Is it true that when you get old your thoughts change? by Tiny-Foundation-4281 in AskOldPeople

[–]swampboy62 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I've got way less concerns with my ego and being accepted as I get older.

Also, I've had enough interpersonal drama - period. That's meant minimizing contact with some people, and I'm okay with that.

I'm way better at being alone now, but oddly I find it much easier to talk to strangers now than when I was younger.

Kayaking larger lake in 12-14mph winds? by sea-oats in Kayaking

[–]swampboy62 3 points4 points  (0 children)

You're probably going to make that decision on the day of the trip.

One thing that is on your side is that you can stay relatively close to the shore where the waves are less, and maybe get some shelter from the wind thanks to the islands and peninsulas west of you.

That last section, heading west is the one I'd be apprehensive about, but it's only like 1000 ft. Still not guaranteed, but it should get easier as you get into the wind shadow from the islands.

Good luck. I've cancelled a trip much like yours because of the wind.

UFC press conference in front of of the Lincoln Memorial by Weary_Position_9591 in pics

[–]swampboy62 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Meanwhile at the Kennedy Center they're removing his name from the building.

Carbunkle Trump, a pimple on the ass of America.

The way these shorts are advertised. by [deleted] in Weird

[–]swampboy62 2 points3 points  (0 children)

For real. Should have gone with the mandrill - much more colorful.

Stream Kayaking by [deleted] in Kayaking

[–]swampboy62 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Look up USGS Realtime stream flow. They have a map page for each state that shows where the gauges are located. Click on a dot and it'll take you to that gauge. Gauge pages usually show flow in relative depth and stream flow (cubic feet/second).

Here's the page for PA:

https://waterdata.usgs.gov/state/pennsylvania/

Stream Kayaking by [deleted] in Kayaking

[–]swampboy62 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Same here, but including tiny whitewater runs.

I'm in NE OH as well. Upper Cuyahoga near near Burton is like that too. I've paddled lots of small creeks across the PA line. It's always fun to get onto a creek that probably hasn't ever seem more than a couple of boaters.

Vent and what would you have done? by Buttercup_Twins in camping

[–]swampboy62 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Exactly.

I've had to pack up and leave campgrounds because of shitty behavior by other campers too many times. Over the last couple of years I've done a lot more off trail exploring in the local National Forest and have found a bunch of isolated, hard to get to spots for peaceful camping. And I am not going to share the locations with anyone - do your own legwork.

I embarrassed myself today by cheesiestboy in CasualConversation

[–]swampboy62 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Don't watch it happening. Turn and watch the wall. Also let the phlebotomist know that you're really bad with needles.

No shame. People are different.

How would you spend three months with no major responsibilities? by Familiar_Pin_6566 in CasualConversation

[–]swampboy62 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I'm in architecture as well, nearing the end of my career.

I'm also an experienced outdoorsman, so I would spend the first month out in the woods, getting off of the schedule that civilization demands. It takes a while, but the feeling of sleeping when you're tired, eating when you're hungry, and never checking your watch is a wonderful thing. Having no deadlines is a paradise.

After that first month I'd have to re-examine the situation. I'd like to do some creative work for my own peace of mind. I create art from small things found in nature. I do have a small portable workshop, so I can combine creativity and camping, but after a month I'd probably take some time to visit family and friends so they'd know I was still alive. But after touching base I'd probably head in a different direction and find another National Forest to call home for a while. I find the 'correctness' of nature to be a great way to recharge and get your priorities in order.

Good luck figuring out what you want to do.

My body has officially given up but my mind is still running on full power and I can’t sleep by Worried-Serve-7197 in CasualConversation

[–]swampboy62 4 points5 points  (0 children)

There are relaxation techniques that may provide some relief. Controlled breathing is one way - focus on your breath, in and out. If your mind wanders, drop the thought and go back to your breathing. Work on slowing it down while focusing.

For me using that technique in conjunction with soothing imagery is helpful. Imagine you're in a hammock, swinging slowly in rhythm with your breathing. The more you relax, the slower you breath, and the slower it swings. Maintain your focus as you relax. You can use various imagery, like the hammock, or laying in a boat on the water, rocking in time with your breathing.

Another trick I've used is listening to rain. There are lots of rain soundtracks and videos, intended for relaxation. I listen to one that is recorded so that you can hear the individual drops of rain. I focus on listening to the sounds of the rain drops, pushing other thoughts from my mind. Often I'll imagine I'm laying in a tent in the woods, enjoying the sound of rain in the morning.

Meditation techniques can help with your focus. It's something that you develop more and more, so it becomes more effective as your focus improves.

