You can make the world a better place.

When you enjoy something you try your hardest to keep it nice; like your car, if you want it to last you have it maintained regularly, wash and wax it and avoid unnecessary wear and tear. What about other things that you enjoy? If you are a religious person you give your penance to keep your parish running so that others may be enlightened as you have been.

What about Earth? I can honestly say that one of the worldly possessions that I hold dear to me is the world itself. Obviously I reap the benefits of enjoyment of diverse seasonal changes that bring about a kaleidoscope of colors, I relish in newly fallen snow and the thunderous downpours of the spring, summer and fall. I live for walks on endless sandy beaches and the ability to hop into the water without fear or harm or sickness. And I find great pleasure in the moments when I get to experience nature without the encumbrances of human interception.

What if, however, I was not so fortunate? What if the trails were lined with Cheetos bags and pop bottles? What if every time I dove into the water I had to fight my way through a slew of floating man-made debris and garbage?

What a terrible world that would be. This post is not intended to be in support of any political position of in contrast to any ideal of the free market. I am writing it to inspire you.

I want you to take the extra 0.00001 second to bend over and pick up a bag or bottle, or paper scrap when you are out enjoying the world. I usually carry a plastic bag with me to fetch trailside/ beach garbage. It takes no extra effort on my part and the world is a better place for it. I am in no way tooting my own horn, merely illustrating how one person is choosing to make a difference, in hopes that you too do your part, however big or small. Nothing is insignificant in this world.

This past Fall we took a short walk on the Lake Michigan shore near my hometown of Onekama, and in the span of 15 minutes I collected the following:

It took nothing extra to pick these up and our return trip was all the more beautiful as a result. I would like to think that maybe the next person to walk the beach found it to be clean and enjoyed it all the more. If all you do is to restore that which is damaged to its original state you have done your part.

If we all just do this a little more, then we can enjoy things like this forever:

Thank you for listening. Enjoy this week.

-J

Go anywhere, do anything

In this series of Go to Gear I would like to discuss a piece that is totally essential to anyone, regardless of the amount of time you choose to spend outside: the softshell.

I have chosen The North Face's Apex Bionic Jacket.

There are a few simple reasons why this is the best jacket out there.

1. Price: this jacket can be found online for around $130, however you can often find it at outdoor shops on sale. The price cannot be beat!

2. Features: we are talking waterproof, totally windproof and proper fitting for layering. The side pockets are very roomy and the chest pocket offers ample space for a phone or an Mp3 player. The fabric of the jacket is a unique stretch material that leaves the wearer ample space for the movements required for multiple activities.

One surprising features of this thing is the breath-ability. It keeps you warm and dry without making your body feel stale with stagnant air trapped in!

3. Style:

This jacket is perfect for someone who is just getting into the outdoors, a student commuting to class, bike messengers, mall goers, hikers, campers, hip business people, or anyone who wants to arrive in style while being protected from the elements.

I have had my Apex Bionic for four years now and it has seen all sorts of weather; vicious Michigan winters, torrent downpours, gale-force winds and everything in between.

I urge you to pick one up ASAP!

-J

A day for Bugs

I have been going through my external hard-drive compiling some bug shots and I would like to share them with you. I really enjoy macro pics of the creepy crawlies.

I am not quite sure what most of them are, if you know the name of one I would like to know. Just leave a comment with directions as to which bug you are describing!

Enjoy!

Hope you have a great weekend!

-J

Eddie Bauer Friday Harbor Jacket Total Review

In the world of outdoor sports there exists a continuing trend to be lighter, thinner and brighter when it comes to gear. What we are offered is an array of tissue paper thin shells that feel as though they will disintegrate when moisture approaches. (though this is how they feel, I can attest that they are very durable and suitable for wear and tear of the outdoors.)

However, some of us want a jacket that has all of the capabilities to defy the elements and feels also feels like it can do so.

This thing scoffs at snow.

I give you the Friday Harbor by Eddie Bauer.

The Friday Harbor performs well in whatever the Great Lakes region had thrown its way. Ice hiking on Lake Michigan, Feb '11

I picked this jacket up late last spring because I was in the market for a new rain jacket. Since I am not very much for the ultralight stuff this looked like my kind of jacket.

