What hobbies have you taken up since transitioning from the military?

SPC Nicholas Cureton — Wed, 16 Mar 2016 01:27:46 -0400

Since departing the military I have tried many hobbies and learned many skills to keep up moral. With no command staff to institute mandatory fun, I've been left to my own devices. I always seem to try new things and after a while circle back to weapons. I.e. Target shooting, building rifles, hunting, reloading ammo, etc. I fish as well, hunting and fishing are my two biggest ones. What types of hobbies have you tried, taken up, revisited and so on?

Response by SSG Leo Bell made Mar 16 at 2016 3:02 AM

SSG Leo Bell — Wed, 16 Mar 2016 03:02:39 -0400

I have been stuck on fishing and hunting. I tried building computers for awhile, but I got board with it because I was stuck inside. I've also been in the gym lifting weights all the time, I guess lifting and working out is something we're supposed to do, but I would train hard for a few months then try to lay back and just keep in shape, but then I would go hard again and lift to get bigger and stronger.

Response by SPC Edward Robinson made Mar 16 at 2016 5:43 AM

SPC Edward Robinson — Wed, 16 Mar 2016 05:43:48 -0400

I go hiking up here in Montana along the Yellowstone River searching for Montana agates, petrified wood and plain agates along with finding sticks that I make into walking sticks. I hand sand the sticks after they have dried for one week, then stain them with a natural stain sealer, then put one coat of polyurethane UV protected let them dry then sand them again, one more coat of polyurethane once dried it's a rubber tip on the walking stick. I give my walking sticks away to friends and family. Had one of my walking sticks taken up on Bin Nevis ( Beinn Nibheis - Scottish Gaelic) in Scotland the highest mountain in the British Isles. I sent two of my walking sticks to a friend of mine in Scotland (Nikki and her husband) along with three jars of Huckleberry Jam.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 16 at 2016 8:42 AM

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 16 Mar 2016 08:42:32 -0400

I brew my own beer and wine and also ride my bicycle uncomfortably long distances.

Response by SFC William "Bill" Moore made Mar 16 at 2016 9:21 AM

SFC William "Bill" Moore — Wed, 16 Mar 2016 09:21:08 -0400

Knife making, primitive camping and getting ready for completing the 3 Spartan races. But I will never stray far from hunting and fishing!

Response by SGT Allen D'Aoust made Mar 16 at 2016 9:43 AM

SGT Allen D'Aoust — Wed, 16 Mar 2016 09:43:02 -0400

I used to really enjoy running but since returning home with injuries that out, but I really enjoy Fly Fishing and Golf. Those two hobbies keep my moral up and keep me out of trouble.

Response by SPC Stephen Gerard made Mar 16 at 2016 8:13 PM

SPC Stephen Gerard — Wed, 16 Mar 2016 20:13:02 -0400

Definitely fishing, man. I don't hunt, but I'd love to try.
I love fishing for trout (non-native species are popular around here), Walleye, suckers ( C&R), steelies, and sturgeon. Haven't jumped into fly fishing yet. I just bought a boat, so I'm enjoying the new opportunities that come with that.
Any Portland, Oregon area folks want to hang out on the river or lake, let me know!

Response by SFC Chris Horton made May 10 at 2016 10:55 AM

SFC Chris Horton — Tue, 10 May 2016 10:55:18 -0400

Ive found myself in a similar situation. Ive tried about everything from growing mushrooms to chasing a pack of hounds through the mountains . Being a veteran makes its extremely tough to admit that you just weren't cut out for certain things. After several failed attempts at different things, It seems that I have a knack for making beer; Unfortunately it costs a tremendous amount of money to open even the smallest brew pub, or that's what I would be doing full time. So until my next life, I work, go to school full time, run my dogs, make beer, and most importantly spend awesome time with my boys.