Donate

OAUSA Net - March 10, 2022 - Favorite Destinations

A preview of future nets
User avatar
DaveK
Site Admin
Posts: 3849
Joined: Tue Mar 11, 2008 10:33 am
Call Sign: K6DTK
Location: American Southwest

OAUSA Net - March 10, 2022 - Favorite Destinations

Post by DaveK » Mon Mar 07, 2022 12:05 pm

Favorite Destinations

It's time once again for the OAUSA version of the outdoor travel advisor. The net will be a great opportunity to get some ideas for future outdoor adventures. The "5 Minute" idea is our way of getting as many participants as possible, as they each have 5 minutes for their adventure. Each will post information and pictures.

Don't be shy - if you have a favorite camping spot, hiking adventure, hunting trip, river rafting trip, 4 wheel drive adventure, or sky diving trip, post up with a description and pictures. As long as it's an outdoor adventure, it's fair game!!! So, join us on the net.
DaveK
K6DTK


Extremism in the defense of liberty is no vice.
Moderation in the pursuit of justice is no virtue.

User avatar
DaveK
Site Admin
Posts: 3849
Joined: Tue Mar 11, 2008 10:33 am
Call Sign: K6DTK
Location: American Southwest

Re: OAUSA Net - March 10, 2022 - Favorite Destinations

Post by DaveK » Wed Mar 09, 2022 11:13 am

WINTER CAMPING IN THE EASTERN MOJAVE DESERT

The East Mojave Desert is one of my favorite destinations. This area is immensely historic and incredibly scenic, and each season has a great deal to offer. Few areas in the American Southwest offer such extremes in climate, with high heat in the summer and freezing cold in the winter. And, speaking of which, the reason for this trip was, in part, so that we could enjoy the great winter weather of the desert for four days.

While appreciating the winter weather, several of us needed this trip to test gear and camping appliances that we had purchased, or developed. To that end, the desert provided a prefect testing ground for all of these reasons. It would be unfair to not mention that it was also a great opportunity to get away, free of phones, internet, crowded city life, and all of the other stress producing things of daily life.

National Weather Service

Apparently, a small storm system was heading our way and was expected to bring snow, rain, wind, and cold temps, which was great as we were really hoping for some snow and rain. For Sunday, the last day of the trip, they predicted clear skies and sunshine. It should be noted that the measure of the accuracy of NWS predictions, as defined by them, means that a single drop of rain fulfills their prediction. Stay classy, NWS!

The storm did pass through our area, but the amount of snow could not be measured by ground accumulation, but by the number of snow flakes we observed - perhaps 50, and it lasted for mere minutes (same for the rain.) The prediction for wind, cold temps and sunny conditions on Sunday, all came true. On two of the three nights, daytime temps were in the mid to high 40s and night time temps were in the mid 30s. Saturday was a little different! Daytime temps were in the high 30s and low 40s, and at night it reached 25. Not the best test of our clothing and sleeping bags, but not bad.

This was a pic of the outside temperature as we finished dinner on Saturday evening.

KIMG0140.JPG
KIMG0140.JPG (508.62 KiB) Viewed 3155 times


Notice The Tents

All of our campers were using Springbar tents.

KIMG0069.JPG
KIMG0069.JPG (1002.5 KiB) Viewed 3156 times
KIMG0071.JPG
KIMG0071.JPG (750.65 KiB) Viewed 3156 times
KIMG0072.JPG
KIMG0072.JPG (1.1 MiB) Viewed 3156 times

Kitchens

When the weather permitted, the camp kitchen was outdoors, and was pleasant. When the wind whipped up and the mercury dropped, the camp kitchen was indoors (so to speak.)

Outdoor Kitchen

KIMG0092.JPG
KIMG0092.JPG (1.03 MiB) Viewed 3156 times
KIMG0084.JPG
KIMG0084.JPG (1 MiB) Viewed 3156 times

Makin' Coffee

Masking Coffee.JPG
Masking Coffee.JPG (191.07 KiB) Viewed 3126 times

I included this photo for one reason - Coleman. On the two nights when conditions allowed use of the outdoor kitchen (and Campfire), the only means of camp light was a Coleman dual mantle, white gas lantern, which lasted for two nights on a single tank of gas. Coleman still rocks!!!!!

