Liked on YouTube: Night Photography Basics - Overland Style

Night Photography Basics - Overland Style

Covering the basics! Join our community, meet great people, get cool stuff! http://bit.ly/2rMfxGb Head on over to our community and say, "Hi". We'd love to answer your questions about overlanding and help get you started! DO YOU NEED ADVENTURE? Consider Joining Overland Bound! Overland Bound Membership and Merchandise http://bit.ly/OLBStore More... FOLLOW US! Our Website - http://bit.ly/OLBHome Our Forums - http://bit.ly/OLBForums Facebook - http://bit.ly/OLBFacebook Instagram - http://bit.ly/OLBInstagram Twitter - http://bit.ly/OLBTwitter Business Inquiries: michael@overlandbound.com GEAR WE USE! Black Propper Soft Shell Jacket: http://amzn.to/2FIlVWL Sun Glasses: Julbo Vermont Classic Glacier Sunglasses http://amzn.to/2ywUL11 Those Damn fine RhinoGear 12,000 Auto Ramps: http://amzn.to/2nzfYGC Communication: Garmin InReach Explorer Plus: http://amzn.to/2xQnnlt Communication: Yaesu Original FTM-400XDR HAM http://amzn.to/2xQtYMw Communication: Uniden PRO520XL 40-Channel CB Radio http://amzn.to/2zf8dJY Communication: Midland MXT400 40 W GMRS: http://amzn.to/2zfzQ5N Storage: Roof Rack Storage Containers: http://amzn.to/2iWnOIq Recovery: MaxTrax Recovery Boards: http://amzn.to/2xSbRWG Recovery: Warn 87800 M8000-s Winch with Synthetic Rope: http://amzn.to/2Ad808g Lights: KC HiLites - MEMBER DEALS (must log on as member): http://bit.ly/GearWeUse Tires: BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM2 http://amzn.to/2gXjO5Y Tent: Gazelle T4 Camping Hub Tent (4-person): http://amzn.to/2zb44oj Battery: NorthStar Ultra High Performance Group 31 AGM Battery: http://amzn.to/2zrPP1z CAMERA AND VIDEO GEAR Mavic Pro Drone: http://amzn.to/2zeMz8w Canon EOS 5D Mark IV Full Frame Digital SLR: http://amzn.to/2xROIDT Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens: http://amzn.to/2hAfoCV Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM Zoom Lens: http://amzn.to/2z9oPAO DJI Phone Camera Gimbal OSMO MOBILE: http://amzn.to/2Ac45sp Azden WHD-PRO Wireless/Shotgun Microphone Audio Kit: http://amzn.to/2ze2fsS Zoom H1 Handy Portable Digital Recorder: http://amzn.to/2zfvj3h AZDEN EX503 Omni-Directional Lavaliere Microphones: http://amzn.to/2AbExvk Pelican Air 1525 Case With Foam (Black): http://amzn.to/2xRSo8w Aputure Amaran LED Video Camera Light Panel 5500K: http://amzn.to/2Ac9zDt Aputure Amaran On Camera LED Light: http://amzn.to/2AbVoyb Video Editing Software - Adobe Create Suite: http://amzn.to/2zrz9XI
via YouTube https://youtu.be/0rhT1VmKhh0

Liked on YouTube: SEASON FINALE :: Our Hearts Will Just One Thing :: S2 E18

SEASON FINALE :: Our Hearts Will Just One Thing :: S2 E18

The LiveWorkWander crew leaves Oregon with the intention of getting Ripley the #Syncro squared away in order to finally begin their adventure in Latin America. Watch as they hammer out the remaining problems with the van only to discover that they need some time to reassess why they hit the road in the first place. #Vanlife #TravelSeries Footage of eclipse is from NASA ************ Website: http://bit.ly/2iHVWqf Instagram: http://bit.ly/2gozMcz Facebook: http://bit.ly/2ELbLWW ************ Awesome Locks for the Doors http://amzn.to/2EH8AgS Delorme InReach GPS Device https://amzn.to/2ESxWqF Recess Theory Album: http://amzn.to/2mvilVG ***** CAMERA GEAR WE USE ** Main Camera :: http://amzn.to/2o6GTra ** ** Secondary Camera :: http://amzn.to/2nOJ5B2 ** ** Third Camera :: http://amzn.to/2nOxlih ** ** Fourth Camera :: http://amzn.to/2oNjrO4 ** ** Drone :: http://amzn.to/2oEOtLk ** ** Main Microphone :: http://amzn.to/2o1isKd ** ** Second Microphone :: http://amzn.to/2oEYEzF ** ********** GEAR WE LOVE ** ARB Awning :: http://amzn.to/2oF65a5 ** ** ARB Air Compressor :: http://amzn.to/2oF4QY6 ** ** Renogy Solar Panels :: http://amzn.to/2nOtGkB ** ** Gas Cans :: http://amzn.to/2p5n4yo ** ** Phone Holder :: http://amzn.to/2oNlmlO ** ** High Lift Jack :: http://amzn.to/2nHXuhA ** _____________________________ Shout out to the musicians whose music helps us tell our story: *** Erin Dalton http://bit.ly/2EOjjcH *** The Deli http://bit.ly/1HzzFhd *** Recess Theory http://amzn.to/2hqHYnE _____________________________ DISCLAIMER Some of the links are affiliate links, where I earn a small commission if you click on the link and purchase an item. You are not obligated to do so, but it does help fund these videos in hopes of bringing value to you! For sponsorship, product reviews, and collaboration, you can email us here: us@liveworkwander.com
via YouTube https://youtu.be/ccXnZZ1K9Gw

Also available, custom mugs!

Just a quick look at my 2018 Holiday mug. A cool way to enjoy a merry inducing Christmas beverage. 

Ok so I haven't been around in a while

I've recently made the decision to cut back on my social media involvement, so I haven't been around. Sorry about that. I'll be back in the new year!

New hobby

Give me Adventure and Whiskey! Now available $3 in white and black.

"SCRUBBY" (The Mystery Christmas Tree)

"Scrubby"

(The Mystery Christmas Tree)

Here in Arizona, on I-17 north of Phoenix to Flagstaff, just beyond the Sunset Point Rest Stop, there is a scrawny little cedar tree that grows between the northbound and southbound lanes.  Each year a Christmas time, someone goes out there and decorates it, as a secret gift to all who passes by.  The true spirit of giving.  This has been going on for nearly 30 years, so obviously the tradition has been passed on to the next generation of whomever are the perpetrators.  Thank you, whomever you are, for this little ray of hope to humanity.  Your message is huge!  I thought that it was time for someone to write a folk song about it, so I have penned one.  I also gave the little tree a name..."Scrubby"!  I hope to have a recording of it soon.  In the meantime, here are the lyrics.  Enjoy and use as you wish.  Hopefully, i can post the full song shortly.

 "SCRUBBY"

(The Mystery Christmas Tree)

OUT IN ARIZONA THERE’S A LEGEND TO BE TOLD

OF “SCRUBBY”, THE MYSTERY CHRISTMAS TREE, THAT GROWS BESIDE THE ROAD

I-17 TO FLAGSTAFF, FROM THE DESERT DOWN BELOW

 A RANDOM ACT OF KINDNESS BY SOME SECRET CARING SOUL

,

 (2)

EACH CHRISTMAS SOMEONE SNEAKS OUT THERE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT.

AND DECORATES OL’ “SCRUBBY” WITH CHRISTMAS BALLS SO BRIGHT.

IT BRINGS A SMILE TO EVERY FACE THAT PASSES BY THAT SIGHT.

“SCRUBBY’S” NOW A ROCK STAR, AND FOR HIM THIS SONG 

I WRITE.

