Trail damage while solo exploring & winter camping by a river • Attempting French cuisine at camp

[@markthomas4083]

Only a few minutes into this episode, a thought 💭 came to mind…… find a 🐕 from the local shelter, adopt it and expand your joy with the new four legged friend. My faithful companion, Scout has added so much value to all my adventures. Not to mention his keen senses alert me to unnoticed dangers.

[@JMAN-jh8dj]

Keep those cooking videos coming. I myself enjoys watching how people cook while camping as it gives me some ideas when I’m in the bush

[@Scotty1963AZUSA]

We like people's cooking segments. We feel the food and eating is a major part of an outing! And that fare looked great! We can't begin to imagine the aroma, food always smells and tastes better in the outdoors! Thanks for the video.

[@alanmohn4146]

Watching your videos for the past 4 years it's great to see how your channel has grown. You're closing in on 100K in subscribers. Hopefully this year you get the KZbin award.

[@SeanStewart88]

I’ve always said how Donald doesn’t already have 100k followers is madness to me. One of the best channels out there.

[@softroadingthewest]

I would love to hit 100K this year, I'm gonna do what I can to get there.

[@Boltedderg]

The cooking segments are nice! As someone who is not a good cook. It's cool seeing ya cook stuff without much of a kitchen, kinda gives me inspiration as to what I could do given I put some effort into cooking lol. Keep up the good work man!

[@metaxaanabeer]

I spent 37 years in the independent, owner operated, restaurant business. Started in the dish pit, ended up in ownership with everything in between. One rule I know: you never cook with wine you are not willing to drink. Doesn't have to be great or even all that good but it must be drinkable. Anybody want to fight me on that go ahead, it improves Donald's algorithm and viewer engagement makes him a touch more revenue. For that new mirror.

[@Joep5465]

Nah dude. I have zero experience cooking with red wine, but I know that the more pungent the wine, the better the taste. I'd recommend leaving the wine out for for several weeks before using it in a dish. This of course is total nonsense, but for the algo.....

[@cmv7284]

I have no clue if you’re right or wrong. I’ll post this response though to help out for the repair costs. lol

[@om617yota7]

I'm in for helping the algorithm. Insert random unknowing comment here.

[@softroadingthewest]

I make sauces frequently by cooking down vinegar, and that is far from drinkable. That's what made me think the oxidized red wine might still be fine cooked down...and it was. I will never again toss a half bottle of red that has sat too long, that's now an excuse to stew something up! 😆 Appreciate your faithful viewing and regular commentary!!

[@jeffreypreiss8191]

Nice to see you out exploring again. Hopefully, that means Dad is feeling better. As amazing as your musical choices are for many of your videos, there's something comforting about just hearing the tires on the dirt, the running water, and the crackling fire. Thanks again for bringing us along on this little trip.

[@wanderantics2898]

HAAH! I remember once I planned to cook a steak, but forgot oil, salt and any seasoning 😬 Luckily I also had some extra American bacon planned for breakfast that was salty as heck so I used it for grease AND salt and it saved the day 😁 I personally love cooking segment within the outdoors video so no complaints here 🙂Nice vid as always, good to see you back on trails and all the best for your family!

[@zackdemundo]

I could almost smell the food. Even the _herb_element_. Your cooking has inspired me! I’m going to have you cook all my meals when I camp! Side hustle!! 😂 Seriously - you deserved this perfect interlude.

[@softroadingthewest]

The way my KZbin numbers are going these days, I may need that side hustle! Honestly if the price were right, I think I might actually enjoy that!

[@the_meagan_channel]

Since Julia Childs died, I come to the Softroadingthewest channel for cooking techniques for le French cuisine.

[@scottymac5174]

"Where's Les Beouf?" Hahaha! Space potatos... I always carry 3 - 4 packs in my food box.

[@greywolf97883]

I am sorry to hear about your father. I know its hard because I have been helping my father fight cancer. If you are ever passing through La Grande OR please let me know I would love to have a meet and great and see your rig in person. Happy trails 🙂

[@ryanb2182]

Definitely good to get back out there. Sorry the mirror was a casualty of the trip.

[@scottymac5174]

Good to see you able to get back out into the woods again. I hate hospitals. Something that you personally have to experience to truly understand. The time to clear your head and push the reset button..

[@davidk6668]

I have switched over to advance food preparation so that when I get to camp all I have to do is warm it up or just eat cold. I can prepare up to 1.5 weeks worth. This allows for more of my time enjoying the ambiance. Also I prepare so that cleanup is reduced conserving limited water.

