Author Archive for Desert Dog
Tucson, AZ Realtor & Investor. My true passions however are hiking and whisky (although generally not at the same time). If you have a question about any of these just drop me a line!
Hiking Report: Hiking Stove Review
Here is a quick comparison of my backpacking stoves. Super Cat, Svea Optimus, MSR Dragonfly, and MSR XGK.
Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey
Going Whisky Hunting; Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey Review; Whisky Word of the Day For the Podcast of my interview with Jake Norris, Stranahan’s head distiller, CLICK HERE. Stranahan’s Colorado Whisky Surprisingly good for a two year old. Very complex and spicy with a cinnamon and herbal influence. Not Scotch and not Bourbon, just a good solid [...]
Lost Hiker Does it Right
Here is a link to the story of Ross Mason, a hiker that got “lost” in the Gila Wilderness in New Mexico earlier this month. Ross was a little unprepared for the trip, had a little bad luck, and took one wrong turn on the trail. Like most hikers unfamiliar with the desert, he underestimated [...]
Tucson 2nd Annual Whisky Weekend
Hey all you Tucson Whisky Maniacs, the 2nd Annual Whisky Weekend is being held at the Hotel Congress on December 17-19th. Click Here for Info. No I’m not sponsoring it and I’m not making any money off of it. I’m just excited. If you’re going leave a comment and I’ll look for you. Maybe set [...]
Tanque Verde Wash
One of the great things about Tucson is that there are some fantastic places to walk. During the summer, the washes (dried stream beds for those of you from wet places) are pretty unbearable but now that the weather has cooled they are a great place to put in some miles. They are easy walks [...]
Whisky Review: Macallan 12 Year Old Single Malt
Macallan 12 Year Single Malt Scotch Whisky A good whisky but nothing to write home about. Fruity character with an underlying saltiness that reminds me of the ocean. A little too light and a bit forgettable. Overall Score: 14/25 Nose: 3/5 Palate: 3/5 Finish: 3/5 Experience: 5/10
Store Review: Total Wine & More, Tucson, AZ
A little slice of whisky heaven! I am a happy, happy man! The liquor stores I have been frequenting in Tucson have a limited whisky selection and what they have is a bit overpriced. The Beverage House on Broadway has maybe 25 Scotch single malt expressions and just a handful of Irish whiskies–just the common [...]
Whisky Dreams: Highland Park’s Vintage Selection
You probably won’t find this in the local grocery. Here is something for all of you exotic malt hunters to dream about. Highland Park is releasing two vintage single malts, a 45 year old and a cask strength 40 year old. They are expected to fetch 3,750 GBP and 2,250 GBP (sorry no special character [...]
Whisky Review: Glenmorangie 10 Year Single Malt
Glenmorangie 10 Year Single Malt Scotch Whisky One of my favorites. A great moderately priced Highland single malt whisky. Light fruity character with enough depth and complexity for just about anyone. Overall Score: 18/25 Nose: 4/5 Palate: 4/5 Finish: 3/5 Experience: 7/10
A Word About Scoring Whisky
I spent considerable time on the question of how I should score whisky for my reviews. Distillery blenders may spend as much as ten years learning the nuances of a whisky’s nose and palate before they are entrusted to work alone, so it is hardly reasonable to expect an amateur, however passionate, to describe and [...]
Seven Tips for Starting a Campfire
Fire making is an essential survival and backcountry skill, and like any skill, you need some basic knowledge and lots of practice! Here is video and a few tips to help you get that campfire going.
A Dog’s Life
I’ve been a bit busy lately, so here is a short video of Saja showing what is really important in life.
Wanderlust
The fall has always been a special time for me. A time to hit the road and travel. Here is a short post to try to capture my mood.
Reddington Pass by the Numbers (Miles 5-7): Shooting Ranges
Heading east on Reddington Road, you hit a series of tight switchbacks just past the Upper Tanque Verde Falls trail head. There are no significant trails on this section of the road. To the south the terrain drops off steeply as you climb to the first pass, while to the north a gentle valley flows [...]
Tanque Verde Falls Water Level
We’ve had a couple of good, strong rains over the past week in northeast Tucson and I’ve seen an increase in search hits for water levels in Reddington, so I thought I’d give a quick update on conditions in the Tanque Verde valley.
Packing for a Day Hike Revisited
My recent day hike into Redfield Canyon Wilderness highlighted that not all day hikes are created equal and safety considerations dictate that the prudent hiker will pack accordingly. A couple of months ago I posted Packing for a Desert Day Hike. The article outlines the gear I carry for a typical out and back hike, [...]
Redfield Canyon Wilderness
What a wonderful soreness a strenuous hike brings! I love it but have a sneaking suspicion that Saja doesn’t share my feeling! She’s exhausted after our weekend romp and slept most of the day today. I can’t blame her. Climbing out of the canyon was the toughest mile I’ve hiked in a long time. But [...]
Field Test: Osprey Kestrel 48 Backpack
I’ve been anxious to give my Osprey Kestrel some field time, but I’ve been unable to break away for an overnight trip. This weekend I planned to make a day trip to Redfield Canyon Wilderness so I decided to pack the Kestrel as if it was a two day trip and see how it did. [...]
Must Have Hiking Gear That Never Leaves the House
It sounds counterintuitive at first, but some of the best hiking gear I have never leaves the house. No, I’m not talking about tents, packs, or boots. I’m talking about those things that I use at home to make my field experience safer or more enjoyable. Here is my Top 5 list of Must Have [...]
Gear Review: FoodSaver V3840 Vacuum Sealer
I’ve only been using my vacuum sealer for a couple of days and I’ve already decided that this is a “must have” item. My wife picked up a FoodSaver V3840 Upright Vacuum at Costco last month and I unpacked it this week during my latest food drying marathon. The sealer was selling for around $140 [...]
Reddington Pass by the Numbers (Miles 0-5): Tanque Verde Falls
Reddington Pass is one of Tucson’s most accessible recreation areas and provides for a wide range of activities from hiking to shooting to four-wheeling. Most of the pass falls within Coronado National Forest’s jurisdiction but there is also a fair amount of private land. As always respect the rights of the private land owners, leave [...]