(CHORUS)

SCRUBBY, IS A CEDAR TREE. NO ONE KNEW HIS NAME.

TILL’ SOMEONE DECORATED HIM AND GAVE HIM PRIDE AND FAME

(3)

NOW, THE MYSTERY OF “SCRUBBY TREE” HAS LIVED FOR 30 YEARS.

WE PEEL AN EYE AS WE PASS BY, WHEN CHRISTMAS TIME DRAWS NEAR

LIKE CHILDREN PLAY OF SANTA’S SLEIGH, AND THE SOUND OF EIGHT REINDEER

EACH YEAR WE WAIT AND ANTICIPATE FOR SCRUBBY TO APPEAR

(CHORUS)

SCRUBBY IS A CEDAR TREE. NO ONE KNEW HIS NAME.

TILL’ SOMEONE DECORATED HIM AND GAVE HIM PRIDE AND FAME

(4)

NOW, HOPEFULLY, THE MYSTERY OF “SCRUBBY’ WILL NEVER BE SOLVED

LET’S LET IT BE, THE IDENTITY, OF WHOMEVER IS INVOLVED.

FOR IT SHOWS THE JOY OF GIVING, IN A PURE AND SELFLESS WAY.

LIKE THE BABY JESUS GAVE TO US, ON THAT FIRST CHRISTMAS DAY.

Dolan Ellis, BMI, Copyright 2013, All Rights Reserved

Liked on YouTube: Extreme Minimalists Living Full-Time in a Pickup Truck Camper

Extreme Minimalists Living Full-Time in a Pickup Truck Camper

MAK & Owen are a couple of super talented designers who are currently living in the camper shell of a Toyota Tacoma pickup truck. They're minimalist adventurers who love the freedom that vehicle-dwelling provides, and they're in their 3rd year of life on the road. The Tacoma is their 3rd home on wheels, preceded by a Westfalia and a Toyota Sunrader; and soon to be replaced with a truck camper that they hope will be "the one!" We met these two amazing people around the campfire at Go-Van's El Campo meet up in Quebec City, 2018 and we couldn't get enough of their enthusiasm and their stories from the road. Definitely give them a follow to keep up with their travels across Canada and the US: https://ift.tt/2PV2Clz https://ift.tt/2hkni0u MAK is a freelance graphic designer, and Owen does freelance motion graphics. You can check out their super inspiring & original work here & here: https://ift.tt/2sTx94A https://ift.tt/2RdrZeY Keep an eye out on the Go-Van website to find out about El Campo meet ups in 2019! https://ift.tt/2PU9y2t Thanks for watching! Mat & Danielle ------------------------------------------------------------- STAY IN TOUCH! ------------------------------------------------------------- Blog: https://ift.tt/1GAu9wt Facebook: /exploringalternativesblog Instagram: @exploringalternatives ------------------------------------------------------------- SUBTITLES AND CLOSED CAPTIONS ------------------------------------------------------------- A very special thank you to our subtitle and closed captions contributors! If you would like to contribute subtitles or closed captions to an Exploring Alternatives video, please click here to see which ones need your help: http://www.youtube.com/timedtext_cs_panel?c=UC8EQAfueDGNeqb1ALm0LjHA&tab=2 To learn how to create and submit subtitles and closed captions, check out this YouTube info page: https://ift.tt/1DLt0wb If you would like credit for your subtitles, translation, or closed captions in the description of the video, please email us with your full name, the language of your translation, and the video title that you worked on. You can email us at: danielle.is.exploring@gmail.com ------------------------------------------------------------- SPONSORS ------------------------------------------------------------- We occasionally include paid sponsor messages/integrations in our videos to help fund the channel. We do our best to work with companies and organizations that offer products or services that are in line with our values, and that we think would be interesting and useful to our viewers. We will always disclose if we’re promoting products that were given to us for free, or if we’re including a sponsored message in our video. For business or sponsorship inquiries, please email us at danielle.is.exploring@gmail.com ------------------------------------------------------------- VIDEO CREDITS ------------------------------------------------------------- Music & Song Credits: All music in this video was composed, performed, and recorded by Mat of Exploring Alternatives. Editing Credits: Mat and Danielle of Exploring Alternatives Filming Credits: Mat of Exploring Alternatives
via YouTube https://youtu.be/KOMvjxuIzgQ

Liked on YouTube: Cussing in Front of Kids :: S2 E15

Cussing in Front of Kids :: S2 E15

The Live Work Wander crew's time in Bozeman is over and they're heading towards more northern climes: Canada. They get held at the border, Jorge needs a bra, meet some new friends and Jessica catches a Hummingbird. This one is a goodie. Awesome Locks for the Doors http://amzn.to/2EH8AgS Delorme InReach GPS Device https://amzn.to/2ESxWqF Recess Theory Album: http://amzn.to/2mvilVG ***** CAMERA GEAR WE USE ** Main Camera :: http://amzn.to/2o6GTra ** ** Secondary Camera :: http://amzn.to/2nOJ5B2 ** ** Third Camera :: http://amzn.to/2nOxlih ** ** Fourth Camera :: http://amzn.to/2oNjrO4 ** ** Drone :: http://amzn.to/2oEOtLk ** ** Main Microphone :: http://amzn.to/2o1isKd ** ** Second Microphone :: http://amzn.to/2oEYEzF ** ********** GEAR WE LOVE ** ARB Awning :: http://amzn.to/2oF65a5 ** ** ARB Air Compressor :: http://amzn.to/2oF4QY6 ** ** Renogy Solar Panels :: http://amzn.to/2nOtGkB ** ** Gas Cans :: http://amzn.to/2p5n4yo ** ** Phone Holder :: http://amzn.to/2oNlmlO ** ** High Lift Jack :: http://amzn.to/2nHXuhA ** _____________________________ Shout out to the Musicians whose music helps us tell our story: *** The Deli https://ift.tt/1HzzFhd *** Julian Avila https://ift.tt/2hMTpuL *** Recess Theory http://amzn.to/2hqHYnE
via YouTube https://youtu.be/9u8Zbyg_cTw

Liked on YouTube: New Suzuki Jimny SUV 2019 - see why I love it... but you might not!

New Suzuki Jimny SUV 2019 - see why I love it... but you might not!

This is the all-new Suzuki Jimny. When it comes to design, it’s hard to find a better-looking small 4x4 than the Jimny, and the latest edition is doing as much as possible to stay true to the original, unique design. But in 2018, with the small SUV market so saturated, does the Jimny have what it takes to seriously compete with the competition? Join Mat and see for yourself as he puts this new Suzuki SUV through its paces! Instagram – https://ift.tt/2FlTHjA Facebook – https://ift.tt/2har8z0 Twitter – http://www.twitter.com/carwowuk Refer A Friend – https://ift.tt/2EXLQrG Awkward haggling is a thing of the past with carwow. Choose your perfect car with our configurator tool and let the country’s best dealers compete over you. Compare the five best offers by price, location and dealer ratings and choose the one that’s right for you – no hassle, no haggling, just a great deal. Visit our site to save money on your new car – http://bit.ly/carwow-UK Oder auch in Deutschland Geld beim Autokauf sparen – http://bit.ly/carwow-DE
via YouTube https://youtu.be/oGnrZDuCUwQ

Liked on YouTube: How The Haunting of Hill House Ending Was Nearly Much Darker! (Nerdist News w/ Jessica Chobot)

How The Haunting of Hill House Ending Was Nearly Much Darker! (Nerdist News w/ Jessica Chobot)

