October 2011 Archive

30
Oct
2011
jloomis

Autumn at Shellrock Creek Campground, Oregon

Katie and Bella at Shellrock Creek Campground, Oregon

It seems like forever since Katie and I have been camping together, but it was just last month. We decided to hitch up our travel trailer and head to Shellrock Creek Campground on Friday after work. Our friend John had the day off and was already there when we arrived. Shellrock Creek Campground is located near the mouth of Shellrock Creek, which flows into the Oak Grove fork of the Clackamas River. It's about 33 miles SE of Estacada off FR 58 (near Timothy Lake). It's a primitive campground with only 8 sites and no running water.

18
Oct
2011
jloomis

eZeefit Full Foot Booties Review

Product Rating: 
4
eZeefit Full Foot Booties

Features:

Full Foot Booties by eZeefit Sports are ultra-thin memory fabric booties that retain their shape even when wet. They are designed for wet sports, winter sports, and cooler weather. Full foot booties prevent friction and rubbing and insulate better than socks. Can be worn alone or under socks as a liner in really cold weather.

16
Oct
2011
jloomis

Solo Climb of Mount Hood, Oregon in October

Mt Hood in October

It's been awhile since my last climb, but mother nature cooperated on Sunday, providing ideal conditions for climbing Mount Hood via the South route. My climbing partner wasn't able to join me, so I went up solo on this trip. October is often a poor month to climb Hood due to rockfall, but this year's combination of leftover snow and a couple early season snow storms yielded great conditions on Sunday. There have been several freeze-thaw cycles the past week to consolidate the new snow.

13
Oct
2011
jloomis

HighGear ATF8 Altimeter Review

Product Rating: 
5
HighGear ATF8 Altimeter

Features:

The ATF8 Altimeter by HighGear is a small and lightweight clip-on altimeter, barometer, digital compass, thermometer, and watch for the outdoor adventurer. This versatile unit easily fits in your hand, clips to your pack, or sits upright on a flat surface. The ATF8 model also features a ski chronograph, weather forecaster, regular chronograph, dual time zones, and dual alarms. The ATF8 includes a Swiss altimeter sensor, EL backlight, mineral glass lens, and is water resistant to 30 meters.

08
Oct
2011
jloomis

eZeefit Ankle Booties (2mm) Review

Product Rating: 
5
eZeefit 2mm Ankle Booties

Features:

Ankle Booties by eZeefit Sports are form fitting, pull-on, anti-blister booties available in three thicknesses (ultra-thin, 2mm, & 3mm). They are designed to help your foot grip footwear better while at the same time protecting against abrasion and blisters. Features flatlock stitching for lasting durability and stretch. Ankle booties can be worn with or without socks. Originally designed for speed skaters, but great for other sports like skiing/snowboarding, mountaineering, hiking, rock climbing, and more.

08
Oct
2011
jloomis

Ramona Falls Loop Hike - Oregon

Ramona Falls, Oregon

It had been awhile since Katie and I have had a chance to go on a hike together. We were fortunate enough to get a break in the weather on Saturday and took the opportunity to hike to Ramona Falls near Zigzag, Oregon. The trailhead is about 6 miles Northeast of the town of Zigzag off Lolo Pass Rd. (North of Hwy 26). The approximately 6.9 mile loop trail gains about 1,110 feet in elevation, so it is a moderate hike. The first 1.25 miles of the trail follows the Sand River Trail # 770 to a junction.

06
Oct
2011
jloomis

Quest Eagles Peak 2 Tent Review

Product Rating: 
4
Quest Eagles Peak 2 Tent

Features:

The Quest Eagles Peak 2 dome tent sleeps two people and features easy setup with two main poles and one fly pole. The HydraTek™ water repellent coating helps ensure users remain dry and comfortable in combination with the bathtub-style floor. In nice weather the fly can be removed for star gazing through the mesh roof panels. Mesh windows, a gear loft and one storage pocket round out this tent's amenities. Includes tent, fly, stakes, and storage bag.

04
Oct
2011
jloomis

NcSTAR Cartridge Laser Boresighter Review

Product Rating: 
3
NcSTAR 7 mm Rem. Mag. Cartridge Laser Boresighter

Features:

The NcSTAR Cartridge Laser Boresighter for 7 mm Remington Magnum is designed to quickly and easily bore-sight your rifle. It features a red laser operated by three button cell batteries. It is shaped like a standard 7mm Rem. Mag. cartridge to fit directly into the chamber. Simply insert batteries, turn it on, insert in chamber, and aim at a light-colored object about 25 yards away. The Cartridge Laser Boresighter can be used for initial bore-sighting and also to ensure your rifle is zeroed in before the big hunt.

02
Oct
2011
jloomis

Deer Hunting 2011 - White River Unit, Oregon

3x3 Black-Tailed Deer

With my new job as an electrician apprentice, I had to shorten my annual deer hunting trip. Normally I go up Thursday night after work and set up camp, but this year my friends had take over. Luckily they all had Friday off and went up that morning to secure our spot. John, Tyler, and I all had buck tags this year for the White River Unit # 141B. We like to hunt an area in the vicinity of Badger Lake (roughly 12 miles West of the town of Wamic, Oregon). It's mostly forested with noble fir, douglas fir, and pine trees with interspersed clearcuts that are slowly growing in.