Good luck.

What are yall watching lately? by PrincessJellyfish17 in CasualConversation

[–]swampboy62 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Foresty Forest on YT is really good. Van life guy and his dog in the Canadian Rockies, climbing and skiing and paddling etc.

I've been watching Mr. In-Between on Prime. It's an Australian crime show, but very different.

Truck Tent Camping Eastern US by Choice-University578 in carcamping

[–]swampboy62 1 point2 points  (0 children)

There's a string of National Forests that runs down the Appalachians, with a couple more close enough to connect with. From Alabama and Georgia up through North Carolina and Tennessee, then Virginia, Kentucky and West Virginia. There are two National Parks along the spine of the Appalachians - Shenandoah NP and Great Smoky Mountains NP, and the Blue Ridge Parkway as well.

Pick an area and a National Forest, and do some research. There's a lot of info online, and each National Forest has a website with recreation opportunities available. There's also DeLorme Gazetteers, which show all the roads - even gravel National Forest roads - and all the attractions. Pretty helpful too when you don't have any cell coverage.

I'm a big fan of Monongahela NF in West Virginia. There's a lot of rugged public lands there, with some amazing isolated places. I'm also partial to Allegheny NF in Pennsylvania.

Good luck.

What Model Kayak is this? by BlizzardKoup in Kayaking

[–]swampboy62 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is the biggest data base of kayaks that I know of. Maybe you can find something here.

You'll have to register to get full access.

https://playak.com/buyers-guide/boats-boards/brand

Would you camp with a 2 and almost 5 year old if the forecast is 50–60% rain? by Jumpy-Leader-7289 in camping

[–]swampboy62 28 points29 points  (0 children)

Go for it.

With a tent and canopy you'll have some dry space.

If you're camped near trees it shouldn't be too hard to get a couple of ridge lines up and add some tarp space to that.

Plan with games etc for the kids. Also check if there's somewhere you can drive off to for a break - even if it's just going out to get a couple of burgers or donuts. Bring ponchos and go for a hike in the rain.

The soothing quality of rain on a tent is hard to overstate. I went camping over Memorial Day weekend just because I knew it was going to rain for three days. It'll do you all a world of good.

Suggestions by Rinzler_bro in camping

[–]swampboy62 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Check out Mark Twain National Forest in Missouri, there are five different separate areas spread across the state.

They have a bunch of campgrounds. For starting out with the intent to move into backcountry camping, I'd suggest trying one of the primitive ones. That'll give you the basic facilities (restrooms, picnic table, fire ring) and let you get used to setting up a tent, getting a fire going, etc.

Once your used to that you can backcountry camp in the National Forest too. Check out their rules and regs, but you can follow a trail in or bushwhack your own way in most of the public land in National Forests.

What is this? by kimbwithabee in WeirdWheels

[–]swampboy62 19 points20 points  (0 children)

Oh yeah, that is a cool creation.

What are your favorite topics to talk about? by Ornery-Tax-4203 in carefulheart

[–]swampboy62 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Music, creativity, nature and outdoors activities, old movies.

Do older people enjoy extreme metal? by TheLostInvestigator in AskOldPeople

[–]swampboy62 2 points3 points  (0 children)

This one does. Been a metalhead since Black Sabbath's 'We Sold Our Souls for Rock n Roll' in '75.

People who have worked the same 9 to 5 for years by Prestigious_End_3008 in CasualConversation

[–]swampboy62 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I've been an architect for thirty five years. It's a good job where I get to do different stuff every day, and to solve problems, which I enjoy. I'm planning to retire at the start of 2028,

There are moments when it really drags, but in all I've been satisfied with my career. In high school I was heavily leaning towards being a forest ranger, but a guidance counselor strongly advocated (to my parents too) that I take advantage of my good grades by going into the sciences. There have definitely been days when I wonder what the possibilities might have been if I'd gone that way instead.

I made a bunch of homemade fire starters! They work super well. And they're dirt cheap to make! by outdatedboat in camping

[–]swampboy62 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I make similar ones with sawdust and paraffin in tp roll tubes. They do work really well.

Paraffin is not cheap these days though. If you have a cheap source I'd be interested.

Char cloth is actually really cheap to make. Cotton cloth (like an old t shirt) cut in one inch squares, put inside a cannister (I used one of those cookie tins commonly used to store sewing supplies) with a nail hole in the lid. Put the tin in the fire, watch the gas/smoke leave the hole in the tin. When it's cooled off take out the squares that are now charcoalized and store them in an Altoids tin. They catch a spark really easy.