I almost never link to a YouTube channel. The main reason is that I prefer the medium of text to video. I read fast and don’t usually need imagery to keep my interest. Also, YouTube itself is run by duplicitous shitweasels and I don’t want that nest of biased deplatforming malfeasance to put down roots in my world. However, video’s a thing and two sites are so good they merit attention. If you want to wander into occupied territory, take a gander at these two… then run!
The first is CGP Grey who picks a topic and rockets through it with intelligent precision. He moves at warp speed while offering humor and thoughtful analysis. How he does all this in 3-5 minute videos is a miracle of pacing and what I can only assume is an immense amount of prior research. It’s entirely unlike the repetitive dumbed down bullshit that characterizes documentary TV. I highly recommend CGP Grey.
The second is The Emporium Outdoors. This could be one of those boring “camping gear review” sites but instead it’s delightful and relaxing. Michael, the Canadian outdoorsman host, plays second fiddle to his charming dog Esme as they wander about deploying whatever gear Michael chooses to present. Unlike CGP Grey that fires data like a machine gun, Michael stops to smell the flowers. Sometimes there’s no gear at all and they just go for a walk. Drone footage and long shots of campfires abound. When I was in the throes of cabin fever this winter, Michael’s purchase of an Argo was so fun to watch that I nearly went nuts and bought one for myself. I’m a guy that thinks twice before ordering a soda instead of a water at a restaurant and I was seriously pondering “the cool ATV that the cute dog likes”. That’s damn impressive showmanship! I highly recommend The Emporium Outdoors for when you don’t have time to go camping but really wish you did.
Want a taste? OK, here’s one where CGP Grey crams half a semester of United Kingdom history and geography into 5 minutes. Watch it twice and you know more UK stuff than anyone but English geographers:
Are ya’ exhausted by CGP Grey? OK take a break and watch Michael and Esme wander around Canadian forest. It’s about a thousand times slower and relaxing and… damn I want an ARGO!
Inspired by Canadian camping, I decided to link to CGP Grey’s discussion of the Canadian/American border… you know… the one that isn’t pissing off all the politicians.
Whew… that was fast. Time for a chill out video. How about Michael camping in the snow with the same cot I recently purchased but with a different tent. (He’s the one that inspired my purchase of the cot.)
Have fun y’all.
Screw that puny Argo. What you REALLY need is a Sherp:
https://sherpatv.com/
Cease being quite so Adaptive and get your Curmudgeonly Hindquarters back in your Boat upon the waters and report thereof, please.
But first, tell us listeners what kind of lifejacket you wear while dueling wind and wave, even if it is merely upon a landlocked drinkable puddle sans sharks…one misstep and a gybe and that boom goes boom on your skull and you’re over the 3 minutes breathing water you’re allowed.
Next, explain in one paragraph or less how you fixed your rudder and implemented a Plan B for the next time it shits the bed, perhaps when it really counts. Hinting subtly…since you have oars, is there a rowlock near middle of the transom, or at least an eyelet for a turn of line?
Further, what anchors do you have ready to go, suitable for local condition?
enviously yous,
Stefan.
I’ll be back on the waters shortly. A few weeks before the next “adventure”. This “Adventure” should be tamer… but I always say that and it never happens that way.
The way you ask what kind of life jacket I wear suggests more of a reminder that I shouldn’t be a dumbass and forgo the life jacket. Rest assured I’m always wearing one in a sailboat. In a canoe I was pretty experienced and would sometimes stuff it under my seat in easy conditions… but the voodoo of wind based propulsion is a whole different animal. The vest stays on. Also I usually have 2 flotation pads (seat cushions). Also the boat itself has dual redundant buoyancy tanks and my gear goes into drybags that I fill with a bit of spare air. I may get discombobulated and not within my sailing skills but I’m unlikely to sink straight down.
I’m working on my third approach for the rudder. I thought all-thread was a clever solution (and I carried a spare bit of all thread in case the first one sunk or something) but it sucked in practice. The second solution was a nice long Philips head screwdriver. Actually, the screwdriver had lots of potential. It was much easier to install in the gudgeons and happened to be handy in case I uh… need a screwdriver. Alas it was the perfect dimensions but the handle was a bit too tall and interfered with my traveler. Now I’m planning on bending a piece of stainless steel… which is pretty normal practice. I may cut the screwdriver handle short and carry that as a backup. I have no rear oarlock but I do carry a small folding canoe paddle that would make a fine rudder in a pinch.
I have a folding anchor. No anchor rode, just a bit of floating nylon line (about 20′). So far it’s not something I’ve used except to reassure myself it’s going to stay on the beach when I’ve beached. It’s just a parking brake for me so far. I plan to use the anchor more for when I get the hang of things and want to stay stationary for jigging.