[@johnlyngdal8601]

Ripping off a mirror is a badge of honor for an offroader. I think my Jeep XJ is on mirror #3 on the passenger side. Glad to see you back in the hills.

[@softroadingthewest]

Agreed! It's why I never fixed the dents on the passenger side of my truck, acquired driving a gnarly trail in Utah after dark. It's a great souvenir from one of my favorite trips ever. 😄

[@frstesiste7670]

I don't mind cooking segments on this channel and others although I don't understand why they are included (more than a few seconds). This is KZbin and it's only one click to jump ahead from cooking segments or other parts of a video I don't find interesting - and thanks for the chapter links!

[@daneboro6847]

Great to see you uploading again, prayers for your father and your family 🙏

[@subaruforester5062]

Glad your back. Ive been here since stock forester days

[@softroadingthewest]

Thanks for watching (and watching and watching!! 😄)

[@zccolby]

You might have better luck just using twine that you unstrand multiple times and make a "birds nest" then just take a glop of vasaline/hand sanitizer/chapstick and mix it into the birds nest then light that. you carry a lighter on your trip so that should make quick work of small kindling. been following you for a while, I like to practice survival/semi-basic wilderness fire prep so I have a few suggestions if you ever would like to chat. I am happy you are back out. im hoping I can get out dispersed this year, lots of state park camps with family and friends so dying to get deeper.

[@softroadingthewest]

It's not that I need a different way to start a fire. I've used numerous techniques over the years and have long made my own firestarters with makeup pads and vaseline, or even just using a knife to make shavings. I fabricated this alcohol burner after seeing a similar product at Expo last year. Originally it was just to see if it was even worth the hassle to DIY it vs just buying one from the company, but I modified the design to specifically fit my Snow Peak fire pit, and discovered that it not only starts my fires better because the four arms spread the flames out further under all the kindling, but it also creates a better foundation in the otherwise awkward inverted pyramid shape of the fire pit. That was an unexpected surprise benefit which has earned my little alcohol burner a permanent place in my winter packout (it fits right into the bag for the Snow Peak). I've still just been using the 70% alcohol I already had on hand, but I'm going to experiment with 90% and denatured alcohol which everyone says will burn easier. Here is the origin of my alcohol burner: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nnrKoIOKjN5gd9k

[@paultompkins7392]

Nice video! Good to see you back in life. Hope things continue to go well. Thanks for all you do.

[@swidahooverlanding2867]

Good to see you back on the trails! There is probably a plug in behind the door panel for the mirror. Go to a salvage yard to get a mirror. I usually pick them up around here for $16.00. Pro tip: before you remove the mirror on your truck go to the salvage yard first. That way you will get a idea how the panel and mirror come apart without risking breaking something on your truck. Hope all is well with the family now! See you next time. George.

[@softroadingthewest]

Good idea to hit the salvage yard prior to disassembling my own truck! And yes, another viewer/Frontier owner confirmed the plug is indeed down inside the door panel. Thanks George!

[@jeffreyajello6046]

Welcome back! Glad you made it out for an adventure and enjoyed the cooking segment! Looked delicious

[@SeanStewart88]

I always enjoyed the cooking segment but I can totally see why you might not want to add them every video. Good to have you back on adventures!

[@softroadingthewest]

Yeah I definitely will not be doing another long cooking segment like this anytime soon. 😆

[@pala4833]

@@softroadingthewest Quel dommage.

[@locallakedude]

Look at you... gettin' all Julia Childs in the Woods. For what it's worth, I like the cooking stuff. Best to you and yours, welcome back!

[@garycloud9631]

Good to see you out and about again even if it was just an ovenighter. I know you have to please the masses but I like the cooking segments. it gives me ideas for my own trips.

[@jeffreypreiss8191]

Glad to see you have the opportunity to get out exploring again. I assume that means your family member is feeling better. Sending good thoughts. As much as I enjoy your musical choices in your videos, there is something to be said for a simple "soundtrack". The sounds of tires on dirt, the stream babbling and gurgling, the fire crackling away are all we need sometimes. Thanks for sharing your trip.

[@softroadingthewest]

I agree. I enjoy the music element as part of my editing/storytelling process, but every now and then it works out to build a video with no music and I like it too. One of my favorite KZbin channels, Venture4WD, used zero music for many years and I absolutely love his work. Thanks for watching!

