Adventures with Jay King: How to Travel Light and Pack for Survival
At a motorcycle fair in England.
Well, it’s Thursday morning on July 28th. I’ve resolved to write my August blog early for a change. Instead of writing it on the airplane, airport lounge, or in some far off place where I can’t seem to get on the internet no matter how hard I try.
I want to thank all of you who took the time out of the day to watch the July 27th event. It was the most successful July I’ve ever had in the almost 16 years I’ve had the privilege of doing my show. It was so much fun, and the day just flew by. I love the feeling you get when you just are running on all cylinders, and it’s a nice smooth ride. This goes for boats, planes, cars, trucks, motorcycles, anything and everything in my life that keeps me moving in the right direction.
I’m glad so many viewers realized the great value of the three-piece lapis Today’s Special, and were able to get one. We all worked very hard on this project. It took a long time to pull it off, but the greatest feeling I get is from sharing what we’ve done with all you viewers. I often wonder if people realize what it takes to get a project like this done. In my weird way of thinking, I’ve often thought that taping a miniature camera to a piece of rough would make a great b-roll. We’d be able to follow it through everything it goes through from the time it’s harvested from Mother Earth until it arrives at its new home as a finished design . Can you imagine the stories each piece could tell, and all the stamps it would have in its passport? All the people and cultures it would have experienced on its trip, but most of all the stories it could tell.
The new bowls were a big hit! I’m sorry for any confusion that was created trying to get it posted on dot com or getting it on the show in a timely fashion. It was just one of those things… We had lots of road blocks thrown in our path trying to get it to market. We did manage to get it done in the end through a huge team effort. Thanks again for all of those who were able to get one in the end, and, as always, we will do our best to improve on getting things done in the best way possible going forward. And, because of this positive response I will pursue even more of these handcrafted bowls in the future from all sorts of new natural rough materials we acquire in our travels. I love these bowls and boxes, and if you were to come to my house you would find them all over. Filled with all kinds of interesting specimens, jewelry, and odds and ends from my travels around the world. Like I said, usually in my house when something goes missing in my life; be it keys, money clip, watch, pocket knife, business card, etc. it usually can be found in a box or bowl in some strategic location in my home or office. I’m now in the process of finishing up my latest projects, which I’m hoping to show you on the November and December events. As soon as I’m sure when and where they will be released I’ll give you a heads up on the blog.
I’ve been traveling a lot, as usual, beating the bushes for new Mine Finds, making deals on acquiring our rough materials, and getting them placed in new designs. This month will be no different. After a few days at home to get my personal affairs in order, and to catch up on all the little things that are due, or, in some cases, late by now, I’ll pack my bags and head out the door. This brings to mind a subject I would like to share with everyone…
I’ve traveled for the greater portion of my adult life, so I do feel I’m a qualified traveler. One of the things I’ve learned to do is travel light and fast. I’ve tried to teach this in the “Jay King School of Travel”. Some of my students have learned well, some I don’t think will ever learn my method. In some cases, I’m sure this is done on purpose to just annoy me. I like to pack specifically for each trip I’m taking. I do this by listing everything I might need to accomplish the task at hand. The greatest factor is where I’m going, and what I really will need when I get there to make my adventure smooth, yet uncluttered.
This is how I pack for adventure!
After making my list mentally, or physically, I start to lay out all my gear. Then after it’s all piled up I try and decide what I really need, and what I can leave behind. In my case, I can travel with very little. For a two week outing I usually have the following as basics: Two pairs of jeans (one to wear and a spare), four shirts (one to wear and three spares), a pair of hiking shoes or tennis shoes stuffed with socks, and, of course, a good comfortable pair of cowboy boots and a kit bag. I’ve gone around the world many times in just this fashion. Most people over pack. I’ve found even in the most remote regions on planet earth you can get your laundry done. It might be having someone beat it on a rock and hanging it out to dry on a bush, but you can get it done. If all else fails, I can do it myself. Of course, this is the last course of action I take, and only in times of absolute necessity.
