the worst is over now. @expoportal #americasfirstroadtrip #horationelsonjackson

In looking back at overland travel I feel that I should pay homage to Horatio Nelson Jackson, his partner Sewall K. Crocker and his dog Bud who became the first to drive an automobile across America.

"“The worst is over now,” the optimistic Jackson wrote to his wife on several postcards along the way. And yet, along the 63 day trip to New York, “the worst” came up again and again and again. We softies and weekend warriors, over 100 years later, don’t have the unexplored land or the lack of facilities to experience the type of “worsts” that Horatio Nelson Jackson, Sewall Crocker and Bud, their canine companion, encountered." Even with outfitted vehicles and gear like 12 volt fridges, modern cooking utensils, 2-burner stoves, and awnings (just to name a few) we still get that feeling of excitement as we head out to explore the roads less traveled.

"Jackson left behind a legacy of improvisation, enthusiasm and optimism. It’s our duty to ourselves and to our fellow overlanders to carry the torch of Jackson’s spirit. Whatever comes up, we owe this first champion of “automobiling” and “transcontinenaling,” as some called it, an attitude of positivity in what seem to be our darkest overlanding times."

Jackson was a true adventurer in the largest sense of the word, he had no way of knowing what lay ahead yet he went anyway. I like to think it's the unknown that keeps us moving forward, all the while hoping that we don't run into the "worsts" that Jackson encountered, yet somehow deep down realizing that we can overcome it. Happy overlanding everybody, who knows maybe we'll see you out on the trail.  

Referenced from Expedition Portal.

today's beer of the day. @SierraNevada @CigarCityBeer #beercamp #yonderbock

Ok guys, beer #2 in the Beer Camp line up is the Yonder Bock. It is a Tropical Maibock and Sierra Nevada partnered with Cigar City Brewing to produce this light fruity delight.

Photo taken on my antique bakers hutch.

"Yonder Bock is a summery twist on the robust blonde bock. Its silky, semi-sweet malt body is bolstered by a blend of new and experimental hops that impart bright, fruity hop aromas of guava, mango and passion fruit."

My impression of this beer is as follows: It is a dark amber beer, with a good head and lightly carbonated. It has a light fruity aroma and you can taste the mango and the fruity notes as you take your first sip. This is a smooth beer with a tingle on the tip of your tongue just before you swallow. It is slightly thicker feeling in the mouth but has a good finish. In my opinion this was a great beer and I am thus far impressed with this 12 pack. Oh, and with 7.7% ABV it is no slouch. On a side note, I noticed that this 12 pack is selling for $60 on Craigslist, so the $30 I paid seems pretty reasonable about now. I really love the can's appearance too. I purchased the Beer Camp 12 pack at Lewisburg Spirits and Wine which is just north of Interstate 64 on Jefferson Street (Route 219 North) in Lewisburg, WV.

One last note, I really loved the shirt that Joey Redner of Cigar City Brewing was wearing in this video and wondered where I can get my hands on one. Enjoy the brews America, and see you next TBD!

Referenced from Sierra Nevada.

solarize roanoke. @solarizeroanoke #renewable #energy #pv #solar

Solarize Roanoke is a local initiative to bring solar to select zip codes within the Roanoke Valley.

Buying a solar PV system is an investment in the future and a number of factors determine how much you can save over time. By combining utility net metering credits for the power you generate, federal tax incentives and low-interest financing, you could realize long-term cost savings over the life of your solar PV system. So how does Solarize Roanoke work?

A solar pathfinder is a tool used to help installers assess potential sites for generating solar energy.

Step 1. Sign up through on the Solarize Roanoke website.  At no charge, the Solarize Roanoke team does a preliminary screening of your roof via aerial imagery to make sure your home is a good fit for solar. Once they’ve determined that your solar is an option, one of their qualified contractors will schedule a home visit at a convenient time to size up your roof, explain the details of solar installation and answer any questions you have about going solar.

Step 2. Once you're ready to install solar on your home, Solarize Roanoke can help you line up financing through local banks and financial institutions focused on residential energy savings. All discounts and tax credits will be reflected in the final cost.

Although solar panels are frequently installed on a roofs they can also be installed on the ground. 

Step 3. Through a comprehensive and competitive bidding process, Solarize Roanoke selected a panel of local qualified solar installers. Your contractor will obtain all necessary permits, order materials and equipment and schedule your installation.  Once installation begins, it usually takes a few days to complete.

Step 4. Once your system is up and running, you use electricity as it is generated and sell back any surplus electricity to your utility company. Through “Net-Energy Metering,” you get a one-to-one, kilowatt hour-for-kilowatt hour credit on your bill for every unit of electricity produced and sent back on the electric grid.

Visit Solarize Roanoke for more details.

weekly video xii - wilderness collective. @yaogurtland #dualsport #motorcycle #adventure

weekly video xii - "wilderness collective: 001." a stephen yao production.

Wilderness Collective is a company that exists to lead men on legendary adventures. Watch this film as it follows a group of men on a dual-sport adventure through the Sierra National Forest to Yosemite Valley.

local business featured on bon appetite appalachia. @theloganbanner @foodtravelermag #hatfieldandmccoymoonshine #culinarymapguide

If you'll remember back to my June 12th blog, I did a piece on the Appalachian Food Summit. Bon Appetite Appalachia was part of that undertaking. Now here they are again, putting out a culinary map-guide that can be found in Food Traveler Magazine featuring points of interest in WV and the Appalachian region. 

"Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin joined Appalachian Regional Commission Federal Co-Chairman Earl F. Gohl Tuesday to announce the nationwide premier of the Bon Appétit Appalachia culinary map-guide.The guide, which recently debuted as an insert in the summer issue of Food Traveler magazine, features 283 locations, including 21 from West Virginia and showcases some of the most distinctive food destinations across the 13-state Appalachian region."

"One local business, from Gilbert, made the list: Hatfield and McCoy Moonshine."

"Southern W.Va.’s first legal moonshining business describes their product as “home-grown and home-distilled, using only ingredients produced in West Virginia for the most authentic and finest tasting moonshine in the tradition of Devil Anse Hatfield.” All products sold by Hatfield and McCoy Moonshine are made in W.Va."

There seems to be a trend of good news flowing from Appalachia recently. I say that it's about time. I am also truly excited to try some of the Hatfield and McCoy Moonshine if I am ever in their neck of the woods!

Referenced from The Logan Banner.