KIMG0111.JPG
KIMG0111.JPG (1.15 MiB) Viewed 3156 times

Indoor Kitchen

From past experience in the Desert (storm or not), coupled with the added input from the NWS, we knew that windy conditions were highly likely, given the approaching storm. During the first two days, the wind was tolerable, except at night, when it rocked the tents. On the third day, breezy turned into very windy, and the temps dropped during the day, but especially at night. It was evident, early on, that cooking outdoors would not be a good option. We were prepared however, as we had a fully enclosed canopy where we cooked and ate dinner, and were shielded from the wind. We even had a heater to keep us very comfortable.

We were treated to a fantastic Dutch Oven Lasagna dinner, prepared in a new device (explained on the net.)

KIMG0113.JPG
KIMG0113.JPG (1014.08 KiB) Viewed 3147 times
KIMG0119.JPG
KIMG0119.JPG (882.05 KiB) Viewed 3147 times
KIMG0121.JPG
KIMG0121.JPG (917.6 KiB) Viewed 3147 times
KIMG0132.JPG
KIMG0132.JPG (748.95 KiB) Viewed 3147 times
KIMG0131.JPG
KIMG0131.JPG (756.98 KiB) Viewed 3147 times
KIMG0137.JPG
KIMG0137.JPG (804.98 KiB) Viewed 3147 times
KIMG0142.JPG
KIMG0142.JPG (995.28 KiB) Viewed 3147 times

The Tent Heater

KIMG0150.JPG
KIMG0150.JPG (498.35 KiB) Viewed 3147 times

Area Views

Scenic area views were everywhere, both at camp and from tall peaks. The views below are from both, and you can see the approaching storm in some views.

From Camp

KIMG0100.JPG
KIMG0100.JPG (941.13 KiB) Viewed 3152 times
KIMG0094.JPG
KIMG0094.JPG (536.36 KiB) Viewed 3152 times

From The Nearest Peak

KIMG0076.JPG
KIMG0076.JPG (1.08 MiB) Viewed 3152 times
KIMG0074.JPG
KIMG0074.JPG (834.93 KiB) Viewed 3152 times


Campfires

Despite the "sunny weather", a fire sure made for a comfortable camp, both during the day and especially at night. Before the wind kicked up we had two nights of great outdoor fires.

KIMG0080.JPG
KIMG0080.JPG (839.47 KiB) Viewed 3147 times
KIMG0082.JPG
KIMG0082.JPG (1013.62 KiB) Viewed 3147 times


Cold Temps and And Cold Weather Clothing

Yep, it was cold outside, even during the day, with sunshine. Much of this discussion will be reserved for the net!!!

It's cold outside.JPG
It's cold outside.JPG (154.7 KiB) Viewed 3126 times
It's cold outside-2.JPG
It's cold outside-2.JPG (275.78 KiB) Viewed 3126 times

Cooking

This discussion will be reserved for the net, but it will deal with the Winnerwell Oven.

Winnerwell Oven-2.jpeg
Winnerwell Oven-2.jpeg (1.2 MiB) Viewed 3123 times
Winnerall Toaster Oven.jpg
Winnerall Toaster Oven.jpg (999.74 KiB) Viewed 3123 times
DaveK
K6DTK


Extremism in the defense of liberty is no vice.
Moderation in the pursuit of justice is no virtue.

User avatar
KK6DYO
OAUSA Board Member
Posts: 466
Joined: Thu Aug 29, 2013 9:07 pm
Call Sign: KK6DYO

Re: OAUSA Net - March 10, 2022 - Favorite Destinations

Post by KK6DYO » Wed Mar 09, 2022 11:44 pm

Low Voltage (Auto) Electric Blanket

One cold weather “experiment” was to test out an electric blanket during the night. These blankets, which are intended for use inside an automobile while plugged into a cigarette lighter outlet, do not seem to get very warm … nothing like a home electric blanket.

They take 48 watts of power, and run either (selectable) 30 or 45 minutes before turning off. I found that it warmed up nicely in 5 minutes and I didn’t need even 30 minutes to get myself or the sleeping bag warm. A full 30 minutes would require only 24 Watt-hours of energy, quickly replenished recharging a battery with a 100-Watt solar panel and controller on a fair day.

