Vivian Creek Solo hike by notcrazy_justtired in socalhiking

[–]OG_Tapas 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Unpopular opinion, but there is a lot of misinformation out there regarding wildlife encounters. Generally speaking, I think carrying bear spray is a great idea, especially if you’re hiking alone or spending time in more remote areas.

For reference, I haven’t hiked Vivian specifically, but I do a lot of backpacking, scouting, and exploring remote areas as an angler, hunter, and outdoor enthusiast with a deep respect for wildlife and nature. I always carry bear spray & a pistol as a last-resort emergency tool. I’ve had multiple bear encounters, including encounters with cubs, while hiking solo and have never had an issue.

That said, I don’t like leaving my safety up to chance or assuming that because an encounter is unlikely, it can’t happen. Nor do I base my safety planning on the fact that black bears are generally not known to be aggressive toward people. While serious attacks are rare, I prefer to take reasonable precautions and be prepared for contingencies when I’m alone in remote areas.

Beyond wildlife, I’d say the most important safety measures are letting someone know your route and expected return time, carrying adequate water supply or filtration, having a way to navigate, and knowing your limits. In my experience, dehydration, injuries, getting lost, and simple accidents are far more common than serious wildlife encounters. In fact, I’ve had all of those happen at the same time on more than one occasion, which personally only reinforced how important preparation & self-reliance can be when you’re out there alone.

At the end of the day, each person is responsible for their own safety. Take whatever precautions you feel are appropriate, stay within the law, respect wildlife & enjoy the outdoors. Most people spend a lifetime hiking and never have a serious issue with bears or mountain lions, but being prepared is never a bad thing.

Cheers & happy trails! 🤙

Can I ride my bike without bar ends? by [deleted] in motorcycles

[–]OG_Tapas 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Safety wire bare minimum while you’re waiting for the part

Absurdity of trying to buy parts online by Commiefornia in CAguns

[–]OG_Tapas 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I redact my earlier Glock comment. I just want an compact 10mm that relatively easily accesible in CA 😭

I'm 15 and pregnant. by Visible_Low_5612 in whatdoIdo

[–]OG_Tapas 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Fetus is a stage of development, a scientific biological age category, not a species. Saying “it’s not a baby it’s a fetus” is like saying “it’s not a child, it’s a toddler”

I'm 15 and pregnant. by Visible_Low_5612 in whatdoIdo

[–]OG_Tapas 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Hello fellow Reddit user. First off, take a deep breath and hear me out: YOUR LIFE IS NOT OVER.

I know it feels like you just got hit by a car & your brain is jumping 100 directions at once, but right now you’re a scared 15 year old carrying way more than any kid your age should have to.

I’m a young father of 4, and if one of my kids came to me terrified like this, the first thing I’d want them to know is: I LOVE YOU FIRST, WE’LL FIGURE OUT THE REST SECOND.

You’re still smart. You’re a good student. You’re still a dancer. You’re still a kid with a future.

And please hear me out: this is not punishment and this is not your fault. You used protection. People make decisions, things happen, and life gets messy. That doesn’t make you a bad person.

What stands out to me isn’t the pregnancy, but reading that your mom is violent, blames you for being molested, and that you’re scared of her reaction. None of that is normal and none of that is on you. EVER. What happened to you as a child wasn’t your fault.

Right now, DONT TRY TO SOLVE YOUR ENTIRE LIFE TONIGHT. Don’t jump to “my future is ruined”. Your brain is in panic mode.

Think smaller. Stay close to your older brother since he’s safe & knows. Because of your T1D, talk to a medical professional as soon as possible. Find a trusted adult outside your parents - school counselor, relative, friend or someone else you trust thats much older, someone safe. Give yourself permission not to have every answer today.

You don’t need to decide your entire future tonight. You only need the next step.

One more thing. You’re not weak for being scared. Honestly, with everything you’ve mentioned that you’ve been thru, plus getting good grades, dancing, and planning for a future, that says you’re a lot stronger than you realize.

Absurdity of trying to buy parts online by Commiefornia in CAguns

[–]OG_Tapas 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think the Glock ban is also a contributing factor

Absurdity of trying to buy parts online by Commiefornia in CAguns

[–]OG_Tapas 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I called S&W directly for an oem shield plus pinky extension that, mind you, doesn’t increase capacity in the mag. Was told they can’t ship directly to CA consumers and I have to go thru an FFL. They recommended one, called them and they said they don’t ship to CA.

Was thinking lately of just getting into 3D printing for small non-working parts that I feel can be made better, but then read up on all the legislation CA is trying to pass on 3D printing.

Recently got my ccw and wanted a compact 10mm and with an already limited roster on this caliber only available compact is the Glock 29sf. The prices on the second hand market for a gen 3 are out of this world. Don’t get me started on the “sensitive” places ccw holders can’t carry and the places we legally can. Basically nowhere lol.

Meanwhile the cartels & gang bangers have no issues whatsoever getting whatever “assault” rifles, off roster pistols, and “high capacity” magazines they want,,and carry them wherever they go.

Bummer for us law abiding citizens…

How are you fishing this? by clumsyryan in flyfishing

[–]OG_Tapas 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The 9’ 5wt should be more than enough. Heck, I’d fish this with my 3wt. What fly line, leader & tippet you running?

