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!
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Featured Stories
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Kayaking 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.
What’s in your backyard?
Video: Golden Aster Scrub Nature Preserve is just 2.9 miles from the house, this is an excellent place to get away from the hustle.
Kayak Camping on the Peace River
Five guys, twenty-three miles, a little Captain and many stores! Not a bad way to spend a December weekend out and away from the city!
QuadraPro Solar Charger & Power Bank
Review: You pull out your iPhone to check your Instagram and Facebook accounts, and you see the dreaded RED BATTERY! “No, not now, I still have that awesome selfie that HAS to make it online TONIGHT or no one will believe I made it to the top!” you scream at the top of your lungs.
Adjust-A-Grill
Review: There are many times I have been camping and didn’t want to go through the hassle of bringing a portable propane grill and using just a grate over a campfire is always a pain.
NRS Kinetic Water Shoes
I have tried several inexpensive shoes, but they just didn’t work all that well out of the kayak. Enter the NRS Kinetic!
Camping by Kayak, Bike or Backpack
Ideas, Examples, Lists and Considerations for your first overnight kayaking camping trip. There’s enough information to get your head wrapped around what you’ll need.
What is Backpacking?
Backpacking is a fun and exciting way to travel. To understand what backpacking really is, it’s best to look at what a backpacker is.
How to Carry Your Kayak
My 14.5ft Touring Yak at 50 pounds is a beast to load. For that reason alone, I started looking for an alternate solution.
Refurbishing B.O.B. Yak Trailer
I’ve always wanted a B.O.B. Trailer, but for nothing more than running errands around town and hauling my video gear up in the mountains, stuff like that. I didn’t know how cool it would be to take Bikepacking.
Riding the Flats vs the Mountains
I ride, Road, Cyclocross and MTB. I lived at 6,500 feet above sea level and my “home riding trails” typically started between 8-10,000ft with anywhere from 2-4,000ft of climbing (a lot for me).
Replacing Your Chain
Replacing your chain does not have to be difficult. In this short 3 minutes, I show you how to get the correct length every time!
Buying A Used Bike
Looking to purchase a used bike, learn the tail-tell signs of an overly used bike are. Not knowing can cost you hundreds of dollars more in new components.
