Southern Character | Bourbon & Burgers

By now you probably know I've been on a quest to consume the best Bourbon & Burgers that America and the world have to offer. I've tasted many quality burgers but there are few the hold top shelf status.

I live in Jacksonville Beach, FL, not far from some locally and nationally renown culinary establishments. What better place to find a truly delicious Bourbon & Burger's combination? I'd like to introduce you to one of my local favorites, Moxie Kitchen + Cocktails.

Old West "Phatty Melt" | Bourbon & Burgers

It's not every day you select your spirits from the largest Single Malt Scotch Whisky selection this side of the pond, but it's this unique opportunity that has me returning to the dusty Mid-Western streets of Omaha, NE each year.

With bottles dated in the 1940s your taste for whisky should be satisfied with the offerings of the Dundee Dell's Great Wall of Scotch. Otherwise you'll need to get on a plane for Scotland because only the homeland has more to offer than "the Dell".

New England Farm Fresh | Bourbon & Burgers

I've been traveling the country in search of the mouth watering deliciousness that is Bourbon & Burgers. Tucked away in unlikely places I've found some pretty amazing spots. 

Today I'm pleased to bring you a recent find from New England. 

5 Key Skills For Winning A Firefight (pt.2)

Following my recent blog titled, "Don't Be A Victim - Firearms Training With Reston Group" I've pulled from my experience during the Concealed Carry Deployment course to put together 5 Key Skills for Winning a Firefight. This is by no means an all inclusive list of firearms skills. 

The difference between winning and losing a firefight may be a matter of fractions of a second. Performing the basics very well can be the difference.  You don't need to be fancy, you just need to perform the skills required faster than the other guy.

Valley Of The Sun | Photo Recap

Sunrise from South Mountain

Occasionally I travel for work. Yes, that's right, I have a grown up job in addition to my blogging and adventuring.

Unlike my my wife, Amy West, my day job doesn't include cushy 5 star resorts, award winning restaurants, and hot stone massages. 

Oh to be a beautiful travel blogger. But I digress.

I always try to find some fun when I'm on the road. This is my recap of a recent trip to Phoenix, AZ.

Don't Be A Victim - Firearms Training With Reston Group (pt.1)

Ever been in a firefight? They don't last long, only seconds, maybe three if you're lucky. If you aren't prepared you'll miss the whole show, but you won't know the difference.... cause you'll be dead.

I recently encountered my first firefight. I stood 21 feet from my "attacker", locked my eyes on his, waiting for him to make his move. He went for his firearm and I went for mine. I drew first, and in a rush of adrenaline I put one bullet in his right shoulder, then a second in his sternum. Less than two seconds and it was over. With a bullet wound in my side I would survive. Had I hesitated I would be dead.

Independence Day Profile Of A Soldier & Friend | Interview & Art

Army service pistol

If you've never experienced a Third World revolution don't fret, there is still time. Make your way to Jacksonville Beach on the 4th of July. It's basically a live reenactment of our nation's fight for independence, including live ammunition. 

There is nothing quite like dodging incoming Roman Candle fire in flip flops. It brings a new appreciation for the "rocket's red glare". I recommend thinking carefully about taking young children cause it's a legit war zone.

But as we approach this revered celebration of our nation's independence I'd like to say something to those who have stood between the homeland and her enemies.

To all who serve and have served to defended our independence.

Thank you for your service and your sacrifice!

Vacation Like A King | Video & Pics

Juggling the tasks of family and work can get pretty stressful, but the stresses of daily life can't hold a candle to the most stressful activity of all... Vacation.

When William the Conqueror (a.k.a. William the Bastard) of Normandy invented vacation in the 11th century he had hordes of subjects to make arrangements at his behest.
Travel was a breeze, with priority boarding guaranteed, and an upgrade to the penthouse with a view at the castle of his choosing. Oh to be King!

Finding Love in Africa | Video & Pics

• Have you awoken to Elephants' calls and risen with the sun on an African savannah? 
• Have you walked the sands of the Kalahari desert, and overlooked the wetlands of Namibia? 
• Have you witnessed the Zambezi River descend Victoria Falls? 
• Have you seen the Milky Way come alive and lost count of meteors as you fell asleep under the stars? 
• Have you agreed to marry 7 sisters in a small Botswanan border village?


I'm happy I can answer "Yes" to all of the above... except that last one, it still haunts me.

Cyclocross - You Can't Fake Strong (MET-Rx) | Pictures

Last December I got to participate in the "You Can't Fake Strong" marketing campaign as a Cyclocross model for MET-Rx, a sports nutrition company with a variety of products that will make you buff. 

If you haven't picked up a recent issue of Men's Fitness lately you should, or any other fitness related magazine on shelves now. You will be happy to find Yours Truly gracing a full page ad inside. 

Check out this video by MET-Rx and a few pictures from the shoot! Thank you to MET-Rx for the opportunity.

Urban Repelling - A View From The Top | Video & Pics

Jacksonville's beauty is hard to truly comprehend from ground level. I'm so glad I got another opportunity to view it from the air.

Thank you so much to everyone who contributed to my Over The Edge Repel supporting the Boy Scouts of America North Florida Council. Enjoy the pictures and video of my experience here!

Catching A Flight In Boston | Bourbon & Burgers

This week I had some business travel to Boston and with a few evenings at my disposal I decided to find something worth doing outside the hotel. 

Boston, being one of the oldest cities in the United States, has a rich history worth exploring so I knew I wanted to take in a bit of history as well as experience the local culture.

After a couple Google searches and recommendations from a friend I found two spots to visit. So I set out on foot.

First Stop: ...

I'm Gonna Jump Off A Building... Literally!

Update: I've completed my repel. For the video and blog check out the link here: 

 http://www.elevationexpeditions.com/2014/04/im-gonna-jump-off-building-literally.html

Jumping off of high objects is a favorite past time of mine. The higher, the better. Whether its jumping from a plane, off a cliff into the lake, or off a rock climbing tower down a zip line its just hard for me to turn down the adrenaline rush.

My next jump is on the horizon, May 16th at 9:45am. From 32 stories up I'll be going Over The Edge of the EverBank Center in downtown Jacksonville, FL to support the Boy Scouts of America - North Florida Council.

Going Viral | Video

If you haven't seen it yet, here is my 2013 viral video. On May 8th, 2013 this video got more than 1 million hits in less than 24 hours. Don't try this at home!