Top Three Free Iphone Tidal Apps

 

 

With access to millions of instant information at our fingertips our phones are increasingly valuable. Smartphones have potential to make our lives easier and more productive.They also can make our lives more complex and less social but that's a whole different blog arena.
If your like me and live near a U.S. coastline you may need or simply want a good solid tide app for quick reference!!
Well i did the work for you!! You can thank me later.
I looked at 7 free apps and picked my top three fave's!!
The good, the bad and the ugly combined (the 7 apps):
TideDataFree, Tides, Tides...Free, Sea Tow, Tides:...Free, Tides Planner and Tides Weather. These names were taken from each app's icon. All were a penny short of a penny...free!!

The background picture is my two month old nephew! I had to so him off somehow!

The 7 tidal apps are shown on the top of the picture.
I wanted to find out which app was the best and easiest to use. I don't go to the beach regularly but visit enough to have a permanent app on my iPhone for good tide references.
My decision on which app was the best, was based off of two priorities: quality information and easy browsing!

After browsing through each app i decided on the top three apps. Here they are from best to third best: 1.Seatow, 2.Tide Data Free, 3.Tides Weather

Third Place:Tides Weather

Pros:
  - offers three day weather info
  - your home screen as tidal info for your location
  - Home screen can be saved to a specific location for weather
  - Can save tide station favorites
  - Tide graph easy to read
  - Info is in feet and meters
  - Offers a map
  - 10 day tide forecast
  - A nearby tide station list
  - search option and U.S. station list
 
Cons:
  - Map loads slowly
  - Seemed like map has less tide stations compared to other apps
  - no sunset, sunrise, moonrise or moonset times
  - browsing through app not as easy as others

Second Place: Tide Data Free

Pros:
  - Saved favorites
  - List of each states tide stations
  - Great map
  - Sunset, sunrise, moonrise and moonset times
  - Easy graph to read
  - Easy to browse and use
 
Cons:
  - Only a two day tide forecast

First Place: SeaTow

Pros:
  - 11 day weather forecast
  - Weather radar
  - 7 day tide forecast
  - moonrise and tells which quarter it's in
  - Map
  - Good graph
  - Saves up to 7+ locations on tide homescreen
  - Rotate screen for tide graphs
  - GPS/Compass
  - Meters or feet and miles or kilometers
  - Search option

Con:
  - Map only shows tide stations within a certain number of miles of your location. Example: if near the Puget Sound you can see all Puget Sound stations but cant see all  the Washington coast stations unless searched for.
  - No station list
  - Map doesn't always seem to have all surrounding stations.


Hope these reviews helped! Now that SeaTow is on my phone the tide forecast is seconds away!!Time to play in the sand!!

Firestarter: Cottonballs with Vaseline

Sawdust was flying everywhere at work, as a huge Oak tree was being chainsawed to pieces. The old Oak started to tip over the main golf cart path. Therefore we had to fall the beautiful tree!! The sawdust covered the path along with the grass around the path. The short curled pieces of oak dust reminded me of the coming backpacking season and i didn't have any firestarters. I never have backpacked firestarters up the trail. Usually moss, twigs and other debris finds it's way into my hands with my trusty lighter.
In 2013 i wanted to experience with firestarters. After asking a couple fellow employees about how to make sawdust firestarters the conversation turned to a new firestarter i hadn't heard of before. COTTONBALLS with VASELINE! I became curious!!!

Here's where my curiosity took me!!

In my mind firestarters should be cheap, easy to make, lightweight and conduct a long lasting flame!! Agree??

My experiment:

Cheap??
For $3.69 I bought 100 cotton balls and 13 ounces of Vaseline. By the time I used all the Vaseline i had produced 35 cottonball firestarters. Therefore i used all 2.69 of the  cost of Vaseline. Not using all the cottonballs, only 35 of the 100 would be 35/100. Because they only cost $1.00, 35/100 meant i used 35 cents of the $1.00. The sum would then equal 2.69 (vaseline) + .35 (cottonballs) = $3.04!!
Which would put each cottonball firestarter cost at $3.04/35= .086 cents.
Less than 9 cents per firestarter.
So far so good huh!! Agree??

