Vlog 1.0

I'm going to try Vlogging. I do so much during the week that I think I'll start making short episodes of work, life and adventures. In this video I'm testing out what it feels like to be in front of a camera. To be honest. I commend those who make vlogs. Its challenging. Enjoy. 

UNDER 20$ DIY CAMERA STRAP

The links are multiple items, not single pieces. I don't think they sell these things separate. You'll definitely have excess parts.  So plan to make your best friend one too. 

Part List :
1 x DACHMA 1.2 Quick Release
10 ft of Paracord
1 x OP/TECH USA 1301062 Uni-Loop (Note this loop is for larger cameras.There are options for smaller body cameras.) 
 

Step One:  Cut 10 ft of paracord. Find the center of the cord and fold in half. You should have about 5 ft to work with on each side. Make sure the cord lines up, and evenly distributed. Insert the folded end into the Uni-Loop  and tie a larks head knot. Similar to the photo below.

Step Two:  Once the uni-loop is secure. Slide your fingers from the larks head knot down 8 inches. Mark this spot. Insert quick release clip to the marked spot, and tie a simple knot. See photo below for

Step Three:  Now start cobra braiding until you're happy with the length.  For mine I braided nearly the whole length, and left about 1.5 inch. Peep the gif below for how to cobra braid. Remember to alternate sides so you don't end up with weird lumps like i did. Once you're happy. Clip the quick release to finish the loop. Trim the extra cord and burn the ends. THATS IT!

Inexpensive 4k Video Cam

I'm no professional photographer, but I enjoy taking photos leisurely.  I'm more of a video guy. Specifically, I like shooting process videos of the things Anh and I do with Creative Session. So when Panasonic announced the G7, It was the perfect budget 4k video camera for me. I was gushing over the full frame Sony a7s II but couldn't justify dropping 3k for the body. Yet alone investing in new lenses.  I love the G7 price point. It's affordable, lightweight, and perfect for the type of work I'll do. Highly recommend. I'll post sample footage soon. 

Below is the G7 straight out the box. To the right is the blacked out version. Just the way I like it. If you're wondering I used black architectural tape to mask all the white labels.

42.6689° N, 72.2050° W | SPIRIT FALLS

Trip Itinerary :  
a. Highway 84 E - Bridge of Gods
b. Columbia Gorge WA - Spirit Falls

While back in Oregon for my pop's birthday weekend I was hoping it was still cold enough to see a bit of snow, some icicles or at least some dew covered plants at Spirit Falls. 

Being an Oregon native I've seen most of the state during the Spring and Summer seasons. I've always been a chicken when it comes to cold weather, so I hibernated in the winter playing games. It's not until recently that I became fascinated with the idea of seeing parts of Oregon at the peak of winter. I was inspired when a buddy showed me a photo of Crater Lake frozen, covered in white powder and the water a beautiful turquoise hue. So this year I made a list of places I'd like to see, and Spirit Fall's was one of them. Unfortunately we're at the cusp of spring so excuse the lack of snow photos. 

The hike is a short climb down. About 15-20 minutes of scaling a steep and rocky mountain side, and then a 10 minute hike in depending on your pace. Every so often a "Private Property, No Trespassing" sign is posted stating you will be prosecuted in neon green.  After seeing a few of those and some abandoned washing machines covered in bullet holes. A few of us became discouraged, and frankly scared. Don't judge me. Because the trail was unmarked it took longer to find, often we felt lost. Uncertain if we're headed the right way. A good north star is to follow the creek, or the acoustics from the thundering falls as you get closer.  Trust me its worth the scare and the climb.  

ONE YEAR MARK

Today I celebrate HoBo's one year anniversary. Its crazy how time flies. I'm happy to report back, I've blogged a shit ton this year. Unfortunately I haven't done any long motorcycle trips yet. Spring is around the corner though, and I have a few moto camping trips planned. I've saved up and bought proper equipment over the winter. Can't wait for the weather to warm up a bit. 

CALIFORNIA COASTING

I've forgotten how thrilling and free it is to ride as I coast the newly paved roads on Highway 1, I'm reminded how infrequent we inspire our senses. We spend our days in closed boxes. I miss the rich, delicate, earthy smells. The wet gravel from the rain. The sweet oceanic air. The salty seasoning it leaves on your lips. I am free from windows. Free from doors. The Solidarity. The Freedom. I miss the acoustics caused by ther wind, the road and earth harmonizing. I wish you heard it. I hope one day you will. The joy of riding. 

Trip Itinerary :  
a. Highway 1 - Pacifica Pier
b. Highway 1 - Devils Slide Trail
c. Highway 1 - Devils Slide Bunker

Life After Death by Terry Dang

We were both born in '87, four months apart, so for four months I lived without you. We are Cousins, you are like a brother. Of those four months we were blips, atoms, too young to understand the concept of separation. We've done everything together since, from our first steps, to our first drink, and the first Marlboro. Whether good or frowned upon we experienced it together. When you left in May, I felt how real the concept of separation is. A large part of me withered away that day, leaving me to only feel robbed of those memories, as if my childhood, our childhood never existed.

It is a bit odd, how life has now come full circle. I'm back at square one, but instead of four blank months I'm facing a whole lifetime without you. It is extremely challenging and very painful, but it took your death for me to realize how much you can really love a person. We all have our own reasons why we don't express our emotions more often. Personally, with you, I wish i did more...

"Live good, keep those that matter close, love often, and love hard." - Hoang Nguyen

Huy, here's to your first birthday without you, I LOVE YOU. #takeashotforwee.

Astronaut Dreams

I really like the Gringo w/ the amber bubble shield combination. Its the closes I'll get as far as astronaut dreams go. From here on out, all my space travelling aspirations will, and shall be contained in this beautiful helmet. To space travelling everyone...

UKE LIFE

Look what I just got. A ukelele. No, I don't know how to play it, but i'm familiar with the guitar. Hopefully that will help. I'm not very good at guitar either though. HAHA

I figured I should learn a new skill this year. The last two years I picked up photography and videography. I'm now at a place where I'm quite confident in my ability to operate a camera and edit. So now for something new.

Peep the embarrassing video. So far I know a few chords, two strumming pattern, and trying to switch between chords smoothly. 

Corboda_ two.png

MUST HAVE GOPRO DOME

Now this is something else. Ever since I saw photos taken with a GoPro dome accessory. I knew I needed it in my life. I ordered mine off Ebay, it comes with the waterproof housing built on. I intended to have it for Puerto Vallarta, but it didn't arrive in time.  If you're planning to a vacation and need this ASAP. This took a month to arrive. So order yours early, as it is coming from China and will take forever!  

Note: The dome adds distances between the camera lens and the water. By offsetting the water against the dome, you achieve this nice split between whats under water and above.

As I can't wait to use the dome in Hawaii this May. For now enjoy the photos taken at the pool on the roof of the Standard Hotel.