Gear Shop Review: Moosejaw!

Outdoor sports shops are places of serious things. They are filled with conversations of solo expeditions, technical specifications of gear and tales of epic adventures.

Enter Moosejaw, an awesome outdoor shop with all of the serious gear and a seriously fun attitude. Moosejaw is an outdoor store with a t-shirt problem; by this I mean that they have a great selection of t-shirts (all with one of their signature Moosejaw designs or slogans).

They opened their first store in 1992 with a goal of making the world of outdoor sports shops an inviting place with a fun atmosphere. One of the greatest things about Moosejaw is that when you walk in their store you will be greeted by an enthusiastic, “Mooooooooooosejaw!” greeting.

Their staff will go above and beyond what any other place is willing do to help you find whatever you need. Most of all they will make sure that you have a great time while you are doing it.

From camping gear to fashionable outerwear, from a nice t-shirt and a water bottle to crampons and ice axes for climbing, Moosejaw has all the gear that you could possibly need from all of the major outdoor sports companies. Not to mention that they have a staff that is as knowledgeable as they are enthusiastic! Unlike other outdoor shops, the people who work at Moosejaw use the gear that they sell. They can give you all of the ins and outs along with tricks of the trade to make any adventure more enjoyable for you.

The next time you need a new jacket, camping/ hiking gear or just want to meet a new friend check out your closest Moosejaw! You will leave with a smile and probably some sweet new gear.

Love The Madness!

Super Sweet Website: http://www.moosejaw.com/moosejaw/shop/home___

Where to find Moosejaw: Ann Arbor, Birmingham, East Lansing, Grosse Pointe, Partridge Creek and Rochester.

New Toys!

Last week I ordered these sweet rock rings from Moosejaw in Ann Arbor. I just picked them up and am foaming at the mouth to give them a try!

I am going to play with them for a week or so and then give you guys a video demo!

Time to continue enjoying my three day weekend!

Go do something fun!

-j

What a grand day! + a lot of reading and learning to come

Today started with a great meal, prepared by me; cake and leftover pizza with coffee, it was just awesome.

After some cleaning Chels and I walked into town. We walked around, hit up the local Moosejaw for their anniversary sale, where unfortunately we didn't find anything!

After grabbing some coffee and a Peppermint Mocha we strolled over to Border's. I was originally going to get Ode, some publication regarding progressive ideas that I actually found to be mildly interesting.

With the mag in hand I took a trip upstairs to the nature and sports section. I hit the jackpot up there!

Found this awesome book! It tells, in-depth how the Great Lakes were formed, their evolution and future.

I am quite excited to start it. It should be a quick read. Expect periodic reviews within the coming weeks.

I found two other things at Border's that I have been looking for for a while now:

Essentials: Guides to Mushrooms and Edible Wild Plants!

These will come in handy in the coming spring and summer when I make my first attempt at foraging and possibly some bushcraft!

The trip was finished up with a trip to Arbor Brewing Co. (Review Coming soon) and a brisk walk to the car!

Forgot to tell you all, this beauty came in the mail the other day:

Score! Time to devour it, and see what I need to buy next.

Such a night for blogging,

-J

Day 7: The long haul

Last night was interesting to say the least!

We ended up at the Monadnock State Campground and quickly set up camp:

We found Monadnock, perched atop a small mountain, to be a very serene camping spot. In the morning we realized why it seemed so serene; we were literally the only people in the park, the host had even abandoned their site.

The park offered great facilities including super hot showers and laundry. They were coin op which was a bummer, but at least they were nice.

Nightfall came quickly as we found it has a tendency to do in the mountains. Again I was treated to a feast by Sir Timmy. Steak, turkey gravy, toasted bread, and all of the trimmings that one has grown to expect at a meal with this guy.

The wind was very turbulent when we decided to lay down for the night, so we were a little leery of leaving the fire burning, however since the area had been doused with rain an hour or so before we decided to sleep with the door open to watch over the fire. It was not long before a super creepy ranger rick showed and told us we had to put the fire out. So we did...

It was very odd to sleep at the top of this small mountain because the weather pattern was so violently different; 40 mph wind, followed by dead silence, then 5 minutes later, more powerful wind and then another calm. This pattern was repeated all night and made for some pretty good sleep.