Netflix's The Haunting of Hill House had plenty of dark, tense, and horrifying moments, but it could have had an even more sinister ending. How? Jessica has the spooktacular details (WITH SPOILERS) on today's Nerdist News! Would you have preferred a different ending? Let us know in the comments below! Subscribe for more Nerdist News: http://nerdi.st/subscribe Watch the last episode at: https://nerdi.st/2JwEiA5 More on this story: https://nerdi.st/2F0kOFh More TV: https://ift.tt/2mQsYEZ Watch more Nerdist News: http://bit.ly/1qvVVhV Follow Us: Facebook https://ift.tt/1rdzDbT Twitter https://twitter.com/Nerdist Instagram https://ift.tt/1O3n4FK Nerdist News https://twitter.com/NerdistNews Jessica Chobot https://twitter.com/JessicaChobot Dan Casey https://twitter.com/dancasey Kyle Hill https://twitter.com/sci_phile Nerdist News 5 days a week, Monday through Friday. Image: Netflix #hauntingofhillhouse #netflix
via YouTube https://youtu.be/NsIIAdrh34A

Liked on YouTube: Netflix's The Haunting of Hill House - Hidden Ghosts, Book References & Most Shocking Moments

Netflix's The Haunting of Hill House - Hidden Ghosts, Book References & Most Shocking Moments

If you've finished watching The Haunting of Hill House on Netflix, here are the hidden ghosts and references to the original book you may have missed, plus the most shocking moments of the first season! Warning: Spoilers! Enter our giveaway and subscribe to Universe for a chance to win a Thanos Funko Pop! http://bit.ly/gsu-thanos Subscribe to GameSpot Universe! http://youtube.com/GameSpotUniverse?sub_confirmation=1 Follow Us - http://twitter.com/GSUniverse Like Us - https://ift.tt/2AFlCZq
via YouTube https://youtu.be/V9X8HeDXZps

Liked on YouTube: THE HAUNTING OF HILL HOUSE Ending & Ghosts Explained!

THE HAUNTING OF HILL HOUSE Ending & Ghosts Explained!

We explain all the ending and all the ghosts found in Mike Flanagan's "The Haunting of Hill House". Skip to Ending Explained: 7:03 Follow me on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/ThinkStoryYT Help me translate this video: https://www.youtube.com/timedtext_video?ref=share&v=2NIbnMx5cZU #TheHauntingofHillHouse #HillHouse #Netflix
via YouTube https://youtu.be/2NIbnMx5cZU

Liked on YouTube: Camping the Grand Canyon - Lifestyle Overland EP17

Camping the Grand Canyon - Lifestyle Overland EP17

Sunrise at Sublime Point and more north rim shenanigans. HOW WE AIR-DOWN AND UP: https://goo.gl/B5xZFm DISPERSED CAMPSITE: https://goo.gl/W9hFhb HOW WE NAVIGATE: Gaia GPS App - https://youtu.be/RVflThDx7ZA BONUS CONTENT: Join our Patreon Community for GPS data and Bonus Features! https://ift.tt/2qohGsN STORE: Merch Store: https://ift.tt/2o3Ww47 MUSIC: Intro Soundtrack - Kyle McCuiston Music https://ift.tt/2qmm7o2 Video Soundtracks by Epidemic Sound http://www.musicbed.com FOLLOW US: Lifestyle Overland Blog: https://ift.tt/228q8c9 Instagram: https://ift.tt/2os0e3A Facebook: https://ift.tt/2o3TwVr ABOUT US: We are a small family of full-time overlanders, actively exploring all of North America. Our mission is to encourage and educate others who desire to venture away from civilization and experience a more adventurous side of life. Our hope is that we would inspire others to find their own passion in overlanding the great outdoors. ===THE GEAR WE USE=== Tents and Awnings - https://ift.tt/2qptgDZ Deflation and Inflation - https://ift.tt/2Qf86DP 66L Snomaster Fridge - https://ift.tt/2qoV4Iv LED Headlights and Fogs - https://ift.tt/1wxBCF0 Zamp Solar Panels - https://ift.tt/2qoY33V Turtleback Trailers - https://ift.tt/1RhfE3Y BE PREPARED: Primary First Aid Kit - https://amzn.to/2tgbwMj Secondary First Aid Kit - https://ift.tt/2qpWmmF Fire Extinguisher - https://amzn.to/2JWUT2O COMMUNICATIONS: Mobile Ham Radio - https://amzn.to/2ykLu0e Hand-Held Ham Radio - https://amzn.to/2LZLJjp CB Radio - https://amzn.to/2LZb9NQ Garmin InReach - https://amzn.to/2JTAZCv Personal Locator Beacon - https://amzn.to/2K0kgAH ELECTRONICS: Samsung Tab S2 Tablet - https://amzn.to/2JQB6yt Bluetooth OBD Reader for App Usage - https://amzn.to/2Mx0g7b POWER: 120W Zamp Solar Panel - https://amzn.to/2K9QEks 100W Zamp Solar Panel - https://ift.tt/2qoY33V APPS: Torque Pro App - https://ift.tt/2JKLNmx CONVENIENCE: Toilet - https://amzn.to/2ykMktU Privacy Tent - https://amzn.to/2tfOOEb 12V Dual Fans - https://amzn.to/2t3s8Yy COOKING: Coffee Grinder - https://amzn.to/2JXB9fm Coffee Pot - https://amzn.to/2t2rkmC Griddle - https://amzn.to/2JVZVZR CAMERA GEAR: Lumix GH5 w. 12-60MM Lens- https://amzn.to/2t25WOf Lumix 100-300MM - https://amzn.to/2yimtTl Lunix 7-14MM - https://amzn.to/2t4IXSE Microphone - https://amzn.to/2JV6DiO Sound Recorder - https://amzn.to/2yfyHMH #grandcanyon #camping #overlanding
via YouTube https://youtu.be/n6R5TGouGLg

Liked on YouTube: VW/T3/Vanagon/Syncro - Kiental Mountain Wilderness

VW/T3/Vanagon/Syncro - Kiental Mountain Wilderness

Because there are many reactions to the video, I‘like to say a few words. I didn’t expect that many people would watch the clip as I made it to share with friends. But I‘m happy nevertheless:) All the roads and tracks in the video are legally drivable, a part is an old farm-track . We try to take car of the environment as much as possible. If we encounter trash at a spot, we collect it and carry it down to the town. If we see people nearby, we ask permission to stay and if we have the feeling that we disturb anybody we‘ll leave. Of course we do not leave any remains of a fireplace or anything. I also know that we‘re using an old bus wich uses more fuel than a modern one. We use it only for those trips and take public transportation for everyday travels.
via YouTube https://youtu.be/6T_qdvBFbgE

Happy Holidays vs. Merry Christmas

My take on the debate

Defining the American Experience

I live in the Untied States, and I’m a religious person, Christian to be more specific. Every December however we have a huge debate, is it Happy Holidays, or Merry Christmas?

Personally, I don’t care. Merry Christmas is a term I expect to hear on December 24 and 25. For the entire season, starting in November, Happy Holiday is perfect! I feel vocabularies are important, the origin of words, how they are used, why we use specific words, that all matters.

The origins of Happy Holidays simply mean Happy Holy Days. That perfectly sums up the special days in November, December, and January. We start in the US with Election Day, the first Tuesday of the month. It’s a day that is different from all others, as we partake in the function of our representative democracy. That is a Holy Day for our nation and should be celebrated.

Second Holy Day is Veterans Day. On November 11th every year, we set aside a day to remember and thank all those who laid down or risked their lives to ensure our nation and what it stands for is a beacon of light to others.

