Finding my way back to OK from WA ...

Pony Express Trail between I-70 and US 50 in NV ...



Waterpocket Fold in Capitol Reef National Park ...





Catching the ferry at Bullfrog on Lake Powell ...



Camped with a few friends in Dixie National Forest, north of Boulder, UT ...

 

Painted the wheels. Couldn't stand how they looked. Now to just get out in it. Been so damn hot this summer I fear first use will be on October at expo east. Before and after pics.

 

I was wondering if you guys who do some traveling alone like Mark take any sort of protection with you when you camp out overnight, not only against human intruders but also wildlife such as bears. Just curious. I've never seen any postings that talk about the subject.

 

Mark I live vicariously through your photos and trips. Keep the pictures coming!

 

This is an amazing shot! Where in BB is this?

 

I do many things to avoid the need, but often bring something in case. Things like not leaving food out and keeping scent items away from camp (deodorant, food, toothpaste, etc) will help you not need a weapon. Backpacker practices like hanging food and scent items in a tree away from camp is huge. Where you pee and poop is also important. It's not just bears, but marmots and raccoons which can cause you harm if you come across them at night.

I live in Washington so bears are prevalent, but rare to come across. I also used to live in Colorado. I always bring bear spray, and sometimes bring a gun if the state allows. It is VERY important for you to know the local laws. Typically bears and mtn lions are more scared of us than we are of them since we make so much noise. Having medium to large dog is a big help keeping animals away too.

But one thing most overlook is gun doesn't help you if you're not well trained and well practiced in using it. If you haven't taken courses to make you a better handler and shoot a ton to practice the lessons the elite will train you in, I would advise against you bringing a weapon; you'll most likely hurt yourself, an innocent or get yourself in trouble IMO.

Recently, went with 6 others on a backcountry route thru Washington's Cascade Mtns and brought bear spray and my dogs, but no gun. Pooped away from camps, and just locked food in the car; these were enough to keep us safe since we were a big group that makes a lot of noise.

When I go alone or just my wife and I, I take extra measures because we are quieter and won't necessarily scare the animals off. Backpacking I almost always carry a gun because bear spray is just 1 shot and I may need to hike multiple days to get back to safety/civilization. A gun allows you to have multiple encounters with a threat.

All this is just my opinions, but I find them to keep me out of harms way and also prepared for the worse. FYI, be aware of the consequences of using a gun. If you shoot a bear even if a life or death situation you may be in a lot of trouble. If other effective means are available I'd recommend using them first.

 

I recently picked up an old M416 in good shape; no rot, rust, or major body damage. Ended up stripping it down and building it back up with the goal of matching the Jeep. Spring over lift, wheel adapters to 5on5 on the hubs, bent up some new fenders and got a Lock 'N' Roll articulating hitch kit.

We just finished it up a few days ago and below is the progress so far! I'd like to work in a modular roof rack at some point for a tent setup.

 

Nice. Good find on the M416

 

There's some discussion about that way down in the sub-forum on hunting and firearms. Not a lot of talk down there though.

Yes, I'm a big believer in Bear Spray, it's proven quite useful over the years, aside from the funny jokes about it.

And, I'm a hunter, and I've hunted bear, so I usually have a firearm adequate to deal with a bear, should the need arise. It's funny, but in a lifetime of camping in bear country, I've had Very Few bear encounters, mostly just because of keeping a clean camp. Most bears are fairly shy of people, aside from in some National Parks where people are no threat to them.

Regards, CW

 

Nice m416 What beach is that?