Kayaking Cabin Fever

Ok its official I have the kayaking cabin fever. The latest issue of Canoe and Kayak hit my doorstep today and now I'm feeling a bit anxious for a little whitewater descent. Chuck my partner in crime, who is also the only reliable paddler I know, works on the road so I have no safety buddy making it impossible to paddle anything besides the Allegheny with my special lady friend. I need to find a new friend so I can feel the joy of cold water and local creeks. Now I know how a junkie must feel when his dealer is out of town. I've got the shakes and I need to get out for some paddling asap before the creeks get to boney (low).

I have been paddling all my life but I'm relatively new to the whitewater scene. Now white-watering is the only time I really feel like climbing into a kayak. My paddling quiver consists of a Wave Sport diesel, Perception Carolina, and an old as dirt Gruman canoe. Now when I take a leisurely river trip I prefer my 17' Gruman canoe over my touring kayak. Its just more comfortable, besides I was practically born in a canoe. Any-who hope everybody has a nice holiday weekend. Please drop me a line and tell me paddling stories, or just say hi. Hope you get little wet this Memorial Day weekend.

Dropping into a hole 

Little Scrubgrass Emlenton, PA

Chuck Leads I Follow 

Little Scrubby 

Best Time to Paddle 

If there is ice in my beard I'm having a good time!

Foul Weather Gunnery

Tuesday was a rainy cold day. The kind of day you lay on the couch and watch a movie or read a book. So after work I decided to do a little tactical run and gun. 

My Defensive Carbine 

Modified Prone Stance 

Shooting Under Simulated Obstacles

Running the Mori Seiki 63

Today at work I had the opportunity to run the big horizontal CNC machining center. The mill is the size of a small apartment. I'm no mill operator, CNC lathes are really my bread and butter. When the boss (dad) asked me to drill and tap some rolls I was a bit hesitant at first. However after a Couple parts I really started to enjoy operating this mammoth. I know that there are much larger mills out there, but in comparison to what we have on our shop floor this thing is a monster.

Palate Changing in Progress 

1st Tool Spot Drill

The MH-63

I love learning new equipment at work. It always seems to break up the day and make time fly by. If you don't already know, my family owns a small machine shop here in Emlenton. So occasionally you get a post about machining steel.

Homesteading dreams

I'm beginning to plan my future homestead. I have acquired a small chunk of land outside of my local town's boro, and Rachel and I are planning to build a modest size house. My plan is to break ground this summer and move in before this coming winter.

Our plan is to continue our quest for a self-reliant life. I have been developing my gardening skills over the last few years, and we plan on growing and preserving as much food as we can. We also plan on having a couple farm animals. (chickens, meat rabbits, and a goat for milk) The country lifestyle is right for us since both Rachel and I were raised in the country.

I encourage everybody to take steps in there lives to become less dependant on grocery stores and city utilities. The first step is easy as turning off your lights when not in the room our unplugging your TV when not in use. Even try growing a tomato or two. Chances are when you get started you'll get hooked, like I am. Finding ways to simplify your life is one of the best addictions to have.

So wish us luck in our homesteading aspirations. And have a blessed week.

Cook up your own maple syrup 

That'll save you a few bucks

P.S. Also, tune in for Tips to simply your life.

Taking a 5min. Shower instead of a 10min. Shower can save 20,000 gallons a year.

My Little Greenhouse of Horrors

I'm very excited about my garden this year. Here is a couple pictures of my chillens.

Center Bed Lettuce & Tomatoes

Mater Starts

What's Taters Precious?

We had a little frost last night so pray my broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower are ok. I'm so ready for warm weather so I can put the rest of my plants in. Come on Sun! 

Thanks for stopping by. I'll keep you updated on all my gardening fun.

Peace.

Introductions

Hello this is my first post on my new blog. I'd like to start off by introducing myself. My name is Matt B. Some of my friends call me Hippy. My special lady friend Rachel has been blogging for the past year, so I thought I'd give it a try. I am driven by my love for Christ and life in general. I love a good many things, since I have so many blessings in my life.

I'm at gun-toting, animal-killing outdoor junkie. However if you have a softer spot you certainly could find some cool stuff. I know I'll probably have a tough time finding followers, but that's ok I know I will have at least one. Here is a link to my fiancée Rachel's blog. I will appreciate any support I can get.

Just a Couple Photos of me or things I dig


My First Descent 
Freedom Falls, Rockland, PA

Me and My Brother Chuck

Brrr.

My V-Twin Death Trap

First Trout This Season

My Mori Seki CNC Lathe 

You will find these kinds of topics:

-Guns
-God
-Canoeing
-Whitewater kayaking
-Gardening
-Fishing
-Fine Beer
-Home decor
-Photography
-Tactical Weapons and Gear
-Knifes and Edged Weapons
-Racing Quads
Plus many more