Next on our list is Thanksgiving, which was originally a day of fasting, and Prayer of Thanks to God, later it turned into a feast, but always kept its focus on reflection and prayer. The tradition dates back to 1789 by a proclamation of George Washington, it commemorates a feast by the Pilgrims in 1621, it also marks one of the busiest days of travel, so families can be together for dinner at least one time a year, It also kicks off the economic engine of the final holy day of the year.

In December, the last month of the year, there is a feeling of closure. While there is a collection of religious holidays in December, I want to talk about Christmas specifically.

Christmas is a secular holiday; it was founded and based on other ancient rituals, and adapted by the Christian church in an attempt to entice others in following Christ, but America built Christmas in it’s own image.  Just to be clear, there is no evidence for the day, or the season of the Christ’s birth. The early Church leaders where not concerned with this stage of Jesus’s life. From reading the accounts in the New Testament, it is fairly clear that it took place in the spring or early summer, not December 25^th. There is an early tradition that Christ’s birth was around the time of Easter, for several saints it was believed that they were crucified on their birthdays.

As a nation we built Christmas into a celebration of family, Faith, Good Will, and Charity. It is an accumulation of the American experience more than anything else, and closes the year with a celebration of excess. From showering our children with gifts, to large family feasts, to large gatherings of friends for parties. The season is more about good times, than religious remembrance.

A week later, on January 1^st, we celebrate the New Year, a fitting end to the Holiday season; it ends the time of house parties, family gatherings, and the debate of whether we say Happy Holidays or Merry Christmas.

So why do we fight about it?

Conflict creates passion. Everyone wants to be connected to something bigger than themselves. We all call it something different. Different church denominations, Theists, Atheists, take your pick. The conflict between groups creates a passion to talk and argue for and against our differing views; it really is just another expression of the American experience.

If you haven’t read up on the History of Christmas here is a great breakdown by history.com:

History of Christmas

History.com Editors

Christmas is both a sacred religious holiday and a worldwide cultural and commercial phenomenon. For two millennia, people around the world have been observing it with traditions and practices that are both religious and secular in nature. Christians celebrate Christmas Day as the anniversary of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth, a spiritual leader whose teachings form the basis of their religion. Popular customs include exchanging gifts, decorating Christmas trees, attending church, sharing meals with family and friends and, of course, waiting for Santa Claus to arrive. December 25–Christmas Day–has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1870.

An Ancient Holiday

The middle of winter has long been a time of celebration around the world. Centuries before the arrival of the man called Jesus, early Europeans celebrated light and birth in the darkest days of winter. Many peoples rejoiced during the winter solstice, when the worst of the winter was behind them and they could look forward to longer days and extended hours of sunlight.

In Scandinavia, the Norse celebrated Yule from December 21, the winter solstice, through January. In recognition of the return of the sun, fathers and sons would bring home large logs, which they would set on fire. The people would feast until the log burned out, which could take as many as 12 days. The Norse believed that each spark from the fire represented a new pig or calf that would be born during the coming year.

The end of December was a perfect time for celebration in most areas of Europe. At that time of year, most cattle were slaughtered so they would not have to be fed during the winter. For many, it was the only time of year when they had a supply of fresh meat. In addition, most wine and beer made during the year was finally fermented and ready for drinking.

In Germany, people honored the pagan god Oden during the mid-winter holiday. Germans were terrified of Oden, as they believed he made nocturnal flights through the sky to observe his people, and then decide who would prosper or perish. Because of his presence, many people chose to stay inside.

Saturnalia

In Rome, where winters were not as harsh as those in the far north, Saturnalia—a holiday in honor of Saturn, the god of agriculture—was celebrated. Beginning in the week leading up to the winter solstice and continuing for a full month, Saturnalia was a hedonistic time, when food and drink were plentiful and the normal Roman social order was turned upside down. For a month, slaves would become masters. Peasants were in command of the city. Business and schools were closed so that everyone could join in the fun.

Also around the time of the winter solstice, Romans observed Juvenalia, a feast honoring the children of Rome. In addition, members of the upper classes often celebrated the birthday of Mithra, the god of the unconquerable sun, on December 25. It was believed that Mithra, an infant god, was born of a rock. For some Romans, Mithra’s birthday was the most sacred day of the year.

In the early years of Christianity, Easter was the main holiday; the birth of Jesus was not celebrated. In the fourth century, church officials decided to institute the birth of Jesus as a holiday. Unfortunately, the Bible does not mention date for his birth (a fact Puritans later pointed out in order to deny the legitimacy of the celebration). Although some evidence suggests that his birth may have occurred in the spring (why would shepherds be herding in the middle of winter?), Pope Julius I chose December 25. It is commonly believed that the church chose this date in an effort to adopt and absorb the traditions of the pagan Saturnalia festival. First called the Feast of the Nativity, the custom spread to Egypt by 432 and to England by the end of the sixth century. By the end of the eighth century, the celebration of Christmas had spread all the way to Scandinavia. Today, in the Greek and Russian orthodox churches, Christmas is celebrated 13 days after the 25th, which is also referred to as the Epiphany or Three Kings Day. This is the day it is believed that the three wise men finally found Jesus in the manger.

By holding Christmas at the same time as traditional winter solstice festivals, church leaders increased the chances that Christmas would be popularly embraced, but gave up the ability to dictate how it was celebrated. By the Middle Ages, Christianity had, for the most part, replaced pagan religion. On Christmas, believers attended church, then celebrated raucously in a drunken, carnival-like atmosphere similar to today’s Mardi Gras. Each year, a beggar or student would be crowned the “lord of misrule” and eager celebrants played the part of his subjects. The poor would go to the houses of the rich and demand their best food and drink. If owners failed to comply, their visitors would most likely terrorize them with mischief. Christmas became the time of year when the upper classes could repay their real or imagined “debt” to society by entertaining less fortunate citizens.

An Outlaw Christmas

In the early 17th century, a wave of religious reform changed the way Christmas was celebrated in Europe. When Oliver Cromwell and his Puritan forces took over England in 1645, they vowed to rid England of decadence and, as part of their effort, cancelled Christmas. By popular demand, Charles II was restored to the throne and, with him, came the return of the popular holiday.

The pilgrims, English separatists that came to America in 1620, were even more orthodox in their Puritan beliefs than Cromwell. As a result, Christmas was not a holiday in early America. From 1659 to 1681, the celebration of Christmas was actually outlawed in Boston. Anyone exhibiting the Christmas spirit was fined five shillings. By contrast, in the Jamestown settlement, Captain John Smith reported that Christmas was enjoyed by all and passed without incident.

After the American Revolution, English customs fell out of favor, including Christmas. In fact, Christmas wasn’t declared a federal holiday until June 26, 1870.

Irving Reinvents Christmas

It wasn’t until the 19th century that Americans began to embrace Christmas. Americans re-invented Christmas, and changed it from a raucous carnival holiday into a family-centered day of peace and nostalgia. But what about the 1800s peaked American interest in the holiday?

The early 19th century was a period of class conflict and turmoil. During this time, unemployment was high and gang rioting by the disenchanted classes often occurred during the Christmas season. In 1828, the New York city council instituted the city’s first police force in response to a Christmas riot. This catalyzed certain members of the upper classes to begin to change the way Christmas was celebrated in America.

In 1819, best-selling author Washington Irving wrote The Sketchbook of Geoffrey Crayon, gent., a series of stories about the celebration of Christmas in an English manor house. The sketches feature a squire who invited the peasants into his home for the holiday. In contrast to the problems faced in American society, the two groups mingled effortlessly. In Irving’s mind, Christmas should be a peaceful, warm-hearted holiday bringing groups together across lines of wealth or social status. Irving’s fictitious celebrants enjoyed “ancient customs,” including the crowning of a Lord of Misrule. Irving’s book, however, was not based on any holiday celebration he had attended – in fact, many historians say that Irving’s account actually “invented” tradition by implying that it described the true customs of the season.

