Hello, T.B. Pug here! My background is in IT and for the past 2 years I’ve been working as a GIS Server Admin. The perfect career for an adventurer, it allows me to utilize super expensive software in my down time to build my own personal trail maps as well as research any future adventures. I also am a HUGE fan of pugs. My last pug, Molly, passed away a few years ago. I’m currently “browsing” for another camping companion! This site is somewhat of a way for me to remember her and how much joy she brought into my life.
I haven’t always been into adventures, but I have always loved the outdoors. Back in 2015 I purchased my first jet skis that were extremely old, 1995 Kawasaki’s. One of them was DOA but I figured I could fix it since it was a two-stroke. I couldn’t, so I wound up finding a 1997 Yamaha Wave Venture.
They were fun, but then I wound up buying a boat in 2018. It was a 2013 Bayliner BR220. It was great fun, but it became such a headache to get prepped & put away. I also found out from the Marina that the engine was a 2016. (The boat was a 2013 model). The Marina said “Yeah, I’m 99% sure this boat was sunk previously”. Not the news I wanted to hear. They fixed my issue and I immediately put the vessel up for sale.
At that point, I had already purchased a new Jet ski in November of 2019. For about 6 months I was trading off, going back and forth from the boat to the skis until I heard that news from the marina. I already had an order for yet another new ski, but because COVID had started and we were 6 months in, it was causing huge delays. I finally wound up with next years model. They were fun, and we traveled A LOT, with all of them, from N.E FL, the panhandle, Central FL, Tampa Bay and the Florida Keys. Never outside of Florida though.
The turning point for me came when I was trying to enjoy some peace and quiet at a local spring run on a weekday with a friend and after a hour or two several vessels came in, anchored and started blaring their music, being crazy loud and disturbing the peace & tranquility of the spring run. It was at that point I said screw it and bought a Hobie Compass (I believe that was in 2021). I even got the sail kit for it! It’s super fun, but I only use it in clear water. Don’t wanna tip over in gator infested waters! 🤣
Fast forward to the present and I’ve officially gotten rid of ALL of my motorized vessels and use my kayaks for all my water adventures. My stress level has reduced drastically now that I don’t have to deal with drunkin’ idiots, expensive repairs, $$$ on gas and several hours cleaning and putting them away AFTER having fun on the water. (I mean honestly, who wants to work after relaxing all day).
I do get some great pictures and videos out on the springs but, in my opinion, they don’t even compare to what I capture while hiking and camping in the mountain wilderness! The only drawback is that I’m generally solo… nobody next to me also “Ooo“ing and “Ahh“ing with me about the beautiful scenery. When I’m local, it’s always fun to have a couple of crazy friends nearby…
“The Peanuts Gang” – This image was taken on Juniper Springs.
The Appalachian Trail has always been on my bucket list, not gettin any younger so I decided to start prepping for it in late 2023. I spent nearly 6 months training and exercising as well as gathering everything I need to be in the woods for weeks at a time. My first trip was in September of 2024 where I attempted the Unicoi Gap to Dicks Creek Gap. I did manage to make it to the Tray Mountain Shelter, but considering I had another 8 miles to go and an injury I’ve had for decades resurfaced, I was forced to suck it up, hobble back down the mountain and start researching surgery on my ankle.
After surgery and many months of recovery and P.T., I was given the green light to start hiking again in June of 2025.
While recovering from surgery I purchased a Rooftop Tent. It’s super spacious! Two adults and a a dog or two can easily sleep in the footprint.
Stay tuned for many adventure posts!
See you on the trail!
~T.B. Pug
View my current adventure plans:
Destination: Appalachian Trail
Destination: Yellowstone