Blue Ice?

Hard gear to get here in the US with import duties and shipping. But if you are in the EU or better yet Chamonix it is worth checking out all of the Blue Ice gear. Always a tool guy, I really like the new classic Bluebird ice axe. Their "model"helps me appreciate the classic lines of the newest piolet :)






Hélène is in love with the Blue Bird Ice Axe!





It should be available in the late Fall of .









The newest Blue Ice cataog:



http://www.blueice.com/site/download/blueice_catalog_.pdf

Romantic Bike Basket Contents

Riding home from the grocery store today, I enjoyed a fine view of someleeksand potatoesin my basket. Looking down on them as I pedaled, I had one of those experiences where shopping by bike felt like an exciting and novel outing, even though I've been doing it on a regular basis for years now. The idea of carrying leeks and potatoes home on my bike, then cooking them, suddenly struck me as both romantic and funny. My mood lifted, I flashed a silly grin at cars and pedestrians as I passed them.




Later this got me thinking about how often basket and pannier contents are used to illustrate the appealing nature of cycling. The bouquet of flowers. The Frenchbaguette. The fluffy bunch of leafy vegetables. Isuppose these things make people think about picnics and outdoor farmer markets. But even beyond that, there is something about the sight of fresh food or flowers sticking out of a bike bag that makes errands seem like fun. I've even had comments about that from strangers on my way home from buying groceries "Oooh, vegetables in your basket - That looks like fun!" Loading said vegetables into the trunk of a car wouldn't have the same effect.




One thing I'd like to carry in a bicycle basket some day is mushrooms. My romantic fantasy is to ride to the forest, then walk my bike down a path strewn with pine needles, picking mushrooms (chanterelles and morels, with which the forest will of course be filled) and placing them directly in the basket. Cycling back, I'll be able to smell their earthy fragrance all the way home, before washing and tossing them on the frying pan with some sautéedonions...




Which reminds me that those potatoes and leeks won't cook themselves, so I better get to it. What's your idea of romantic bike basket contents?

Lassen Volcanic National Park

After leaving Sheri's place on Monday (June 28th), I stopped for two nights at Manzanita Lake Campground on the north side of Lassen Volcanic National Park, several hours drive north of Stockton and about 60 miles east of Redding. It was more or less on the way to my Fourth of July destination.

I was aware that the highway through the park was only open about 10 miles on either end so you couldn't drive all the way through. Also, the Lassen Peak Trail was not yet open. (If this trail is one you might want to do this summer, check their website first. It will be closed periodically during the summer for restoration.) There are plenty of other trails, some quite easy, such as the 1.8 mile loop around Lake Manzanita and the half-mile paved trail in the Devastated Area.

Lassen Peak from the west side of Lake Manzanita on the afternoon of my arrival.

A closer view of Lassen Peak from the west side of Lake Manzanita.

On the morning of my second day at Lassen, a prescribed burn was being done by the Park Service on the northwest side of Lake Manzanita. The wind carried the smoke away from the campground area but the acrid smell of the burning brush permeated the air.

I stopped at the visitors center, which was engulfed in smoke as it was in the direct path of the wind though a safe distance from the burn area, to get a park brochure and some information (it was closed when I arrived the night before). Even though the road through the park was not open, if you wanted to do some driving, you could access all four corners of the park. There were campgrounds on the south side so I could have gone that way and spent the night on that end of the park but it was in the opposite direction I was headed and would have added several more hours onto an already long trip. Instead, I relaxed around the campground and took a few short walks.

A Christmas Gift to Remember

The topic for the December 10th installment of the Advent Calendar of Christmas Memories hosted by Thomas MacEntee is: "Christmas Gifts. What were your favorite gifts, both to receive and to give?"

Probably the most unusual and most memorable Christmas gift I ever received, though not necessarily my all-time favorite, was a present from my 14-year old sister in 1968. As you can see by the picture, it was a very large box, the biggest one "under" the Christmas tree. In fact, so big it couldn't fit under the tree!

I opened the box, and inside was another box. And inside that one was another box! And another, and another! Six in all. The box that actually held the gift was only about 4x4 inches. By the time I opened the final box, it really didn't matter what was in it. We had so much fun with getting to it. But, what was it you ask? A watch. Actually, a broken watch. It was a watch that didn't work! Not only was this a surprise to me, but to my sister as well. Being only 14 years old, she didn't have much money, and had gotten the watch from a friend. It didn't matter. As they say, it's the thought that counts, and a great deal of thought (and effort) had gone into that gift. Favorite gift, no. Memorable, yes!

Aphix Hoodie.the Atom LT but different?