Easy to make??

Its really simple!! Take your Vaseline and spoon it out into a old sauce pan. Turn the stove top to low heat, which was number 2 out of 9 on my stove top. If the pan gets too hot you can burn off the Vaseline and lose fuel before you can soak it up with the cotton. This will make your cost per firestarter go up as you lose fuel. I made sure to stay in the kitchen in order to know when the petroleum jelly was mostly melted.
Next take your cottonballs, the amount depends on how big your pan is, and place them in the melted jelly. I took about 5 or 6 at a time, rolled them in the jelly with a spoon and watched the cottonball soak up the fuel. Its easy to notice once the cottonball has soaked up it's full capacity. Next remove the balls from the pan and let them cool down. Repeat the cycle a couple of times. This is key. Dont put all the Vaseline in the pan at once as this also will cause loss of fuel from evaporation. Instead place just enough for 5 or six cottonballs. Once they have hardened you can store them away for later use.

Lightweight??

I don't have any info about how heavy each final cottonball weighs. I don't own a digital ounce scale. Someday i will! Its not a need , just a want. Cottonballs are small and all you need is one per fire. Therefore a small Ziploc back with 2 to 4 cottonballs is relatively light and doesn't take much space. If you have a problem with the weight or size of these for sake of room then your probably brought to much gear!!

Long lasting flame??

Yes indeed!!! With my stopwatch i timed the life of the flame a total of 4 times. 3 of those 4 times i burnt the balls as one normally would but the 4th time i placed a cottonball in a plate of water. The water in the plate covered half of the lower portion of the cottonball. The normal burn times were two 16 minute times and one 18 minute time. Therefore about an average time of 17 minutes. The 4th time while placed in the water the burn time was 22 minutes. Go figure!
The properties of Vaseline does not allow water to penetrate up through the cottonball. Thus making this firestarter perfect for the PNW as our climate is wet.
I also blew on the flame as hard as i could from a foot away and couldn't put out the flame. Next i poured droplets of water onto the flame with the same result, with flame remaining. Next i poured 8 ounces of water on the flame all at once and finally the flame was quenched.

The flame from the normal burn ranges from 3 to 5 inches which is very siginicant!!
In the wilderness the lightweight vaseline cottonballs are easy to hike with! The flame will catch most tinder and wood on fire with an average of a 17 minute burn time. Plus making these cottonballs are easy without breaking the bank. There's potential to save money depending on what you use normally!! Its a win win situtation.
Next i need to use them on my next hike and backpacking trek!! i will keep you updated on how they work out in the field!
Now stop reading this blog and head outdoors!!!!

 

Grand Valley

Looking Southwest at Mt Olympus

Three weeks ago I became enamored with the majestic Grand Valley as I hiked through the area on my 42 mile trek. You can see my 4 posts for the whole backpacking throwdown, called 42 Miles 4 Passes in 4 Days.
Grand Valley is the perfect backpacking hangout trip. You will see why... read on! My best amigo and I ventured out to see what Grand Valley could offer us and we definitely came back with our noggins full of good memories!!
Thursday was a full day of work for me but 2pm finally rolled around. It seems that work days take longer when your leaving for a trip that same day.
I met my buddy in Shelton and off we drove arriving in Port Angeles about 6pm. After a stop by the Ranger station to pick up our wilderness permits we headed up to Hurricane Ridge.
Hurricane Ridge holds the visitor center with marvelous views of the Northern Olympics.