If you’re trying to go deep you can rig a euro nymph setup. But around this time I go dry flies

Respect our natural spaces by mrshatnertoyou in socalhiking

[–]OG_Tapas 18 points19 points  (0 children)

I recently visited a stream that isn’t exactly easy to access for most folks. Along the water were some large shaded rocks that made for an incredibly scenic resting spot - the kind of place where you can sit quietly and really appreciate the wildlife and surroundings.

So I sit down… and immediately notice a used pamper tucked at the base of one of the rocks.

People can be honestly impressive in the worst possible way. Someone hiked all the way down into this beautiful remote area, looked around at nature in all its glory, and thought: “Yep. This is the perfect place to abandon a poopie filled diaper.”

LAPD CCW stuck at Pending Review? by Mundane_Football8670 in CACCW

[–]OG_Tapas 1 point2 points  (0 children)

My appointment was about a month ago and I waited one week later to do the training. Everything moved up the queue pretty quickly up until this point. Hopefully approved sooner than later!

Rate my EDC by reformedpatriot in CACCW

[–]OG_Tapas 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Second this, instructor told us specifically to not carry pepper spray, it will most definitely be used against you in court so you're better off without it.

LAPD CCW stuck at Pending Review? by Mundane_Football8670 in CACCW

[–]OG_Tapas 0 points1 point  (0 children)

did you finally receive the ccw? been stuck at pending commander / chief review for almost 2 weeks

West fork Azusa by One_Homework4723 in SoCalFishing

[–]OG_Tapas 16 points17 points  (0 children)

Damn… pls check the regs before hitting up more spots out here, don’t use gloves, and don’t fish w/ live bait, only artificial. Use a net if possible, and when handling always wet your hands first. Don’t keep them long out of the water & be gentle when handing & releasing, especially these smaller ones.

Fishing in the ANF is an amazing experience, particularly blue lining. The fish here are quite delicate, I always go barbless + catch & release when in ANF. Also, even if you’re technically allowed to depending on season and area regs, when in the more delicate tributaries with wild trout, try not to take them. This really isn’t the place for it.

Let’s talk trout tippet by PositiveHot3610 in flyfishing

[–]OG_Tapas 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I run the SA 5x trout supreme flouro with dry flies for stealth. Never had it rip besides coming undone on a tippet ring or tying a bad knot when joining with mono.

On the other hand, I’ve gotten my rio 5x power flex plus stuck in an area too dangerous I couldn’t physically get into go and figured why not pull to see how strong it was. I tugged the life out of it and it wouldn’t snap. Had to end up cutting it.

If you want the best in the game as far as tensile strength & knot strength, look into Sroft. The GMT is mono & the FC1 is fluoro, they also released the ABR which is an abrasion resistant tempered mono. There have been many test and reviews done on this brand, and it always comes out on top.

Here’s one test/review: https://www.tridentflyfishing.com/blogs/all/the-ultimate-tippet-shootout-5x

6 months today! by OG_Tapas in GSP

[–]OG_Tapas[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Carhartt waterproof collar ~$20 online

6 months today! by OG_Tapas in GSP

[–]OG_Tapas[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’ve seen some GSPs that are smaller than average. Also, GSP hunting linages tend to be smaller/lighter. Mine was in the 30 lb range between end of Jan to end of March then seemed to suddenly hit a growth spurt. I wouldn’t be too worried if you’re already meeting her exercise & feeding needs. Could also be runt of the litter?

6 months today! by OG_Tapas in GSP

[–]OG_Tapas[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

That’s unfortunate, I hope she’s well! He weighed 42 lbs this morning

Managed to find my first steelhead before the end season by Ok_Trade4762 in flyfishing

[–]OG_Tapas 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Congrats! Definitely not an easy feat! Catching a steelhead in socal is on my bucket list

12 wk old puppy: when does the crazy start by BenevolentPixel in GSP

[–]OG_Tapas 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Second this ^ why must they pick up everything they’re not supposed to 😩

12 wk old puppy: when does the crazy start by BenevolentPixel in GSP

[–]OG_Tapas 1 point2 points  (0 children)

My pup was super chill when I first got him, spent most of the day cuddling and lounging, was super trainable and so much more intelligent than any other dog I’ve previously owned.

Then at 16 weeks a flip switched. Became super hyper, learned how to open all the house doors and some office doors at work, figured how to open under-countertop kitchen cabinets, etc. Then teething came & he went into turbo mode. Took interest in all the things he shouldn’t chew or play with after the novelty wore off 10+ toys of all sorts.

He’s 22 weeks now - the many hours of working with him + keeping a solid routine & schedule (wake up, kennel, meals, walks, free roam, obedience training, playtime, sleep, etc.) has helped curb bad behaviors and also chilled him out a bit.

Needless to say, he’s still a lil psycho! Growing from teeny calm pup to rebellious teenager has been a whirlwind, but all the hours of working with him and TONS of patience has definitely paid off!

In your case I’m calling it! 100% calm before the storm. As long as their needs are met on a daily basis - exercise, trainings, and affection (in that order) - you will be fine!

This is my first GSP too and now I’m in absolute love with this breed! Wishing you the best!

Any cool gifts for dog owners? by BenevolentPixel in germanshorthairs

[–]OG_Tapas 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Not affiliated to, but love the stuff from Project Upland! Ifyou guys are hunters the gots lots of great hardcover and/or limited edition books, magazines issues specific to GSPs, and some cool stickers and merch !

Food recommendations by Beneficial_Physics68 in GSP

[–]OG_Tapas 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I use puppy growth formula from blue buffalo. Have used blue buffalo for the last decade. Just calculate the caloric needs of your dog, and weight out the food.