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!

Wilderness Survival

I am going to keep my political views on the Dorner case to myself. I did, however spend time thinking about wilderness survival when I realized he had probably retreated into the Big Bear wilderness.

I have a copy of an old military field manual (21-76) which focuses on wilderness survival and escape. Even though it adds to the weight of my hiking pack, I can't imagine another instance of a time where I may need it more than when I'm alone on a wilderness trek.

The pages which focus on how to get fresh water using condensation and how to build simple lean-to's, and how to tell which way storms typically blow based on the condition of the branches have long ago lost their crispness because I'm not sure that I'll be in the mood for reading on the basics if faced with an emergency.

 I have read "into the wild" and other books of that nature, but I struggle to think of a book that has so much vital information crammed into it.

Does anyone else know of any survival manuals that they don't like leaving home without?

-- Mike

Best day packs for shows and camping?

Flash 18 Pack - Mike Asimos

I know that day packs range from $30 to $300, depending on all of the features. I like to check our REI when they have outlet sales (or whenever I can make it up in the Charlotte area) and I have gotten some nice packs. I have an older military rucksack too. Some of them have water bladders and others don't. I have noticed that if the straps aren't padded enough and I'm carrying water bottles, other heavy items, I feel some real shoulder strain as the day goes on. This is the case with my Flash 18 pack.

I struggle with breathable material vs waterproof. Smells, spills, etc all seem to happen during the most inconvenient times.

Do you have a favorite pack? -- Mike

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

The GDAO

The Grateful Dead Archive Online is a super collection of dead artwork, show memorabilia, and a wicked online archive of live recordings from shows. Live at Madison Square Garden in 1979?!

There are a few video recordings too.

I've been meaning to write about it sooner, but here it is. With support from UC - this isn't going anywhere any time soon, thank jerry.

Show Tripping Weekend Packing List

I always camp when travelling for a show and the opportunity presents itself as an option. Gimme that sweet quiet away from the energy and noise of the crowds. When I've reached my limit of action and interactions I want to lay my head in the grass and think about the experience and rest and relax under the trees the way we're meant to be.

Since there aren't many shows in SC, usually have to pack something that will fit in the community car without taking too much space but still have what I need. Below is what I usually pack to get me through a weekend, not including what I'm wearing the day I leave.

Mike's Show Trip Weekend (Car Camping with the option to separate if the wind blows me)

Flip Flops
Bandana
Small first aid kit
2 shirts
1 change of pants
1 change of underwear
1 change of socks
Camel back water bladder
1 package beef jerky
1 ultralight tent
1 ultrawarm sleeping bag
1 headlamp
1 gigastove
1 mess / cooking kit
4 freeze dried meals

I've been researching small solar chargers for my phone but I am not yet sure the trust is there to warrant the expense.