I would like to have a dollar for every time a customs official has said, “Let me get this straight. You’ve been out of the country for a month. You’ve been to a half-dozen countries, and you have a small backpack?” To which I respond, “Yep!” And to which they say, “Please step this way, Mr. King, and empty your knapsack on the counter.” Even better is hearing, “Mr. King, you have a portable aviation GPS, a small hand-held GPS, a GPS that has mounts for a car and motorcycle, aviation headsets, a survival pouch, a first-aid kit, and lots and lots of maps and charts. What is it you do, Mr. King?” Got to love that.
One little tidbit I would like to share with you is that I’ve been to several survival schools in my day. They all teach one thing, and that is sometimes your survival is dependent on what you have in your pockets. The basic things I carry at all times are a pocket knife, lighter, and tissue. I’m never without these. I also always have three ounces of 22kt gold around my neck at all times. Believe it or not, in more than one instance this has come in handy.
I can’t tell you how many times these basic items have made a huge positive outcome in one of my many trips or in day-to-day life. I’ve gotten out of many scrapes having these on my person at all times. It’s not usually what you have in your closet or in the glove compartment when a situation arises that helps you out of a tight spot. It’s what you have on you that will. Of course, with things being what they are in today’s world I have to find a pocket knife and lighter as soon as I get where I’m going–if I go by commercial airlines, that is. I’ve left a fortune in pocket knives and lighters in the trash bins at airports all over the world. I could check them in a bag, but this would violate in most cases the first rule of the “Jay King School of Travel”, which is never, never, never check anything. If you do check a bag it should be a last resort.
Of course, this can’t always be helped. Such is the case when I need to film something. There is absolutely no way to travel with professional camera gear without checking lots of luggage. Hence that’s why you probably don’t get to see as much footage of the cool places I get to visit, and some of the awesome things I, at times, wish I could share with you all.
Well I’m going to get moving on, so until next time, safe travels, and thanks for all of your support and interest in what we do.
J
More from Jay King on hsn.com:
» Shop all Mine Finds by Jay King Jewelry
» The story behind Jay King Jewelry
» How to take care of your gemstones
» Read more from Jay King’s blog
Jay, when are you bringing back the turquoise bowl?
Were trying to buy mine run turquoise rough to make more bowls. It takes over five pounds of rough to make each bowl. So I have to get a deal or the cost of the materials make the bowls to exspensive. There just isn’t anything available.I have inlay turquoise and lapis shell bowls coming in november. Everyone whos seen them goes crazy about them J
Thanks, Jay! How will we know in November that the bowls have arrived? Will you post on your blog? Facebook (I am not on Facebook but I could be if the bowl announcement will be posted there)? Your on-air show? I want to make sure to get one this time. Actually, it’s my husband who wants the bowl….Thank you again!! I am a major fan of your jewelry and stories. My husband, too.
Loved the shows! Even though I am unemployed and not able to buy at this time!(That was quite painful!)I seem to miss some of your airings because of the time difference between Florida and Nevada. I just saw the Jay King “Arrowhead” Amber Sterling Silver Pendant and 18″ 2-Row Necklace… please tell me you can bring more!!! Maybe just the pendant at a reduced price as an unemployment special? I purchased 21 pieces of the Jay King line earlier this year. I am getting withdraw symptoms now! XOX
Sorry to here about your situation. Hope you find work soon. I need to work and keep moving or I drive myself and everyone around me crazy. Thanks for watching and taking the time to give me your thoughts Best J
Jay,
I really enjoy watching your shows! I own and love several of the pieces you have brought to HSN. Is there any way you can bring us some ribbon turquoise? I have the lovely boulder necklace you brought but I was thinking along the lines of a ring or pendant with the ribbon look to it. Years ago I purchased a ribbon turquoise ring and have not been able to find one like it again. Thanks for the quality pieces and the wonderful stories behind them! Kind regards!
Thanks for the reminder we did this look for Chaco Canyon a few years back I had forgotten about it. I also have ribbon lapis. I’ll dig around and see what I can find in the corners of the warehouse. I’m glad you enjoy what we do J
Jay, I love your pieces! I collected rocks as a child, and still love them! Now I wear them! My first MF purchase was in late 2007, I believe. It was the Turquoise Graduated Disc Necklace. I’ve since bought many more pieces. You may have had this before, but I’m looking for a plain beaded black onyx or black agate 18″ necklace. I bought the Utah Chrysocolla piece, and I love it, but I want a smaller diameter bead to wear with my many pendants (14 mm is too big for most of the pendants). Thanks!
