Resources

This page contains some reference information about resources I use in Wander & Ponder that I thought might be of interest. You'll see a few sections below:

Wandering Resources - things that go into hiking, kayaking, etc. that might be of interest.
Pondering Resources - things that help me source thoughts and ideas.
Production Resources - things that I use to pull together this web site, the YouTube channel, and other media projects.

Like much of the web site, this is a work in process.

Wandering Resources

Hiking

Phone Apps

Websites & Other Resources

Pondering Resources

Generating Thoughts

Capturing and Processing Thoughts

Wandering Resources

Hiking

In some ways, hiking is pretty straight forward. Put on a pair of shoes and walk. Actually, I guess shoes could even be optional. But I'll list a few things here any way.

Basic Equipment

Boots - Prior to 2022, I had been rocking a pair of EMS boots that I had picked up in 2003 for $65.60 ($106 in 2022 dollars). In retirement, I picked up some Merrell Moabs and have been happy with them.
Shoulder Bag - Most of the time, I use a Maxpedition Jumbo Versipack shoulder bag that I picked up in 2010. I prefer it over a backpack as it's easier to get things in and out quickly. It has enough room for a liter water bottle, my 'Just In Case Bag (JIB)', two sandwiches, an apple, a camera, and a few other things.
In 2024, I picked up the Maxpedition Mongo Versipack, a larger version.
My 'just in case' bag is a 5"x7"x2" pouch that I can either put in shoulder bag or attach to my belt. It contains a personal location beacon, flashlight, space blanket, multitool, fire starting stuff, compass, twenty-dollar bill, sharpie, and small first aid kit.

Winter Hiking

Trekking Poles - I have a pair of Black Diamond poles. I seldom use these while hiking; I have them more for snowshoeing.
Snowshoes - I own MSR Lightning snowshoes. Usually want at very least 10" of snow, unless in Adirondacks or other places where they are required after 8".
Microspikes & YakTrak - depending on how icy it might be.
Gaiters - I have a pair of Frelaxy 15".

Phone Apps

My phone is an android, Samsung, so the comments below are based on that platform unless otherwise mentioned.

Navigation and Tracking

MapMyFitness from UnderArmor. I had this for a long time, originally for walking. I think there had been other versions (MapMyWalk, MapMyRun, etc.) that were consolidated into this application. I use this for tracking rather than navigation. The App also allows you to see your data through browser as well. You get the basics - distance, time, elevation gain, splits, calories. I use it for walking, hiking, biking, kayaking. I use the basic/free version. They have a paid version, though they call it "MVP Membership" as it is a subscription model.
AllTrails. I use the AllTrails+ (previously known as AllTrails Pro). This is helpful for navigation. The plus (Pro) level allows one to download maps for scenarios where there is no cell service. (I still recommend paper maps). The Plus is a subscription service. You can see various routes that others have posted or create your own (I think this requires Plus as well).

Other

Merlin by the Cornell Lab is a bird identification application that I really enjoy. You can identify via photo or sound. It supports realtime or post process images and recordings when there is no service. It also can track your bird lists.
PlantNet does plant identification. It comes from the Pl@ntNet Consortium. As in Merlin, you can use it real-time by taking pictures or have it look at pictures in your gallery. I tend to use the latter approach as I often want to use the pictures for other purposes and PlantNet doesn't leave the images in the standard gallery location.