors and compact body size. For my money though, the technology is not quite there. I wanted interchangeable lenses, great video capability, and most importantly, the ability to perform anywhere I perform. Continue reading 10 Tips to Help Your Camera Kit Thrive Where You Do→
I came across this hilarious prequel to “10 Things to Wipe Your Butt With in the Woods” on one of my favorite online mags, Adventure Journal. This article was written by Brendan Leonard who also runs the blog, Semi-Rad. Adventure Journal’s editor, Steve Casimiro, has allowed me to give you a taste right here on TO. Check out the first few “techniques,” then head over to AJ for the rest!
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There’s pretty much one way to poop indoors: In a toilet. No real room for creativity. Or at least functional creativity. Outdoors, though, the world is your canvas. Dig a Leave No Trace six-inch hole and make yourself comfortable. Here are seven different strategies, of which we can recommend five. Actually, just four.
Source: Flickr, EarthOwned
1. The Squat
The original outdoor stance. Just like it sounds. Dig a hole, put your butt close to the ground, and make the magic happen.
2. The Tripod
Sometimes more comfortable than the plain old Squat, this is when you dig a hole, squat over it, and place a hand behind you for stability. It’s definitely a more active position and probably safer if you have any reservations about your, um, solid waste getting on your shoes or hiking boots – the Tripod puts your bum farther south of those north-facing feet.
3. The Tree Hug
If the roots cooperate, you can dig a hole close enough to a tree, and if the tree’s not too big around you can wrap your hands or arms around the trunk for support as you squat over the hole and rock it out…
On the small island of Okinawa, Japan there is an active community of climbers consisting of US service members and local Japanese nationals. A favorite climb/boulder hangout is Gushichan beach on the South end of the island. Not only is this beach home to hundreds of potential bouldering problems and even a few sport routes, it is one of many significant WWII historical sites on the island. This beach is subject to busloads of tourists, typhoons, and multiple ocean currents. Inevitably, it ends up trashed.
Check out this old Camillus military-issue fixed-blade knife that was recently renovated in true Thrive style. Google is pretty sure that this is a Camillus CM-5684B, a relic of the Vietnam era (Source 1, and 2).
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It was a parting gift for a friend who was moving, and preparing to take on a great challenge. Some serious Dremel action buffed off the phosphate coating and rust, and brought the high carbon steel to a mirror shine (note the second knife in it’s raw state for reference). A bit of leather conditioner and black polish coaxed the sheath and handle back into service, and a length of cord with red beads retrofitted the leg tie. Finally, a Lansky sharpening kit returned a surgeon’s edge to the beast.
The engraving reads, “FIRE UP – GET DIRTY – SCARE YOURSELF – BLEED”on one side of the blade. The other side reads,“Do more than just survive… THRIVE.”
It is more of a show piece now, but still a very capable tool if need be.
Do you possess any cool old toys like this one? Shoot me some info in the comment box, or at thriveoutdoors@yahoo.com. You could be featured in a future THRIVEtoys article!
Welcome to our first THRIVEtech post! I left you hangin’ with So, You Want to be John Rambo? Part I back in May. Sorry for the wait; The paradox of having a blog like this is that you have to be outside to create the tales, but inside to turn them into electrons for you to enjoy. If you haven’t checked out Part I yet, now is a perfect time! It will “set the stage.” –Queue eery foggy fade in…
Where I left off, my crew is at the Jungle Environment Survival Training camp near Subic Bay, Philippines being shown some jungle-ninja skills by one of the best around. That night, we eagerly make plans to meet in the foggy morning light to make the trek into camp a cool one. We gather at the front gate of the JEST compound and begin shifting gear around, tightening boots, and making wagers on the first deadly creature encounter…Continue reading So, you want to be John Rambo? Part II→
Okinawa outdoors-men and women: A call for volunteers! Check it out!
On the small island of Okinawa, Japan there is an active community of climbers consisting of US service members and local Japanese nationals. A favorite climb/boulder hangout is Gushichan beach on the South end of the island. Not only is this beach home to hundreds of potential bouldering problems and even a few sport routes, it is one of many significant WWII historical sites on the island. This beach is subject to busloads of tourists, typhoons, and multiple ocean currents. Inevitably, it ends up trashed. Continue reading Gushi Beach Cleanup and Boulder Bash!→
Welcome back to Thrive Outdoors! It’s Friday here in the Land of the Rising Sun. What better way to kick off the weekend than by scaring yourself? Check out this great perspective on ditching your comfort zone through the eyes of our newest author, and get some inspiration for the weekend!
By Evan Crump
For a Wyoming boy like me, Southeast Asia was about as far from home as I could get. Before my trip I had only flown once and my traveling experience was confined to the Western United States and short stints in Mexico and Canada. I had not had a job in two years due to pharmacy school, but I had saved money from my school money for an emergency. I instead purchased a ticket to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Jon, Alex, and I had never been there and just learned some phrases before we left. None of us would know anyone for thousands of miles. All we had were our backpacks and each other. None of us knew what the next 9 weeks would have in store for us…
Living on a sub-tropical island has given me plenty of opportunity to explore the ocean. I grew up in the Rocky Mountains, so this environment is still pretty new to me. There is definitely an argument for those “seaside types,” though.
Recently, I entered some of the photos I took over the past year in the 5th Annual Tsunami Scuba Underwater Photo Contest. The other contestants at the awards banquet were stoked on my rendition of a box jellyfish, and it was voted People’s Choice! I have to say I walked out with the best prize in the house. An overnight stay at the YYY Club Ie Resort including dinner and breakfast, and a guided dive excursion for two! Yes please. Big thanks to Ryan Stahl and everyone at Tsunami Scuba for putting on the shindig.
So here it is. The prize photo (It’s the portrait-oriented jellyfish pic). Along with a few of my other favorites from the last few months. Cheers. -THRIVE
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Feel like one of these would look awesome blown up on your wall? Comment below and I will contact you with more info, or check out Rogue Images.
Thrive Outdoors Culture Journal 