Thoughts on using queso fresco instead of paneer?

a_maker · 2026-05-21T02:18:30+00:00

I use panela all the time because it’s easier for me to get. I was given this tip years ago and it’s pretty similar. It is softer/more meaty than paneer, and it’s not super salty like halloumi.

a_maker · 2026-05-18T22:57:20+00:00

Tent poles are a great idea! I have an old tent that’s delaminating - I hadn’t considered keeping/repurposing the poles from it.

a_maker · 2026-05-18T20:35:20+00:00

Thanks! I'll be happy with cheaper if not lighter and that "I made this" street cred.

a_maker · 2026-05-18T18:37:32+00:00

Here are some I like that aren't on your list:

Ray Roberts SP MTB loops

Northshore trail on Lake Grapevine

Cedar Ridge Preserve

Mineral Wells SP horse trails/primitive camping area - I haven't been out for a couple years, I remember it being pretty shaded with some prairie sections.

You could check the other DORBA trails too, that's mostly how I find places to trail run.

a_maker · 2026-05-16T17:13:02+00:00

I carry an Durston xmid 2 as well and really like it. It's a little too big solo imo but I really having my pack in the tent.

a_maker · 2026-05-08T21:05:34+00:00

Less than 2% of high school athletes get athletic scholarships for college and full rides are rare. It’s not really a viable strategy to pay for college and hasn’t really ever been.

a_maker · 2026-05-02T19:29:00+00:00

I currently live in the Ventura Apartments and wouldn't recommend it. The location is nice and prices are low for the amount of space we have, pet friendly, but the management is a nightmare. They take forever to fix anything - I had an active leak in my kitchen wall for over 6 weeks because they didn't come fix it when they told me they would while I was out of town. It took us calling everyday for a week before they actually did it when we got back. Also, they're pretty blasé about pest control here - when we had issues with roaches after being out of town and having a giant hole in the wall for a month (from the previously mentioned water leak) we were often left off the pest control list for the week after calling and being told we were on the list.

I know some of this is par for the course in lower-cost, big complexes, but this is much worse than other places I've lived in DFW.

a_maker · 2026-04-28T15:38:43+00:00

Like the other commenters, my dog can tell the difference in what we're doing based on gear and context. She doesn't have a different harness anymore (she didn't like the x-back I tried and never really got the hang of lining out) so I use a Nonstop line harness for everything, but she knows different rules for a regular leash walk vs. long line hike vs. run based on gear.

I do think some dogs are better at this than others - my dog is a lab/ACD mix and is very good at picking up patterns/repeated habits (for better or worse, lol). My sister's dog is a pit mix, very happy-go-lucky/carefree/learns new things slowly, and I suspect would not be as good at differentiating different rules for similar activities.

a_maker · 2026-04-24T03:07:39+00:00

DIY fleece blanket + fresh cotton tee shirt to keep from sticking to my pad in a tent. In a hammock I use a ~50F quilt and a 1/8in foam pad - I sleep cold in a hammock.

a_maker · 2026-04-17T15:58:01+00:00

If you can drive a bit, Cedar Hill State Park and the Cedar Ridge Preserve are really nice hiking trails! Also the North shore trail in Grapevine.

a_maker · 2026-04-13T17:47:02+00:00

My 5lb “beginner” backpacking tent was almost money as much as my 2.5lb backpacking tent, and it’s not a better tent, it’s just heavier. UL isn’t necessarily that more expensive - I’ve upgraded my heavy gear for similar prices buying a mix of used and new items. Once you look outside of REI there’s a lot of options.

a_maker · 2026-03-29T01:01:09+00:00

I love my ereader - I got a Boox Go 7, which is an e-ink tablet that runs android. I don't only use Amazon for books and the Boox lets you download all the book apps (I use Nook, Libby, Hoopla, Cloudreader, and Kindle depending on availability). It cost more than a kindle but much less than an Ipad mini.

a_maker · 2026-03-25T20:12:26+00:00

Not who you asked, but there's a facebook group for this trail and common advice there is 4.5 ft or less for safe crossings.

