Winter is coming……
Video sharing below is one of the first drives up our driveway after moving into the cabin in early 2023. A big snowstorm came through and Kass and I were both very glad we had 4-wheel drive vehicles.
Hoping we get a good amount of snow. I hate cold rain.
We have the woodstove cleaned out, the wood is stacked, and we are ready to go!!
BRING IT!!
Rourke
Many of you may know that one of my all-time favorite movies is Red Dawn. The original is by far superior to the 2012 remake. Regardless, I’ve watched the remake several times and still enjoyed it.
Recently I noticed on Amazon a double DVD set with both movies included was selling for around $5.00. Prices can change at any time.
I couldn’t pass it up and if you’re a fan – neither should you.
Click this link for more information.
Take care all and, “WOLVERINES!!!!!!”
Rourke
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The attacks on Israel and the atrocities against innocent civilians are representative of the evil that exists in this world. There was absolutely no justification for the reported horrible acts against entire families including infants.
I recorded the following video a couple days ago with a few thoughts.
Stay safe all –
Rourke
“The Grey” is a thrilling survival movie(and one of my favorites) that takes you on a heart-pounding journey into the unforgiving Alaskan wilderness. Starring Liam Neeson, this film combines suspense, action, and deep human emotions to create an exciting and emotional rollercoaster ride.
The Story:
The film opens with a plane crash in the remote Alaskan wilderness, an event that catapults a group of oil workers into a perilous battle for their lives. Stranded in a desolate and snow-covered landscape, they must contend not only with the savage elements but also a cunning pack of wolves that stalks their every move. As the group’s numbers dwindle and desperation sets in, their will to survive is tested to the limits.
Characters:
Liam Neeson delivers a powerful performance as John Ottway, a character haunted by personal tragedy. Neeson’s portrayal is emotionally charged, and you can’t help but empathize with Ottway’s struggles and root for his survival. The supporting cast, including Frank Grillo, Dermot Mulroney, and Joe Anderson, also give compelling performances, portraying characters who are not only fighting the elements but also battling their own inner demons.
Cinematography:
Director Joe Carnahan excels in immersing the audience in the breathtaking yet perilous Alaskan wilderness. The cinematography captures the beauty of the landscape while also showing the threat the environment provides to the characters. I’m not kidding when I say I felt chills and a frigid breeze at times as you could hear the wind whipping through the wilderness. 
Summary
“The Grey” is a gripping and emotionally charged survival thriller that will keep you enthralled from start to finish. When the movie was first released I proclaimed it to be one of the best survival thrillers I’ve ever seen. I was attacked, tarred, and feathered for suggesting such a thing. Regardlewss – I love this movie! Liam Neeson’s remarkable performance, combined with the stunning visuals and intense atmosphere, makes it a cinematic experience that lingers in your thoughts long after the credits roll. While it may not be suitable for younger audiences, it’s a must-see for those who appreciate thought-provoking and heart-pounding survival thrillers.
For those who have watched the ENTIRE movie please tell me this – did John Ottway survive this incredible adventure and face-off with the Alpha Wolf?
If you haven’t seen it go pop some popcorn and press play, and enjoy the ride!
Rourke
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Many of you may know that one of my all-time favorite movies is Red Dawn. The original is by far superior to the 2012 remake. Regardless, I’ve watched the remake several times and still enjoyed it.
Recently I noticed on Amazon a double DVD set with both movies included was selling for around $5.00. Prices can change at any time.
I couldn’t pass it up and if you’re a fan – neither should you.
Click this link for more information.
Take care all and, “WOLVERINES!!!!!!”
Rourke
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This 3-day winter outdoor adventure video comes from one of my favorite YouTube channels – The Outdoor Gear Review. With a decent internet connection, there is so much free entertainment available that is not only great to watch but educational as well. Many of Luke’s longer adventure videos allow you to experience hikes, camping, shelter construction, and experience the outdoors with him if you’ve got a little imagination. I’ve picked up a few camp stoves and backpacks that he has reviewed as well.
In the following video, Luke heads into the wilderness as a huge winter storm approaches in December of 2018. Enjoy the video and immerse yourself in the midst of the coming snowstorm and try to stay warm!