[@KenBexploring]

Bonjour! Great to see you out and about again! Nice cooking segment, I enjoyed that. Julia Child would be proud.

[@softroadingthewest]

Julia is absolutely an inspiration! Thanks Ken!

[@Stacy-w5f]

I've missed the cooking segments! Please bring them back when it works out for you! I totally get the not wanting to deal with cooking AND filming it, though, so if it doesn't always work out, no worries, but I would love for cooking to make a comeback! For the food haters, I think the ability to skip forward to the next chapter seems like a great way to keep them happy too!

[@softroadingthewest]

I was surprised by how many comments I received along these lines. I'm glad to hear you enjoy the cooking, because I truly had fun putting this meal together and filming it. I'll start integrating actual cooking segments again from time to time, but will make sure I add chapter links to those episodes to make skipping them easy. Thanks for watching! 🙂

[@thomasquigley7040]

Red wine left open for a few days is bitter. Red wine left open for a few months is vinegar 😉. My wife and I love taking fancy dishes and 'de-elevating' or 'lowering' them to camp dishes. Chicken Cacciatore in a cast iron skillet with tin foil for a lid. Yum.

[@kennethboatner8611]

Get Jason to make you one of his portable fire pits . Looks like you can cook on it too

[@wildcatoutdoors]

Good call on the cooking segments! It is rinse wash repeat with the overlanding channels. We are here for the views and adventure!

[@Oregontrailblazin]

Prayers for you and your Dad!

[@mkramme]

Nice to see you back camping. I like all your content, but I also really like seeing you cook, I hope you include cooking again in the future There are some of us that really like to get idea's to cook in camp. I know some prefer to eat pre-packed food etc however cooking in camp is very enjoyable to me and other folks.

[@DanitaReynolds]

I agree too that cooking in camp is enjoyable. I like seeing what other people cook so I can try it too. I personally think that planning and prepping ingredients ahead of time saves time in camp which allows you to have fabulous meals.

[@iamgeoffandthisismystory]

Awesome to see you back out there Donald 🎊🤙🏻🇿🇦

[@alainbeausejour3159]

I understand the need to get to the woods, in my case, it's get to the water. I also just spent the last couple of months taking care of family members. Unfortunately my older brother pass away. Thanks for sharing.

[@softroadingthewest]

I'm so sorry to hear about your brother. Take care, and thank you for watching.

[@indoors-outdoorshobbies]

Watched and enjoyed the whole video! Glad to see you back in the outdoors and hope your dad will be OK. Keep up the good work. Cheers, Kevin

[@chuckrf1502]

I never understood the tire table. It did not seem to have any advantage over a folding table from Walmart.

[@softroadingthewest]

The two main "pros" I found for the tire table were: 1) it can be set up perfectly level and stable regardless of the ground being unlevel or muddy or sandy or whatever; and 2) it is extremely sturdy - when I would bump into it, it would not budge...I bumped into my folding table while cooking this meal and very nearly suffered the tragic loss of my entire dinner. 😆 That said, I largely agree with your sentiment...the tire table has too many "cons" for me, I'm done with that experiment. 😄

[@mikelaan61970]

Great to see you out again. Hope that your father’s doing better! ❤

[@pellcio]

I sorta like the cooking segments. They’re more interesting than MOST of the Overlanding video channels I also watch. Some are like, really? Do you have to show how you made THAT basic PBJ?

[@roykent2316]

Thank you for sharing this lovely trip with us, I enjoyed it very much ☺ Beautiful forest, and the campfire and food gave me a cozy feeling!

[@susang994]

Add my vote to the “yes, let’s have cooking segments”. And it was nice to see something besides steak ( as much as I love it). Glad you got out for a bit.

[@STinGa157]

Glad to see you back out in the woods. Too many people stick with hotdogs and sandwiches out on their trips. It’s nice to see something different.

[@campoutwestus]

Beautiful camp spot! So glad you were able to get out and recharge in nature.

[@softroadingthewest]

Thanks, definitely felt great to be back out!

[@GreysonPlaisance]

Look into a Flip Fuel! Happy trails brother!

[@softroadingthewest]

That's an interesting little device!

[@Wrongwayadventures]

@@softroadingthewestI have used this devise on my backpacking fuels. Works very well

[@milesb4231]

Fantastic that you found some time to get back out there - I could see how happy you were just pumping gas. Good for you. You will not regret taking more time if you need it. I just realized I've been watching you for 5 years now!

