Instructable: Super light spice kit!

Let me introduce you to one of my all time favorite websites:
Instructables
Instructables is a website where thousands of people create and post tutorials. You can find everything from jewelry making, art, design, camping, gear, bike repair, computer repair and all sorts of things! There is even an instructable teaching you how to convert a gas powered motorcycle to eletric. If you want to learn how to do something, or need some creative gift ideas, this is the website to go to.

I love this site because I've found so many great "outdoorsy" projects.
This super-light spice kit is one of my favorites. I plan to make one very soon to use during my treks next summer.


Ultra-Lightweight Backpacking Spice Kit (only 1oz.) - More DIY How To Projects

New Toys!

I haven't been very adventurous so far this winter. I've been busy selling cool outdoor gear, gadgets and clothes at Great Outdoor Provision Company. During my downtime, I've been daydreaming about places I want to go, and gear I'll need for those adventures. I've already got a list going for next summer. Today my list just got shorter. My roommate gave me a deck compass for Christmas!

Now, I've got a new gadget to learn to use. I hope to teach myself to navigate in open water without reference points. Maybe I'll brave the cold and take it out for a test run after Christmas.

Paddling clothes for warm weather

Going sea kayaking but not sure what to wear? I've spent three summers guiding expedition sea kayaking treks. During these trips, I learned what was essential, what was a luxury, and the things that just got in the way. I took just the basics, although I was completely willing to sacrifice changes of clothing for a few creature comforts. I literally wear the same outfit every single day. The only changes in clothing were due to changes in weather. If it got chilly, I put on pants and a very light jacket. If it rained, I put on a rain jacket. Otherwise, I wore my long sleeve shirt and quick dry shorts every single day. I would always tell my groups to get used to my outfit because it wouldn't change all week. They often reacted by telling me how gross it was that I wore the same thing for 5 days. Your clothes will get dirty and smelly no matter whether you wear them for a day or 5 days. If you're a bit muddy or your shirt starts to smell, you can always go for a dip in the ocean! Why bring extras when they're taking up valuable space for other things?

Here's my list:

Essential Clothing
-long sleeve, button up, quick dry shirt (no rash-guards!!)
-1 pair quick dry shorts + 1 pair quick dry long pants
OR
-1 pair of zip off convertible quick dry pants
-rain jacket
-wide brimmed hat, that floats, with a string
-water shoes or sandals (I reccommend : Keens, Vibram 5 Fingers, Chacos)
-bandana or buff

Optional Clothing
-swimsuit (note, your swimsuit will dry much more slowly than you quick dry clothes. I swim in my everyday clothes)
-rain pants (really only needed for when it rains while you aren't paddling, I never bring any- its usually so warm I dry pretty quickly anyway)
-paddling gloves (may be good if you don't paddle much, I haven't used them)
-underwear (I don't wear any during my treks. just another layer of clothing to get and stay wet) if you bring any, make sure it dries fast
- a very light jacket if you're cold-natured

want to know exactly what I wear? here is the same list, but with brands:

Ali's trek clothes:
-ExOfficio Dryflite Shirt (long sleeve, button up quick dry shirt with sleeves I can roll up)
-Moving Comfort Cameo Racerback sports bra
-Prana "Bliss Knickers" (quick dry shorts)
-Prana "Bliss Pant" (quick dry long pants)
-Marmot Crystalline Rain Jacket
-Patagonia Women's R1 pullover (light jacket)
-Vibram 5 Fingers- Women's KSO (paddling shoes)
-Chaco Hipthong sandals (for on land)
-Prana Sabin Racer top (tank top)
-Buff (multifunctional bandana)
-Columbia wide brimmed hat
-If I am with friends or headed to Ocracoke, sometimes I'll bring a bikini. It serves as an extra bra top for when I get sick of the sports bra.

My Paddling Clothes by WayfinderAli

The Beginning

So here's to my first blog post! The Wayfinder blog will be dedicated to all of the adventures of me, Ali Williams. I've been to some pretty amazing places and have done some pretty cool things and I don't plan to stop adventuring any time soon. Through this blog I'll share my stories, photos, knowledge and the lessons I've learned on my various adventures.