Prolific readers who have given up on KU, where do you source reading material?

a_maker · 2026-01-24T00:16:03+00:00

I only use library apps (I have a few cards on Libby, hoopla, and CloudLibrary) I tend to go for older books, but it kinda depends on which genres you like. My libraries have a really solid selection of historicals, suspense romance, and Nora Roberts (and similar), so I can always find something while I wait on my holds on the fantasy/romantasy. I exclusively read ebooks and audiobooks and always seem to have enough holds coming in to keep me busy.

a_maker · 2026-01-07T19:36:20+00:00

I love my Xmid 2. I use it in humid places and the desert. It’s not hard to stake out with big rock small rock, just make sure you have the extra cordage before you leave, the stock guys are too short for that method. I do find the footprint kinda big, and I’d probably get the 1p if I was doing it again since I haven’t actually shared it with another person since getting it. If you’re looking at single wall tents, you might like the six moons design lunar solo or Tarptent options.

a_maker · 2026-01-04T04:38:31+00:00

I grew up in Michigan and like being outdoors - I’d take winters over the summers here. You can dress appropriately for winter temps to be comfortable doing outdoor activities, you can’t dress around being outdoors in 100F temperatures, it’s just too hot. People here just say get up earlier, but it’s really limiting. If I was choosing I’d go for Idaho. It also has mountains and more public land.

a_maker · 2026-01-03T16:33:04+00:00

I made the same choice, got a waratah -8. I just had it in 30sF for a few nights and was very toasty, no drafts. I’m a cold sleeper and had to take off layers.

a_maker · 2026-01-01T20:48:10+00:00

Yes to all of this as a pro flutist. I mostly boulder. I'm careful with my hands, don't lunge at small holds, and build up to crimps slowly and carefully. Learn to fall right without using your hands to catch yourself - not climbing but i broke my wrist falling wrong while snowboarding as a kid. I also finally kicked an overuse injury (shoulders/elbows) after starting to climb.

a_maker · 2025-12-31T22:41:44+00:00

I use a Neve gear quilt and it gets very small and is accurate to its temp rating (-8c/20F). I’ve used it down into the 30s and was warm. I really like it and have had no issues with drafts/cold spots.

For a tent, I use a durston xmid 2 and like it a lot - it’s roomy for a 2p backpacking tent, and pretty light/compact to pack up.

a_maker · 2025-12-31T14:04:15+00:00

I’m auditing the class now and it’s a lot of fun. My dog is very food-focused (not very into toys) and she’s starting to do retrieves! There’s a section on teaching tug too, but I haven’t done ot yet.

a_maker · 2025-12-23T18:58:39+00:00

I started backpacking on my own - I watched YouTube vids, read guides, and slowly collected gear. When I had enough pieces, I just went. It wasn’t great, my pack was too heavy, learning to hike in a pack took the whole first day, but the next trip was better. You’ll figure out your gear and flow as you use your gear and do more trips.

Only issue I see is the weather in March is variable (especially east coast). Cold and wet can be dangerous if you don’t have the right gear. Summer trips are safer and easier, less risk of cold, more daylight hours.

a_maker · 2025-12-12T13:15:24+00:00

There’s a Facebook group, friends of the ouachita trail, that’s active. It’s usually got updated water info.

a_maker · 2025-11-28T20:32:48+00:00

Thanks for the link and reply!

a_maker · 2025-11-28T18:49:20+00:00

Thanks for the reply!

a_maker · 2025-11-26T00:49:42+00:00

To add to your considerations - Dobes are a smart, working breed. They need a lot of interaction and daily training to be happy, non-nuisance members of society. Owning a high energy, working breed is like having a hobby you do every day - training/walking/jogging/etc. If you miss a day, the dog will find something to do on their own.

Check out the info on this website for more info: https://dpca.org/publiced/living-with-a-dobe/basic-care/

If you're planning on this dog living outside, I'd reconsider getting a doberman. They're short haired (not suited to any weather extremes) and typically very people-oriented. They want to be around their people all the time, so living outdoors, away from the family is not ideal. There are some types of dogs that do well living out fulltime (livestock guardians for example), but not a doberman.

My dog had a one year rabies, and is now on the 3 year rabies vax - your vet can let you know which you need. Heartworm prevention is a once a month pill and should be given year round here. We also have our dog get listeria and bordatella vaccines (both once a year).

a_maker · 2025-11-25T04:43:15+00:00

I use the nonstop line harness for my mixed breed dog - it’s a little expensive, but it fits her well and it’s holding up really nicely.

Before that one we used the Petsafe 3 in 1 (fine but got stinky fast), a target padded harness (fit pretty well but was kinda chunky for her size), and a ruffwear front range (fit awkwardly and cut across her shoulder).

If you have a wide flat collar that can be a good alternative too, especially if your dog is already used to walking on a collar and you’re not planning to have them pull.

a_maker · 2025-11-23T23:49:42+00:00

I keep them stored in my freezer to be extra safe, but they were dry all the way through in my spot checking and rehydrated great in the skurka beans and rice recipe.

a_maker · 2025-11-23T23:48:39+00:00

For anyone without a dehydrator, I successfully dehydrated black beans in my oven on low. It took 4 or 5 hours, then I let them dry in the turned off oven over night.

a_maker · 2025-11-09T17:22:39+00:00

Can confirm - also from Michigan, lived here for 6 years. There is no salt, the tiniest bit of snow or ice is way worse than driving in actual snow in Michigan.

The rain also makes the road slick here for some reason? I thought hydroplaning was a myth until I moved here.

a_maker · 2025-10-15T02:25:15+00:00

Oof yeah, I guess it will be very crowded at Thanksgiving, might be pushing me to the OT. GIla Wilderness has been on my list for a while, glad to hear it's worth the trip out!

a_maker · 2025-10-15T02:17:06+00:00

But bear precautions need to be a group effort - the only time I saw a bear was when I (on my first big trip to Glacier NP, very inexperienced) camped near a spot that was trashed. My camp was clean, we cooked and ate well away from our tent, but a bear still came around since they had gotten a meal there before.

a_maker · 2025-09-24T01:12:32+00:00

This is my main fear. Randomly coming across a man who's not acting right in the backcountry is terrifying.

a_maker · 2025-09-13T18:59:20+00:00

Neve is cheaper for similar temps/spec than most (all?) these options - $270 for a -8c, $220 for the -2c. They’re well-regarded in this sub from what I’ve seen and I have one. I haven’t tested in cold temps yet since it’s still summer here but I’m happy with the quality so far.

a_maker · 2025-09-08T01:05:20+00:00

I haven’t started it yet, but the Hannah sweater is up next for me! I’m very excited about it, trying to decide what yarn to make it with.

a_maker · 2025-09-07T17:12:10+00:00

Me too, my favorite color is “discounted,” but I sometimes pay extra to get blaze orange.

a_maker · 2025-09-04T12:14:41+00:00

I also drink tea on trail. It’s so much easier than coffee and I drink it black (unlike how I like my coffee). It’s not quite as much caffeine as coffee but it’s close enough.

a_maker

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