A Christmas Carol

Also around this time, English author Charles Dickens created the classic holiday tale, A Christmas Carol. The story’s message-the importance of charity and good will towards all humankind-struck a powerful chord in the United States and England and showed members of Victorian society the benefits of celebrating the holiday.

The family was also becoming less disciplined and more sensitive to the emotional needs of children during the early 1800s. Christmas provided families with a day when they could lavish attention-and gifts-on their children without appearing to “spoil” them.

As Americans began to embrace Christmas as a perfect family holiday, old customs were unearthed. People looked toward recent immigrants and Catholic and Episcopalian churches to see how the day should be celebrated. In the next 100 years, Americans built a Christmas tradition all their own that included pieces of many other customs, including decorating trees, sending holiday cards and gift-giving.

Although most families quickly bought into the idea that they were celebrating Christmas how it had been done for centuries, Americans had really re-invented a holiday to fill the cultural needs of a growing nation.

Christmas Facts

            •          Each year, 30-35 million real Christmas trees are sold in the United States alone. There are 21,000 Christmas tree growers in the United States, and trees usually grow for about 15 years before they are sold.

            •          Today, in the Greek and Russian orthodox churches, Christmas is celebrated 13 days after the 25th, which is also referred to as the Epiphany or Three Kings Day. This is the day it is believed that the three wise men finally found Jesus in the manger.

            •          In the Middle Ages, Christmas celebrations were rowdy and raucous—a lot like today’s Mardi Gras parties.

            •          From 1659 to 1681, the celebration of Christmas was outlawed in Boston, and law-breakers were fined five shillings.

            •          Christmas was declared a federal holiday in the United States on June 26, 1870.

            •          The first eggnog made in the United States was consumed in Captain John Smith’s 1607 Jamestown settlement.

            •          Poinsettia plants are named after Joel R. Poinsett, an American minister to Mexico, who brought the red-and-green plant from Mexico to America in 1828.

            •          The Salvation Army has been sending Santa Claus-clad donation collectors into the streets since the 1890s.

            •          Rudolph, “the most famous reindeer of all,” was the product of Robert L. May’s imagination in 1939. The copywriter wrote a poem about the reindeer to help lure customers into the Montgomery Ward department store.

            •          Construction workers started the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree tradition in 1931.

It’s always great to get away from it all, have some peace and quiet and just enjoy nature. #peaceful #wonderlust #happyplace #overlandbound #ob1699 on a side note, this will be my last photo on Instagram for 2018. Going to take some time off from social media for awhile. In fact I’m deleting the apps from my phone and will only check in on my desktop every couple of days. Peace out Insta!

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Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween, Just be careful which windows you look into tonight!

Hanging out on a Thursday evening, just decompressing from a busy week. #desertlife🌵 #desertlife #desertliving #wonderlust

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I sure could use a vacation to some lake in Montana! Although it’s probably 30 degrees this time of year! #ob1699 #overlandbound #peaceful #wonderlust

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The weather has finally turned in our area, had a few rain storms, been chilly at night and in the morning and a nice 75 during the day. #desertlife🌵 #desertliving #ob1699 #overlandbound

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My take on the Flat Earth Theory

Flat Earth Theory

In recent years the idea that we live on a flat earth has grown in popularity. Not only the fringe of society believe this awkward theory. It seems to be growing thanks to online forums, social media, and even the vessels of truth and morality… celebrities. So what is it and why should we be concerned?

“Members of the Flat Earth Society claim to believe the Earth is flat. Walking around on the planet's surface, it looks and feels flat, so they deem all evidence to the contrary, such as satellite photos of Earth as a sphere, to be fabrications of a "round Earth conspiracy" orchestrated by NASA and other government agencies.”

“The belief that the Earth is flat has been described as the ultimate conspiracy theory. According to the Flat Earth Society's leadership, its ranks have grown by 200 people (mostly Americans and Britons) per year since 2009. Judging by the exhaustive effort flat-earthers have invested in fleshing out the theory on their website, as well as the staunch defenses of their views they offer in media interviews and on Twitter, it would seem that these people genuinely believe the Earth is flat.”

What is the Leading Theory?

“The leading flat-earther theory holds that Earth is a disc with the Arctic Circle in the center and Antarctica, a 150-foot-tall wall of ice, around the rim.”



There are numerous theories on the shape, properties, and laws governing the flat earth. Two common shapes are flat two dimensional and oval shape with a toroidal surface. Others theorize that gravity does not govern the movement of the celestial body’s, but rather that electromagnetism is responsible for tides, season changes, as well as keeping the earth together in the vacuum of space. Other theories are that the sun and moon, circle overhead to create day night cycles, as well as the sun transmitting solar radiation, and the moon taking it away, causing temperature swings to create wind and seasons as well.

Just because you believe something doesn’t mean you know what you’re talking about

Too often society relies on feelings, and direct observations to explain what can be hard to understand. In the day of unlimited information, and creative endeavors it can be hard to decipher what is real and fake. Often flat earth theories turn to science fiction or magical explanations to answer questions raised.

“Earth's day and night cycle is explained by positing that the sun and moon are spheres measuring 32 miles (51 kilometers) that move in circles 3,000 miles (4,828 km) above the plane of the Earth. (Stars, they say, move in a plane 3,100 miles up.) Like spotlights, these celestial spheres illuminate different portions of the planet in a 24-hour cycle. Flat-earthers believe there must also be an invisible "antimoon" that obscures the moon during lunar eclipses.”

“Furthermore, Earth's gravity is an illusion, they say. Objects do not accelerate downward; instead, the disc of Earth accelerates upward at 32 feet per second squared (9.8 meters per second squared), driven up by a mysterious force called dark energy. Currently, there is disagreement among flat-earthers about whether or not Einstein's theory of relativity permits Earth to accelerate upward indefinitely without the planet eventually surpassing the speed of light. (Einstein's laws apparently still hold in this alternate version of reality.)”

The Truth behind conspiracy theories in general

“According to psychologists, conspiracy theorists often feel they’re somehow special: whereas the majority of the population has fallen for a false rhetoric, a conspiracy theorist has risen above it. “They have this special knowledge, this special insight.” When the community comes together, views are mutually reinforced, and the world becomes explainable, if not entirely secure.

“It’s almost like a coping mechanism,” Rebecca Owens, lecturer in psychology at the University of Sunderland. “The belief that: ‘Actually, I have some control over this’. They’ve had this revelation and now something makes sense – while everything else in their world is chaotic.”

“And the thing about conspiracy beliefs is that they’re kind of non-falsifiable. There’s no piece of evidence that could convince someone they’re wrong, because ‘any evidence that does suggest they’re wrong has obviously been put there by the conspirators.’ In the case of the Flat Earth, that would be the scientific community.”

Well this is interesting

In 1937, novelist and writer H.G Wells laid out a vision for something truly utopian. He called it the "Permanent World Encyclopaedia."

"A great number of workers would be engaged perpetually in perfecting this index of human knowledge and keeping it up to date," he wrote in an essay for the Encyclopédie Française, later published in the book World Brain. "[It] will be made accessible to every individual...It need not be concentrated in any one single place...It can be reproduced exactly and fully, in Peru, China, Iceland, Central Africa."

78 years later, Wells' prediction has basically come true. He called it the "Permanent World Encyclopaedia"; we call it Wikipedia. (Alternately, you could also just consider his idea to be manifest in the Internet as a whole.)

