LIVING THE DREAM
LIVING THE DREAM
The Outdoor Life signifies a culture of men and women whose souls are restless and ache for a glimpse of sunshine & fresh air. I am the Average Joe living The Outdoor Life one day at a time. Waiting and planning for that next adventure. I am an avid cyclist, kayaker, surfer, hiker, backpacker, camper, swimmer, equestrian, hunter, fisherman, and photographer. However, it’s not about the activity; it’s about the adventures I experience during these activities. For me, The Outdoor Life is not something I do; it’s something I live!
This website started as “My Life on Two Wheels,” and as I progressed into different activities, I believe it is only right to give them the respect they deserve. With over 30 years of professional and recreational experience, I love being able to pass along information about great companies that fit into an outdoor lifestyle. I have hands-on experience with every product posted here. Companies send me products to test and others are products I feel can benefit my outdoors needs. However, it’s not all about product reviews! You’ll find information on different places to go, rides I have ridden, rivers I have floated and my experiences at each. I’ll show you how to get things done and on the cheap. You’ll watch as I succeed and fail, laugh and cry–but remember it’s about the adventure and the smile you come away with!
Thank you, Amanda, for putting up with my obsessed need to be free in the outdoors! You are the love of my life and will always be my 1st obsession!
(totals form multiple accounts)
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Featured Videos
Cooking at the Barn
Episode I Dinner & Dessert
Elevate dehydrated meals with this simple technique.
Cooking at the Barn
Episode II Breakfast
with Mountain House, Toaks, JetBoil & Snow Peak
Most Recent Posts
Most Resent Posts
5 Fun Hobbies for People Who Love the Outdoors
With summer right around the corner, all you outdoor lovers are probably trying to find fun hobbies to start enjoying in the sun.
Tips for the Perfect Smoky Mountain Weekend Trip
The Smoky Mountains offer a beautiful opportunity for a fun weekend getaway! Here’s some tips on how to best enjoy the Smoky Mountains.
Hex Pegs: Drillable Tent & Canopy Stakes
Choosing the right tent or canopy stake can make the difference between a cozy tent or a picnic disaster in the event of rain or wind.
Renting vs. Buying Equipment
When renting, there are no long conversations with your spouse about how much all that dust-collecting gear cost and where you’ll be storing it!
Trekking Poles
When moving downhill, there is a large amount of pressure on the knees as they help the body slow its descent – Trekking Poles can effectively act as brakes.
How to Protect Yourself During a Road Trip
As you travel, your safety should be a priority to avoid having unpleasant experiences on your road trip.
Booking a Texas Campsite on Reserve America
Taking the confusion out of booking a site in a Texas State Park on Reserve America
Lake Manatee State Park
Nice, clean, and yes, quiet place to relax and enjoy the outdoors.
Camping & Traveling by Bike
Camping & Traveling by Bike Bikepacking on the road or in the mountains, it's always an adventure! Bikepacking offers a unique way for solo and group adventure junkies to find and access new places, meet new people, and encounter new personal challenges anywhere...
Kayaking with Wildlife
While it is uncommon for wildlife to bother kayakers, it is indeed possible that you might have encounters that make for great photo opportunities! Here is a photo tour while kayaking the Hillsborough River.
8 Safety Tips for Solo Mountain Climbers and Hikers
Whether you’re an experienced climber or trying it for the first time, it’s important you have a strong understanding of how to stay safe while in the mountains. This article will help you understand some basic safety tips for solo climbing and trekking.
Action Cameras & Electronic Stabilization
Using an electronic gimbal will give you the shake-free videos you see from professional videographers
How to Carry Your Kayak or Paddleboard
My 14.5ft Touring Yak at 50 pounds is a beast to load. For that reason alone, I started looking for an alternate solution.
