Oxbow and Arcadia / Mill River Kayak – 4.8 Miles

Sunday Morning a couple friends and I headed out for a early morning kayak trip.  This was my first trip out on the kayak for the season, my kayak has been in storage and I figured it was about time that I go pick it up…

We met at the Oxbow boat launch for 7:30AM I was surprised to see how busy it was.  The launch has 2 parking spots for cars with roof top boats only but they seem to fill up fast, one was open when we got there.  The concrete launch is nice but you have to move quick and get out in the water because it is almost certain that a boat on a trailer is waiting for you.  The water in the Oxbow is murky brown and there is no current to speak of.  I figured we would run into more power boats but only a few on the way back.

Mill River Kayak

The real adventure starts when you pass under the low clearance bridge and into the Mill River.  The river is narrow and shallow in some parts and passes through the Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary, be on the lookout for submerged logs just under the surface.  There are a few downed trees you have to make your way around and under before you reach one that requires you to port over, this is where we turned around…  There is a medium current in the river and you really notice it when you start to head back. We saw a couple blue herrings on the trip back, but I am sure there is much more wildlife to be seen here. It was nice to be back on the water…

Most of the kayaking I have done was in Central Mass so I can’t wait to explore more waters in Western Mass…

Healthy Camping Food Ideas

Its easy to overindulge when camping. S’mores are just so delicious and hamburgers and hot dogs are so much fun to cook over the open fire. Here are some ideas for healthier camping food options…

The easiest thing to do is take a look and see if you can find lower calorie versions of the food you would normally take.  Replace fatty cuts of meat with leaner cuts, hamburgers with turkey burgers, find lower fat hot dogs, baked potato chips or pretzels rather than greasy chips. Beef jerky is a great healthy camping food most are 97% fat free.  Don’t forget your veggies too, many are very very tasty cooked over the open fire.

• Corn on the Cob – Peal back the husk and remove Read more »

Weigh-in Week 34 and 35

Week 34

Start Weight: 298 lbs
Current Weight: 298.6 lbs
Weeks Change: +2 lbs
Last Weight: 296.6 lbs
Total Change: +1 lbs

Week 35

Start Weight: 298 lbs
Current Weight: 292.8 lbs
Weeks Change: -5.8 lbs
Last Weight: 298.6 lbs
Total Change: -5.2 lbs

Roasted “Beets & Sweets”

Beets & Sweets

I think beets and sweet potatoes are my two favorite vegetables.  Combine them with garlic, salt and some white onion and we have a winner…

This is something I would usually think to make in the fall or winter but had some beets and sweet potatoes both just sitting there on the table so I figured summer, why not…

Ingredients:

• 3 large beets or 5 medium beets, peeled and cut into chunks
• 3 medium sweet potatoes, cut into chunks
• 1 large white onion, cut in large pieces
• 4 cloves garlic, pressed
• salt and pepper to taste
• 4 tablespoons olive oil

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 370 degrees F
2. Place chunked beets in a gallon ziplock bag with 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1/2 the pressed garlic and salt and pepper to taste. Shake well to coat beets.  Place beets on a large baking sheet, single layer. bake for 20 min.
3. Place chunked sweet potatoes and onion in large bowl add 2 tablespoons olive oil, rest of garlic, and salt and pepper to taste.  Mix in bowl.  Add beets from oven and toss to mix.
4. Place beets and potatoes back on baking sheet and return to oven for 30- 40 mins or until veggies are tender and enjoy!

Week 33 – Weigh-in

Week 33

Start Weight: 298 lbs
Current Weight: 296.6 lbs
Weeks Change: -.8 lbs
Last Weight: 297.4 lbs
Total Change: – 1 lbs