Field Notes
Stories from the waterways, the backcountry kitchen, and the places that stay with us.
The Breton Cap: From Portsmouth’s Sailors to John Lennon’s Abbey Road
A traditional mariner’s cap bought at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, a Scouting pin from Gilwell Park, and an unexpected encounter at Abbey Road reveal how the objects we carry preserve maritime traditions and…
👨‍👩‍👦Perspective of an Outdoor Dad
The Crossroads Between Adventure and Family Originally published May 11, 2013. Revisited as a reflection on parenthood and the outdoors. There are moments when the pull of the next expedition competes with…
🍩Dutch Oven Apple Fritters
A Sweet Tradition Around the Campfire Apple fritters have a way of bringing everyone closer to the fire. The sound of dough meeting hot oil, the scent of cinnamon, and the anticipation…
A Stove for Every Generation: The Gift My Son Chose
An old camp stove, a birthday gift, and the difference between passing on equipment and making room for a child’s own adventures.
🍜 A Hot Lunch Among the Palmettos
A cool Saturday, spicy sesame ramen, and blue Mt. Fuji soda among Florida palmettos. A simple lunch enjoyed on my own schedule.
Graveyard Crunch: Halloween Cocoa and Sunset on the Dunedin Causeway
A family Halloween evening on the Dunedin Causeway, with Mexican hot cocoa, Jiffy Pop, lantern light, and a dark chocolate candy recipe with tart cherries.
What the Water Taught Us to Remember
A 2010 Charleston kayak festival photograph opens a story of Greenland qajaq traditions, mentorship and the outdoor skills we pass along.
The Black Bag in Every Kayak
A Maine island, a Scout troop, and the ordinary work of being a good guest. Reflections on stewardship, shared meals, and the responsibilities we carry home.
Teaching Others to Do This Safely and Confidently
Teaching an outdoor skill means accepting another person’s trust. A reflection on preparation, supervised practice, honest limits, and passing on the care behind the old ways.
Florida Foraging: Learn the Plants, Respect the Place
Florida’s wild ecosystems are rich in edible plants, offering unique foraging opportunities year-round. This guide helps overlanders and bushcrafters identify ten essential wild edibles, provides tips for safe harvesting, and shares cooking…
Florida Hurricane Preparedness: Home, Travel, and Knowing When to Leave
The post emphasizes the importance of rigorous preparation for outdoor activities during hurricane season in Florida. It outlines a three-phase hurricane prep mindset: planning before the trip, maintaining mobility and safety during…
Shelter Setups That Blend Speed and Safety
Effective shelter setup is crucial for overlanding and bushcraft, providing protection against environmental challenges. A great shelter should be quick to deploy, secure in bad weather, and adaptable to various terrains. Various…
Real Meal Plans for Travel Beyond the Grocery Store
A five day menu built around dependable provisions, safe food storage, clean water, and the responsibility of feeding companions in Florida conditions.