Isn’t it interesting, that while we live in the information age, where we carry devices that can connect to the Internet and able to answer any question we ask, that instead of believing that information, many of us look for a conspiracy theory to discredit that information. This has lead to a war of words on a daily bases from science deniers and political incivility. While everyone should look to validate the information we obtain from the On-line world, there is nothing to gain from the war we find ourselves in.


The rise in conspiracy theories on social media and growing distrust in government have led to a resurgence in flat Earth interest. Citing Google Trends, The Age noted that online searches in Britain for the phrase "flat Earth" have risen tenfold over the past five years. The dangers of alternative theories like flat earth, is an unwillingness to accept facts over feelings. Ultimately this will engulf all aspects of daily life, which is seen now with phrases like “Gender is a social construct” where not long ago it was agreed that gender was based on biological fact.

Time fly's!

Two years old in December and now with a new powertrain!

Had to take the Sportage in!

Had to take my 2016 Kia Sportage into the shop Monday at 59,397 miles, because I lost the AWD (All Wheel Drive) system, which sent 100% of the power to the front wheels only. After taking it the shop, they made arrangements to for me to get a rental car, since they would have to replace the transmission, transfer case, rear coupler (Rear differential for those old school people) and a rear axle. It appears as though there was some water that got into the housings and corroded the electrical contacts. That and somehow there was some significant damage to the axle. Their original estimate was three to four weeks, however they got it done in four days.

Now I know what you're thinking, "that must have cost a fortune!" Normally you would be correct, however it's a KIA and is covered completely by their warranty. In fact since they gave me a hybrid Optima it cost me an astonishing $4 to fill it up before returning it.

So after all the work done, it runs like a champ! Thank you Kia and Martin Swanty Kia for a great product, and for standing behind your warranty! (I'm sure results may vary)

Remember when I was making light of hurricane Rosa?

So this storm hit us tonight, causing wide spread flooding in and around town. It also caused at least one death in the area after it swept a SUV off the road.

I’ve been hearing for almost a week that Hurricane Rosa is going to bring a years worth of rain to our area in 24hrs. So far it’s been enough to disturb the dust on my windshield. I really wish news outlets didn’t sensationalize every weather event. #desertliving #desertlife🌵 #desertlife

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Ecclesiastes 2:15–16 (NIV): Then I said to myself, “The fate of the fool will overtake me also. What then do I gain by being wise?” I said to myself, “This too is meaningless.” For the wise, like the fool, will not be long remembered; the days have already come when both have been forgotten. Like the fool, the wise too must die! #sundayvibes

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Some lake in Washington or Montana, it might have been Idaho. Someplace peaceful. I very much wish I was there right now. #peaceful #wonderlust #happyplace #overlandbound #ob1699

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A once in a lifetime shot of an empty #Disneyland. I doubt I’ll get the chance for a shot like this again. #lategram Oh the pictures I keep on my phone, I think I need to plan a vacation.

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Every time I travel north to Salt Lake City, I have to stop by the LDS Temple. Although I’m not a member of the Church of Latter Day Saints, my ancestors were. Making their way to the valley in 1848, and later were sent to help settle St. George in 1861, then further south into Arizona and eventually into Southern California. Every time I drive through that area I like to stop and give them a remembering thought to what they dedicated their lives to. I can’t imagine what it’s like to travel across the country by horse and wagon, to arrive in your new home during a famine, having to rely on weeds and roots to sustain yourself and your family, all the while building a new home and community. #History #Family #lategram

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Every once in awhile you have to just take a dirt road to see where it’ll take you. Happily this one took me to a lake on a hot afternoon returning from Vegas. Lake Mead is at its lowest and shrinking every month. Ten years ago, my car would have been ten foot under water here, and it was a short hike to get to shore today. #wearethewild #peaceful #wonderlust #happyplace #ob1699 #overlandbound

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Just what I needed a long walk in the forest away from people. #wearethewild #laidback #overlandbound #desertliving #ob1699 #itwitb #wonderlust #peaceful #happyplace

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Just sitting at work wishing I was someplace else. Like Alaska. #wearethewild #laidback #overlandbound #desertliving #ob1699 #wanderlust #insperation #LateGram #pastgram #futuregram

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Had a chance to have a chat with a neighbor this morning, he’s not much of a conversationalists but we talked about the weather, he’s certain that the monsoon weather is over for the year, I’m not sure. We’ll see who’s right this week. #desertliving #overlandbound #laidback #wearethewild #ob1699 #awakenthesoul #adventureanywhere

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Been crazy busy with work and family, I’m kinda just phoning in this post. Have a great weekend. #wearethewild #laidback #overlandbound #desertliving #ob1699

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Oh hi neighbor! Found this guy taking a leisurely walk down the road this afternoon. Looks like he was having a bit of fast food as well. #desertlife #desertliving #wearethewild #laidback #overlandbound #ob1699

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Enjoying a morning thunderstorm, taking a few minutes to read before starting the day. #desertliving #monsoonseason #ob1699 #wearethewild #laidback

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What’s the best part of #monsoonseason the flowers! The desert is alive once again. The grass is green and the wildflowers are blooming! Sadly though I’m at work this weekend, so no hiking for me. #desertliving #ob1699 #wonderlust #overlandbound

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Happy Birthday to me...

My family made sure I was well pampered on my birthday this year, a cake made by one of our local bakeries and a couple gallons of craft beer from a local brewery!

Another big storm again today, and this one brought with it a big haboob! #desertliving #ob1699 #wonderlust #US93 #Arizona

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The skies are a talking, and they sound angry! An early evening thunderstorm is building not far from us. #desertliving #ob1699 #wonderlust #overlandbound

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An amazing story of trouble on the water, and some armchair quarterbacking.

Here is a story from our local paper today. The original can be found here. http://m.kdminer.com/news/2018/aug/07/night-terror-lake-mead/?

Story by Don Martin

Originally published Tuesday, August 7, 2018 at 06:00a.m.

Heading to Virgin Canyon. Notice that Claire and George have on their personal flotation devices. (PFD)

It was a fishing trip that started out like hundreds of others I've done on Lake Mead over the past 12 or so years.

But before this trip would end, it would be one that neither my friends nor I will ever forget.

It was Thursday evening, July 26, and I was going out on a fun fishing trip with a couple of friends of mine.

My first fellow angler was Kingman resident George Robledo, a neighbor who lives in the foothills of the Hualapai Mountains. George and I have been friends for just a short time, and he has gone fishing with me just one time before.

My next fellow angler was a name you all might know. She is Claire Whitely, the news editor for the Kingman Daily Miner.

I had asked Claire to go on a fishing trip as a thank you of sorts. Claire is the one who lays out my Outdoor Page every week at the Miner and has been doing so for just over a year. I think she has done a good job with my copy, and I wanted to show her my appreciation. It was going to be her first fishing trip in Arizona after moving here from Idaho over a year ago.

It was just going to be a night of fishing that would result in hopefully both of them taking home a lot of fresh, good eating striper and catfish fillets.

This night, I utilized the boat I call Striper Hunters. I do have a Skeeter bass boat I use occasionally when I have just one fishing friend or when I want to concentrate on fishing for largemouth or smallmouth bass. The Striper Hunters boat holds more people and equipment, so I opted to use that 21-foot jet boat. 

The first order of business for me on every trip is what I call, "Jacob's Checklist," which is a list of things I need to do to make the boat ready to go out.

On that list are rods/reels, two anchors, oars, lights, chum, bait and maybe the most important item, life jackets – or personal flotation devices. Ask anyone who has been on one of my trips and they will tell you that I absolutely insist that everyone who goes on my boat has to wear a life jacket that is properly fitted for them. A PFD that doesn't fit is really no help at all in a survival situation.