[@gerryhartung736]

I seem to have the same problems with going on campouts. Always something I have to repair when I get home. Unfortunately this last fall, 10 thou for new eng in 2015 silverado, 1900 for air shocks and air compressor, then complete a.c. system on my 2008 f350. At 80 y/o, I will never have to repair those ports again. The best part....I can still get out on camps. No couch potato here!

[@softroadingthewest]

Ouch!! 💲😬

[@om617yota7]

Glad to hear your dad's doing well enough that you can get out and about! High five all around! I'm not a drinker, have no experience drinking or cooking with wine, but after seeing your response to tasting the wine, I really expected a reduced and concentrated version of that to be inedible. Glad I was wrong!

[@softroadingthewest]

Cooking it down is the key. The alcohol and the acidity cooks off and the underlying flavors are concentrated. I often make truly delicious sauces by cooking down vinegar, so that made me think cooking down old wine that is becoming vinegar-y should work fine - and it did! I will never again throw away a half bottle of red that has sat too long, that's now a perfect excuse to stew something up! 😄

[@om617yota7]

@softroadingthewest Thank you, happy to have learned something.

[@929cbr_rr]

Wow, dinner looked awesome !

[@kensai77]

I bought a folding plastic table from Walmart on clearance for like $15 several years ago. I use it for everything outdoors and just store it outside. Those things are indestructible lol.

[@softroadingthewest]

This is indeed from Walmart. After I moved to the tire table with the built-in burner I added, I set up this cheap folding table with my big camp stove on my back deck to use as a sort of outdoor kitchen, usually for cooking steaks or other things that smoke up the house. So it's been sitting outside for the past two+ years. The telescoping legs are a little stiff but I can probably add a little lubrication. At one moment in this video, you can see a hole in the surface of the table...it's where a branch fell from a tree in my backyard and speared itself perfectly into the tabletop. 😆 Still works though!

[@Jeff-gd6mc]

Awesome video, well-earned time in the woods. Thanks Donald.

[@DanitaReynolds]

Being out in the wilderness is good for the mind and soul. I’m glad you got out there. So good to know that your dad is getting better. I have to say that I cracked up laughing at your reaction to drinking the old wine and when you poured a bunch of it in your dish I seriously thought it wasn’t going to taste good but was surprised that it turned out so well in the end. Count me in with others who enjoy watching your cooking session.

[@softroadingthewest]

That would have been my thought as well, but then I remembered that I also commonly make delicious sauces by cooking actual vinegar which is also utterly undrinkable. 🙂Thanks as always for watching and supporting the channel!

[@derelict_wanderer]

Like the others, I like the chapter version and random cooking segments for nicer that average camp meals. Doesn't have to be every video, but makes it different. Also, I am going to search your channel for info on that ICECO cooler. If you haven't reviewed it, that would make a good segment for a future video. (EDIT* I found your review. Thank you!) I like vintage gear and have an old Coleman steel belted cooler, but given it is over 50 years old, it has some short comings for a 3 day trip, especially in the south, where temps (coupled with humidity) get a bit warmer in the spring and fall. I really like that aluminum, classic look. Glad you had time to get out and mentally decompress and enjoy some serenity.

[@4qu4]

I personally miss the cooking segments. I am glad you made a compilation video of a lot of your cooking segments so I have something to refer to! I wish the best for you and your family.

[@softroadingthewest]

I guess lately I have been doing much less elaborate cooking at camp, so there hasn't been much to film, always the same steak+veggies which is my favorite camp meal. I have to say though that I truly enjoyed making this dinner and I had fun filming it and talking about it. I need to find some kind of balance and include this kind of content some of the time. Thanks for watching!

[@Hazmatt4700]

Seeing the old covered bridge at lowell on the way to Oakridge was a blast from the past.

[@carolleimbach6407]

I enjoy the cooking segments because they're all part of the trip. 👍

[@curseup]

Donald, thanks for sharing, hope things are okay with your family. Having grew up in Western Washington and later moved to the South, I live vicariously through your videos of the PNW. All the best, take care!

[@Canadaction_trail]

i love the setup in the truck ! really nice !

[@virongreene5146]

Great video, Don.

[@samoverlockme]

Glad things are calming down for you. Welcome back.

[@softroadingthewest]

Thanks Sam!

[@jeffreysmith4304]

Glad you are Back Adventuring (& Videeoing) I hope your Dad is Doing Better The Next Outdoor Food Network Star !!!

