EVERSTART MAXX SL10LEDE Lithium-Ion LED Rechargeable Spotlight

Gear Review

The EVERSTART MAXX SL10LEDE Lithium-Ion LED Rechargeable Spotlight is a powerful and long-lasting indoor/outdoor spotlight. 

Whether at home, in a vehicle, camping or during a roadside The ultra-bright LED provides up to 2200 lumens and features include CLO (continuous light output), so it stays brighter longer than traditional spotlights. It also features a rugged pistol-grip handle with a comfortable grip. 

The locking pivoting stand and convenient trigger lock provides hands-free operation. Recharge with the 2 Way USB port that provides up to 1A USB output. The Powerful LED provides a runtime of up to one hour on high and seven hours on low. Included battery - Lithium-ion technology allows for up to 12 months without recharging.

Comes with a 2 year Manufacturer's Warranty.

The above is the sales pitch found online.

Jackery Explorer 290 Portable Power Station

Gear Review

We are very impressed with our Jackery. It's never let us down and we can't find any faults with it. 

At home, we use it for backup whenever there is a power outage. We can be anywhere out in the yard and still be able to plug something in without having to worry about running any extension cords.

We take it with us whenever we go exploring the backroads. Just in case we need it and we always take it with us when we go camping. 

A person can charge it up while driving using the car plugin, plug it in at home or hook it up to portable solar panels.

Weighs 7.5 pounds, so it's not that heavy. Doesn't take up much room, so it's easy to store. Doesn't make any noise. Easy to carry with its handle. 

Foraging for Morels

Caution: Be careful when foraging for mushrooms of any kind. There are a number of poisonous mushrooms out there. Always cook the mushrooms before consuming to get rid of any toxins. Otherwise you risk stomach illness, or even death. Cook different species you have foraged separately. Never together.

The morel is more related to the truffle than it is to other mushrooms and, like truffles, is the fruit of a fungus that sprouts in the moist soil of woods and forests.

Morels have a unique, subtle, and complex flavor that's often described as earthy, nutty, woodsy, and toasted. They have a meaty texture that's tender but not chewy or squishy, and darker morels can have a hint of smokiness.

Morels begin to grow each Spring, when ground temperatures reach 11.7 degrees Celsius or 53 degrees Fahrenheit.

You can find them in areas of moist soil in woods or forests, often under the stumps of trees that have fallen, near creek beds and river bottoms, and disturbed landscapes found near old burns and logging sites.

Something moving in the woods - near mishap with the air horn

We were out exploring the far end of McDonnel Lake Road, up in behind Hudson Bay Mountain, Smithers, BC. In fact, we reached as far as we were able to drive. Large boulders stood in our way at the old bridge. So we parked and got out on foot to check things out.

I was on bear patrol as we had seen a fresh pile of grizzly scat in the area. I didn't want a bear to separate us both from the SUV. So I stayed close to the vehicle. Richard walked on down to the bridge to have a look and snap some photos.

From the looks of the tracks I had seen, and judging by the size of the scat I believe the grizzly was a large male. Luckily he stayed away.

Subscriber Appreciation Draws

We haven't started filming adventure videos yet. We have had to put that on hold until next year. Most of the videos we have on our new You Tube channel have been for use with our blog. Still, we have subscribers already and we do appreciate that.

To show our appreciation, we will be holding three draws between now and December.

1st draw is for an Adventures With Cecils coffee mug.

1. Subscribe to our You Tube channel

2. Like the 'Bears in the fireweed' video

3. Leave a comment on the video

Draw takes place 9 PM CST, September 27, 2024 and the winner announced the following day via video.

Winner of this draw is ...

The Year of the Mustang Journey

Out of Interest

Jake Harvath: 

The Year of the Mustang project is a journey of over seven thousand miles that I'm doing with my three mustangs; Bella, Denver and Eddy. Starting in Utah we will cross through thirty American States. Making the longest continuous horse pack trip ever done in a year's time. 

I am doing this to show the world the incredible value that mustangs have as working horses. I hope that this journey will not only educate people about horses but also open their minds to the possibility of adopting their own mustang. 

This video marks the beginning of an entire series that will be telling our story as my horses and I cross the United States over the next year.

Wonders of Willow Tea

Out of Interest & Camping Tips

Willows grow in abundance in northwestern, BC, Canada. I loved using them for decorations, creating wreaths, baskets and the biggest project of all was a massive gazebo for Dead Wood Gone Airbnb.

I used the bark for its medicinal property in the form of tea. Willow bark contains a chemical called salicin, which is similar to aspirin and flavonoids, which are anti-inflammatory plant compounds. Salicin is the precursor of salicylic acid. A phenolic chemical that has antibiotic and antifungal properties, which can help protect against infection.

I found it useful for headaches and muscle pain. People also use it for lower back pain, menstral cramps, osteoarthritis, bursitis, fever and flu. 

Northern Lights over Moosomin, SK, Canada

Out of Interest

Beautiful northern lights over Moosomin, Saskatchewan, Canada tonight.

Twin Falls, Smithers, British Columbia, Canada

Things To Do

Twin Falls is a unique ecosystem with a campground and trails set in a mature Hemlock forest. Tourists, of all ages, can watch the stunning views of the Twin Falls cascade down from Lake Kathlyn Glacier on Hudson Bay Mountain. Mountain goats can be seen on the cliffs near the trails. 

The beautiful recreation site has five designated campgrounds with picnic tables and outhouses are available. Access road is narrow with sharp corners. Larger vehicles should use caution. Be advised this is avalanche terrain.

Take Lake Kathlyn Road, just north/west of Smithers, to Glacier Gulch Road. The site is at the end of Glacier Gulch Road. From Smithers, it is approximately 15 min. by vehicle. 2-wheel drive access. From Witset, the drive will take approximately 24 minutes (29.8 km).

Jonas Creek Recreation Site, Telkwa, British Columbia, Canada

Things To Do

Jonas Creek Recreation Site is not widely known. Located along the Telkwa River, the drive to the location is absolutely beautiful. 

Turn south at the Village of Telkwa, cross the Bulkley River single lane bridge and follow Telkwa Coalmine Road. Keep right at the 1st junction after the pavement ends. Keep left at the second junction (1000 Road). Continue down the Telkwa River Forest Service Road 21.1km, Jonas Creek will be on your left.

It is gravel road most of the way. Some sections could be rough here and there. You may also come upon work crews in the area. Do keep an eye out for oncoming vehicles and watch for moose, deer and bear along the way.

The site operators are the Bulkley Valley Quad Riders Society.