It comes in modest colors and has a comfortable, fitted, cut. The Friday Harbor is sized a little large and makes layering easy. The weather edge technology keeps you dry and shielded from the winds too.

This jacket has gone everywhere with me and I have used it in many conditions including a rainy trip to Maine in late fall, Mid-Summer torrential downpours, Dead of winter ice hikes on Lake Michigan, and even the occasional trip to school.

Friday Harbor, keeping the mist off me at Niagra Falls, Oct '10

It truly is a versatile jacket. The vent system makes it comfortable to wear as a wind breaker in warmer weather. It is also semi packable. I throw mine in my day-bag nearly every time  I head outside.

Another major plus about this jacket is the pocket situation. There are 4 exterior pockets and one interior and they are all easily accessed with a pack on.

The hood is removable, however I have not found it to be obtrusive and have left mine on continuously.

If you are looking for a good all season jacket look no further. This thing was designed for use in temperate regions where the weather changes in an instant and I can tell you from experience that it has not failed me yet!

Taking on water during one of the early summer tornadoes, SE MI June '10

Head over to their website and check them out now:

http://www.eddiebauer.com/home.jsp

You will not be let down!

-J

Northern Michigan Glaciers

If snowshoeing recharged my batteries two weekends ago, then the trip this weekend was the equivalent of swapping the old rechargeables out for new lithium ion ones!

After my Criminal Law midterm on Friday I hopped into the sideseat of the Subaru and pointed North for what I though was to be a weekend of quiet, boring studies alone. However, this weekend kicked more butt than I could have ever imagined. Not only did I get the majority of my work done, but I also got to spend time with my family and we even got some outdoors time in!

Part one: The journey.

The Northernly trip started out under gray skies with a hint of ice in the air. While we remained on the eastern side of the state the weather was calm and frankly a little boring for traveling weather. However once we hit the great divider: Clare, we were blasted by thick, beautiful clumps of Lake Effect goodness. I tried to get a few shots but the great darkness in the sky did not permit such acts. You see, up north, when you turn out the lights it is dark! 

From here on the drive was accompanied by the type of snow that falls where I come from. It falls slowly, almost hanging in the air and then gently lays down with its kin to blanket the ground underneath. It is a wholesome snow, stout and soft.

Upon arriving home I feasted upon homemade chocolate chips! Thanks Mom. 

This is where I thought my journey had ended for the weekend, however as per usual, I over estimated the amount of time that I would need for my homework, and underestimated the amount of sleep that I need! Knowing that I wanted to be able to do things on Saturday I stayed up until around 4 getting a good jump on the work. The finished product was quite good if I do say so! Take that adverse possession!

Part two: Family time and a minor Glaciation 

Saturday morning we awoke early and zipped down to Chelsea's grandparent's house where we were greeted with pancakes and conversation. After spending some time with them we headed out to arguably one of my most favorite places in the world; Portage Point.

When I was a younger man I used to drive out here, daily. Then one winter I discovered that the water freezes into giant mountains far out into the lake during the colder months. These mountains resemble fractionalized version of the glaciers that carved out this great area and it is kind of neat to see them rising out of water where we swim and skim board in the summer. Lake Michigan really provides four seasons of awesomeness if you are willing to experience it!

Now that we live further away from the lake whenever we get a chance to come out to it we soak it up and make the most out of it. I would like to share a few shots of the ice hike with you, you will enjoy: (after enjoying check out what it looks like in the summer)

The ice extends easily 400' out into the lake. To put this into perspective I took this shot, I am about even with the end of the pier and the ice continued for another 150-200'

This is the top of a little ice cave I found, no good pics inside though.

The ice bubbles remind me of desert pavement, look it up it is pretty cool, made by a slightly similar concept too!

If we were in the Arctic, this is definitely where a seal would pop up!

One part Grinch who stole Christmas, one part explorer!

After the ice hopping we grabbed a drink at my favorite natural spring and headed to see my grandparents. Chelsea showed Grandma some new tricks with her camera and I discussed the prison camp-like settings of test-taking in law school. They even hooked us up with some new wine bottles to cut!

