When I started Plainview Supply Co., I knew I wanted it to be more than a place to buy gear. I wanted a place where I could share the things I've learned, the gear that's impressed me, the recipes I've stumbled into, and whatever else I think is worth passing along.
The idea behind The Field Journal is pretty simple. I want it to be a place where I can write about products that have earned a spot in my life, recipes I've found, created, or tweaked over the years, and little tips that make everyday life or life outdoors a little easier. Every now and then there will probably be a fishing story mixed in too (told with 100 percent accuracy). If this eventually turns into a mix of gear reviews, knowledge sharing, and the occasional strong opinion, I'll consider it a success.
I'm going to try to post every week, but I'm not making any promises. I'd rather write when I have something worth saying than force something just because it's Tuesday. And if I ever get over being camera shy, maybe I'll pick up a camera and start making videos to go along with it. Who knows.
A little about me. I grew up in my pawpaw's woodshop where there was always something to build, fix, or figure out. One day it might've been working on an old truck. The next it could've been building beehives with old Captain D's trays he somehow liberated to use as catch pans, or riding around on the fender of his tractor. He taught me that if you're willing to think a little differently, there's usually more than one way to solve a problem.
These days I make a living as an industrial mechanic. Most of my time is spent fabricating, welding, troubleshooting, and fixing machines that would rather stay broken. When I get home, I'm usually headed the opposite direction. If I have a free weekend, you'll probably find me camping, fishing, hunting, hiking, cooking outside, or wandering around somewhere with no cell service.
I don't claim to be an expert at any of it. I'm just a guy who's always been curious. I like figuring out why things work, why they don't, and whether there's a better way to do them. Sometimes that leads me to a piece of gear that's become a favorite. Sometimes it leads me to a really good meal. Sometimes it just leaves me with another opinion that probably wasn't asked for.
Maybe it's my background. Maybe it's my hobbies. Maybe it's just a couple of loose wires. Whatever the reason, I've always looked at problems a little differently. Whether you find that helpful, interesting, or completely ridiculous is up to you. Hopefully it'll be more of the first two than the last.