The Packing Rat

After a year long hiatus from blogging, and sparse photography, hiking, and all other things I consider fun, I needed a pseudo-reset with nature. Notwithstanding personal fulfillment, the absence of nature was noticeably affecting my mood.  Lesson learned to not avoid taking personal outdoor day trips every now and then.  Work/life balance – right? Visited […]

We were really itching for a day hike, so we went to Table Mountain – rain or shine. Flag Falls is located another 1.5 miles from Phantom Falls, hiking on familiar ground. I still managed to punch in the wrong GPS coordinates; we were off 1 mile north west of our intended mark. I will […]

*Originally published on October 12, 2010.* Checked out Curtain Falls in Oroville, CA.  Probably one of the more difficult short hikes I’ve been on.  I thought Bear Creek and Traverse Falls were difficult.  The killer was the swimming, bouldering throughout the day and a 1600 ft. climb at the end.  I learned several lessons through […]

Looking for a new tripod.  The hiking/outdoor bug has bit me again. H/T:  TAD Gear.

“The United Sportsmen’s Youth Foundation (USYF) is a 501(c) 3 not for profit organization. All funds generated will be used to secure and manage Local Huntable Habitat, and teach our kids about the outdoor sports.”

Be sure to add The Packing Rat to your twitter page and become a fan on facebook to receive exclusive updates throughout the day from SHOT Show 2011. Rick from Young Manufacturing describing the ICE-15. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EpxCc9JSEkY Quick links to Day 1 visits: Kifaru International Tactical Solutions/Black Dog Machine Kel-Tec KSG Ruger 22/45 with replaceable grips […]

Wet, cold and windy.  Still had fun.  Some notes: – I spent the weekend shooting an AR15 platform with a dedicated .22LR upper from Model 1 Sales without a malfunction.  Grouped well with Federal Champions.  I need to work on NPA.  I may want to try subsonic cartridges. – Instructors in training were a welcome […]

Went to Phantom Falls several weeks ago.  The intent was to check out the blooming fields.  I heard it was supposed to be quite a sight.  Unfortunately, we arrived rather late.  Much of the vegetation was brown and dead.  The hike went well, nonetheless. I was initially concerned about potentially crossing private property.  On the […]

“Darn Tough socks start with fine gauge Merino wool.  The socks are produced with high-density knitting; more knit stitches per inch result in durability and cushioning without added bulk…  Darn Tough socks are made with the highest grade of shrink-treated Merino wool and/or with a unique blend of Coolmax® blend.  This results in comfortable, durable […]

I have more photos, but I’m going to sleep.  Right now.

Bear Creek Falls and Traverse Creek Falls.  Probably the slowest 2.6 miles ever.  We made an attempt to avoid planting our faces against rocks and landing on our bums by taking our sweet time navigating through this hike.  Both of us managed to get ourselves wet.  At one point, I used my face as a […]

Earlier this week, I was invited to check out Cataract Falls located at Mt. Tamalpais inside Marin Water Municipal District. It was a wonderful looking hike with gorgeous waterfalls. Lots of color and lots of water! It appeared to be very a popular trail; particularly for a weekday. With winter break in place, I suppose […]

I had the intent to hike Rock Creek Falls; however, I didn’t feel comfortable hiking alone due to weather conditions and other safety concerns related to the area.  Elevation at that location is only 2600 ft. and I have yet to run into anyone at Eldorado National Forest, but I wasn’t about to take any […]

Work took me to South Lake Tahoe, CA this morning.  I was fortunate I did not have to drive in the rain. Several hours before my next stop in Roseville, CA, I visited the Pacific Ranger Station at Eldorado National Forest.  I was looking to score some topography maps and see if I can pester […]

I made a penny stove out of Heineken beer cans this weekend.  The outcome went well; however, I haven’t measured it’s efficiency yet.  I’m currently using yellow HEET for fuel.  Going to attempt to find denatured alcohol or Everclear when I can find it.

I discovered http://www.waterfallswest.com recently, so I’ve been running down the list of water falls to visit around my area.  It’s a very comprehensive list with wonderful pictures.  This Sunday afternoon, I started with an easy hike through the Western States Trail in Auburn State Recreation Area.  See details here and here.  I left late in […]

This morning, I went out for a short hike.  I referred to a simple, but thorough web page on local Reno, NV hikes.  This particular hike is chartered to a waterfall at Hunter Creek Canyon  approximately 4.6 miles from the trail head. 0.0 park at end of Woodchuck Dr 0.5 road forks. Take left side […]

Ice House Reservoir – August 2008