Looking south at Grand Pass area

The forest road to the trailhead starts at the beginning of Hurricane Ridge's parking lot. After winding up and down the forest road the trailhead appeared. It sits just below Obstruction Peak at about 6,000 . It was 7 pm and the sun almost had it's arms around the western Olympic mountains as i pulled the e-brake. I had hiked in the dark a couple times before but never as the sun set at 6,000 feet. Simply amazing!!! We started to hike and two girls followed suit with the same idea, or with the same issue of being late.

Views like these are mesmerizing

The first part of the hike treks along a ridge. After about  1 1/2 miles the trail starts to drop into Grand Valley. The sun was hiding behind the mountains at this point. Darkness was pressing in but we combated it with our trusty headlamps. Never ever forget headlamps. I've used my headlamp countless times unexpectedly as hiking never goes exactly as planned. We trudged on doing our best to stay ahead of the girls behind us!!! They weren't gonna pass us!!!!!!!!!!!!



Switchbacks guided us down off the ridge into the lake valley. The trail straightens for awhile as it became treed for the first time. Soon we came to a "y" and took a left up to Moose lake. We wandered around trying to find a nice campsite in the dark. We first came across a group site but decided to wait on it and find a single site. We looked and looked and came across a trail with a sign at the start. We hiked up to the trail and smelled something nasty. The trail came to a clearing in the trees and suddenly laying in front of us was the outhouse!!
We ended up setting up camp back at the group site. Dinner was tacos with pre-made taco meat. Delicous!!

Moose Lake Brook Trout

Morning woke us up as sunlight descended on our eyes. Breakfast was cranberry pancakes, my favorite. The deer smelled the salty bacon we cooked. Two families of deer circled around us finding our piss hole. They devoured everything growing in and around our hole. After breakfast we grabbed out trusty fishing poles and plopped them in Moose Lake. Instantly we had bites and the fish were flying everywhere. Rooster tails, wedding rings and spinners were all loved by the fish. I even threw out a fly on the end of my spin casting pole just to see what would happen. Instantly the brook trout darted up from the bottom, coming within inches of the fly then veering off.

Small but beautiful

The bite slowed, and we packed up camp and headed to Grand Lake, the bigger of the three lakes. Our backpacks plopped down as well as the lures sank into the lake. The action was less than Moose Lake but the fish were larger. All in all we caught 36 brook trout in 5 hours of fishing. Not bad huh!!!! All fish were released and we're hoping they will mature for next times casting.

Its what's for lunch!!

Between Moose and Grand lakes there's a river that flows from one lake to another. We decided to explore the river after hearing what sounded like a waterfall and knowing the elevation drop the trail held. As we waded into the thick brush we heard some movement coming from the brush 20 feet in front of us. We paused, listened and decided the brush was too thick for our fishing poles that we held in our hands. As we pulled out of the brush the commotion continued. We paused again as a young adult black bear meandered out from the brush 50 feet away from us. We stood and watched trying to take pics as he wandered behind a group of firs. No luck....no pic, but it's always exciting to see a bear so close!!! We headed back up the trail to Moose Lake warning other hikers to be aware of the bear!! It didn't feel right just letting other hikers find out on their own.

Guess who saw each other first?!!

After warning the others, we headed down to Grand Lake. We throw in our lures at the far western part of the lake where the a stream flows in. A deep pool existed on this side. A couple sat across the lake watching us as a young family with kids hiked in behind us. The father of the young family started asking me questions about how the fishing was going. Suddenly my pole bent and i jerked back reeling. All eyes were on me and i produced a nice brook trout. Its belly bright red with amazing purple and pink silver spots. The trout was the largest we caught about 10 to 11 inches. As i was holding up my prize fish for the young couple's kids to see and touch, i quickly realized this trout had sharp teeth. Letting go for one second i lost him and splash into the water he went. Embarrassed i finished talking with the couple but with no more bites after that.
Down to Badger creek we hiked. Before we reached the creek we came across a 10 foot waterfall on Grand Creek. Feeling like i needed a bath i jumped off the waterfall into the pool below. The pool ended up being only 4 feet deep, surprise! Still worth it though, as i cooled off.
Next we crossed badger creek and like its a perfect spot for a bear to hang out. No bears but headed up Badger Valley. The upper valley was pristine. Every time i hike through this valley i seems there's bear watching me. Yeah i know that weird but it seems  one stubborn marmot chirped nonstop! Leadership definitely requires boldness and persistence and I'm always amazed how marmot are a good example of this!!!
Our hike was coming to a close as Obstruction Peak appeared ahead of us. After completely the final switchbacks around the corner the parking lot jumped out at us. No matter how long the trail is the parking lot always brings joyous pleasure that home is close and the trail has been conquered. But soon again the following day the trailhead is never close enough until the e-brake is pulled again!

