Mike Asimos - New Shoes for Christmas?

It is coming up on the holiday season and as usual I am filling up my list of requests for Christmas. I learned in high school that the best thing to do in my family was to give a list over and leave the element of surprise out of it.

This year I need a new pair of trail shoes. Currently scattered around between boxes and my closets I have:

Waterproof sandals:

Keene Waterproof Sandals

Keen makes great shoes for outdoor wear, from very tonka like sturdy to lightweight. They take a little longer than I'd like to dry if the air is damp but I can usually make it work by putting them into a stream of sunshine for a few hours.







Winter Boots: Lowa Renegade

The Mike Asimos Top Choice - Lowa Renegade

I have always trusted Lowa boots. I got my first pair in jr high and have continued to buy them when they wear out. They are warm and stay dry. It doesn't get too cold here in South Carolina, but that doesn't mean the warmth is not needed when doing overnights in late fall and into winter.
My only complaint is that they are not resoleable which means that when the boot starts to separate from the sole, a new pair will be in order.

They are affordable though, and with the speed laces have always been easy to get on and off quickly.


Every day trail shoes:

Merrell Moab Trail Shoes

I have had this pair of Merrell shoes for the past two years and they have done me alright. The ventilation aspect works when it isn't too warm out, but I suppose not much can withstand the dampness of our climate.

It is a comfortable shoe and does well on rocks as well as sand. They are also surprisingly easy to clean.











I am asking for a pair of Ecco trail shoes this year.

I have gotten to try on some eccos before and found them to be really comfortable. At $190 they are not the most affordable, but they aren't the most expensive either. Top of my Christmas list - are you reading this, Big Mike? 

So these are my favorites of my current inventory. Do you have a favorite trail shoe or boot? I am always lookin for recommendations. 

Summer is Here

Really trying to get a grasp on what bands are coming up. Someone suggested Meetup.com -- does anyone use this? I think that Google Plus has a lot to offer but it doesn't seem like anyone is using it the way I need right now. Either that or I am not using it right?

Ever since high school I associated June with graduation. Unfortunately, I have a few more Junes before my college is over.

My friends Kenneth, Michael (the other Mike) and Porter who all work at night clubs that are musically themed. They seem to meet a lot of cool people that way. I'm not sure how that would jive with my class schedule but it is something I have been thinking about. This town is so small.

Spring and Summer 2013 means Music!

While procrastinating doing my biology homework, I wanted to find out if anyone had input around some of the major music festivals that happen annually in the US. Between school and work I will probably only get to travel out of the state for one concert this year, but next year, if reviews are good, I want to try to plan ahead more. Weigh in on which concert you would attend and help me decide which one is worth swimming through a sea of sweaty people slamming monster energy drinks.

SXSW : "Michael, Texas is too far away" says the ever protective Mrs. Asimos. Thanks, mom, but SXSW is probably the most mentioned music festival of my generation (with Bonnaroo running a close second).  Not as much of my style of music as Bonnaroo, but it seems to be sticking around and that means something, right? I'm certainly too late for this concert this year, but maybe next year.

Coachella : Seems to be heavily focused on electronica - a nice shift from my usual folk-based selections. It's all the way in California, but with as many acts as they have I'm certain to find either good people or good dance sessions. And let's face it, there are some really wicked camping spots along the way to the west coast to take advantage of!

Bonnaroo : Bonnaroo is my favorite concert event yet, though as you can probably tell by this post I haven't been able to make many more. Weird Al Yankovic is there this year which is just, well, weird, but the lineup makes my soul happy and I know I'll see a lot of my brothers and sisters there from past shows. What is better than good music and great company?

So thoughts? Thoughts for me to pass along to Mrs. Asimos? Great campin spots nearby any of them that may sway me hard to new lands and adventures?


Mike
Peace out!

Easy Fritos Chili Bags

I've seen a few folks post this idea and wanted to share it.

You know those little Fritos bags? Get some for camping or, in my case, any time.

I cup of chili for one fritos bag. Heat up the chili, and pour it into the bag. Mix. Add some cheese. Good to go.  You can always add salsa, sour cream, etc- just don't make the mistake I did of putting too much chili in the bag

Usually I will bring one can of chili for 2 bags and you can also use doritos chips or whatever.

Picture from countdowntothecampout.com

It's easy to make in a dorm room if you've got a microwave and cheaper and more satisfying than a fast food run.
-mike

Home with the Folks

I suppose if I was going to have to miss out on a weekend of my usual, a cold weekend was smart. I don't know how people live in colder climates. It's in the 60 degree range here and I'm rocking the long sleeves. Good thing I got a lot of new shirts for Christmas from the folks. Plus hand me downs form my uncle mean that I get old concert shirts that are still in decent condition.

Alright. Mom made meatloaf. I'm gonna gravitate to the kitchen.

Peace everybody,

Mike