I came across the Mini Adira Benchmade knife that I really liked the look of. It’s the one at the top of the photo. It had all the specs I wanted: drop point, fish scale lines, lock back, ocean blue scales and a high-contrast International orange lanyard. However, I am pretty good at losing knives (in the water, in the woods, in the yard) so I decided not to “drop” over $200. What I ended up with for around $20 was the SOG Adventurer LB. I figured for that price, I could lose a dozen and still be ahead of the game. The SOG is an ounce lighter plus I had to make my own lanyard. It’s no Benchmade, but I’m happy and I like that if fits in my pocket nicely. Find it at Amazon...
Boating in Charlevoix Michigan
Known as Charlevoix the Beautiful, you will be awed by the magnificent sights. View the clear blue water, experience paddling and water sports, relax on one of the unspoiled beaches. Come experience the classic beauty of Charlevoix Michigan. Photo by Ben & Dana’s Boating Blog and more info at Michigan.org
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Yesterday, in St. George's Bermuda, I spotted one of the most iconic sailing yachts in the world: the Maltese Falcon. This 88-meter (289-foot) marvel is a true symbol of luxury and innovation. Originally commissioned by Tom Perkins and launched in 2006 by Perini Navi, the Maltese Falcon is instantly recognizable thanks to its revolutionary DynaRig sail system—three massive, rotating carbon fiber masts that each support six sails. With a total sail area of over 2,400 square meters, it can reach speeds of up to 24 knots under sail alone. The striking black hull make it look like it sailed straight out of the future. More details here... Some fun facts: The DynaRig system allows a single person to control all 15 sails with the push of a button. The yacht features a luxurious interior with six guest cabins and a full beam master suite. It was reportedly built at a cost of over $150 million. Seeing the Maltese Falcon in person was a moment to remember. If you’re ever in Bermuda and spot her in port, take a moment to admire one of the most innovative sailing vessels ever built.
After way too much research, I picked up a Tecsun PL-880 Radio, and it’s been a blast. As someone who’s new to shortwave, I’ve found it fun to dive into world of the electromagnetic spectrum. Learning how signals travel, bounce off the atmosphere, and land in your radio from thousands of miles away feels like tuning into the invisible rhythms of the planet. What’s impressed me about the PL-880 is how good it sounds and how easy it is to use with smooth tuning and a display that is not overwhelming. Even without an external antenna, the reception was good, but once I rigged up a 25-foot wire to my flag halyard, the signal strength really came alive. Find it at Amazon... If you’re into boating and have ever been curious about shortwave or world band radios, I can honestly say this radio is worth checking out. It’s not just useful, it’s fun. Note: You'll get most distance signals at night or early morning. There’s something calming and kind of magical about flipping through stations and hearing voices and music from far-off places. It adds a whole new dimension to time spent aboard, and it’s quickly become one of my…
Recently, I started weaving simple items from paracord – like knife lanyards, keychains, and zipper pulls. I learned that for a more polished finish, the experts recommend snipping the ends with micro-shears before melting the tips. At first, I bought some cheap clippers that ended up lasting only 10 minutes – one tip broke off on my third snip. My second pair are these XURON 410 Micro-Shear Flush Cutters, and they have stood the test of time. They use a patented bypass method that produces a clean, flat cut. I like their accuracy, sharpness, and ergonomics. The handles are made of soft-touch TPU. Recommended. Made in Saco, Maine. Find it at Amazon...
Despite its compact size, the new Garmin inReach Mini 2 packs a punch. Boasting global Iridium satellite coverage, it ensures seamless communication even in the most remote maritime locations. Send and receive text messages, trigger an SOS signal in emergencies, access weather forecasts, share your location, and with TracBack, find your way back if you happen to get lost. Satellite subscription is required, however plans are affordable freedom-style. In our experience, when you’re out on the water, staying connected isn't only about convenience, it's a vital aspect of safety and navigation. Find it at Amazon...
For the hardcore boater the rugged new Apple Watch Ultra is the ultimate watch to wear. At 49mm, it is a big watch but feels similar to the old Apple Watch 45mm (the 4mm difference is only 1/16” of an inch). Unlike many big watches it also feels light. In the real world, the always-on larger screen is great for readability, plus you can crank up the font size making texting and typing much easier too. The raised titanium bezel helps protect the massive screen, so knocking around the boat is much less likely to damage. The new three microphone array gives better voice quality when you're out in the elements. The new orange action button can be used for many functions – you may wonder why all Apple Watches don’t have it. Think action button for quick access to... read more flashlight, waypoints, engaging the new Compass App or press for 5 seconds to trigger the new 86 decibel (very loud) siren. Up to 60 hours battery life (on low power setting) is a welcome addition. Mine regularly lasts for 3 days before needing a recharge. Also, it recharges very quickly. The larger knurled crown makes it easier to…