Many of you may know that one of my all-time favorite movies is Red Dawn. The original is by far superior to the 2012 remake. Regardless, I’ve watched the remake several times and still enjoyed it.
Recently I noticed on Amazon a double DVD set with both movies included was selling for around $5.00.
I couldn’t pass it up and if you’re a fan – neither should you.
Click this link for more information.
Take care all and, “WOLVERINES!!!!!!”
Rourke
![Buck Hoodlum Survival Knife[2023]](https://1776patriotusa.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/110_4214-220x162.jpg)
I previously published this a few years ago and with new people visiting the site thought it would be a good idea to bring it back around. – Rourke
I love movies where people are stalked by bears, wolves, or some land-based, two-headed shark that escaped from a government gene-splicing project. It’s fun to watch. In the real world things like this never happen, right?
Let’s take a look. The videos below if too small can be made full-screen by click the small box symbol in the bottom right hand corner of the video. Watch the following and make up your own mind which ones are real:
ONLY $36.99!!
With everything going on right now – unemployment, pandemic, increasing crime, inflation, etc. – stress and anxiety are on the rise. Life today tends to have us focus on things that lead to tension and stress, rather than to what humans should feel – adventure and joy in their hearts. With many outlets for stress closed(like gyms and movie theaters) due to shelter in place orders, there are still ways to set out and get adventure in your heart.
Adventure = Hunting. Fishing. Hiking. Shooting. Weightlifting. Traveling. Church. Watching a good movie.
There are many perspectives when it comes to adventure. What is fun, exciting, and makes someone truly feel alive to one person may be mundane and boring to someone else. That is ok! We are on this planet for a limited amount of time and live only one life – let’s make the most of it.
Remember growing up as a child and on a daily basis adventure was around every corner? You could just sit and watch cartoons and just get lost in your imagination? Whether playing in your room or running outside the only limitation to the possibilities was your mind.
Remember being in high school and hanging out with your friends on the weekend? You would get together and just feel tremendously alive in pursuit of fun and adventure – and the opposite sex.
Why has it changed?
Society has evolved to create a pre-determined template for each and every one of us to follow – and it is not exciting nor very fulfilling. People fit within these templates and often have no idea what has happened.
The video below from the movie City Slickers is an excellent example of this pre-determined life template that so many of us have been bound to. To set the stage: Billy Crystal has come into his son’s classroom on career day to describe what he does for a living……
What he said is accurate but it doesn’t have to be. You can get out from under the umbrella of mediocrity and blandness by waking up and taking action. As stated adventure is a matter of perspective.
Answer these questions(seriously – get a piece of paper and write the answers down):
When you really put some thought into those questions and the answers you may just find the key to living a more fulfilling life – through adventure! The human spirit was never intended to work a 9-5 job, sit at home and watch TV, and bicker with the spouse. No – God made humans to have incredible imaginations and conceptualize.
Look at the answers to those questions and make a change today. Recapture the vigor, the excitement, and the adventure that you had in your youth. Make a decision to get out from the rut which you may be living in and live a life you were meant to live. This doesn’t have to involve tons of money. It requires your commitment.
What to do now?
Get out a calendar and a piece of paper. Write down 5 things you want to do. These things should include your friends, your family, and some just by yourself. Write down on the calendar when you will do them. Go hiking this Friday. Third week of next month go out on a date night with your spouse. On the 23rd go to the range with your neighbor who has an interest in shooting. Just make it happen.
Go watch the video above again. Don’t end up being another zombie of society. Make a decision. Make a commitment to yourself. Make the change…..now.
Throughout the pages of 1776PatriotUSA.com adventure – at least from my perspective – will be featured often. After all I want to live an exciting, fulfilled life just like you.
Take care!
JR
A Few Pictures From My Own Adventures
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As I have mentioned previously 1776PatriotUSA.com is more than just current events, preparedness and all things SHTF. As individuals with limited existence on this planet and preppers who wish to stick around as long as possible wouldn’t it be great to truly enjoy life? I mean – life is full of up and downs but how many of us travel through life with blinders on and not seeing that which will really make us feel alive?
