Overnight Desert Trip with Patriot36

[@Wingman115]

One of these days I will have to take a ride out and explore the backcountry with you. Thanks so much for sharing.

[@Patriot36]

Ok, I've already got some places in mind brother. I'm PM ya....

[@wawhiker]

You show off your "playground" in the best way - awesome. I would so enjoy being able to sleep out overnight in a SOL bivy. Distance and size are deceptive - your many peaks, ridges and gulleys look to be hiking challenges but lots of fun. The loose rocks and slate make it interesting too I'll bet. Really enjoyed your commentary on the plant life. This was a great overnight to watch - wished I could have viewed it through your very fine optics. Well done as always P36, thanks for bringing us along!

[@Patriot36]

That means a lot to me coming from you, brother. Thank you! That's how a feel about your stuff. None of it is ever boring and I'm always glued to the screen looking at your country and the way you go about exploring it. I guess you could use the SOL but it would just take the right conditions. It's pretty good in the desert in Oct & Nov and then again in Mar & Apr. I did a couple of Dec & Jan but needed heat packs & hot drinks. I did one last Jan and shivered all night to the point that I couldn't move to video. It sucked but I know what I can 'survive' now...haha. The best way to judge distance and size out here is by the Saguaro cactus. I actually followed some gulleys on the way back but got myself in that inverse pause/record cycle and missed video of them. Maybe next time. Funny thing about the shale, I almost always wear gloves coming down and this time I didn't. It's so sharp that I didn't even realize that it opened my hand at first. I like to think it made me tougher :) Hey, if you ever find yourself down here, I've got optics that you can use all day man. Thanks again buddy!

[@Cr0cket20]

That was a really cool shot of the moon that you had early on. Was interesting to your discussion about the ground retaining all that heat. Something that I'm not used to in the areas that I frequent in general.

[@Patriot36]

I've sure gotten my money's worth out of that little Panasonic! Yeah, I'm so used to hearing others who need to stop conduction from cold, no problem with that here....at this this time of the year.

[@ds10363]

These vids are great. Learning new stuff about nature in your area is always interesting to me. More vids like this one is fine with me.

[@Patriot36]

Thanks DZ! Ok, I'll get another one up for ya man!

[@fireside9503]

You were on your way to being the Desert Joe Robinet, bro. These types of videos so relaxing and educational....and the desert so foreign to so many of us...especially this upstate NY boy. Hope you’re well. Miss these vids.

[@CampfireTalk]

You were like a bear awaking at the beginning of this one : ) Really great info on this one. I got a good feel of that area and the little details of camping you left in gave a sense of being there. I always appreciate water more after watching one of your videos. The bit where you were talking about water sources & the process to make it clean was a good reminder to me about places like that. Great point at the end after you got camp made you "knew why you came out there". Good stuff!

[@Patriot36]

Whooo! I was looking crusty when I got up! I was sort of trying to pass that feel along and it's one of the reasons I didn't get excessively mobile during the vid. I wanted to keep it all in the same few blocks of the neighborhood. With regards to the water, it always feels very dependent to me and it's humbling really. When they make these survival shows in the desert, they always have a wet subterranean wash or hidden well in the rocks. In real life, they aren't there and I've done my share of digging in stream beads. I think it gives people the wrong impression. I was thinking the other day, the desert isn't just some place you can be dropped off in and survive. It takes the local knowledge of people who know where the water is. The same is true for me if I go to an area I don't know. I'd have to consult with the people who know it. Peace bro! :)

[@ZombieSC]

Thanks for bringing us along Patriot! That breakfast looked delicious, and except for the bugs it looked like you had a great time!

[@Patriot36]

You got it Grog! It was pretty darn good but the bacon could have done with 1 minute less on the fire. The bugs only bug me when I'm trying to do something like video, pour water, eat, that kinda stuff. The rest of the time I just leave the head net on and forget about them. The most amazing piece of accessory clothing ever! :)

[@GeordiePrepper]

Man, I love those Cacti! Scenery looks great, thanks for sharing your adventure :-)

[@cmonsterz]

Great trip and thanks for bringing us along. Totally cool!

[@dcrickerson9775]

Hey Patriot, very nice video. Really beautiful country! Thanks for bringing us along.

[@Patriot36]

Hey DC, thanks man! Thanks for coming along. I've got another trip to a different location the first week in Nov. I'll keep the camera rolling!

