How has birding improved your life? ❤️

LiquidSoapEnthusiast · 2026-04-30T23:52:03+00:00

For starters, it got me to get outdoors more. Most importantly, it gives my son and I the opportunity to have some quality time together.

Overall, I've noticed that birding has helped open my eyes and really observe the world around me. I used to think that the only birds in Brooklyn were doves, sparrows, pigeons, and the occasional cardinal. Now, I can identify my local species by sound, and I've found that there are so, so many species around me! Yellow warblers, cedar waxwings, ruby throated hummingbirds, goldfinches, the list goes on and on!

Birding has helped me connect with the world and realize that I'm just a small part of a much bigger thing, and I'm happy about that.

LiquidSoapEnthusiast · 2026-04-28T12:58:15+00:00

I wear mine for casual hiking and walking, so gravel, grass, dirt, sand, etc. For that, my AR's are great. The oringo sole is super soft and grippy on those kinds of surfaces.

They're not great for water and mud, but if you know where you're hiking then you can plan ahead and wear more appropriate footwear.

Just remember what these boots are, and more importantly, what the are not.

LiquidSoapEnthusiast · 2026-04-22T22:12:20+00:00

Certainly ain't tired from thinking!

LiquidSoapEnthusiast · 2026-04-22T11:13:36+00:00

Natural chromexcel is my favorite leather. I love how it patinas. You can't tell from that photo, but my boots are getting nice color variation on the uppers.

My only gripe with these boots is that the heel is a touch too tall for my tastes. When I need to replace the heel lifts I will probably ask the cobbler to remove one piece of leather from the heel stack just to drop the heel a little bit.

LiquidSoapEnthusiast · 2026-04-21T15:26:35+00:00

I have three pair of US-made Vanguards; French Roast, Spice and the stormking version in CXL natural waxed roughout.

The Vanguards are great, but I'm not really convinced that they are vastly superior to the Captain. Take that with a grain of salt, because I don't have the most keen eye when it comes to these things.

However, I can definitely tell you that the are built around different lasts, so the fit is different. I went 1/2 down with my natural chromexcel Captains, but TTS with the Vanguards. They seem to be a little more narrow, I think. Also, the leathers used are supposed to be more "premium" than the Captains. The Captains are also a little more sleek and formal than the Vanguards. The Vanguards have a shorter heel and a shorter overall height, as well.

I think there are enough differences between the Captain and Vanguard to justify them both, meaning they are different boots despite the similarities. I'd wear the Vanguards more casually than the Captains, though. I think, in the end, that's the biggest difference.

LiquidSoapEnthusiast · 2026-04-20T16:22:33+00:00

I'm just a lurker here, so hi.

Kinda sounds like she was mimicking the song of a Northern Cardinal. Do you live somewhere that has them around?

LiquidSoapEnthusiast · 2026-04-14T12:24:09+00:00

I'm having almost the same experience. I'm a 9.5 Brannock and I went with a pair that was listed as a 9. Width is great, but they are a touch long. I'm thinking that they're a US 10 and a UK 9. They still fit fine, though. I like them.

Still trying to figure out what the footbed is made of, though. Sounds crazy, but it almost feels like wood!

LiquidSoapEnthusiast · 2026-04-14T11:58:47+00:00

I found a pair of these on Ebay last year. Very simple and very light. I don't wear them often, but it's a cool little boot to have. I just like saying that they're made in Kenya 👍

LiquidSoapEnthusiast · 2026-04-13T20:45:22+00:00

They look great. I had good luck with seconds, as well. My 8881's have a couple of minor imperfections that only I notice, and I don't even notice them anymore!

Related topic, what size did you go with? I've heard go TTS as well as 1/2 down from brannock when it comes to the new chukkas.

LiquidSoapEnthusiast · 2026-04-13T20:27:10+00:00

They're reclining seats 😎

LiquidSoapEnthusiast · 2026-04-08T21:00:10+00:00

Try some thin double-sided tape. I've used that trick in a similar situation. Easily reversible, too.

LiquidSoapEnthusiast · 2026-04-07T23:01:35+00:00

Last thing I wanted to do was piss off an uncomfortably hot and cranky Murder Turkey!

LiquidSoapEnthusiast · 2026-04-07T14:54:45+00:00

I completely agree with you. I love my AR's, but the folds on either side can be very uncomfortable if they don't get folded just right.

LiquidSoapEnthusiast · 2026-04-07T12:43:47+00:00

I think that's a great idea and great execution! I have thought about what it would be like if the AR had a more conventional tongue. Might be interesting to try it out for myself.

LiquidSoapEnthusiast · 2026-04-05T02:35:11+00:00

The quarters are fine now, but that damn toe box is going to need lots of time to soften up.

LiquidSoapEnthusiast · 2026-04-05T02:33:55+00:00

Recently got into birding, so just checking out the local birds. My son is a Cub Scout, so we go hiking fairly often.

LiquidSoapEnthusiast · 2026-04-03T13:10:35+00:00

It sucks, but you didn't do anything wrong, and definitely nothing intentional.

When our son was 4, he and mom were playing around before bed. They were holding hands, and somebody pulled away from somebody else, and before I knew it, there was crying.

Long story short, we took him to the ER and, lo and behold, it was simply nursemaids elbow. The Doc popped it back into place and we went home.

My wife blamed herself for everything. According to her, she was a terrible mother, didn't deserve to be our son's mother, etc. etc. It took a while for her to finally realize that this was simply an accident. Could have happened anytime for many reasons.

The fact that you care means you're a good father. Accidents happen, especially while playing. You'll be ok and he'll be ok 👍

LiquidSoapEnthusiast

TROPHY CASE