[@WildwestAus]

Welcome back! Have been going through your back log. Just got a Nissan myself, your channel is giving me so much motivation for projects for the truck

[@davidmutschler9418]

Welcome back 🙏 for you and family! Before the end I was thinking...Wow not raining 😂 those potatoes are very handy and if you have leftovers you can make potatoe Patties for breakfast !

[@mobiltec]

My truck is an old 1978 Blazer and instead of branches taking out my folding metal mirrors, my folding metal mirrors take out the branches. Took out a few big Joshua Tree branches on the Mojave Road Trail.

[@midnightadventureswa]

I have to say it would’ve been interesting if you would’ve just busted out a roll of duct, tape and tape the mirror to the vehicle but glad to see you back out there having a nice over night trip Hope that your dad is getting better and that camping spot look great also I noticed you’ve been using the Stanley French press cup. I hope you know that anything made by Stanley has a lifetime warranty. Everything on that cup is warranty even the gaskets. Take care your friend Brian

[@softroadingthewest]

I've been very pleased with the Stanley French press/insulated cup. It makes delicious coffee and keeps it hot MUCH longer than my previous insulated cup. When I was shopping for a portable French press to use for camping, this one caught my eye because the sort of pebbly green finish on the outside is the same as the thermos my dad used to bring to work every day or on hunting trips, so it triggered a fond childhood memory. (He's much improved and actually went home yesterday!)

[@midnightadventureswa]

@ I have one of them too and it great for over 10 year now and still in good shape I did have the contact Stanley to have the cap seal replaced very easy to work with ended up having the gasket within three days at no charge

[@radiodave1297]

Glad you're back in action.

[@dave_in_az]

Thanks for the cooking bit, I love the camp life, cooking, and camper use bits the most, always glad when you include one ;) Nice job on the stew!

[@wvadv]

after the civilized meal, i forgot all about the mirror. glad to see you out again!

[@4WheelingInNSW]

Fantastic to see you’re back out in that absolutely stunning and glorious countryside. Well done 👍 Your videos truly are inspiring mate and I genuinely hang out for the next one to release I LOVE your clips, keep up the great work, from Sydney Australia. 👍🇦🇺🦘⛺️🔥🚗

[@softroadingthewest]

Glad you're enjoying the content! Love hearing from my viewers down under!

[@sagebrushbob2321]

I have to be very aware of my mirrors. I replaced the factory ones with some Ram truck towing mirrors and they stick out quite a bit more than stock. First thing i did after installing them was go through the drive thru ATM and whack one into a post. 😫

[@softroadingthewest]

Both my mirrors are pretty battered, and my passenger side mirror has been partially broken for years. I was in fact wondering if it's possible to replace them with something fully metal since I know they're gonna keep running into branches on western Oregon trails. Did your Ram mirrors bolt right on or did you have to modify something?

[@jasonthomas12]

So happy to see a new video!

[@cowelk]

If you ate all of that food, I can easily see why you slept so well. Good to have you back out. I hope your Dad is well on his way to being back to normal.

[@softroadingthewest]

That was a little too much for me, I came home with leftovers, which my son happily gobbled down for lunch the next day. 😄

[@johndej]

Glad to see that you got out again! Sorry about the mirror. That hit's home for me. I just replaced the passenger mirror on my daughter's Mazda CX5. That was quite an adventure. I have to remove both inner and outer door panels as well as the window. Fun times!

[@softroadingthewest]

Yep, sounds like at least the inner door panel is in my future. 😄

[@Oldschoolny62]

Glad you’re back, hope all is ok on the hospital/ dad To be honest I like the cooking part of the videos!!😊

[@24Alisonall]

Market of Choice!! I worked there once upon a time! Love that store. Makes me homesick. I'll comment again after I finish watching the rest of the video...LOL

[@softroadingthewest]

Ha! Did you work at the 29th & Willamette MOC? I was up in Beaverton living in AirBnBs for nearly a month (with my dad's hospitalization) and the store nearest my first AirBnB was a QFC, which I quickly came to despise. At my next AirBnB, I discovered there was an MOC nearby and was SO thrilled. When I had to move yet again, there was a Safeway much closer to me but I still preferred getting to the MOC. Felt like home. 🙂

[@24Alisonall]

@@softroadingthewest Yes! I was a checker there for a while. Great company to work for. We do get accustomed to our favorite places!

[@AndrewM83]

I enjoyed the cooking segments on the channel

[@louiskudlak2241]

Beautiful spot buddy, so relaxing ❤

[@softroadingthewest]

Thanks for your faithful viewership, much appreciated! 🙂

[@phreadi]

Cooking and the DIY Suby-mods are why I followed.