I think rockhounds have a gene we’re born with. I’ve always been drawn to rocks and minerals. I think it comes from my mothers side of the family. I’ve done black agate necklaces like this before. I’ll see what I can do for you, and get one in the mix. Keep in mind I’m making designs now for the first quarter of next year. Thanks for the input J
Jay, I have one last note for you. I can thoroughly see why you love what you do! You are just so phenomenal with not only finding such beautiful stones but in designing them into such beautiful and natural jewelry as well that women, like myself, truly love owning and wearing! Please call me for my ideas I have for that Larimar material you have. Also, please let me know where you are going to be in Sept.—at home, or, on the road. Take care, and be safe wherever you may be, Jay. (L.O.L.)
Were having fun with the new copper and copper silver line. Lots of materials actually look better in copper we’re finding. I’m gone all of September just get back in October in time for the show then back overseas for a month after that. Best J
Jay, I also love your Green Spider Web 42″ L. Necklace. Some of the beads look a little like Malachite, and I can see a spider web design in some of the other stones which makes it look really unique. This gorgeous material reminds me of a luscious and refreshing green foliage in a rain forest in S. America! I have a couple of neat ideas, that I just thought about over this Labor Day weekend, for that Larimar material you bought six months ago. Please call me soon, and I will relay them to you.
Jay, I hope you are fine. I just love your Red Coral Beaded Necklace with the Copper Heart and Stations! I almost like the off-round beads better than round ones as they look more natural. It also looks so feminine. Your Lapis Necklace, 38″ L., is so beautiful, and it complements perfectly with your 3-Piece Lapis Heart Pendant Ensemble that I own. I can either wear this piece all by itself, or, wear it with the Lapis Chip Necklace w/the Lapis Heart. This material is really awesome! (Con’t.)
Very disappointed in the things I ordered from last show! Pieces did not match and lapis was not a pretty color! Need to do a better job of quality control!!
I’m sorry if you let me know what you got I’d like to see what the problem was. Thanks for letting me know J
Jay, thank you for all the pieces I love from so many years!
Problem: Bought the copper/turq. barrel necklace this last time
and I love it, the one with the large piece in the middle, but
the cute barrel copper earrings that match it are sold out.
It so needs those earrings to finish the look, a splash of copper
on the ear……can you make some more of those for those of us who
have no earrings to match? It is a stunning piece I am so excited about wearing. Thanks in advance!
I have more copper and copper silver coming. I’ll see what I can do. Just for grins check HSN.com sometimes a pair will pop up. Thanks for supporting us Best J
Couldn’t fit w/same post as serpentine. Have a favor to ask-I got the multicolored agate (white, yellow, etc. with striations w/faceted gorgeous beads).Took a chance as 1 reviewer said it is heavy & I have cervical spine issues. Not sure I can wear it but I LOVE it. Any chance that you can come up with another design (still with faceted beads) that isn’t quite so substantial with same mat’l? I have a bracelet with teeny faceted beads that match perfectly (multi-row flat stretch). Thanks!
I’ll see what we can come up with down the road. I have neck problems to so I feel your pain. We are finishing up designs now for first quarter of 2012. I’ll see if I can fit something in the mix. Best J
Hi Jay, I’ve started getting items ordered in the August shows. LOVE the serpentine and orange quartzite necklace.Any chance of a simple earring, even a simple serpentine drop, maybe faceted? (I know faceting is probably a pain but LOVE the faceted gemstones). I don’t really have anything in my jewelry collection that matches though some will work. Hope you’re doing well and either taking a well deserved rest or off at some remote location that you love. Sincerely, Sue
Thanks I have some more faceted serpentine and some jade that looks interesting. I’ve been traveling but took the weekend off and road to the Florida Keyes over Labor Day on the Harley. We’re going out west this week to the turquoise mines and also look at some new mining properties that are just starting to open up. Thanks for taking the time to write Best J
Hi Jay,
Love your jewelry. I watched most of your shows this past week end, and bought several pieces. I have a problem I hope you can help me with. I purchased the Green Spider Web Stone necklace, and when I received it today it was in pieces. It was unstrung. I called HSN, but there no more to be had. They want me to return it for a refund. It is beautiful, and I just don’t want to do that. Is it possible for your company to restring it? I don’t paying to have it done. I hope you can help me.