The blanket supposedly can be used for two people; maybe small children.
5BBABF51-C6EE-4C98-B817-D7671A56B499.jpeg
5BBABF51-C6EE-4C98-B817-D7671A56B499.jpeg (656.29 KiB) Viewed 3141 times

The battery that I used was the subject of a post by Jim AG6IF. This 20 amp-hour battery will provide around 480 Watt-hours of energy, able to run the blanket 20 times at 30 minutes for each run. Note that I also use this battery with USB converter outlets to charge USB devices during the night (below).
CF482663-4EE9-4C67-BE46-FFE953A45C9A.jpeg
CF482663-4EE9-4C67-BE46-FFE953A45C9A.jpeg (655.92 KiB) Viewed 3141 times

The blanket must be connected to the battery. I usually cut off cigarette lighter power plugs and replace them with Anderson Powerpoles, but for now kept the plug to preserve use in a vehicle. A cigarette lighter socket such as this could be used to connect to the battery.
405E988F-E93C-4EB3-81E3-02AB86620046.jpeg
405E988F-E93C-4EB3-81E3-02AB86620046.jpeg (397.69 KiB) Viewed 3141 times

A power distribution and USB charging “system” made from relatively inexpensive USB sockets available on Amazon. Note: Dutch oven lid lifter not required; only there to hold covers back for photo.
4C6E9740-3868-4AE3-B1EB-C6400A75B08A.jpeg
4C6E9740-3868-4AE3-B1EB-C6400A75B08A.jpeg (1.56 MiB) Viewed 3116 times

User avatar
KK6DYO
OAUSA Board Member
Posts: 466
Joined: Thu Aug 29, 2013 9:07 pm
Call Sign: KK6DYO

Re: OAUSA Net - March 10, 2022 - Favorite Destinations

Post by KK6DYO » Thu Mar 10, 2022 12:06 pm

Tent “Furnace”

This was a good test of a heater (furnace) that I acquired a year ago. This is a Propex 2211 intended to heat vehicles such as camper vans, converted for use as a tent heater. This is a forced air heater. There are no combustion products in the heated air nor is there water water such as with a regular propane heater (e.g., Mr Heater Buddy heaters). It did require fabrication of ducting and tubing to accommodate tent use.

Product link: https://vancafe.com/propex-hs2211-6500- ... ir-heater/

With the outside temperature around 25°F, it took about 15 minutes to heat the tent to 60°, which in comparison felt very comfortable. We left the thermostat at 60° since: 1) it was comfortable and 2) we wanted to preserve propane. (The previous warmer night we set the thermostat to 65°.) The thermostat starts heating at 59° and stops heating at 61°. It used about 3 pounds of propane during the night, running maybe 50% of the time.

After “stepping outside” the tent during the night, it felt great to have the hot air blowing directly on your body to warm up again before jumping in the sleeping bag.


Propex 2211 conversion for tent heating.
C4706415-F0B7-4675-9062-A69B7147E5CC.jpeg
C4706415-F0B7-4675-9062-A69B7147E5CC.jpeg (3.42 MiB) Viewed 3123 times

Rain / snow protection using a repurposed pet shelter.
996BDB72-4BCF-4CA3-B00D-4AA9949507B0.jpeg
996BDB72-4BCF-4CA3-B00D-4AA9949507B0.jpeg (321.98 KiB) Viewed 3123 times

Thermostat (digital) … just starting to heat!
8FBA1A09-8E56-487F-AE08-F122B7394CA2.jpeg
8FBA1A09-8E56-487F-AE08-F122B7394CA2.jpeg (94.83 KiB) Viewed 3071 times

User avatar
KK6DYO
OAUSA Board Member
Posts: 466
Joined: Thu Aug 29, 2013 9:07 pm
Call Sign: KK6DYO

Re: OAUSA Net - March 10, 2022 - Favorite Destinations

Post by KK6DYO » Thu Mar 10, 2022 1:17 pm

Feeding the Fire

Assuming your wood is already chopped or sawn into manageable logs.