[@brandonroach2097]

Glad you are out and about

[@collinchinn]

Donald is THE camp chef!

[@thookay56]

Glad to see you back Donald, and that your dad’s health has stabilized so you can get back out doing what you love! Ordered my Mesa a couple of weeks ago and made sure to tell them that I had chosen TT based on your channel. You’re a great rep for them and they think a lot of you there! Here’s to 100,000 subs in 2025 🍷 ( with some good wine 😊)!

[@softroadingthewest]

Thank you! And congrats on the Mesa! I still absolutely love this camper. What kind of truck do you have?

[@thookay56]

@@softroadingthewesta big one! F-150 with a 6.5 ft bed. Certainly not as agile as yours, but will be quite a palace for my aging self, and the pup, and hopefully keep us outdoors for many years to come 😊

[@softroadingthewest]

@@thookay56 That's gonna be so nice! I'm in awe of the space every time I step inside a camper on a full-size truck!

[@MauroMarzorati]

surest sign that it is not a "true" anything-French dish... no butter. :-) Personally I'm glad to see the cooking segment be back.

[@softroadingthewest]

LOL truth 😆

[@andywilson1117]

Ductape... and essential piece of overland equipment 😂

[@thewiredfox2691]

That's what I was thinking. But after a bit more time on it, the next bush/tree limb would knock it back down.

[@MrKeenaz]

Great to see you out and about again Donald. I saw your sauce was pretty runny, try two tea spoons of corn flower mixed in a tiny bit of cold not hot water then add it to your meal. This will thicken your liquids up giving it a gravy texture. Cheers.🇦🇺

[@softroadingthewest]

Typically what my (French) ex-father-in-law would do is sprinkle in a little flour (just regular flour) when searing the meat, this gives the flour a chance to cook and thickens the sauce. But no such ingredients in my truck. 😄

[@Wandering_Kerrs]

Good Job! Great Video!

[@slol144]

Glad to see you back at it again, and hope we get to see another fishing trip with dad and the kids. Now, I have to say you made every shade tree mechanic cringe and every shady mechanic smile when you broke out the wire cutters to "fix" the mirror. I'm assuming the next video will be a trip to the local junkyard?

[@softroadingthewest]

Haha, well, that wasn't supposed to be a fix. I cut it off so I could drive home without the thing flopping against the side of the truck at 65mph as I drove home. The mirror was toast no matter what, it had already been partially broken for years as it gets frequently battered on narrow PNW trails like this, so I had no intention of ever putting this mirror unit back on the truck (impossible anyway, I could see that the underlying structure was completely broken at this point, it had to be replaced no matter what). I figured there was probably a connector plug for the cable down inside the door panel (confirmed) but I wasn't going to mess with disassembling the door at camp. Absolute worst-case scenario, I'm fully capable of splicing wires together if need be. In any case, at this point I was already thinking about moving to some kind of fully metal aftermarket replacement or possibly even fabbing my own beefy mirror mount since the passenger side takes so much abuse, in which case I would give up the power mirror feature anyway (the majority of cars I have owned in my lifetime have not had power mirrors, it's nice but certainly not necessary). And I did actually talk through a bunch of this as I was filming that evening, but this video was on the long side already, so a lot of the mirror segment ended up on the cutting room floor. 😄

[@slol144]

@@softroadingthewest Just stick with the stock mirror, 3 nuts and a plug. They are designed to be somewhat sacrificial as to limit door damage. I bought the fancy JDM power folding mirrors for my Forester, went through the trouble of wiring it all in proper... and never use the option. LOL ! Look forward to the next

[@softroadingthewest]

@@slol144 That's a good point. Fabbing my own actually seemed like kind of a fun project, not that I need anything else to work on LOL. But I can see how if it was too sturdy, the wrong hit could cause deeper damage. And I imagine putting some kind of motorized spinning saw blade on the front of it to slice through branches probably would be frowned upon by law enforcement. 😆 Well, ultimately just slapping on a replacement from the salvage yard will be quicker and easier. Maybe I can even pick up an extra spare for next time. 😄

[@michaelhowell-walmsley3850]

Good to see you back out. Ref the lid for your skillet. Simple turn the plate the other (right) way around. 🤔

[@softroadingthewest]

But then the bottom of the plate gets spattered with whatever I'm cooking...it still has to serve as my plate and (usually) sit on my lap while I eat. 😄 I can find a lid at a thrift store for a buck or two, I just keep forgetting. 😆