At 47 I would never proclaim to have all the answers however I will share a bit of wisdom I have managed to acquire along the way.
Here we go…..
GET OUTSIDE. For many of us today’s modern world filled with every gadget imaginable and where most any bit of information is at your fingertips it is easy to miss the beautiful environment around us. Most anywhere in this country, a lake, pond, hiking trails, vineyard, apple orchard, or state park is within miles. Sometimes getting outside and enjoying nature will create a state of relaxation unlike most anything else. It’s also all in high-definition without the expensive electronics.
EXERCISE. Get out there and get the heart pumping and the sweat pouring. People that live sedentary lifestyles often miss out that feeling of being alive. They rarely feel their heart pumping blood through their veins and the high from surging adrenaline.
WATCH A SCARY MOVIE. Seriously. Pop some popcorn, shut the lights out and turn on Paranormal Activities. If you get into the movie you WILL feel alive. Just do me a favor – keep the 1911 filled with 185 grain jacketed hollow points in the safe. You don’t want to have to explain why there are bullet holes in your TV.
TAKE A COLD SHOWER. Want to feel alive? Jump in the shower with the water ice cold. Brrrrrrr……
GET A DOG. I was a cat guy for way too long. Cat’s are cool but dogs are best friends. Yeah – get a dog – or twelve.
HELP A STRANGER. I had a situation that made me feel extremely emotional – and very much alive. I didn’t set out to do this but it just kind of happened. I was in a Cracker Barrel with a few friends of mine. I noticed a large multi-family table with a young bald girl(cancer treatments) sitting there with her mother. This was right next to Carowinds – a giant theme park. I figured they had brought the girl there trying to get HER to feel ALIVE. I felt horrible. What did I have to stress about compared to this family who was facing the loss of their daughter? How about this young girl who likely wondered how much time she had left?
I went and saw the manager and told him I wanted to pay the families bill. He asked if it was OK to tell them and I said no. I wasn’t doing it for recognition. I went back to my seat with my friends. A few minutes later the manager went over and I could tell he was telling the mother their bill was taken care of. She started crying.
I felt horrible at the time but also very much alive. I still think of that little girl every so often.
DO WHAT YOU TRULY ENJOY. This may sound like an easy one but far too often we make excuses why we do not do the things we want to. Sometimes money is the cause but then $6 bucks a pop are blown at Starbucks on coffee. Sometimes it is a fear of embarrassment that stops you from doing what you truly enjoy. Unfortunately, it may be an unsupportive spouse as well. Hey – if you want to go ballroom dancing or do stand-up comedy at the local club the only one stopping you is you.
These are but a few suggestions and just like we all have favorite foods and cars what makes us feel alive is very unique to each of us. Do I practice what I preach? Not nearly enough.
So – what makes me feel alive? Here are a few:
Ok, how about you? What makes you feel alive?
JR
Note: This post was previously published on 1776PatriotUSA.com
I received the Klarus Mi7 LED flashlight several weeks ago and have been using it ever since. Whether it’s been searching under couches for my son’s car keys, heading to the tree stand, or navigating my way to the shed to look for Christmas ornaments it has been my faithful companion.
The Klarus Mi7 is a AA/14500 powered LED flashlight that falls right into the “mini” flashlight category. Although small this is a feature packed and extremely powerful flashlight.