I awoke from a deep sleep to hear a camper's nightmare sounds; the things in the bed of the truck were being moved about, violently. Fearing the worst I woke Tim from his dreams of monsters and prowlers to join me in getting to the bottom of the noises. We donned our headlamps and put our shoes on so we were ready to run like scared little kids. As we exited the tent a few small somethings scuttled away from the truck and we had saved the day!

Pretty sure it was a small group of coons.

We packed and showered this morning with great efficiency, as we have been doing this a while now.

Breakfast was at the cutest little 1950's style diner:

The pancakes were very good, but be warned, in Vermont, if you are given the choice for real maple syrup, you will be charged extra for it! haha classic, they caught me.

Our plan for the day is to travel about 750 miles to Ann Arbor. I think it is most definitely doable!

It will be long, but also long awaited.

So we set out, two guys looking for adventure now returning:

Catch you on the flip side,

-J

PS the wrap up is coming tonight, time for work now!

One week and counting, plus a cool tidbit!

Dear followers,

the time is coming when I will be shoving off for about 10 days to pursue adventures of New England and I am very excited.

Mostly I am excited for Acadia:

I took out my new Stylus Tough 8010 today in some pretty harsh conditions: temp 55f, winds 20mph+, Lake Michigan Spray: 5-6' above pier.

As is the case most of the fall, the lake offers a beautiful, moody backdrop to any shot.

It was very cool.

That pic above was taken after I was drenched by a large wave. All it took was a quick wipe down of the lens cover and the Stylus was ready to continue shooting. I have not gotten much use out of it yet, but I can already see this becoming a go to piece of gear for me! It also came with some cool "ib" software program that I am excited to learn how to use.

In other news it is nearly my birthday. The best present that you all could give to me is to continue reading my blog, commenting, following it and telling your friends. Whenever you see something interesting or fun or informative just link it to your Facebook or Twitter. Every little bit helps. Thank you all very much.

While out east I will have very limited connectivity, however The Timster and I will be making daily stops at coffee shops and McDonald's in order to post news of our travels!

Cool Tidbit: Random Stream was recently featured on http://www.facebook.com/FirstAscent?ref=ts for our review of their shell! I would like to thank them for recognizing RSOC, and encourage them to keep up the good work. Glad to see them pairing up with Moosejaw too!

You will be seeing this flag all over the place in New England representin like what what!

Well well well, the time has come to fuel the beast inside with some of Gram's Ham! Family Birthday dinner is nearing. Take care. Fishing in the morning. Hopefully tomorrow night I will have some shots of steelies and salmon for you, as pier fishing was too blustery today to amount to much.

-J

Today I feel like...

1. Going for a jog.
     I just bought a new pair of Brooks Defyance 3 shoes, and I would like to give them a try. I am sure that I will review them in a week or so to let you know how they are.

2. Beating the Heat

     What better way to do it than a quick dip in Lake Michigan. Soon, oh soon I will be back to you.

3. Playing my guitar.
     I stumbled upon a guitar magazine at borders this evening and I bought it to help me get reacquainted with the old ax.

4. Hydrating.
     I stick with water. Even when I have worked all day then go for a run I stick with water. We are made of the stuff, what better way to help heal the body. Please if you drink water stray from the bottled menace that is destroying our precious groundwater. They lie, none of it comes from beautiful flowing springs, and if it did would you really want to deprive the people downstream from getting it? (enough ranting)

5. Moving into the new place.
     Tomorrow we start the move to the new apt and I cannot wait! I will have a load of pics for you all in progression over the next week.

6. Starting The Go To Series.
     As promised I will be starting a series of reviews focusing on my favorite gear, and the gear that I am currently using. I also plan on doing a how to guide on the essentials of the perfect backpack for all occasions. Look for it soon.

7. GET OUT!
     Stopped by MooseJaw tonight and they hooked me up with a MooseJaw flag. Now it is time to get out there and see some places.

8. Wrapping up my review of the Friday Harbor Jacket.

9. Go find that Perfect Spot.
     Check this PM short out..... so perfect: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fgfE5xNiEz4

Ok, I hope you all have a great weekend, I will document the adventure of the move this weekend.

-J