Estwing Fireside Friend

A decent splitter in its own right for smaller, dry wood, but heavy enough to be used to drive a splitting grenade / bomb or wood through a Kindling Cracker.
2287248E-7F4B-4010-B5DA-0DBF65DD63C2.jpeg
2287248E-7F4B-4010-B5DA-0DBF65DD63C2.jpeg (330.13 KiB) Viewed 3112 times

Splitting Grenade / Bomb

Dave K6DTK talked about this wonderful splitting tool during our February 24, 2022 net. I can’t recall any wood I haven’t been able to split with one of these, though a sledge hammer might be required for the bigger logs. Pairs well with the hammer end of the Estwing Fireside Friend.
A03CBA0D-AC42-42FB-AB28-B524F8A44A2B.jpeg
A03CBA0D-AC42-42FB-AB28-B524F8A44A2B.jpeg (1.35 MiB) Viewed 3112 times

Kindling Cracker

The Kindling Cracker works by driving the wood (must fit through the ring on top) into the splitting blade below. I believe this is quicker and safer than using a splitting maul as it’s impossible to strike glancing blows with the sharp maul. Two sizes: 6½” inside ring and XL 9” inside ring.
C4CB1CBF-D9D9-4147-8E11-D96543BD6864.jpeg
C4CB1CBF-D9D9-4147-8E11-D96543BD6864.jpeg (413.27 KiB) Viewed 3112 times

User avatar
KK6DYO
OAUSA Board Member
Posts: 466
Joined: Thu Aug 29, 2013 9:07 pm
Call Sign: KK6DYO

Re: OAUSA Net - March 10, 2022 - Favorite Destinations

Post by KK6DYO » Thu Mar 10, 2022 1:56 pm

Heated Clothing

I’ve tried various heated clothing, and have come to believe that the most effective is that worn closest to your skin, such as a heated base layer or shirt. Heated vests and jackets keep the heat too far from your body. A tight, heated shirt over a merino wool base layer, but underneath a jacket (or two) seems to work best for me.

I’ve standardized on Gerbing (and Cabela’s) 7V clothing from motorcycle days, but there are other options.

https://www.thewarmingstore.com/gerbing ... shirt.html

0FFE4009-4CA8-4113-85E1-8C89792A71A7.jpeg
0FFE4009-4CA8-4113-85E1-8C89792A71A7.jpeg (423.44 KiB) Viewed 3108 times

User avatar
KK6DYO
OAUSA Board Member
Posts: 466
Joined: Thu Aug 29, 2013 9:07 pm
Call Sign: KK6DYO

Re: OAUSA Net - March 10, 2022 - Favorite Destinations

Post by KK6DYO » Thu Mar 10, 2022 2:58 pm

Hub Screen Tent / Shelter

Threw a Clam “Escape” in the vehicle at the last second thinking that it might be useful due to expected wind, cold, rain, and/or snow. We “popped” it open and staked it down when the afternoon temperature got into the low 30s and the wind kicked up. Optional screen covers kept the wind out, but we had to guy one side out as the wind would pop it in. It allowed us to have our afternoon “social event”, late afternoon cooking spot, and evening dining room which would have been uncomfortable to impossible otherwise.
A7913A7A-9CD0-4134-8A00-05FFF13519D6.jpeg
A7913A7A-9CD0-4134-8A00-05FFF13519D6.jpeg (1.93 MiB) Viewed 3108 times

A “tiny planet” 360 picture of us sitting inside in relative warmth enjoying socializing, snacks, and wine.
0A62DBCD-C714-4B31-A8D8-9F974BAA4CF9.jpeg
0A62DBCD-C714-4B31-A8D8-9F974BAA4CF9.jpeg (347.93 KiB) Viewed 3108 times

Link to 360 view inside tent.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/Rs9RMaXyafDjsdp46


Product link, currently out of stock.
https://shop.clamoutdoors.com/escape-screen-tent.html

Similar (identical?) product, in stock.
https://gazelletents.com/collections/po ... esert-sand

User avatar
KK6DYO
OAUSA Board Member
Posts: 466
Joined: Thu Aug 29, 2013 9:07 pm
Call Sign: KK6DYO

Re: OAUSA Net - March 10, 2022 - Favorite Destinations

Post by KK6DYO » Thu Mar 10, 2022 3:10 pm

Fireside Outdoor Pop-Up Fire Pit Dutch Oven
https://fireside-outdoor.com/products/pop-up-pit
https://firesideoutdoor.com/collection ... less-steel
https://firesideoutdoor.com/collections ... ing-grates

Robert KM6ZDH mentioned this during the February 24, 2022 net, and I later described the Frontier Grates Dutch Oven Accessory. I can now provide a report.