Badger Valley

 

Mount Olympus

Moose Lake

The View From The Trailhead

Sunset Hiking Is The Best

2013: Trail Wish list!!

The world didn't come to an end in 2012 much to everyones surprise (sarcasm)!! I'm still alive and well (no sarcasm)!!! 2012 was amazing as I accomplished two of my hiking goals and crossed off trails from my "to do" list.
I accomplished my goal of hiking over 30 miles in one backpacking trip by Hiking 42 miles!! I also went for my first snowshoe hike and will be buying snowshoes soon!!
Trails I knocked off my 2012 list:
Mt Rose trail, ONP
Grand Valley trail, ONP
Badger Valley trail, ONP
Gray Wolf trail, ONP
Part of Dosewallips trail, ONP
Putvin trail (Lake of the Angels), ONP
Three Forks trail, ONP
Part of Cameron Creek trail, ONP
Lost Pass trail to Cameron Pass trail, ONP
Elk Mountain trail, ONP
Part of Obstruction Point trail, ONP
Coldwater Lake trail, Mt. St. Helens National Volcanic Monument

2013 brings another 356 days to experience the marvelous NorthWest!! I still have trails on 2013's list that have been passed on from last year and years pass. As I knock each one off I add new trails!!
The following list is not a "have to do" list but rather a "get to do" list. Over the years I've realized I can't hike to every trail on my list as hiking is a PART of my life. Hiking, in of itself is not my life. My life is blessed by my family, church, friends and my career. Hiking definately completes the package.
As you will see in my list I would love to combine my love for biking and backpacking to conquer my first bikepack!!
Firsts in 2013 would include a bikepack, three night/four day backpacking trip, and a 50 mile backpacking trip!!
In no order:
Previous trails to conquer include:
Skyline trail, ONP
Sundown lake, ONP
ONP's wild coastal trail!! Can't wait for this one!
Six Ridge, ONP
Upper Lena Lake, ONP
Mt. St Helen's loop, Mt. St. Helens National Monument
Mt Washington, ONF

New to 2013's list:
Bikepack Mt Margret Backcountry
Sol Duc trails, ONP
Marmot Pass trail, ONP
Mt Ranier loop, MRNP

See ya out on the trail!!

A Nice Suggestion!

Recently on my FB page someone made the suggestion for me to enter some of my pics into REI's photo contest. I was very thankful for the suggestion and pondered it for a day. In the past i have thought of doing this but never had the nerves to try. Its worth a try isn't it!!
I'm not a natural photogragher or have an amazing soupped up camera but i try my best.
I don't know which contest i will enter yet. I will look into REI's and WTA's contests for starters!!
But i need your help!!!
I have plenty of pics and plenty of favorites!! So i will present to you my favorites and ask if you could respond by telling me your top two loved pics!!
After the vote is done i will enter your selection pics into a contest.
Thanks for the help ahead of time!
Simply comment on by blog, FB page, or on twitter your top two! My FB and twitter name is also BACKPACKIN4EVER! I will post the link a little later.
They are in random order.

Photos appear skewed om my mobile site!! Sorry about this. Im trying to fix it!!



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Thanks again! We will see how this goes but for sure we will have fun with it!! I will give everyone until jan 21, which would be a whole month to pick! If there's any pics you love that aren't in my top pics please mention them and I will add them to the selection! Have fun!!