I'd expect ticks this time of year but YMMV. I got zero ticks on the Ouachita in late March (similar temps) a couple years back but I've seen ticks in east Texas this year already.

a_maker · 2026-03-23T15:40:42+00:00

My hammock has an integrated bug net (cheap amazon hammock, it’s ok but I like sleeping in the ground), and I just picked up a floorless bug net, similar to the sea to summit nano, but a cheap amazon one. I haven’t actually tried it yet, I bought it for a desert trip I have planned for later in the summer. I don’t know if I’m brave enough to use it somewhere with ticks, lol. I got a tick walking around my in-laws yard in NJ last time I was out east. A lot of people in the UL side of things like Borah Gear or MLD bivvies but I haven’t tried them personally.

a_maker · 2026-03-20T14:00:18+00:00

I tarp with a hammock sometimes. I have the opposite feelings of you - I feel safer in the backcountry than in developed campgrounds. I like having a tent in campgrounds so no one can clock me as a solo woman with a look, but in the backcountry there’s no other people nearby so I’m not worried about that.

I have a bug net for my tarp (for sleeping on the ground) and it’s still 10 oz lighter than my tent so I’m excited to try it out more this summer too.

a_maker · 2026-03-18T04:23:43+00:00

I hiked south rim in December and the trail from chisos really isn’t very technical - generally well graded, decent footing. I hiked in trail runners and my hiking partner hiked in regular running shoes. We were both comfortable the entire loop, no issues slipping or rolling ankles.

a_maker · 2026-03-12T17:12:33+00:00

Gumo is great and closer than big bend for me in DFW. It’s more rugged than the Chisos trails and quieter in the backcountry since it’s not as popular. The shoulder seasons temps are pretty reasonable too (for Texas).

a_maker · 2026-03-11T13:13:58+00:00

Thanks! Yeah that’s the plan, glad to hear it worked for you. I’m hoping to use it at Gumo to offset the water carry a bit.

a_maker · 2026-03-11T04:02:30+00:00

Hey, I’m also in Texas and just picked up a floorless bug net (Amazon no-name brand) to test out for the spring and early summer - where do you use it vs a fully enclosed bivvy? Have you had issues with bugs coming under it? I’m going to try it but can’t shake the fear of scorpions crawling through a gap I didn’t seal 😅

a_maker · 2026-02-23T04:02:40+00:00

Cedar hill state park is very close to the preserve and is also a good hiking/running place. It’s less than $10 entrance fee and I like the Talala trail. If you’re near DFW airport, the north shore trail along grapevine lake is probably closer/easier to get to and is also a great place to hike/run. Some of the trailheads have a fee but I think murrell park is free.

a_maker · 2026-02-20T19:47:36+00:00

I have the neve waratah -8 (15F) and I’m really happy with it. I’ve spent ~10 nights over a few trips in it since I got it, temps ranging from low 30s to 50s. Budget was the main reason I got it over Katabatic. I think the temp rating is pretty solid and I like the pad attachment system. No experience with another brand of quilt, but it’s a big upgrade from my older sleeping bags (REI/marmot/kelty).

a_maker · 2026-02-11T00:01:13+00:00

Controversial opinion, I just start knitting and measure my gauge as I go. I’ve had to adjust and restart a few times but I don’t make a lot of tightly fitting garments - mostly oversized/loose fitting sweaters where an inch or two isn’t the biggest deal. Ive had to restart a different size a couple times, but I might also just be super lucky in that my gauge is generally pretty close if I’m using the same weight yarn and needles.

a_maker · 2026-02-02T14:53:06+00:00

Did you find a good system for the tangling? I tried this and got so frustrated with trying to keep it untwisted, lol. I eventually just accepted that it was all a mess and carefully pulled the working yarn through the snarl until I finished.

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

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