ManCation

ManCation Meal Plan

2009-06-22T19:59:00.001-07:00

I posted my meal plan last year and it seemed to help some of you so here you go for 2009! I have almost got all that's on my list! As I write it's strewn across my couch. We are now approximately 1 month out from our trip so it's good to start thinking about these things.

Our ManCation '09 Trek

2009-06-21T19:01:00.000-07:00

Hey Guys!
I hope you can make all this out! Looks like a pretty solid plan.

ManCation Trip Dates

2009-06-15T16:00:00.001-07:00

Hey guys!

Here is the finalized trip dates (again!) for the Man-fest that is ManCation!

July 23-29 (Thursday-Wednesday)

More info will come as we approach our trip date.

Peace!

The Gorge-ous Mini ManCation!

2009-06-13T17:50:00.000-07:00

The Red River Gorge trip was a huge success! We had 7 guys of varying backpacking experience hike the Swift Camp Creek Trail and enjoy the night by Pooch's Turtle Falls. Great Adventure!

Man-Beast

2009-06-01T20:14:00.000-07:00

I will never again complain about any of my hair related issues!

July...Weather you like it or not!

2009-05-25T08:33:00.000-07:00

As you can see from the chart above there is still a fair amount of rain fall in GSM during July so we'll need to pack our rain gear.

As you can see, in July temperatures are normally around 86-58 degrees, but could be as high as 95 and as low as 40. Knowing this is important because it tells you how to pack. I don't think I'll be packing a sleeping bag this time, but maybe just a nice bag liner.

It gets very hot, so you'll also be needing very light, sweat wicking clothing, and sunscreen.

We'll be camped near water most of the time but it's important to have good hydration gear with you!

The Bear Necessities!

2009-05-24T18:52:00.000-07:00

So we are officially 2 months out from our big trip to the Smokies and I'm already thinking of our protection. Driving back from FL I dropped into Nashville's R.E.I. store and purchased a counter assault bear spray (Bear Mase). Not that this will work, but it makes me feel safer. This is a reminder that you to need to be thinking of the bear necessities. I recommend that you all buy small air horns and odor proof food sacks (OPSak). I will also be purshasing a bear bag for hanging our food (URSack) this year.

Bromantic Destinations

2009-02-14T12:19:00.000-08:00

For those unfamiliar with Mancationing, please click here for a taste of what it's like.

1st Trip: April 17th - 19th (3 days, 2 nights) to the Red Rive Gorge

2nd Trip: A week in July (6 days, 5 nights) Smoky Mountains

3rd Trip: 1 weekend in either Sept. or Oct. (3 days, 2 nights) Michael Harrington will probably pick the dates and the destination.

Leave a comment if you're interested in coming to any or all of these trips or if you just want info. concerning them.

Unconventional Camping Anyone?

2009-01-20T17:15:00.000-08:00

Hey guys!

For years I have desired to go to the Icthus Music festival and camp out with friends, but for many different reasons it has never happened. Maybe this will be the year to rock out!

Here is the info. Check her out!

New ManCation Calendar

2009-01-19T20:56:00.000-08:00

Hey guys!

I have just created the first ManCation Google Calendar and have given many of you the rights to edit and create events. We need to start getting organized with our bro-mance. When you add events to the calendar they will appear on the ManCation Blog and send out reminders through email. Thanks!

Here is the Link to our calendar

Where to Next?

2008-11-30T13:04:00.000-08:00

Howdy Gangsters!

Just been getting a little stir crazy and began to think about next year's mancation. Wondering things like: Will we have a Mancation, where would we go, and when would be best? This is the time of year Paul and I began brain storming last year...So I now set the wheel in motion.

What do you think? Even if it's too soon to tell, where would you like to go?

Personally, I would like to see the Grand Canyon, or go to Lake Tahoe. These are just distant wishes, but it's okay to think about it. How about you, what do you wish you could do with your bros?

Let us know!

P.S. another dream of mine is to find Bigfoot! Maybe a tour?

New pics of the trip

2008-06-05T19:07:00.001-07:00

Couples Camping Trip!

2008-06-04T10:25:00.000-07:00

Hey Guys! Just thought I'd let you know that we're planning a couple's backpacking trip!
The Tenative Dates are July 18th-20th!
We're looking at the Big South Fork (2 hours away).

Some short flix!

2008-05-25T19:13:00.000-07:00

Here be some forgotten footage

We're back...Here's some pics!

2008-05-25T17:59:00.001-07:00

Bear Protection!

2008-05-17T21:20:00.000-07:00

Just so interesting.

Does your bear bag hang low?

2008-05-17T05:19:00.000-07:00

We're lucky, we only have to throw the line over a bear wire.

Weather or Not!

2008-05-16T13:50:00.000-07:00

Hey guys!
I don't know about you, but I've been obsessively checking the weather for Bryson City, NC (which is where we're going). Things looked pretty bleak at the beginning of this week for the 10 day forecast, but the closer are departure comes the nicer the weather seems to be getting. Focus your prayers to our trail guide (Jesus) that we would have formidable weather, because we're going weather or not!

WEATHER FOR BRYSON CITY, NC

Essential gear for the trip

2008-05-15T08:02:00.000-07:00

Here's a list of things that each person needs to pack:
• Air horn (for the bears)
• 50ft. of light rope to hang your food in
• Toilet paper (estimate how much you poop and pack accordingly)
• Cup for drinking or eating from
• Eating utensils
• Small bottle of biodegradable soap to wash clothes, clean dishes, or take a bath with (can be bought at Walmart for $2 in the camping section)
• Bug spray
• Small Flashlight
• Water bottles (not the kind that break easily...Brady)
• Rain jacket of some sort
That's all I can think of for now. If there's anything else I think of I will post it. I have fuel for the stoves that we're brining but I'm not carrying all of them. Be prepared to pack at least one small canister of fuel each.