Here are some specs:
Brand: KLARUS
Model: Mi7
Lamp Beads: Cree XP-L HI V3
Emitters Quantity: 1
Lumens Range: 500-1000Lumens
Luminous Flux: 700LM
Luminous Intensity: 3025cd
Power: 4W
Color Temperature: 6500K
Feature: Cooling Slot of High Efficiency,Lightweight,Lock-out Function,Power Indicator,Reverse Polarity Protection,Tail Stand
Function: Camping,EDC,Hiking,Household Use,Night Riding,Walking
Switch Type: Side Clicky
Mode: 5 (High – Low – Moonlight – Strobe – SOS)
Battery Type: 14500,AA
Battery Quantity: 1 x AA / 14500 battery (AA included)
Waterproof Standard: IPX-8 Standard Waterproof (Underwater 2m)
LED Lifespan: 50000h
Power Source: Battery
Working Voltage: 1-4.2V
Reflector: Aluminum Textured Orange Peel Reflector
Lens: Toughened Ultra-clear Mineral Glass Lens
Beam Distance: 100-150m
Impact Resistance: 1M
Body Material: AL 6061-T6 Aluminium Alloy
Available Light Color: Cool White
Available color: Army green,Black,Blue,Green,Pink,Red,Silver
Included in Packaging:
Nice and professional packaging includes the Klarus Mi7 flashlight, AA alkaline battery, 1 extra o-ring, 1 carabiner. Mine came with a pocket clip although that is not listed on the website as an included item.
Ergonomics and Build:
The Mi7 is a small flashlight intended for everyday carry in the pocket, glove box, or pack. There is a diamond-cut pattern on the main body that feels fine. I would have preferred some aggressive knurling but that is just my personal preference.
Construction is excellent. All surfaces are smooth with no machining marks or unfinished edges. Threads are tight and smooth.
The power button works as intended though it does feel a bit “squishy”. I have had a few instances while carrying in my front pocket where the light was inadvertently turned on. I knew due to the light heating up and I could feel it. Using the included carabiner on a belt loop would solve that however i preferred pocket carry.
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Power Source:
The Klarus Mi7 can be powered by either a standard AA battery or a 14500 lithium ion. The difference between the two is critical for maximum performance out of this light. A typical AA battery put out 1.5 volts while the 14500 – up the power to 3.6-3.7 volts. Knowing this it is not surprising to get maximum performance(brightness) it is best to use the rechargeable lithium ion 14500 battery.
Performance:
Before I get into the performance of this mini flashlight let’s get some perspective. The classic Maglite powered by 2 D cells that has rode in many trucks, police cars, and so many of us cherished for years threw a grand total of………27 lumens. Yes – 27. Remember this.
The following are the estimated output levels based on battery type:
AA Alkaline:
HIGH – 330 lumens / LOW – 90 lumens
14500 Lithium Ion:
HIGH – 700 lumens / LOW – 90 lumens
That is 700 lumens from a mini flashlight. Flashlight technology has come so far.
Modes:
Like most modern flashlights the Klarus Mi7 has more modes of operation than needed. Anyone who is familiar with my flashlight reviews knows I like ON and OFF – and maybe a couple brightness levels.
Available modes:
HIGH
LOW
Moonlight(5 lumen)
Strobe – HIGH
Strobe – LOW
A Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words……..
* * * * * * * *
Above: No flashlight – just ambient light and obvious porch/street lights
Below: AA alkaline on HIGH
Above: Klarus Mi7 with 14500 battery on HIGH – impressive 700 lumens
Below: Beside my house – no flashlight
Above: 700 lumens from 14500 lithium ion battery in the Klarus
See below a video I made while outside:
Summary:
The Klarus Mi7 is an excellent EDC flashlight and perfect for the pack. The ability to use normal AA alkaline is a big plus however to get maximum performance 14500 batteries can be purchased inexpensively. The ability to throw 700 lumens in such a small and capable flashlight is something unavailable just a couple years ago.
Recommended.
Interested in purchasing the Klarus Mi7 Mini LED Flashlight? – follow THIS LINK and use Coupon: TL7CM . Not sure how long this discount code will be good for but I am going to order another myself.
I have a new method which to bring adventure into my life: kayaking. Long overdue I’ve wanted to buy some kayaks for the family and take advantage of being so close to a river. Couple weeks ago I bit and my youngest son and I just made our first trip.
Great experience and look forward to many more. Coasting down the river was incredibly relaxing and peaceful. With the kayaks we could get into some locations that just aren’t accessible any other way. All in I paid about $230 for each kayak(including oars and life jacket).
Well worth it. I’m sure over the next several months I’ll post more pics from trips.
