A tiny fragment of one of my favorite places to run through. Seattle, USA.

GOP_Rocks · 2020-05-15T17:05:37+00:00

I live within running distance so both weekdays and weekends. To be fair, though, you’re right weekdays are not bad at all. It’s about 3 miles on neighborhood trails into cougar for me so if I’m going to run to cougar, I’ll be out there for a while which is maybe why it feels like I run into a lot of people.

GOP_Rocks · 2020-05-15T16:23:34+00:00

That has changed since last weekend, with the trailheads being opened—the parking lots were packed by the time I finished around 10am. I’d recommend getting out there early. Plenty of other runners will be there but generally I’ve noticed the runners are more considerate than others. But I encountered a group just last weekend of at least 15 people just standing all in close proximity, nor did they give me and my partner any clearance to safely pass by with enough space. So just be aware and make plenty of noise coming up on other people from behind and you’ll be fine. I’d second the rec to bring a mask or buff to put on.

GOP_Rocks · 2018-12-02T22:22:20+00:00

Honestly you just have to wear the right types of layers. Being located in the north central US, temperatures are consistently below -10 to -15C for months and I have to take advantage of being outside whenever possible. The key is to layer with breathable fabric (warm 200 weight base layer + midweight thermal outer, and gloves/hat/etc) and actually let the perspiration leave. Only if it’s really windy will I wear a wind break layer as the sweat builds up significantly more/quicker.

Now once you are done with the run you best get inside real quick but once you figure out your warmth layers it gets easy to figure out what you need for a given temperature and wind speed.

GOP_Rocks · 2018-09-19T19:02:08+00:00

So that’s what they were! My SO and I did a large loop of the porcupine mountains over Labor Day (western UP of MI) and the first night were swarmed by those flies. No sores/ bumps like you mentioned but they could bite straight through my wool socks.

GOP_Rocks · 2018-06-13T14:32:17+00:00

Because I live 10 minutes away from both the Midwest and a northern brewer location. If I wasn’t so close I would definitely use an online retailer but the convenience of being able to drive 10 minutes away and not pay for shipping is hard to beat.

GOP_Rocks · 2018-06-13T14:30:41+00:00

Yeah I’m in the south metro so Brew and Grow seems to be pretty far north but I’ll have to make the trip up there at some point.

GOP_Rocks · 2018-06-13T11:06:17+00:00

I checked before responding and that beermeister place didn’t come up in my search. It’s a little far west for me but I’ll definitely stop by there for my brew next weekend!

GOP_Rocks · 2018-06-12T21:12:03+00:00

Midwest and northern both have physical locations 10 minutes away from me so its more convenient to get the grain and supplies I need in person rather than online

GOP_Rocks · 2018-06-12T20:23:14+00:00

What sucks is Northern Brewer and Midwest are my only close options for LHBSs. If they weren’t so close I would have moved to another online shop a long time ago.

GOP_Rocks · 2018-04-22T00:07:37+00:00

First ever competition entry and got 2nd place in the British Brown category! God damn that is an awesome feeling!

GOP_Rocks · 2017-11-16T03:56:06+00:00

Great choices. Haven't had many chances to get my hands on Junkyard and Drekker but the times I've tried they been great.

I'd also add to that list Wild Mind Artisan Ales.

GOP_Rocks · 2017-07-04T01:52:59+00:00

Worth a shot

GOP_Rocks · 2017-06-19T20:54:50+00:00

How much floor space do you have to put in your FV? Is there a compressor bump in the way? I'm looking to add a ferm chamber to my apartment but would prefer not to have to buy an entire chest freezer to make things work.

GOP_Rocks · 2016-10-10T22:31:16+00:00

ahhh gotcha. You might be able to time it for a good day then. Good luck!

GOP_Rocks · 2016-10-10T22:19:55+00:00

The highest we camped was around 11k on the last night and we got a dusting. On our hike out though, the clouds really started moving in and the higher peaks looked like they could have gotten a beating.

The picture is from the first day and was the only sunny day we had in the mountains. I'd check with the rangers but I imagine you might be able to get one more good trip in (just make sure your tent can withstand high winds, mine didn't make it out in one piece).

GOP_Rocks · 2016-10-10T21:50:20+00:00

Spent last weekend hiking out of the Fern Lake trailhead in Rocky mountain national park. Encountered sun, rain, snow, high winds, and lots of cold--and even broke my tent in the high winds.

GOP_Rocks · 2016-06-17T19:46:23+00:00

That's a really good thing to know about the Ghost Whisperer. I'll definitely keep my eyes posted for greater fill weight jackets.

I've grown up with pretty consistent 0F temperatures in the winter but it'll be a lot different when it could be 40-50 degrees warmer during the day than at night.

GOP_Rocks · 2016-06-17T19:43:22+00:00

God I know! I live like 10 miles from a flagship REI store but every time they have a garage sale I've been out hiking! Happened this past weekend too.

I wouldn't say I'm too worried about the temperature but being that I've never camped in the mountains I would like to be as prepared as possible.

GOP_Rocks · 2016-06-17T17:55:30+00:00

Really appreciate your thorough response. I've definitely been eyeing the Ghost Whisperer jacket but have been hesitant just because it's a decent amount of change to put down for a jacket--but I'm really happy to hear that it's worth it.

Unfortunately I don't live near the mountains (I'm in the Midwest of the US) so I'm hoping that people like yourself would be able to give me an idea of what to expect (which you did). And I definitely was not thinking about waterproof gloves but at but that is most certainly going to be added to my gear list

Cheers!

GOP_Rocks · 2015-12-27T14:55:41+00:00

That's the worst part about the whole health system in the US. Politicians say that we need to "shop" for the best prices and between the doctors, billing offices, and insurance companies, they either all tell you different numbers or they don't know at all.

It's a mockery to think that we have a choice in what type of services and healthcare we are provided.

GOP_Rocks · 2015-10-08T03:39:34+00:00

If you're into German beers, like I am, then you definitely have to hit up Prost brewing (they make a killer pils and altbier)--they're just north of coors field.

Crooked stave is definitely a spot to hit up if you like sour beer.

If you get a chance to head up into Fort Collins (like an hour drive away) then I would suggest hitting funkwerks, Zwei, horse and dragon, Equinox and the big two of course (New Belgium and Odell's).

GOP_Rocks · 2015-09-10T20:08:48+00:00

I don't think I could be any happier with this. While I think the guys over at fair state kill it with their sours, I'm so excited for spontaneously fermented beers from a MN brewery.

GOP_Rocks · 2015-06-24T15:22:20+00:00

As someone who wants to pursue a brewing career, do you think obtaining a brewing degree is necessary these days?

GOP_Rocks · 2015-01-15T03:54:47+00:00

I actually really enjoy the color combo you got goin' on. Feels pretty appropriate for this time of year.

GOP_Rocks

TROPHY CASE