Saturday night we hit up the casino for dinner with Chelsea's Mom, Fred and Izzy. We had a good time and then settled in to ride out the remainder of the snowstorm watching Seinfeld and finishing up some homework!

Our return trip to SE MI was guided by beautiful sunshine, dry roads and minimal traffic, only in Michigan can you be in one spot and experience 2.5 seasons in less than 48 hours! That fact is pretty cool in that it makes even the shortest trips up there seem longer!

Take care all. Enjoy this week, and Happy Valentine's Day!

-J

Hey please check out some of my other sites:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/randomstreamoc/

http://natureshotz.blogspot.com/

A Sunday snow trip

We awoke early Sunday morning and trodded out the door and down the road to Parker Mill Park.

This park provides beauty year-round. It offers boardwalk hiking through a typically Michigan marsh, and single-track jogging and biking trails.

There is also a nice creek that runs through the park.

This was a great way to recharge my batteries for the upcoming hectic week of midterms. I think that we will be making a trip to Barton Dam this coming weekend to celebrate the ending of midterms!

I think that this spring I am going to use Parker Mill as a place to practice slacklining. Since I have never done it this seems like a quiet, and safe place to learn with looking like a spectacle!

Time to get a little more studying done!

Oh yeah, I have an extension, in photos, of this little hike over at: http://natureshotz.blogspot.com/
Check it out please!

Have a great Sunny Day!

-J

What a Saturday!

So, we thought that our blizzard was on Wednesday right? Wrong! We had our own mini blizzard today!

There was heavy, wet snow, drifts, blowing snow and whiteout conditions:

Look at this lonely, abandoned bike... I feel bad, somewhere out there exists a person who would put it to good use this winter.What a shame.

We left the house just before this storm really began, and let me tell you, when it started, the people all stopped. Our trip was not a waste though. We used some Kohl's cash, and hit up the local REI.

I snagged a sweet flannel at Kohl's and these bad boys at REI:

These are the top part to the REI Sahara convertible pants. However, somehow a patron received them with no bottom parts and brought them back. Their loss is my gain! I picked up these 45 dollar duds for 6 bucks at the REI yardsale! Oh yes it pays to be a member! I also gained some knowledge as to what I need to get hooked up with my new skiis! 3-Prong boots. So I am on the lookout.

I hope you all are enjoying you weekend. I am studying for some Midterms but tomorrow we are taking a quick break; not for the superbowl, but for some morning snowshoeing! Expect pics.

-J

Motivation

Sometimes it is hard to get out of bed, get a workout in and then plop down to study for several hours followed by class.

Today is one of those days.

On days such as this I need to find a whole bunch of inspiration to pull me through the day.

The beginning of my inspiration comes from the group at M22:

Perfection

Another of my motivators of the day is my XC skiis that I will be picking up this morning. Though they are old and probably need a little work, I still cannot wait to give them a try.

The final motivator: I was approached by a classmate last week in regards to some mountain-biking, I think that he is pretty serious about it, and I think that when the weather warms up that I am going to take him up on his offer of checking out some of Ann Arbor's terrain. What better motivator to get in shape and stay current on all of my schoolwork than the promise of some outdoors fun?

I leave you, to go study, with a parting shot from the Portage Point Channel. The geometric shapes of the ice are just awesome.

Hope your weekend is swell!

Pic 'o the day 1//27/2011

The legend lives on from the Chippewa on down
Of the big lake they call Gitche Gumee
The lake, it is said, never gives up her dead
When the skies of November turn gloomy.

With a load of iron ore - 26,000 tons more
Than the Edmund Fitzgerald weighed empty
That good ship and true was a bone to be chewed
When the gales of November came early

The ship was the pride of the American side
Coming back from some mill in Wisconsin
As the big freighters go it was bigger than most
With a crew and the Captain well seasoned.

Concluding some terms with a couple of steel firms
When they left fully loaded for Cleveland
And later that night when the ships bell rang
Could it be the North Wind they'd been feeling.

The wind in the wires made a tattletale sound
And a wave broke over the railing
And every man knew, as the Captain did, too,
T'was the witch of November come stealing.