The next item of business for me in my pretrip planning is to look at the weather report. I have two sources of information that I regularly check, The report said a 1 percent chance of rain at 8 p.m., but after that, no rain, and winds of 8-10 miles per hour, which is perfect for where I fish in Virgin Canyon.

When George arrived we finished up loading the jet boat.

Claire arrived, and we decided to have dinner at the Crow's Next.

When we got back to the house, I checked that both Claire and George had valid Arizona fishing licenses.

We then finished loading up the boat with ice and bait, took a pretrip photo, and off to South Cove we went.

When we arrived at the lake, it looked perfect! The water was flat and calm.

The sun was starting to set in the west, and it was a beautiful sunset.

We started moving toward my desired fishing spot, and the V-6 powered Chevy engine was purring like a kitten and was running great. In 27 minutes, we arrived at Schleeter Rock and tied up.

After getting all of the lights hooked up, we started fishing. Claire got a couple of quick bites but missed the strikes.

George, who was using two new rods-and-reels he had just bought, was having the same luck.

I had two rods-and-reels out and was having better luck. In a short time, I had three stripers and two channel cats on ice.

The weather starts to change

I noticed that the wind started to come up, which in of itself is not unusual, as it will normally shift back and forth from east to west in the canyon and will increase or decrease throughout the night.

I did see and hear a rumble of thunder and some lightning in the area of Temple Bar, which is about seven miles from where we were at.

I made a comment to my friends about the situation, saying I didn't like seeing the lightening.

I wondered where this storm had come from. After all, the weather report made no mention of thunderstorms that evening.

A while later, I got a call.

It was from my brother, Gary, who was coming home from Phoenix. He knew I was out fishing that night with Claire and George.

"Hey bro, you see the weather report?" he said.

He went on to say that a major thunderstorm, with winds from 50-60 miles per hour were headed my way from Temple Bar and was going to hit South Cove and Meadview.

"You better get out of there," he said.

With that admonition, and even though the thunder and lightning appeared to be going north from the Temple Bar area, I made the decision to head back to South Cove.

My first command was, "Claire, get the life jackets out!"

Once we had our jackets on, we quickly pulled in the lights, untied the front anchor and pulled it in. Then I pulled in the back anchor and started the engine.

It was time to leave.

The trip down the canyon was uneventful and soon we were in the main lake basin headed back toward South Cove. As a preventative measure I turned on the manual bilge pump even though the boat is equipped an automatic bilge pump that comes on when a certain amount of water is in the bottom of the boat.

Seeing that the wind was coming from the west, I decided to stay on the west side of the lake while heading north, paralleling the Nevada shoreline.

Lightening flashed all around us. At one point a huge bolt hit the ground just 400 yards from us! I was blinded momentarily by the flash, and the loud boom of thunder hurt my ears.

It was then that I said my first prayer, "Please Lord, don't let this boat get struck by lightning."

I can see the flashing red buoy light of South Cove!

South Cove on the evening of July 26, 2018. Nice and calm and flat.

We were headed north along the Nevada shoreline when I saw the red buoy light that marks the entrance to South Cove. It is the navigation light I always use to guide me into the launch area. I could plainly see the red flashing buoy, which if there are high waves, you will only see occasionally. Now was the time to head across the lake directly towards the light.

In 10 minutes we would be safely inside of South Cove.

I turned the boat eastward, and it didn't take long to see and feel that we encountering some large waves. I cut the engine back to 12 mph, keeping the nose up as we rode at an angle over the top of the waves toward our destination.

I could feel spray coming in from the back of the boat as we slowly and methodically went over the top of the waves. I could see the red flashing buoy looming larger and knew we were getting closer and closer to South Cove.

Then the unexpected happened.

CAPSIZED!

Suddenly, and without any warning, I heard the boat motor start to sputter. From the way it was acting, I felt that water had somehow got into the tank.

When the boat stopped, the bow went down and a huge wave broke over the bow, putting a lot of water inside the boat.

Then a second wave hit, and the boat was filled with water and down we went.

A serious water emergency had been created in less than 15 seconds!

The boat went almost straight up then quickly sank below the now onrushing waves. I had the steering wheel in my hands, but then the water literally sucked off my eyeglasses as we quickly started sinking, 

Realizing what was happening, I let go of the steering wheel and immediately came to the surface, and saw George and Claire.

I can't describe the shock and terror I saw on their faces, and I immediately told both of them, "Hold onto the boat!" It was then I said my next prayer.

The time was 10:30 p.m.

The boat was still floating, but only the bow was above the surface. Every time a wave hit – and some were over 4 feet high – the bow would drop under the surface and then it would pop back up.

We all grabbed the top of the bow and held on. More prayers were said.

It was the beginning of a very terrifying water emergency, one that would start a chain of events that would determine if we survived this ordeal or not.

Help is NOT coming!

As we were crossing the basin, I could see that there was a camp on the southern shore of Sandy Point.

I could see lights along the beach, and at one point I saw a spotlight sweep and then actually lock on to us. This was just a very few minutes before we capsized.

After we had capsized, we were being tossed around by 4 foot waves that slammed us into the hull of the boat as we drifted in a northerly direction toward Sandy Point.

I hoped that those on the shore could hear our pleas for help. I even had George fire off a series of three rounds from his 9mm pistol. Three of basically anything is the international signal for distress. And despite the fact that throughout the night George would end up firing four series of these emergency signals, the folks on the beach never responded.

I should also note at one point I noticed the spotlight up the beach as if to provide light for someone going to a restroom. Then the lights in the camp went out for good.

Note that one series of three evenly spaced shots might not get folks' attention at this lake.

Two series of shots, however, should start to get folks worried, but at the third and fourth series of shots throughout the night it's time to call for help or go out and see what's wrong.

While these folks could have no doubt helped us, it was another young couple who could have saved us a lot of suffering, but for whatever reason chose not to do so.

Remember I said that we capsized at 10:30 p.m.? How did I know that? Simple. My LG cellphone that was in my pants pocket was protected by a Pelican case.

While the phone would end being immersed for the entire time I was in the lake, it didn't completely quit working. I couldn't make a call out, but it showed me the time every time I powered it up!

It was about 11:45 p.m. when we saw tail lights in the upper end of the South Cove parking lot. I instructed George to fire off another three rounds and when he did, we saw the car turn around and drove to one the points that are located south of South Cove that many shore-fish from.

When they arrived out on a point, they shined the car headlights right on us. We could see people walking in front of the headlights and we all started yelling. When I tell you that a 22-year-old news editor can scream very loudly, believe me. Claire did a magnificent job of trying to communicate with those folks.

After yelling that we were capsized with three people in the water and to call 911, they abruptly turned off their headlights. Claire again started screaming to leave their lights on, and they did. At least for a while.

Then around 2 a.m. the lights went out.

When Claire said she was getting cold we immediately went into the system we teach in Arizona Hunter Education to help a person survive a water emergency. It is called the HELP, which stands for HEAT ESCAPE LESSENING POSITION.

In this survival system people can cross their legs and arms, and huddle together as close as you can with others. Besides a great system for preventing or lessening heat loss, it is good for morale. More prayers.

Several times during the ordeal we did this until we warmed up. Fortunately, the water that night was probably in the 80s and the risk of hypothermia was lessened. Had we been in cold water, despite us having on the PFDs, we would not have survived as long as we did.

Lights out and no one has been called!

Despite our frantic pleas to turn the lights back on, those two young people on the bank did not comply. We later learned that they had gone to sleep.

At this point, the lake's churning, turbulent waters were starting to calm down, but we were drifting with the wind. We first went north, then northwest towards Jackass Flats, then the wind started blowing from the north and pushing us south.