-paul

How to Stay Warm on ManCation

2008-05-14T13:08:00.001-07:00

Kenny Rodger's Jackass!

2008-05-13T17:02:00.000-07:00

I had forgotten about this video until I just happened upon it. This Kenny Rodgers is the mascot for our trip!

"Catchen the bat with my teeth trick"

ManCation Theme Song

2008-05-10T07:30:00.000-07:00

ManCation Roll Call

2008-05-09T11:51:00.000-07:00

Hey gang!
Can you believe that the ManCation is only 10 days from now?!?
With that said I think that it is important to nail down exactly who is and isn't going.

Here are the people I have going for sure:
1. Josh Wilson
2. Paul Barth
3. Travis Westerfield
4. David Vaught
5. Brady Hudson

That's it. I've heard a lot of "maybes" but we only have space for 8, so if you're planning on coming. Please make sure your prepared (gear & food) and contact me (338-1717) ASAP!

Peace!

p.s. It would be great if we could all ride down together in one vehicle. So if someone has a vehicle available large enough we could all chip in for gas! This makes the trip a lot shorter.

Fishing information

2008-05-06T16:26:00.000-07:00

Here are the requirements for trout fishing in the Smokies:

Fishing is permitted only by the use of one hand-held rod.
Only artificial flies or lures with a single hook may be used. Dropper flies may be used. Up to two flies on a leader.
Use or possession of any form of fish bait or liquid scent other than artificial flies or lures on or along any park stream while in possession of fishing tackle is prohibited. Prohibited baits include, but are not limited to, minnows (live or preserved), worms, corn, cheese, bread, salmon eggs, pork rinds, liquid scents and natural baits found along streams.
Use or possession of double, treble, or gang hooks is prohibited.
Fishing tackle and equipment, including creels and fish in possession, are subject to inspection by authorized personnel.

For those not wanting to fly fish and still fish, your best bet is to purchase a regular Zebco 33 classic rod and reel combo (found at Watmart for $30) and purchase some small single hook lures. I have a combo that someone can borrow, but if anyone needs help on what lures to buy, just let me know and I can help you out. Hope this helps and please post questions if you have any.

Beware The Manimal!

2008-05-05T06:26:00.001-07:00

Who is this and what bet did he loose?

Messing...

2008-05-02T11:30:00.001-07:00

This one was on the side bar but really deserves its own post. Friggin Hilarious!

ManCation?

2008-04-30T07:49:00.001-07:00

More like WussCation

REI SALE!!!

2008-04-29T16:02:00.000-07:00

Gearhounds perk up those ears. REI is having a huge sale from May 2-11. You might want to check it out to see if there is anything you might want to get for the Mancation. Josh, if you're interested they carry bras for men.

http://www.rei.com/

My ManCation Meal Plan!

2008-04-28T12:13:00.000-07:00

Hey guys! I thought this might be helpful for your packing plan.

Your WAKEUP Call!

2008-04-27T09:46:00.000-07:00

Hopefully we'll be able to sleep as sound as this young man!

Brady Hudson's Tent!

2008-04-26T15:57:00.000-07:00

While in search for a perfect family tent I stumbled upon this. I think this tent would be perfect for Brady Hudson! It's right up his ally!

Ghost Car

2008-04-25T07:31:00.000-07:00

Watch the car just as it passes the last tree. you may have to watch it twice to see it. pretty cool.

Beware Travis

2008-04-25T07:17:00.000-07:00

For calling our cliff picture gay, Josh has pledged to do this to you should we encounter a similar bridge. You've been warned Weschesterfield!!

Sincerely,
The heterosexual group of men in the cliff pic who, from time to time, find nothing wrong with a little bromance in the wilderness.

Wow J&H Website!

2008-04-22T11:14:00.000-07:00

J&H Lan-Mark.com

Hey guys! I didn't know that J&H had a website until today!
J&H is running a in-store 5-10% whole store sale until may 4th!

RRG Trip Pics

2008-04-22T10:10:00.000-07:00

Our 1st Camp, Paul is being lazy in his ENO Hammock

Josh's Hennessy Hammock

Hey guys here are a few of the pictures that I took in the Gorge. Feel free to put up any that you think are good.

Josh's official job for the trip

2008-04-21T16:44:00.000-07:00

Should any bear charge a member of the party, I vote Josh to be responsible for talking it down. My only concern is that the bear, upon recognizing the amount of hair on Josh's body, decides to mate with him. Does anyone want to second my vote?

Fishing License!

2008-04-19T12:05:00.000-07:00

There are 4 ways that you can get your NC fishing license and all can be accomplished by following this link.

FISH ME!!!

The regular 10 day inland fishing license will cost $10.00
That's it! You can catch all the fish you want!

Welcome to ManCation 2008!

2008-04-18T11:28:00.001-07:00

While visiting the Cumberland falls with some friends I spied two young backpackers coming out of the wilderness. These two huge bags where what they were carrying! I'd say at least 70 pounds each, you won't need that much stuff!

Our Loop!

2008-04-01T21:10:00.000-07:00

This map shows the Deep Creek Tube Center and the Tubing rout at the beginning of the Trail.

This map shows the beginning of the Deep Creek Trail and where we'll be parking.

Here's a snap shot of the loop we will be taking!

CLICK HERE FOR A FULL TRAIL MAP!