The dawn came late and the breakfast had to wait
When the gales of November came slashing
When afternoon came it was freezing rain
In the face of a hurricane West Wind

When supper time came the old cook came on deck
Saying fellows it's too rough to feed ya
At 7PM a main hatchway caved in
He said fellas it's been good to know ya.

The Captain wired in he had water coming in
And the good ship and crew was in peril
And later that night when his lights went out of sight
Came the wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald.

Does anyone know where the love of God goes
When the waves turn the minutes to hours
The searchers all say they'd have made Whitefish Bay
If they'd put fifteen more miles behind her.

They might have split up or they might have capsized
They may have broke deep and took water
And all that remains is the faces and the names
Of the wives and the sons and the daughters.

Lake Huron rolls, Superior sings
In the ruins of her ice water mansion
Old Michigan steams like a young man's dreams,
The islands and bays are for sportsmen.

And farther below Lake Ontario
Takes in what Lake Erie can send her
And the iron boats go as the mariners all know
With the gales of November remembered.

In a musty old hall in Detroit they prayed
In the Maritime Sailors' Cathedral
The church bell chimed, 'til it rang 29 times
For each man on the Edmund Fitzgerald.

The legend lives on from the Chippewa on down
Of the big lake they call Gitche Gumee
Superior, they say, never gives up her dead
When the gales of November come early.

Great song, great skies over Lake Michigan, late fall

Prepping for some summer fun out in the boats! I am very excited to take these things out the first chance I get. If there was a safe way to get them out into Lake Michigan so that we could paddle up to the huge ice mountains on the shore that would be awesome. Maybe the best place to do this would be from a pier, it would probably be calmer in a channel.

Well, there you have it, today's inspiration; me, getting ready for some sunny paddlin'.

I am ready to work out!

-J

Photo of the day 1/8/2011

We will be having a new feature on RSOC; a photo of the day (POTD)

I figured that since I am now a full-timer at law school and adventures will be at a minimum that I should keep daily content up for people. No no no this is not going to become a hodgepodge blog where I ramble, not at all! It will still remain focused on the outdoors!

So the first POTD will be:

Tada: today is the tale of two tails.

Pepper and Calvin are enjoying a lazy saturday afternoon. Lucky felines!

Enjoy your weekend,

-J

Happy Guy!

Look at this happy guy on the trail!

Out there on the trail, where I  belong!

Email?

RSOC Got Mail!

Send me your address and I will send you updates when the blog gets new features, or pics, or anything really! Like on days when I get new socks, you will be the first to know!

send questions, comments, suggestions and other cool things to: randomstreamoc@gmail.com

Oh right, I will also send you emails every time I put up new posts!

Hope all is well,

-J

Christmas has come and gone:

Well well well, another Christmas has come and gone and I am, again, satisfied with the time that I got to spend with my family.

Not to mention the gifts! Oh the gifts are spectacular!

What did I get? Well for starters:

• A blue canvas jacket
• some new Wii Games
• Candy!
• Cologne
• House slippers

AND THEN:

• Money
• Handgun bullets :)
• Dress shirts for school
• headphones
• knife sharpening tools
• money
• New Oakleys!

And THEN:

• Pendelton Flannels
• Kindle Gift Card
• Fly Tying Material
• Blankets
• Blue-Ray DVD player!

AND we still have one more Christmas to go!

Bower's Harbor

Chelsea and I also made a trip up to the Casino in the North Country, Blog coming soon!

Also, tomorrow we will be taking some time to go snowshoeing! Expect great shots from Chelsea, she got new lenses!

-J

Heeeeeeere's Pepper! (and Calvin too)

It is friday, fridays are very silly around here.

Case in point, today. Today is Cat Day at Random Stream!

In honor of cat day we will be showcasing pics of the felines that call our headquarters home; Pepper and Calvin.

As you all know, Cat Day is better represented by pics and not words, so let these do the talking, Happy Cat Day!

Pepper enjoys breakfast in her bling.

Random Earl shot

"dad, why would you put a pumpkin here?"

Pepper is integral to the RSOC team, as you can see, she in on top of things.

I am speechless...
surprising hey?

-J