MSR – XGK-EX Stove, video review

MSR builds some of the best expedition gear in the world. However, you don’t have to be planning a jaunt to the arctic to put together a reliable survival kit. Maybe you live in an area prone to hurricanes, earthquakes, or ice storms that leave you off the grid for a while. In any case, it’s always good to be prepared and the MSR “camp stove” as I’ll call it is an essential part of that preparedness. The XGK-EX is a multi-fuel unit, meaning it will burn diesel, kerosene, gasoline, and many other fuels. That’s why I bought it, to have the flexibility of using various fuel types. Here’s my video review showing a brand-new unit coming out the box, set up, and operating. (You’ll also see the Aplinist 2 cooking set from MSR, which gives you a neatly contained, lightweight cooking pot and eating dishes.)

I look forward to some minor hikes (day trips) putting this kit through its paces and enjoying the great outdoors with a full meal in my belly. Give some thought to having a survival kit in case of a natural disaster or other trouble. That way you’ll be the one living large when the lights go off.

Published in: on September 10, 2012 at 11:52 am  Leave a Comment  
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Driving to John’s Roast Pork, Phila

Last year, I posted a video showing the roast pork sandwich at John’s in South Philadelphia. People have been asking me how to get there, so just like those videos I make in Aruba, here’s one showing you how to get there, starting on I-95 northbound near the Philadelphia Airport.

Just in case, please note that John’s Roast Pork is located on the corner of Weccacoe Street and Snyder Avenue in Philadelphia. If you’re looking for the best roast pork sandwich and/or cheesesteak, John’s is the place. Enjoy it all and be prepared for a nap afterward.

Published in: on August 30, 2012 at 10:07 am  Leave a Comment  
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Freeze Dried Food

It is hurricane season and in some parts of the world winter is also on the way. In other words, it’s time to think about being prepared for some inconveniences such as the loss of power or having to be temporarily relocated. One of the things you can do is have some freeze dried food on hand. Of course, you’ll also need a camp stove (or other type of fire) to boil water to use this food. (I’ll be reviewing a camp stove in a couple of weeks.) I decided to try a couple of meals from Wise Company. Here’s one on the video:

That was a substantial meal with decent taste. The one thing you want to be careful of with this stuff is the sodium content. Read the nutritional information on the side of the package for complete details. It’s always good to be prepared and having several of these meals around may make life a whole lot more comfortable in the event of a national disaster or other problem.

Published in: on August 27, 2012 at 10:15 am  Leave a Comment  
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New Hope & Ivyland (video visit)

The New Hope & Ivyland Railroad operates steam locomotive No. 40 along the tracks between New Hope, PA (USA) and Lahaska. You have your choice to travel in open air cars or a comfortable parlor car. I recently took a ride on this train in the cab of the locomotive, which was very interesting. It’s hot, dirty, and hard work up front. Here’s the video:

Riding in the cab gave me an appreciation for what it was like a hundred years ago. There used to be thousands of locomotives like this working around the country and the people who kept them operating knew what they were doing. If not, well, a steam boiler explosion was a terrible thing. If you have the chance and the inclination, I recommend experiencing this type of living history. If for no other reason, you’ll see what it was like in the “good old days.”

Published in: on August 14, 2012 at 9:38 am  Leave a Comment  
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