At around 3 a.m.,it actually settled down enough so we could plainly hear the cows on the shore south of South Cove. We could also hear coyotes on the bank howling. Claire, George and I continued to yell out our frantic pleas to call 911, but it didn't appear anyone was responding to them.

It was at this time that I felt I needed to get everyone's mind off of our precarious predicament, so I told George and Claire that we were going to tell stories to pass the time until we were rescued.

I led off and told of my drinking exploits while in the Army (been clean and sober for about 35 years now). Then Claire told us about some of her drinking adventures in college. George didn't have any drinking stories, but told us of stories when they trained with Special Forces troops while in the Army.

Again these stories were designed taking our mind off the situation we were in at the time.

At around 04:30 a.m., the car's lights came back on. It was quiet. I yelled out, "If you can hear me, flash your lights." The lights flashed and I said, "If you have called 911, flash your lights!" Again the lights were flashed.

Daylight was coming soon, but we had been in the water for almost 7 hours clinging to a rope that was tied to the bow hook of the boat.

As it started to get light, I noticed that the bow of the boat was starting to sink lower and lower into the lake and that it was not coming back up. I tried to pull it up, but it just kept slowly sinking.

It was painful to watch as a boat I've had for many years that had taken hundreds of people out on some very memorable fishing trips was sinking down to the bottom of Lake Mead.

When the boat was out of sight I said, "Well, boys and girls, it's time to go for a swim."

And with that we all started toward the launch at South Cove that by now we could plainly see. The only issue was it was over one-half mile away!

Claire being a lot younger (22) and full of adrenalin was swimming much faster than George and I, who are both in our 60s.

I instructed Claire to stay in sight of us as we flipped over on our backs and started heading for the shore utilizing the back floating position, which is way more efficient in covering distance than doing a breast stroke or dog paddling.

While we were swimming George told me he saw a truck pulling a boat heading down the mountain. 

I yelled at the two people on shore that a truck was coming down the hill and to meet them at the South Cove dock. "Tell them there are three people in the water that need to be rescued," I said. I thought I heard, "OK" but without my glasses, I couldn't tell if the car started to move or not.

The truck came to the water's edge and it appeared a single person unloaded the boat and got it to the dock. Then he walked to his truck and drove it up where he parked his truck and trailer close to mine.

He then walked back down to his boat, got into it and started up the engine. It was only then that I noticed what appeared to be a white car turn onto the upper launch ramp and head down to the water's edge.

The boater obviously did not see Claire or me even though he was only about 100 yards away. Claire and I both kicked and splashed but somehow the boater did not slow down and drove north toward South Bay.

We had no other option than to continue to swim for shore. At one point I heard Claire make a comment about not being rude. Seems the young lady on the shore had asked her if she wanted some water, then asked her if she wanted a beer!

I decided that I would not swim to the dock or launch, but rather to the rocky bluffs on the north side of the entrance to South Cove. I thought I could get out of the lake there and climb up the mountain and then walk to the parking lot.

When I exited the water, I was weak and shaking slightly. I sat on a flat rock and did an assessment of my situation. It was then I noticed a small pool of blood under my left hand. I looked at my arm and saw blood was running down from my elbow.

I tried to stand up, but couldn't, so I started crawling up the gravel and rock bank on my hands and knees. It was slow going, and I was becoming very thirsty.

Near the top I found a thick stick that I felt would help me keep my balance. When I got to the top of the mountain I stopped on a huge, white, flat rock, I saw George in the parking lot down below. First thing I did was ask about Claire. "She is ok," George said. He said he was ok, too.

He told me I couldn't come off the mountain at that spot, as it was too steep.

I told him I need some water and I needed it bad.

Then as I continued my trek east on the mountain top, I saw a trail of blood on the white rock I had just been standing on. I thought to myself, "Well, if they have to look for me, they can just follow the blood trail."

I walked several hundred yards more when I saw a lady coming up the side of the hill. I didn't recognize her at first as I had no glasses, but I finally recognized that my "angel" was Kingman resident Jeri Short, and she had a bottle of water with her. When I thanked her for climbing up the mountain to bring me water, she smiled and said, "Not too bad for a 70-year-old!"

Jeri held onto my arm as I first slid, then slowly walked off the mountain to the parking lot where Claire and George were.

With them was Kingman resident Jimmy Short, Jeri's husband.

Water and food were brought out by the Short's and another man who I didn't recognize, along with his son, brought us Gatorade and cold water.

This unknown man came back a short time later with my large igloo ice chest, which he had found floating in the lake.

A ranger from the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Warren Schlesinger, arrived by boat and came up to where we were sitting.

After exchanging formalities, I asked him what time the LMNRA had been contacted about our situation. He said, "We got a call at 4:30 a.m. We were told three people were in a boat and were yelling for help. Nothing was mentioned about the boat being capsized or that there were three people in the water."

Schlesinger also said that he had come from Henderson Nevada, with his boat that he launched at Temple Bar and then drove up to South Cove. "I didn't even use my lights and siren when responding."

I told Officer Schlesinger about the actions of the two people on the bank and on Sandy Point. He said he would go talk to them.

The Shorts took us back to Meadview where we waited for spare keys to the vehicles, which had to brought from Kingman.

Later on I got a call from Officer Schlesinger, who said the people camped on Sandy Point said they never heard or saw us, while the people on the point closer to us were "two young kids." He said they denied knowing we were in distress until 4:30 a.m. when they called it in.

In the meantime, the boat is resting in about 200 feet of water north of the red flashing buoy with about $6,000 worth of equipment in it.

I ended up having to have surgery on my left elbow due to a bone spur erupting through my skin and the elbow becoming infected. That's where the blood was coming from.

I eventually spent six days in KRMC and now am home with a Wound Vac in my elbow and an infusion pump constantly pumping antibiotics into my body to fight the infection.

I'm happy to report that both Claire and George survived the ordeal with no apparent injuries and are recovering.

Both of them remained cool, calm and collected and never panicked during this situation. There could be many other endings to this story, and almost all of them would be bad.

I'm thankful to the good Lord above for keeping his hands on us during this terrifying experience.

And God willing next spring I'll be back out there and ready to go fishing!

We had faced the worst that Mother Nature could throw at us and we had survived despite several people having the opportunity to help us but did not.

And at the end of the day surviving this emergency is really all that matters.

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Spending time outdoors can be a wonderful experience but that can always change quickly. Knowing what to do in an emergency and doing it can be two different things. I'm sure hindsight of this story would be to stay close to shore, or to call and let others know they were heading back to dock and if they don't check in an hour to send help. While a cellphone did work initially, a personal location beacon would have been a better choice. While staying put during the storm was a good choice, as soon as it was calm enough they probably should have, as a group, attempted to make their way to shore, the threat of hypothermia was real, sometimes waiting for rescue can be a deadly mistake. 

I live in the area, I've been on the water during a monsoon storm, open water is not where you want to be. There are three large lakes in the area, Some where you can lose sight of the shore, these large bodies of water claim several lives each year. PFD's are a must to ensure everyone makes it home. I'm saddened that those on shore made no real attempt to find out what was going on, that those responsible for others safety didn't have any urgency to investigate. A distressed boat on a large lake during a storm should have been enough of a red flag for the rangers to make  an urgent response. As someone who spends a lot of time in the outdoors, often by myself, stories of survival and what went wrong to cause the situation are important to read and analyze. The knowledge gained by others experiences can be a game changer if you're caught in a similar situation, or are in a position of bringing aid to others. 

Jason Smith, Bearded Overland  about.me/theoriginaljasonsmith