[@vince4316]

😂😂Yo Donald just so we're clear and for the record...there is NO SUCH THING as 2 leftover pieces of bacon...LOL

[@softroadingthewest]

Haha! A few nights prior, Lucie wanted BLTs for dinner, and I arrayed as much bacon as I could on my two (admittedly small) cookie sheets to cook the bacon in the oven (which is my usual approach at home, works very well and less messy than the stovetop). I tried, but I just couldn't quite fit the entire package or I absolutely would have cooked it all (and we absolutely would have eaten it all that night LOL). I will say, a few strips of uncooked bacon sitting in the freezer is a handy staple for when I need just a little bit of bacon for a dish like this.

[@vince4316]

@@softroadingthewest Right on brotha...Keep On Truckin!

[@thewiredfox2691]

I don't understand "leftover wine," either. That just usually isn't a thing!

[@softroadingthewest]

@@thewiredfox2691 LOL

[@4WheelingInNSW]

Yeah I hear ya, bacon is never left over !!! I’ll leave it with icecream even if it means getting rid of it once and for all ! 🤣🤣🤣

[@OverlandAdventureTimes]

Great spot on the door panel for the GoPro buckle!

[@softroadingthewest]

It seemed like a good idea, but I almost never use it because it's just slightly out of reach when I'm driving. If I use my clamp arm thingy attached to the passenger grab handle on the A-pillar, I can reach the camera to start & stop it, so that it almost always the view you get when I'm driving. 😄

[@OverlandAdventureTimes]

@softroadingthewest good point! I can't reach across the Yukon, but its door panels are thin and rounded anyway.

[@Ray.Douglas]

New subscriber, been digging your videos for a little while, I really like your rig. Can you tell me what the device is that is showing your fuel mileage?

[@utahjohnnymontana3373]

its a Scan Gauge.

[@Ray.Douglas]

@@utahjohnnymontana3373 Scan gauge, thank you.

[@softroadingthewest]

@@Ray.Douglas I talked about my experience with the ScanGauge III in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qWOTZZmirLylgM0 (that video covers a number of topics but there are chapter links you can use to skip forward)

[@Ray.Douglas]

@ Perfect, I appreciate it. Take care.

[@realrigsrattle8829]

Juice Force! Excellent choice😊

[@softroadingthewest]

Oh man...this is normally NOT my style of beer (I typically lean towards super bitter hoppy IPAs or super thick creamy stouts) but I picked one of these up on sale last month and was floored by how tasty it is. Then each time I've been back in the store, it's still been on sale, so I keep buying them again rather than rotating for variety. Super enjoyable.

[@realrigsrattle8829]

@ They really are a value for the quality of beer and flavor! I’ve also tried the fruit force and unless you are very nostalgic for Hawaiian Punch, I’d avoid it.

[@Studmn]

Great to see you out again. Where did you get that overthrow you were wearing at the end of the video? Hope all is well with your father.😊

[@softroadingthewest]

Info about that wool hoodie in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qWOTZZmirLylgM0 (skip forward to about the 8-minute mark)

[@Studmn]

@softroadingthewest Thanks, I remember that video. Thanks 👍

[@marcericdavis]

You need one of Jason's flat pack camp fire with the new cooking improvements.

[@softroadingthewest]

Only if he sponsors me 😂

[@JohnConnor636]

That gauge you have on the driver's side what is that? And how does it calculate your gas mileage?

[@softroadingthewest]

That's the ScanGauge III. It pulls data direct from the vehicle computer via the OBD2 port. I talk about it in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qWOTZZmirLylgM0 (jump forward to about the 5min30sec mark to get to the ScanGauge segment)

[@JohnConnor636]

@softroadingthewest thanks! Glad to see you on another adventure

[@brookmorrison9204]

What's 'Left over bacon' ? I'm not familiar with that phrase. Great video and location.

[@YouTubeTyler]

Thanks for another very enjoyable video. I'll admit I ride the ffwd button a bit when even my favorite YTers get their Ina Garden on. But this one was worth a watch. How old of a bottle of wine is too old to cook with?

[@YouTubeTyler]

Garten*

[@softroadingthewest]

Well, when you consider that it's possible to make super tasty sauces cooking down vinegar - which I also often cook with - I would not be afraid to try something much older than what I used here.