42 MILES 4 PASSES in 3 DAYS: Day 4

Looking southwest from Hurricane Ridge at Mt Olympus

Day 3, I slept in an extra hour as I was sleeping well!! Which I'm not always able to do while backpacking. With already 26 tiring miles behind my belt sleep came alot easier!
Last night at bedtime it rained. It was the only time on the trip it rainded. I was under cover for the night so the rain didn't dampen the night! The weather for the whole trip was lovely, partly cloudy with temps in the high seventies in the mountains!!
Breakfast was quick with no stove. Only three energy bars. After sleeping in I was an hour past my scheduled trail start time.
Leaving camp the skies were clear again and my camp friends, the retired couple, had already left. I had my longest mile trek in front of me, 16 miles!!!

South basin of Grand Pass

Once again my first task in front of me was hiking up a pass. 6,400 ft tall Grand Pass, with 2,300 feet to gain from camp. I didn't plan this as I planned a 4 day trip but was excited it workout this way! My first post, Day One, talks about why 4 days turned into 3 days. Gaining elevation the first part of the day is key, if you can, to long milage days.
Grand pass is mostly straight up with a small amount of switchbacks. Once up in the south basin wildflowers dominated with what seemed like a large marmot community. Piles of freshly cut herbaceous plants were nicely placed at the entrance of almost every marmot hole. Winter is coming!! No laziness here!!! I could definitely take some pointers!
Once on top of Grand Pass I passed my first fellow hikers of the day with many to come! 20 plus hikers were scene on my last day. 15 of them in Grand Valley alone which is not surprising. 

Grand Pass looking north

 
Grand valley is popular for several reasons. Its not far from Port Angeles, only 3.5 miles from the trailhead to the valley and hosts three lakes. I enjoyed the area so much on only a hike through that a month after this trek a friend and I spent a night in the valley. Which will be the topic of my next post!
The valley is almost pristine with Human activity evident throughout. Hence the reason why special wilderness permits are needed for overnight stay. Three lakes lay within the valley. Lake Gladys, Moose Lake and Grand Lake. If your staying the night them pick Lake Gladys for solitude.
I quickly hiked through the area! I finally saw my first large mammal, a deer. I was hoping for some bear or elk but nothing on this trip.
From the top of Grand Pass the trail was all downhill until I met up with Badger valley. No badgers either!! The upper section of badger valley boasts of beautiful meadows and like most of the Olympics, marmots can be seen.
At this point of the day I was starting to get very tired from my feet to my shoulders. My right shoulder which I had strained the day before was aching and my feet were very painful when I was off my feet. This made me push harder as hiking actually was less painful compared to resting on my hinnie or on foot!
I veered off Badger Valley trail to the cutoff trail that connects to the Hurricane Ridge trail. Again this was almost straight up. I felt like I could count the number of total switchbacks on two pair of hands for the whole trip!!

Looking down into Grand Valley with its lakes

After reaching the top of Hurricane Ridge it was all worth it!! With the Strait of Juan de Fuca straight to my north and the entire Olympic national park to the south. Snack time!! My favorite, green sour apple gummies!!
There's absolutely nothing like ridge hiking. The views always end up slowing me down and that's not a bad thing.
The sun was setting as low clouds were rising up through grand valley. The Strait and Port Angeles were already covered. Every 10 minutes the clouds moved higher as I hiked lower. At a moments notice we crossed paths as I suddenly laide in its misty swath! Soon I would be at my car, hoping and praying it would start!
The trek was over! It seemed so long and too short at the same time. My car started up and soon enough I was singing to the same song I on the drive up to the trailhead two days ago!!

The Needles from Hurricane Ridge

Train on Hurricane Ridge

The view from Hurricane Ridge

Heading up to Hurricane Ridge

Heading up to Grand Pass

Looking south at Cameron Basin