Bob Wells Nursery

After much research I packed up the Suburban and headed off to Lindale, Texas and Bob Wells Nursery. As a cantankerous, contrarian curmudgeon, anytime I have so many people saying good things about a company I usually go in with lowered expectations. Happily my expectations were far exceeded.

I went in on a Monday in mid-October and had the place basically to myself. I spent almost an hour just walking through and getting a feel for their inventory. The employees were friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful and gave me plenty of space to just wander around like a poor kid in a toy store. I ended up buying a plethora of trees, bushes, and vines. The guys loaded up my trailer, happily gave me my TSP discount (it paid for the next several years of membership with Spirko by the way) and I was on my way.

If you're anywhere nearby go in and talk with the guys there, they'll tell you what will grow and what won't. Amendments you need, and those you can do without.

Keesler AFB FamCamp Review

So, about two months ago I started a new gig as an AGR and about a month ago I received PCS orders to Keesler AFB for Tech School. And thus began my journey to the family camp.

Finding the camp? Trust your GPS until you see the signs for the family camp, then trust the signs!

Being the frugal fellow that I've become, even before I go my tech school orders I started talking with guys in the shop about how to do the DITY PCS, and how the process itself worked.

Then I bought a travel trailer for $4000 off of Craigslist, an old Honda 250 Enduro motorcycle, an old Honda 700 watt generator, and loaded up my old 3/4 Ton Suburban (notice a trend yet?) Hooked up trailer and proceeded to drive across the US.

I wish I had pictures to share, the drive itself was beautiful. I went through Moab, for the first time, on the way, and it blew my mind with how uniquely beautiful it was, but I digress...

The Family Camp is surrounded by off-base housing less than 3 miles from the Pass Road Gate.

Back to the Keesler Family Camp. First it is out of the way, located next to an amazing park, Hiller Park, and across the street from direct access to the Back Bay. Bring your boat/kayak/canoe/fishing pole!

The park features lit tennis and basketball courts, a softball complex, a half mile track that circles a community garden, not to mention the ponds and fishing access.

That is to the North and East of the camp, but less than a block from the driveway to the camp.

In the neighborhood as well, there are several churches on Pass Road, lots of food, the beach is only about two miles away, and there's a Biloxi City Library Branch right around the corner as well.

If you're coming down for a temp PCS school or your family is staying behind for a while before following you down, don't be afraid to use the family camp as a staging area. It's safe, convienent, and in a great spot.

I'll post pictures soon.

Everyday Carry - CamelBak Backpack

EDC Pack

I was issued this pack back in 2006. It sat, more or less, unused until I retired from coaching in 2010. I started riding my bike 8 miles each way to work and it became a fixture in my life. As my Go Bag, First Aid Kit, Suitcase, Get Home Bag, Lunch Box, Mobile Office, and Hydration Solution it did it all for me. 

I logged over 750 miles walking/hiking in Rhode Island according to my GPS App, all with at least 25 pounds in the bag. It has held it's shape, the stitching looks new on the entire pack, and nothing has failed on the pack, snaps, buckles, or zippers.

To give you an idea of the usable space inside I carry a large water proof Plano 1412 Shallow hard case inside it, with a change of clothes, mole skin, suture kit, aluminum splint, duct tape, Katakyn Filtration kit, and some fire starting materials. There are the Maxpedition Fatty and Pocket kit bags in there. Another Waterproof Hard Case from Outdoor Products that has my serious first aid supplies in it. A pair of Vibram 5 finger shoes. A hammock with bug net, 50 feet of 550 cord, and three carabiners. There are always a half dozen cliff bars in there as well. I do my best to cycle through those, but every once in a while I'll come across a really old one to gag down. 

Do I have too much redundancy in the pack? Absolutely, but here is my reasoning. I am used to carrying a heavy pack (minus water) if I ever have to rely on that bag to get me home it gives me three options. Cache things I deem unnecessary at the time (either in place or along the way, share with friends going a different direction, barter along the way. 

Pros and cons to the pack itself. Pros, bullet proof construction, MOLLE straps all over it that aren't noticeable until you're inside 10 feet. Great use of space. The hip belt does a great job of taking weight off your shoulders. Big plus, the Hydration Pouch is insulated well enough that if you fill the bladder with ice it keeps your water cold for a full 12-15 miles of walking on warm days.

Cons: The shoulder straps could be a lot more ergonomic. A few more interior pockets would make it easier to keep organized.  

I was recently issued an Urban Assault Pack from CamelBak that replaced the old MULE. I'll have a review up on it soon.

Thanks for reading. Feel free to ask questions or comment.