Chris Denny pretty much hits on all the high points of the new Arcteryx Aphix Hoodie in the video above. But you need to listen closely to what Chrisis saying and pay attention to the detailing he points out in the video to get the best impression from that 1 minute Arcteryx ad.



I am the first to tell you, I LOVE this new jacket. That doesn't happen often. I see a lot of expensive clothing. Few pieces really impress me or will I ever climb/ski in very much. The Aphix has impressed me. And I will be doing both climbing and skiing in this jacket. Not a common feat for any jackets I own.But I am also the first to tell you that the Aphix isNOT an Atom LT.I don't down hill ski in an Atom LT. It is not warm enough. I do use a Patagonia Nano Pullover skiing often enough though. Not being an Atom LTis both good and bad from my perspective depending on how you plan on usingthe Aphix.



There is no doubt the Aphix was specifically designed for something. You need to figure out where you canuse it best and if it was actually designed for you. Weird as that might sound. Unlike the Atom LT which just about anyone can appreciate right from the get-go. The uneducated (more like anyonepaying retail) might well hesitate on the Aphix for a few reasons.



This is what Arcteryz says on the hang tang if you bother to read it. "Intended use: a very warm mid layer for active use on frigid days."



Other tags say, "made in Bangladesh" and "this article contians NEW MATERIAL ONLY"."DWR treated for stand alone use." Seriously. Made in aMiddle East sweat shop by some really poor folk may be, but no recycled Primealoft Eco, milk bottles or pillows here!









"Lightweight insulated hoodie that can be used as a stand alone piece or as a cold weather mid layer. Inset panels of stretch fabric under the arms stop just above the hip for extended range of motion without compromising warmth. Stitched insulation is radiant Coreloft™ that traps heat. Well suited to cold dry conditions. Dropped hem positions jacket for maximum core protection; collar and hand pockets are insulated. Proficient at warmth and weather resistance."



From Arcteryx:



Technical Features

• Breathable


• Insulated


• Compressible and packable


• Wind resistant

Design

• Stretchy side panels

Patterning

• Articulated patterning for unrestricted mobility


• Gusseted underarms

Hood Configuration

• Insulated hood

Zippers & Fly Configuration

• Webbing zipper pulls


• Full front zip with insulated wind flap


• Metal zipper pull on main zip

Cuff & Sleeves Configuration

• Stretchy cuffs (ya, not really)

Hem Configuration

• Drop back hem


• Adjustable hem drawcord

Pocket Configuration

• Internal chest pocket


• Two hand pockets with zippers

But the REAL question is, "What specifically was the Aphix designed for?"



Arcteryx sez:




Style:

Mid-Layer-Sweaters Cold Weather



Funny how Arcteryx has finally adopted the term "sweater".

http://coldthistle.blogspot.com//12/climbing-sweater.html



Activity:

Ski/Snowboard


But I do see how the Aphix would be a good ski sweater.



Slim fit with alonger body and arms. All seem to be perfect for under a shell.



Atom LT Hoody compared to a Aphix Hoody?



Atom LT, Men's Large 416g / 14.5oz

Aphix, Men's Large 540g / 18.5oz



In a nutshell Dane sez:



* Aphix is longer (body and arms) than Atom

* Aphix is a slightly trimmer fit than Atom

* Aphix is more breathable than the Atom

* Aphix is NOT as stretchy as the Atom

* Aphix is 80g Coreloft, the Atom LT is 60g Coreloft



More from Arcteryx:

"At the heart of the Arc'teryx Men's Aphix Insulated Hoodie lies Coreloft insulation. This jacket compresses down easily so as not to waste valuable pack space, and side stretch panels give you ultimate mobility so you can reach for holds or reach out to plant a pole in deep powder."

• Coreloft synthetic insulation is lightweight, and the insulation compresses and regains its loft quickly so you won't have to worry about cold spots after tightly packing this jacket


• DWR coating shrugs off light moisture and precipitation so you can depend on this hoodie as a stand-alone jacket or a cold-weather mid-layer


• Stretch side panels allow full range of motion at your core and underarms so you can reach or stretch without feeling held back


• Cuffs stretch over light gloves in order to seal out the elements (good luck with that as there is no stretch in the cuffs)


• Insulated hand pockets (the collar is not lined)

Aphix shell is: 40D nylon, lightweight, wind resistant mini ripstop taffeta



Atom Lt shell is: Luminara™—Stretch nylon ripstop fabric with wind and water resistant, air permeable PU coating and DWR finish.