Rourke
******Sorry for the low-res pictures. Taken with an old cell phone by a friend.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
It’s important to get away from it all and enjoy God’s creation once in awhile. For me that is on or near water, out in the country – or up in the mountains. Recently spent some time on the Catawba River which flows through North and South Carolina. Got some fishing in and enjoyed watching my youngest explore the shore and shallows – in the water.
I’m often thinking that more time needs to be spent unwinding doing things like this then life creeps in and suddenly weeks have gone my.
Planning on going to a new location this weekend and hopefully will have better luck with the fish. Looking at picking up a couple kayaks as well. Many floated by me while I was waist deep and it looked like an awesome time.
Here are a few pics:
Take care all –
Rourke
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* * * * * * * * * * *
From the Supply Depot: RECOMMENDED MOVIES
* * * * * * * * * * *
Looking for Preparedness Supplies? Check out the Fantastic Monthly Sale at Emergency Essentials.
Emergency Essentials has been an industry leader for over 25 years. Excellent service and prices have kept them leader of the pack.
From food storage products to camping supplies Emergency Essentials carries it all.
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Need clean water?
As I have mentioned previously 1776PatriotUSA.com is more than just current events, preparedness and all things SHTF. As individuals with limited existence on this planet and preppers who wish to stick around as long as possible wouldn’t it be great to truly enjoy life? I mean – life is full of up and downs but how many of us travel through life with blinders on and not seeing that which will really make us feel alive?
At 46 I would never proclaim to have all the answers however I will share a bit of wisdom I have managed to acquire along the way.
Here we go…..
GET OUTSIDE. For many of us today’s modern world filled with every gadget imaginable and where most any bit of information is at your fingertips it is easy to miss the beautiful environment around us. Most anywhere in this country a lake, pond, hiking trail, vineyard, apple orchard, or state park is within miles. Sometimes getting outside and enjoying nature will create a state of relaxation unlike most anything else. It’s also all in high-definition without the expensive electronics.
EXERCISE. Get out there and get the heart pumping and the sweat pouring. People that live sedentary lifestyles often miss out that feeling of being alive. They rarely feel their heart pumping blood through their veins and the high from surging adrenaline.
WATCH A SCARY MOVIE. Seriously. Pop some popcorn, shut the lights out and turn on Paranormal Activities. If you get into the movie you WILL feel alive. Just do me a favor – keep the 1911 filled with 185 grain jacketed hollow points in the safe. You don’t want to have to explain why there are bullet holes in your TV.
TAKE A COLD SHOWER. Want to feel alive? Jump in the shower with the water ice cold. Brrrrrrr……
GET A DOG. I was a cat guy for way too long. Cat’s are cool but dogs are best friends. Yeah – get a dog – or twelve.
HELP A STRANGER. I had a situation that made me feel extremely emotional – and very much alive. I didn’t set out to do this but it just kind of happened. I was in a Cracker Barrel with a few friends of mine. I noticed a large multi-family table with a young bald girl(cancer treatments) sitting there with her mother. This was right next to Carowinds – a giant theme park. I figured they had brought the girl there trying to get HER to feel ALIVE. I felt horrible. What did I have to stress about compared to this family who was facing the loss of their daughter? How about this young girl who likely wondered how much time she had left?
I went and saw the manager and told him I wanted to pay the families bill. He asked of it was OK to tell them and I said no. I wasn’t doing it for recognition. I went back to my seat with my friends. A few minutes later the manager went over and I could tell he was telling the mother their bill was taken care of. She started crying.
I felt horrible at the time but also very much alive. I still think of that little girl every so often.
DO WHAT YOU TRULY ENJOY. This may sound like an easy one but far too often we make excuses why we do not do the things we want to. Sometimes money is the cause but then $6 bucks a pop are blown at Starbucks on coffee. Sometimes it is a fear of embarrassment that stops you from doing what you truly enjoy. Unfortunately it may be an unsupportive spouse as well. Hey – if you want to go ballroom dancing or do stand up comedy at the local club the only one stopping you is you.
These are but a few suggestions and just like we all have favorite foods and cars what makes us feel alive is very unique to each of us. Do I practice what I preach? Not nearly enough.
So – what makes me feel alive? Here are a few:
Ok, how about you? What makes you feel alive?
JR