I got this to replace a very heavy, very bulky Camp Chef Dutch oven cooking table. While this table is great for Dutch oven cooking, its weight and bulk make it a real pain to take along.

The Pop-Up Fire Pit with Frontier Grates worked very well. Took a few minutes to remember how to assemble it, but once assembled it provided solid support for the Dutch oven while assembling lasagna layers then cooking. Great height for cooking from a seated position. The accessory Tri-Fold Grilling Grates provided a resting spot for tools (e.g., spoon, spatula) while cooking … or might have been used for simultaneously grilling something.

One problem was that the lateral Dutch oven supports were not deep enough (only 1”) for a Camp Chef 10” Dutch oven which has 1½” long legs so we had to use the usual steel pizza pan to hold coals under the oven, but this worked fine.
D59160E9-9C5C-48C4-98E2-FBEBAD773711.jpeg
D59160E9-9C5C-48C4-98E2-FBEBAD773711.jpeg (187.74 KiB) Viewed 3097 times

Final result. The recipe is called “World’s Best Lasagna”. Did it hit the spot?
F3B98758-F443-4A3D-962D-2AB4843BBA20.jpeg
F3B98758-F443-4A3D-962D-2AB4843BBA20.jpeg (219.59 KiB) Viewed 3096 times

User avatar
KK6DYO
OAUSA Board Member
Posts: 466
Joined: Thu Aug 29, 2013 9:07 pm
Call Sign: KK6DYO

Re: OAUSA Net - March 10, 2022 - Favorite Destinations

Post by KK6DYO » Thu Mar 10, 2022 3:49 pm

Dessert

Scott made a terrific dessert which was just the thing for loading up on some calories before bedtime.

Due to the cold, the caramel was a solid mass, so we used the butane heater (Kovea Cupid, which was under the table) to heat up the caramel and make it flow.
2473F5DA-0096-4991-95FD-2832482C16DD.jpeg
2473F5DA-0096-4991-95FD-2832482C16DD.jpeg (164.68 KiB) Viewed 3094 times

No Rona here! We dipped our apple slices into the shared caramel, cream cheese, and toffee bits mixture. Awesome taste!
ECFAE867-8293-48ED-AD72-16649129FAD4.jpeg
ECFAE867-8293-48ED-AD72-16649129FAD4.jpeg (150.36 KiB) Viewed 3094 times

User avatar
KK6DYO
OAUSA Board Member
Posts: 466
Joined: Thu Aug 29, 2013 9:07 pm
Call Sign: KK6DYO

Re: OAUSA Net - March 10, 2022 - Favorite Destinations

Post by KK6DYO » Thu Mar 10, 2022 3:57 pm

East Mojave

Dave already covered the area well, but here’s a few of my pics.

Road into parking area.
E4B81FFF-6CA6-4DAA-8CB8-4515E737E47A.jpeg
E4B81FFF-6CA6-4DAA-8CB8-4515E737E47A.jpeg (343.94 KiB) Viewed 3093 times

Parking area.
486E055B-5B22-4E31-BC0C-AA1964D9CA89.jpeg
486E055B-5B22-4E31-BC0C-AA1964D9CA89.jpeg (271.55 KiB) Viewed 3093 times

Tent with solar panel.
E9D09473-98A7-427F-991C-D80F83D70311.jpeg
E9D09473-98A7-427F-991C-D80F83D70311.jpeg (296.73 KiB) Viewed 3093 times

Junipers.
7F44167B-81B4-45E9-8B7E-4B775263E212.jpeg
7F44167B-81B4-45E9-8B7E-4B775263E212.jpeg (209.47 KiB) Viewed 3093 times

Relaxing.
5BB244D8-273A-4691-B404-F83EF11CACA6.jpeg
5BB244D8-273A-4691-B404-F83EF11CACA6.jpeg (98.85 KiB) Viewed 3093 times

Walk through camp (YouTube video, diminished quality)

Post Reply

Return to “OAUSA AMATEUR RADIO NET PREVIEW”

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 1 guest