Help me pack light

Posted on September 17, 2012 by

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Next weekend I’ll be in Nashville for the Quitter Conference.  First, I need to get there.  I want to pack as light as possible and still have everything I need for a couple of days in a town I’ve never been to.

I’m taking a backpack and a laptop bag as carry-on luggage.  That’s it.  What do I need to bring and how should I pack it?  What are you best airline travel tips?

Here’s what I know I’m bringing:

  • laptop w/ charger
  • pocket video camera w/ charger and extra batteries
  • notepad and pen
  • toiletries (as few and as small as possible)
  • 2 shirts
  • shorts
  • underwear
  • 1 pair of socks (I usually don’t wear them anyway)
  • travel itinerary, directions, etc.
  • phone
  • packable jacket (maybe)

What am I forgetting?  What creature comforts should go with?

Posted in Raun's Blog, Travelogue | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments
Gallery

My Outdoor Cooking Setup Part 2 — Cast Iron

Posted on September 13, 2012 by
12 inch Lodge Cast Iron Dutch Oven

This gallery contains 2 photos.


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Cast iron cookware is among the most versatile to use in a car camping or backyard setting.  It is relatively inexpensive, can handle as much heat as you can throw at it, and as non-stick as anything if seasoned properly.  … Continue reading →

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The Chase versus The Catch

Posted on September 11, 2012 by

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Don’t forsake the Chase for the results of the Catch.

Too often, we chase after the prestige and apparent “overnight success” instead of focusing on the journey. I’m all too guilty of this. I think it’s why I haven’t defined the focus of my life’s work. I’ve been too focused on the destination — the Catch.

The Chase, however, is where true satisfaction comes from. If you can show up each day knowing why you do what you do, you’ll have the strength to keep moving forward despite the obstacles. It also leaves the door open to change direction, to sidestep roadblocks.

I’m trying to identify what my Chase is. What do I do that is it’s own reward? It’s cliche, but what would you do if you didn’t have to worry about the money? That’s the Chase. There’s energy in the Chase. There’s satisfaction in the Chase. The Chase is self sustaining.

The Catch is the payout at the end. It’s so far off in the distance that you can’t pinpoint its location. We focus on it, but too often we can’t see it. It’s not guaranteed. Every time we get off course, the Catch changes. Forget about the Catch.  Focus on the Chase.

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Boil Over!

Posted on September 6, 2012 by

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“Boil Over!”

That’s the call made before kerosene, yes, kerosene gets thrown on an open fire. The subsequent fireball is the last hurrah before dinner is served.

The fish boil is a Wisconsin tradition dating back to the 1800’s when Great Lakes Whitefish was a major export. Fish boils are still common in many lakeside towns, but nowhere are they as popular as in Door County.  The process is somewhat similar to a Louisiana craw fish boil — until the end.

When boiled, fish give off their oils, which float to the top of the water.  This oil doesn’t taste very good, so you really want to remove it.

Fish isn’t particularly appetizing when overcooked, so it can’t take very long to skim that oil off the top.  But how?  That’s where the kerosene comes in.  When the fish, potatoes, and onions are done cooking, a little bit of kerosene is flung onto the open flames.  The sudden increase in heat causes the water to boil over and the oil on the top flows down the outside of the kettle.

Come and get it!

 

Posted in Travelogue | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments
Gallery

Door County Cherry Scones

Posted on September 3, 2012 by
Scones

This gallery contains 9 photos.


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These Door County Cherry Scones are easy to make at home or at camp.  I’ve made them in the oven and in a dutch oven. As a child my favorite item on the breakfast menu at Hardee’s was the Cinnamon … Continue reading →

Posted in Camping, Outdoor Cooking | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment