Expedition #4: Retrospective

VIDEO #360

Song - "Blindsided" by Bon Iver

Some of my favorite moments from the year were very simple. Spontaneous hikes in and around Oregon, smiling with my sweetheart, great music and the comfort of a new home. So, in retrospect, I'd like to throw this out there...... breakdancing, teleporting, pocket dogs, holiday nut sacks and redneck birds might appear to be 'what it's all about'... but it's not. It's about the Hokey Pokey.

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The Great Campfire of 2011

VIDEO #352

Pacific Northwest Camping Sounds

Rebar and family took the VW and headed for the woods to show the young one what life is all about. But when they realize they forgot just about everything for the outing, will the simple beauty of mother nature be enough to keep them from heading back early? No one knows......

Watch The Great Camping Flood of 2010 (Video #082)

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Smokey the Bear

VIDEO #339

Smokey the Bear Radio Ad from 1977

Smokey the Bear Ads were pretty awesome back in the day and I was wondering why haven't we see him lately? I thought I'd recreate the 1977 radio spot into a low-fi animation for you kids out there to enjoy and help put fear into you at an early age. Humans are destructive and evil to Smokey and his many forest friends so make sure you don't start a forest fire because Smokey will hunt you down!

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Light My Fire

VIDEO #321

Song - "Basket Case" by Green Day covered by Rockabye Baby

Cold, rainy weather calls for a cozy night at home. We sure were happy to have upgraded to the instamatic mood setting house mode when we moved in. Now, the house just does what we ask it to. Make me a fire.... done! Clean the cat box..... done! Blow delicious clean air from your vents... no problem. It's totally worth the extra couple bucks a month.

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The Man Area

VIDEO #252

Song - "Giving Up The Gun" by Vampire Weekend

The Man Area really took a hit after the new fence and the great wind storm of 2010 . Nothing a pair of man hands couldn't fix and what better time to do it than during a sundown rainfall? Yes, winter hours are in effect and remember, byob and ax.

Playing With Fire

VIDEO #251

Magical Fire Drumbeat

Yes, we harness the power to light candles through our touch and breath, we are amazing.

The Bonfire

VIDEO #201

Song - "9 Crimes" by Damien Rice

Out at Sauvie Island last week, tons of people headed out to get their pumpkins and grilled corn, listen to some tunes, ride a pony and get forever lost in the corn maze. For a night cap, piles upon piles of apple crates and wooden pallets were set aflame, lighting up the sky. I don't think anyone made it out of there alive?

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The Luxury Fire

VIDEO #195

Song - "Just You and Me" by Zee Avi

Fall is in the air up here in the Pacific Northwest and what better way to enjoy it than with a little, cozy fire? Now, the weather outside is not that frightful this time of year so the fire wasn't exactly necessary, (my good friend Kim would call this a "luxury fire," which is quite clever.... good work Kim.) but oh man, the fire sure was delightful!

Mike and Dan's Date Night

VIDEO #180

Song - "We Didn't Start The Fire" by Billy Joel

Mike the Cat is a pretty needy fellow and he tends to get what he wants. He asked for a fire last night so I gave him a fire he would never forget including tiki torches, candle light and red wine. Needless to say, he was impressed and stayed up late. Now, he is sleeping in a dark corner trying to shake his hangover. Me, not hungover. I'm just trying to figure out how to make a good video again... it appears I might be spent.

Camping at the Lake

VIDEO #121

Song - "Turn This Boat Around" by Matt and Kim

Here is the last video from the lake trip in the Clatsop Forest. Had a great time and hope to be back very soon. For those who'd like to come out and float the lake, let me know. I'll show you where this little gem is!

Take the Hike in High Def

The Great Wildfire of 2010

VIDEO #098

Library Music

Out in the yard again, had to clean the pool. Thought it might be nice to play with some toys and burn something.

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Fire Dancers

VIDEO #073

Song - "Diablo Rojo" by Rodrigo Y Gabriela

It is pretty amazing to see someone throwing around flaming batons, am I right? Well these guys are the best in the biz. All you need to do is head on over to Hawaii and go to Hanalei Bay. There you will find the magic dragon and these awesome fire dancer dudes. Makes for a nice little evening.

Our First Fire

VIDEO #070

Song - "Uppers Aren't Necessary" by Rocky Votolato

With all that new firewood we couldn't resist having our first fire last night. The laurel is proving to be quite nice for when it rain, gives a great shelter for the whole family, including Mike the Cat. Looking forward to the summer nights having you folks over for late night fires! Remember BYOB and know how to operate at least one power tool... man cave rules. Oh, and yes, Katana's outfit is real, no computer generated effects, just good old fashioned cozy wear.