[@usmale9112001]

Great vid Patriot! Yeah the skeeters are bad this year with all the rain we've had the past couple months. The weather is finally cooling down, I'm looking forward to hiking/hunting around 4 Peaks this weekend.

[@Patriot36]

Hey buddy! Yeah those gnats and no see ums have been worse since it dried some but the skeeters were pretty bad a few weeks ago too. I'm with you on the temperature! I'm SO glad it's cooling off. Now we've got a full 6 months of not feeling like we live under a broiler! Woohoo buddy!

[@morkovetz]

awesome random video, nice little adventure ! Great equipment also !

[@Patriot36]

Thanks! Really glad you enjoyed it man!

[@EnriqueSonora]

Enjoyed this. watched the whole thing.

[@Patriot36]

Thanks Enrique. Good to have you in the group buddy!

[@shramj]

Awesome vid Patriot, I went camping up at Seven Springs last weekend and the bugs were pretty bad. It's just from all the rain we have had this summer. Anyways, we got some great weather ahead of us for the next 6 months or so.

[@Patriot36]

Yeah, great area up there and you had some nice weather as well but a bit on the warm side. Like you said though, good stuff to come for a while. It's my favorite time on year here because it's just the start!

[@CoyoteWorks01]

Late in the video when you are talking about water sources you make the comment that "boiling doesn't do anything". I'm curious what you meant by that? In part because I consume quite a bit of water from pretty nasty desert water sources and most of the time I do filter it, but at times I only boil it. The boiling doesn't do anything for the color or the sediment, but I always understood that it does kill both bacteria and viruses. Just curious what you meant? Great video by the way. I really enjoy how much you talk about the plants, and other resources in your area. I think all of that is not only really important to know, but also very interesting serves to keep a person very connected to the environment.

[@Patriot36]

Coyote Works Yeah, very poorly worded on my part. I think the bugs were getting to me. In the prior sentence I was saying that depending on how nasty the water was, it might make sense to run it through a carbon element after or combined with the filter, something I usually do at cow tanks. In that regard, boiling of course has no effect on taste or as I call it, the sludge factor. As you stated, boiling kills everything. Thanks so much CW!

[@CoyoteWorks01]

I suspected that's what you meant. But I had to ask. You seem like a pretty knowledgeable guy so I figured it was just the way you worded it. But I hear you. Most of the time you really want to filter those water sources the best you can. Thanks for the reply. Really enjoying your videos.

[@crawwwfishh3284]

Beautiful country.

[@GREY1551]

Nice vid, wish I was there! Great to see you back brother!

[@Patriot36]

Thanks Stacy! In another month or so it won't be in the 90's during the day. That's when you want to visit! Thanks for coming along brother!

[@MrGhostwolf999]

Great video Patriot, these types are my favorite. Maybe some more local raptor hikes? Question: what model binos do you have, would you recommend them? Any other models for hiking, birding such as what you are doing? Thanks!

[@Patriot36]

Hey Ghostwolf! It's nice to hear when people like these because by views, they just don't get as many. Thanks for showing your support by liking and sharing. I had Swarovski 10x42 and 15x56's with me on this trip and of course I'd recommend them depending on what you're trying to accomplish. Here's the thing though, they're quite expensive and might not be needed. My most used binocular is a 8x32 Leica and 8X32 Zeiss. If you're trying to get the best performance possible for the least amount of money, have a look at the Nikon Monarch7 8x30 general stuff...hiking / birding as you say. Due to the questions about optics in this video and PM's, I'm probably going to make a video recommendation / suggestion video in November when it cools off a little.

[@cool_hand_luke97]

thanks buddy i love getting out in that desert country..even if it is a long way from georgia..keep them coming .and be safe..p..s dad

[@Patriot36]

That's great! So glad you enjoyed it dad! I'll try to get another one of these out from a different area when it cools down some more.

[@cool_hand_luke97]

thanks man be safe

[@ImASurvivorNThriver]

Too cool... Thanks for sharing.

[@Patriot36]

Thanks survivor, thanks for watching man!

[@CentralOregonSurvival]

What was the temp at night? Did the SOL keep you warm? Is there an airport close? Good coverage...

[@Patriot36]

No, wasn't cold. Yep, it was a bit too warm until 3-4am. I slept partially out of the bag for a while. A few airports about. You tend to see and hear aircraft for long distances out here.