Hi I’m sorry thingslike this happen. Just so you know it doesn’t leave us that way. When it gets to the HSN vault its checked before its shipped to you. After that whoever delivers it and handles it does what they do. I will always stand behind anything you buy from me. If you go to customer service on HSN.com and enter Jay King it will tell you how to send your personal information to us in a secure manner. We will take care of you for sure. Sorry this happened, and thanks for letting me know B
Jay, I have just one last note. I made up another beautiful Brochure about your Shows that aired this past weekend, and displayed it in the Waiting Room at my husband’s office. I read in one of your responses that you have bought some Larimar rough, and that you are going to try to design something out of it. I will be looking forward to seeing what you design from it. Besides my favorite stone—Russian Green Opal, I would also love to own a piece of this precious stone! Take care Jay. (L.O.L.)
I got some Larimar rough about six months ago. I’m cutting it now and trying to figure out the best way to get the biggest bang for the buck. Best J
Hi Jay, I hope to see you in one of your future Shows wearing that Mint Green shirt that you wore in that picture of yourself on this Blog. You look so nice in that color! Last weekend when I went food shopping, I was wearing your Double-Row Green Agate Nugget Necklace (India). I really got the complements about it! One of the Clerks said it really looked authentic.I told her all about it—that it was another one of your pieces, etc. She said she was watching H.S.N. early Sat. morning, Aug. 27.
Hi Jay !!! I enjoyed your last show very much, alot of goodies to purchase. I got quite a few new pieces and I wanted to know about the jelly opal necklace I purchased. When I was in Cabo San Lucas a year ago I saw alot of fire opal rings and pendants and I wondered if the jelly opal is comparible to this opal. I’m an October baby so I decided to treat myself to this amazing mine find !!! Your jewelry is SUPERB !!! I am a true fan, keep them coming !!!!
Real fire opal is quite rare. Mexico does produce fire agate though. The jelly opal is also quite rare and is very exspensive. I got a good deal and passed it along. I’m working on more rough now but so far haven’t been able to even come close cost wise. Please let me know if you like your new opal necklace. Best J
Jay, like your pieces and have several. Would like to add my requests to the many you receive. More single pendants without the beads. Also, when you have material left over, perhaps you could just make them into single pendants on cords, chains, etc. — drill a hole through the roung bead and pop it on a cord. Many of the beads feature stones that would make lovely stand alone pieces. Thanks and keep the new mine finds coming!
Thanks for the input I will have many stand alone pendants in future shows. We are also trying to make these with pin pendant findings so they are more versitile, and can be used both ways. Most of the materials I put in the treasure necklaces are smaller sizes so they wouldn’t work as stand alone pendants. I’m working on charm bracelets with this concept now. Best J
Jay,reading about your bowls & you keeping things in them,I was wondering if you might consider selling a sampling of different types of stones, some polished in irregular(freeform?) shapes,faceted shapes,round polished,etc for decorative purposes?I am not lucky enough (yet)to have 1 of your bowls but could display in clear vessels.This may not fit your business plan but with all your colorful mine finds it would be neat.Could use stones that don’t meet quality 4 jewelry but still pretty?Thx,Sue
Hi Jay
Still waiting for more turquoise bowls. Any idea when more will be coming? Also, wondering if you’ll be bringing anymore wooden boxes for the holiday? I would love to get 2 more for each of my sons. They love the one I got for my husband.
Looking forward to hearing from you.
I have several new turquoise bowl designs. The problem is the lack of turquoise right now on the market. When we did the bowls before we bought mine run material out of Mexico. This has all dried up and I’m getting nothing out of the mines down there at this point in time. I do have a lead on some other material now but nothing solid as of today. We have a cool new box were making I’m not sure when we will have them ready but they are totally cool. I’ll keep you posted on the blog Best J
Jay, My husband is pretty understanding, but he is always worrying about money. I told him that he misses out on so much in life because of his attitude. I have more to tell you, but I have to get going on some of my errands now. I will write to you again soon when I have time. Take care, and be safe in your travels, Jay. (L.O.L.)
