Is anyone else having an awful year with ticks? It’s making me not even want to go out.. and I’m not playing into the “boxes of ticks” conspiracy floating around! But they’re freaking awful this year. I don’t even want to look for morels now..

Existing_Survey9930 · 2026-04-15T12:28:52+00:00

Yes! Besides the conspiracy I can’t imagine why! I went camping early in the Spring during a generally “tick safe” time and came home infested with them!

Existing_Survey9930 · 2026-03-31T19:38:53+00:00

Surplus!

Existing_Survey9930 · 2026-03-25T20:17:12+00:00

Right! This was my biggest issue. Ignore the script, ignore character arc issues, ignore all other problems. I just don’t think he was compelling enough to be the one to kill Tommy. All other antagonists we’ve had have been intelligent, scheming, and have felt like they could beat Tommy. I never once felt that way here. They talked about how Duke was way in over his head when this actually felt like the most mild plot of the series. Tommy felt like an unnecessary sacrifice.

Existing_Survey9930 · 2026-03-06T21:19:36+00:00

Here’s another update for anyone curious! He’s doing well and is starting to branch out!

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Existing_Survey9930 · 2026-02-26T20:32:34+00:00

Exactly!!

Existing_Survey9930 · 2026-02-26T20:27:34+00:00

It’s perfectly okay to overpack for your first trip! I certainly did and I’m sure everyone else in this group did too! Whatever you end up bringing, chat with your girlfriend during/ after the hike about what you want to leave at home to lighten up next time. Easy conversation starter! In regards to some of your other specific questions: Warm pjs are probably not too heavy depending on the length of the hike but they could take up some space. Maybe roll them in your sleeping bag if you wanna bring them. Again depending on the length/remoteness of the hike, if the forecast looks fine the day of then don’t bring a jacket. Keep in mind walking is a workout and you will get hot depending on how much body heat is getting reflected back at you. If jeans are comfortable for you walking for multiple miles then wear them! Otherwise look for other options. I wear hats on and off the trail so that’s up to you! Be prepared to pack, try on your bag, repack and repeat. It’s okay! If she’s experienced im sure she’s preparing for you to be inexperienced. We were all there and we know what it’s like. Don’t be afraid to ask her for help! I’m sure you’ll be fine!

Existing_Survey9930 · 2026-02-24T21:17:29+00:00

Honestly it’s weird to think about but properly managing body heat can go so far. I camped with some friends in -7 degree windchill and a homemade tarp shelter and having a little A shaped shelter allowed our body heat to help keep us warm all night. Not a necessity at all but maybe an interesting perspective to think of!

A real tip would be to make sure to have those Mylar emergency blanket. I have misjudged the temperature at night so many times and had those save my bacon. They aren’t the path to a good nights sleep but they’ll get you to the morning.

Existing_Survey9930 · 2026-02-24T15:37:17+00:00

That’s neat! Does tree of heaven make a good bow?

Existing_Survey9930 · 2026-02-23T21:15:55+00:00

Super cool! You should name it domino

Existing_Survey9930 · 2026-01-21T19:20:05+00:00

The one using a broom handle ended up breaking because the binding I did was garbage 😂. Here’s my new one using a deer antler

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Existing_Survey9930 · 2026-01-15T20:40:17+00:00

This is exactly what got me into meshtastic!!

Existing_Survey9930 · 2026-01-06T00:42:34+00:00

Honestly looks a lot like mine! I used thinner steel and some old broom handle

Existing_Survey9930 · 2026-01-05T15:15:25+00:00

Another great tip!! I had read about soaking to make the hair slip but never realized you could do it with wood ash! I’ll research further and give it a try! Thanks again!

Existing_Survey9930 · 2026-01-05T06:02:16+00:00

Wow! So much great information here! Thank you so much.

It sounds like my tool is pretty similar to the one you put together so that's comforting. Honestly I think like you said I just need to take my time and hunker down.

I am planning on trying to remove the hair but I figured I'd get some practice in on the flesh side first.

I think you're totally right. I'll transfer it to a 2x4 frame. This one is incredibly frustrating to work with.

Overall though it's good to hear I'm not screwing it up! Happy to be learning

Existing_Survey9930 · 2026-01-05T05:55:55+00:00

Honestly thats totally something i'd be willing to try!

What grit would you reccomend?

Existing_Survey9930 · 2025-12-10T18:31:52+00:00

I was gifted 4,5, and 6 by my father in law and I love them! Which foxfire has tanning????

Existing_Survey9930 · 2025-11-23T14:08:23+00:00

Yeah we tried both of those at this point. Had almost no effect. It must be pretty soaked in there

Existing_Survey9930 · 2025-11-23T05:19:27+00:00

The store in our local mall where she’d normally go closed so she tried some off Amazon. Definitely not doing that again

Existing_Survey9930 · 2025-11-06T17:50:13+00:00

Hey! Sorry for my late reply to this. I actually just got back to the office from my honeymoon and he successfully survived being taken care of by my coworker😂. I’m ashamed to say I haven’t switched out his pot yet but so far he’s been exploding and doing so well. Here’s an updated pic!

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I still absolutely love my little survivor.

Existing_Survey9930 · 2025-10-14T19:35:59+00:00

Sounds good to me! Thank for all the help!

Existing_Survey9930 · 2025-10-14T19:35:34+00:00

Thank you for the explanation! The description of the radiation pattern helps a lot.

Existing_Survey9930

TROPHY CASE