[@cadrician]

Awesome, loved it! Great idea. Kinda national geo vibe! Lol! Really nice to see your neck of the wood or of the desert, humm! It sound wrong, I guess! Lol! I'm starting to beleive, that your day to day job have something to do whit nature, juste wondering? Thanks for sharing...

[@Patriot36]

Yo cadrician! I only thought of it about 4 hours before doing it. I got home, grabbed my desert bag which was already loaded (just add drinks and food) and headed out. It felt so free! Yeah man, sounds good to me, "my neck of the desert"...haha! No, but when I'm not working, the outdoors is my prime hobby and interest. It's been that way since I was a young teenager. Tonight I'm going for night walk in the deserts near my house. Thanks for watching brother!

[@Jerkabobber]

Damn it's pretty out there. Cool video and outing

[@Patriot36]

It sure is nice this time of the year and will only get better the next couple of months. The summer time out there is like being in a broiler. Thanks man!

[@plutoplatters]

try " Neem" oil...i hear it works for mosquitos... not sure about flys,etc

[@MrLNielsen]

Great video for sure. I am drooling over those Swarovski Bino's I wish I had a nice pair. What camera do you use for your video's?

[@Patriot36]

Thanks LLoyd! Oh yeah, they're great pieces of equipment. There are some other great choices out there that will get you close to the same performance for less than half the price though. It's an older Panasonic.

[@MrLNielsen]

Thanks Patriot, keep up the great videos!

[@MrPlayfulOtter]

1:46 Great zoom! I can see my house!

[@Patriot36]

Ah yes, the moon and the mountains! That little camera has given me my money's worth about three times over.

[@donniemongoose]

Enjoyed this great video.I was hoping it would go on for another 30 minutes. Definitely do more of these. By the way I wanted to buy me some good binoculars. What brand and models do you recommend? The 15 power looks like the one I want. Thanks again.

[@Patriot36]

Don, thanks for saying that man! It's exactly how I feel when I'm watching other outdooring channels that I like. After editing it down to 38 minutes I thought, "man, that's way to long!" Then I thought, "wait, for the people who don't get to experience this, they're going to love it." For those who are disinterested, they won't finish it or even click on it to begin with. Thanks for verifying what I was thinking dude! With regards to binoculars, that's a whole video series in itself. There are so many variables that I can't really help you much here. I'll tell you that my most used binoculars over the last 20 years have been 8x32s. They will do just about anything for you and don't weigh you down. 15X binoculars are not very versatile and are only helpful within narrow parameters. They make a good 2nd or 3rd binocular. Have a look at the Nikon Monarch7 8x32, Cabela's Instinct Euro HD 8x32, older Leica Trinovid 8x32BN (if you can find them), Zeiss Conquest HD, Nikon-HG L 8x32 DCF, Kowa-Genesis 8x33, 8x32, Zeiss FL 8x32, Swarovski SV 8x32. I have experience with all of them and I've named them roughly in ascending order by cost. The Monarch7 8x32 mentioned first would be the absolute bare minimum for someone spending a lot of time behind a binocular.

[@tobiray]

nice thanks for bring us alone

[@vikingjoe93]

What is the model number of the small pack that is connected to your larger back pack. I know you have a video about it ( field/stream pro series) but my local walmart is carrying a different one.

[@summit2g]

Awesome video man.

[@Patriot36]

I really appreciate that man. Thank you!

[@livebushcrafter7861]

What a beautiful ars you got there.. Damn im jealous!

[@Patriot36]

Yeah man, it's a really nice area. I'll be making a trip to the some other desert flats in a few weeks. I hoping it will cool down before I go.

[@therhinocraft]

I think I'm going to need to go hammock tonight, and I really need some good binoculars.

[@Patriot36]

Word bro! Have a great time! Have a look at the Nikon Monarch7 8x30. It's a decent optic for the money.

[@timothyp.oconnor4088]

Patriot you must have $5000 in binoculars and camera gear! That is a nice kit. What kind of boots are you wearing?

[@Patriot36]

Those are Vasque Breeze GTX's. I think I've had them a bit over 2 years and love 'em. Yeah, in video's like this I usually don't even mention the brand of glass I'm using unless someone like you happens to recognize them. First, I don't want to sound like some bragging hotshot because I could care less about brand if a tool works. In a way I've been forced to go to this level of optic because the Pentax & Steiners I was using 15 years ago weren't cutting it. Besides good clothing, my optics are my most valuable tools of exploration in this region. I spend so many hours behind them that it only makes sense to take the plunge. The nice thing though is that they last a lifetime if taken care of.