I’m glad you love what were doing and I really appreciate the support, but as I tell everyone on air. Mind your budget. Don’t get yourself in trouble. Best J
Jay, During and after some of your Shows,I bought not just one—but seven of your beautiful pieces! My husband would not be too pleased about this if he found out. He is always telling me to pay down my credit card and to save some of my hard-earned money.That is exactly what I am doing, but I also told him that “Jewelry is my hobby, I love a lot of Jay’s jewelry, and you need to support wonderful people like Jay who make jewelry from scratch while keeping it natural and untreated.” (Con’t.)
Hi Jay, Wow! You were not kidding when you said you had “Lots of new stuff to show” this past weekend! I thank God that I was able to watch every one of your Shows—except the one on Sat. night, Aug. 27, because I had to go food shopping. It was probably a good thing though—for me. (Laugh) I was going crazy with all of the precious and neat new pieces you had shown on your early Sat. morning Show. I just had to get away to clear my mind and get focused again. (Con’t.)
Jay, is it possible to purchase the anti-tarnish bags that come with your jewelry? I didn’t realize how valuable these were until I heard you talk about their anti-tarnish effect on the air this weekend.
If you want to send us your personal info so we can get a hold of you then I’m sure we can work something out. Just go to customer service and they will tell you how to write us. If you live in Albuquerque we are right there. Best J
Hi Jay,Still w/o power but did catch most of your August shows & buy some more beauties.I drool over the large bowls you sit next to you on the show.Wishing for one of that size is hopeless,but is there anyway to make larger turq or lapis bowls using some sort of mosaic method? I know it would be expensive but tho’ on a disability I’d gladly pay. Abalone/MOP would be awesome too. Any thought of goldstone? Not natural but I like it. My fav is your microopal-sad to hear the opal is so rare now.Sue
Hi Sue hope you weathered the storm. I’ve been thru it many times all over the world and being without power is no fun. I’ll have a lapis and turquoise mosaic inlay shell bowls in the November show. These are huge natural MOP shells inlayed inside. I had some on the table during the show if you saw them. I’ll keep you posted Thanks for watching J
Wow!! The bowls sound awesome…now the challenge will be to make sure I catch them before the show if posted on .com! I just assumed that the large bowl next to you was one of your older bowls. I’m really excited that you’ll be bringing them to the show…wahoo!
Hi Jay,
I really enjoyed your visit, although I wasn’t able to watch all of your shows because my cable went out due to Irene. I have so many of your pieces – probably over 200 – with 100 or so necklaces. I get nice comments just about every time I wear one of your designs.
I am in the military and can echo your sentiments about lapis. I was fortunate enough to get a lapis chess set for a great price there. I can’t imagine what you have to go through to get yours!! Keep up the good work!
Well first of all let me send out a big thankyou for all you’ve done for your country. If you’ve been there you know the gig. I’m glad you like what we do and we trully appreciate what all of you have done for our country in these trying times. Best J
heyvJay. whatz up. during yesterday’s show, you mentioned that you’re a guy therefore you like to design big bold pieces. Hah, I’m a woman and I prefer big bold pieces. muchas gracias. I’ve lived on tropical south Pacific islands and for the past decade I’ve live in the high deserts of southern Arizona where the Gem Show happens every Feb. since like forever. Yes Mother Nature knows her biz and the artist / designer simply present it to the rest of the world. RosyJosey. AZ
I’m glad you like what we do. I just like big and bold I have always liked it. Mother Nature is the best artist I know, I just show off what she does. Sounds like we’ve stomped on some of the same turf in our days. Stay safe J
Jay, I ordered the turquoise and copper necklace but, darn it, the copper earrings sold out before I could get to them. Please make more of those….a lot more!
Thanks.
I was pleasently shocked by the respose this weekend on the copper and mixed metals. I have more coming up in future shows, but my main metal will still be silver. Thanks for the input J