[@Smallbusiness0007]

can you please try recording in 1440p? 1080p doesnt look sharp enough on TV's

[@softroadingthewest]

A lot of what you're seeing is KZbin's compression. The actual video file I rendered looks 10 times better than how this looks after KZbin's processing. The compression is always worse when there is a lot of moving detail in the image (such as driving through tree branches, KZbin mushes this up terribly). This particular episode is nonetheless a little lower quality than usual because I was limited to a single small camera that performs less well in low light, which much of this was, even during the day in the shady forest. So slightly lower quality than usual, plus KZbin processing making an absolute mess of things. 😆 I am in the process of transitioning to a new, more powerful computer. My old computer can barely handle the 1080p footage, so shooting in 1440 or 4K has never been an option. I plan to start filming and rendering in 4K once I'm fully up to speed on the new computer, and that should make a noticeable difference in KZbin viewing.

[@Smallbusiness0007]

@@softroadingthewest Thank you donald, I really appreciate you taking time to reply and hope in the future the quality will be impeccable.

[@uritaub5441]

I hope your dad is well. Foloowing you for a long timenow. Really enjoying! Phhhhh 15mpg?

[@softroadingthewest]

Indeed, I've been seeing your username commenting for as long as I can remember - thanks for watching and watching! The trip from town to the area I explored included a steady gain in elevation...I always see lower MPGs when climbing up into the mountains. The trip home, rolling back down out of the hills, I probably averaged closer to 19 mpg. Always worse in cold weather too...in summer on a flat highway at 65 mph it'll easily stay in the 18-20 mpg area. 👍

[@uritaub5441]

@softroadingthewest european and other markets have diesels. Well going down hill really helps as well. Cheers from Jerusalem.

[@fatmanoutdoors]

I hate that the mirrors are stationary and will not fold. I really wish there were better mirrors for the Frontier, even if aftermarket. I replaced mine with Trail Ridge tow mirrors, to see around my small camper better. But even those will not fold in. To get to the connector for the mirrors wiring, you have to remove the inside door panel. Be cautious doing it though, as the cover under the inside door handle has a small plastic clip, which can break easily. I would recommend not doing removing the panel without warming it up some with a hair dryer or in the garage. (I think I have a video somewhere on how I did mine...)

[@softroadingthewest]

Excellent information, thank you!

[@Gone_Camping]

The stock mirrors on my 2012 Frontier fold inward, not easily, but they do fold. I found out by hitting something & then just popping it back in place. Maybe it's a year/model/options thing.

[@softroadingthewest]

@@Gone_Camping I need to look again, I think mine do fold, but I would never fold them while on the trail anyway because I use them extensively...I too frequently need to turn around or back up for extensive distances. Maybe I need to fabricate my own beefy steel mirrors. 😄

[@fatmanoutdoors]

@@Gone_Camping Interesting. Mine's a 2016. Maybe they do fold in with enough force. If I get froggy, I mightgo pull them out of storage and check.

[@arcenciel2968]

You can carry a bottle of olive oil instead.

[@softroadingthewest]

I used to carry olive oil, but it was always such a struggle to not have the bottle be oozy and oily, or having the oil solidify in cold weather, or eventually turn rancid due to how long it takes me to get through it. Ultimately I started carrying butter instead because it stays firm in the fridge and is more versatile in terms of high heat searing of steaks, etc and can also be used to butter bread or whatever. I just have to remember to grab a stick out of the fridge at home LOL 😆

[@arcenciel2968]

@ Haha, this is where a Greek proves useful! You carry a little bottle of olive oil. Up to 150-200 ml, like the wine bottles in a plane. If that particular bottle has the plastic spout that doesnt allow spills, so much the better. On the other hand you NEED olive oil in the pan, while you cook with butter, so that the butter temp doesnt rise and burn. Around 10% of the butter. As for when it freezes, put it a few minutes under your armpit! Enjoy!

[@jeremydunlap2174]

We really really like the cooking segments but are curious did you study cooking or how did you learn the skill.

[@softroadingthewest]

My ex-wife is French. Her parents owned a small restaurant in France, with her dad as the chef. It wasn't anything fancy, but even basic country cuisine in France is steeped in tradition and technique. I spent a lot of time in France learning from my ex-father-in-law who was an excellent cook and who would not only show me what he was doing, but explain to me WHY he was doing what he was doing, so I came to understand the foundations of building a successful dish. It ended up being a superb education that has served me well over the years and has given me the confidence to experiment, improvise and evolve in my cooking. And I genuinely enjoy it. 🙂