[@timothyp.oconnor4088]

Patriot: I used to do a lot of tagging and banding of shorebirds with science teams from Europe. At the time Kowa spotting scope was the best on the market and they were light years ahead of the other scopes. So I bought one and have it to this day. A few years after I bought the Kowa the Swarovski's showed up and I could not believe the difference between them and my Kowa.. They are very expensive but the image results are beyond compare. Far better than my Kowa. You should do a review on your binoculars. Do you have to do any land navigation with a compass and map on your trips or are the trails well marked and near civilization.

[@Patriot36]

Timothy P. O'Connor Interesting history with your optics and banding jobs Tim! Kowa again has one of the best out there with the TSN 883. It's on par with the Leica 82APO and the Swarovski. Like you pointed out, they sort of take turns creating the latest and greatest. When it comes to alpha binoculars it's currently dominated by Zeiss, Leica, Swarovski and Nikon, although other manufacturers make some good products in their own price categories. We don't have many trails out here except for designated hiking hot spots (which I rarely use) so for most of the travel in the Tonto National Forest, I just walk wherever it makes the most sense. Navigation out here is mostly visual except for when I go up to the pine country and then it's back to map & compass again.

[@Danielshorsemanship]

Not to be off topic but I was just wondering what kind of Camera do you have cause that shot of the moon was great. Nice video hope to hear from you soon.

[@Klpcuda1]

You should do a video on the plants out here I go hiking out here and still don't even know all their names. Or do you know of a good book that tell me a lot about them?

[@Patriot36]

I have a small collection of plant books but I find the most useful things to be laminated cheater cards and pamphlets. Learn the common stuff first, then move on to the more obscure. I also keep a log and try to learn 1 new plant each time I go out. If it's not on my cheater card, I take pictures and research it later. I'm not that great at it but I'm slowly learning.

[@mikee2482]

Bacon = Breakfast of champions.

[@ToddfromCalifornia]

Didn't find any more of the rare sausage Ocotillo ?

[@Patriot36]

HAHA!!! Dude! The stuff you guys remember amazes me! You are a true channel fan and one of the reasons that I enjoy doing this stuff. Thank you! :D

[@ToddfromCalifornia]

Patriot36 Wow thanks man for the nice words. I enjoy your videos it inspires my to get out and explore this beautiful country. That video with the sausage Ocotillo cracked me up for a second or two I was like WHAT THE HECK !! lol Keep up the good work.

[@kenny9823]

great vid ,,,, all the best kenny

[@Patriot36]

Thanks Kenny! Back at ya man!

[@cool_hand_luke97]

i also meant to ask .how do you feel about snakes .when sleeping on the ground

[@Patriot36]

Rattlesnakes are the only type to worry about and fortunately, God seems to have made them smart enough and mild tempered enough that they don't seek you out or want to be near you. They're pit vipers and when they see a heat signature as large as a person they stay away. That's of course generally universal but not absolute. It's a good idea to look around before you move and I've always had the plan in my head to slowly roll away if I should wake up and find one close. In short, it's such a low risk to someone with common sense that it's an after thought.

[@cool_hand_luke97]

i have slept on the ground for years with no probelm.maybe im loosing my nerve at an older age.you be safe my freind.GOD BLESS

[@Patriot36]

colby turner ...and maybe for good reason in your case. If I'm not mistaken, you have different species out there... Water Moccasin's and perhaps other, more aggressive types?

[@CampfireTalk]

Patriot36 Water moc's in the southeast. Another reason I opt for hammock or tent especially if your camping by a river/creek. Had one crawl under my tent floor as I woke one morning.

[@cool_hand_luke97]

a hammok is what i went to in summer.a tent in winter.

[@AlexanderWolf]

all that stuff and no bug repellent?? Just kidding. Nice video.

[@europeancavebeast9100]

oh come one, just use your cell phone and order domino's. Your probably in sight of a strip mall.

[@TacticalOwl7]

Sorry I woke you up, didn't mean to make all that noise. Just wanted some of that bacon you made for supper.

[@Patriot36]

Hey no worries, I run a hot camp and usually take extra food bro! :)

[@Jerkabobber]

Do you have a slik tri pod?

[@Patriot36]

It's a Bogen tripod but Slik makes nice ones too!