Atom shell stretches. The Aphix shell does not. It is a big deal in these weight jackets. And the Luminara is likely one reason the Atom Series is so durable. I am not expecting much of a "mini ripstop taffeta". There is a spin on the language, "mini ripstop taffeta " :-) Who exactly in the Arcteryx marketing department came up with that copy after a longlunch? Either way don't expect the taffeta on the Aphix to shrug off the abrasion like the Atom Series of garments do. The Aphix you'll rip holes in undersimilar circumstances when you snag things on the shell. But the taffeta of the Aphix will make it easier to layer over. The slick taffetashell is a definite bonus if you are going to use it that way.



Aphix is 80g Coreloft, the Atom LT is 60g Coreloft



Vents on the Atom LT are made from Polartec® Power Stretch®

Vents on the Aphix are made from Helius™ a lightweight, breathable, stretchy, plain knit textile



Most importantly I think is Helius seems to breath better than Polartec Power stretch. But not becausethe Helius is a more breathable material it is not. Simply because the Helius is a lot thinner.

Likely 1/2 the thickness of the Polartec material used.






All the photos above and beloware of the Aphix Hoodie




The Aphix has 216 square inches of the vent material, from your wrist all the way down your side to just short of belly button level. 36"x 6". The Atom LT uses 156 square inches of vent material, arm pit down to waist level. 24"x 6.5"






The model's pants are the bright blue here.









Imagine the width of the stretch material under the arm on the Aphix from this picture.










There is a BIG difference in the amount of surface area coveredwith a breathable fabric on these two jackets. Fully 1/3 of the length of each arm is a breathable soft knit, Helius™, on the Aphix. The Atom Lt is full insulated 60g Coreloft in the arms.






Same side vents (dark blue material) on the jacket version of the Aphix




What ever the Aphix gained inwarmth with 20g more of Coreloft on the Atom LT it also gained even more in ability to vent/breath by the extra square inches in venting material. I noticed the lack of insulation in the arms during my first use of the Aphix on a mid 30F degreeday. It is easily noticeable just how much better the Aphix breathes than an Atom. If for no other reason that there is a lot more surface area not as well insulated on the Aphix. Great from technical climbing or a skin track...not so good for skiing down hill imo. Unless of course you added a shell.



For warmth? Until you cut the wind with a shell...it is going to be a toss up imo between an Atom LT and a Aphix. Add a shell and no question the Aphix will be warmer.



The Aphix's side panelstretch insulation islikely more wind resistant than the Atom's Power Stretch.But the Aphix material is also likely half the actual thickness of the Power Stretch. In the real world I find the Aphix material breathes better. And you'll feel the out side temperature/wind through it easier. There is more breathable material in the surface area of the Aphix to "breath better". Your arms aren't likely to ever over heat in the Aphix.The "hard finish" of the Helius material also seems to shed snow and rain better than the Power Stretch. But that observation is really a push. That difference is slight.









By comparison the hoods are the same in size andwith no adjustments. They work well enough with helmets. But it could easily be done better. They do make a wonderfully warm and puffy collar though when fully zipped up and the hood down.









Arcteryx makes the hoods all the other makersare judged by. I have to wonder how they can make such terribly fitting stand alone collars on their other jackets? Seriously, what is up with that?









The jacket's bottom hem draw strings are the same. Two, one on either side. Same nicely done wind baffles behind the main zipper on both jackets. The front zipper isn't. The Aphix zipper locks in place any where along the zipper line. The Atom's intentionally does not lock.













Pockets arepretty much the same. Two on the outside that are zippered, with one sided, back of thehand, hand warmer liners. And one internal chest pocket that is zippered. The Aphix has sewn zipper pulls.



Really long sleeves, no stretchy cuff on theAphix. Be sure to catch that typo in the Arcteryx ad if you are buying sight unseen because you'll be disappointed if you did not.Atom Lt has a normal length sleeve and nice stretch cuffs with a snug fit at the cuffon most anything. I like the Aphix cuffs but Arcteryx missed the detailing there imo. If I am wearing glovesthe cuffs just bunch up against the glove, may be not the best seal on a jacket/glove combo, unless you have a shell and Velcro cuffs over the top of both. My answer without a glove is tosimply roll them up. Yes, I roll them up, seems to work OK as hard as that might be to believe. Not the best solution on a expensive, nicely tailoredjacket.If theyhad beenstretchy even that long they would be golden, but they are not stretchy. Not a deal breaker but annoying enough everyone seems to have already noticed. The jacket is good enough though that some are simply having the jacket custom tailored with a new cuff. Costly at best, ugly at worse! No matter your ape index you won't pull these cuffs off your wrists once spread out to full extension.









The jacket 's hem is really long front and back. Below the tail bone in the back. Long enough in the front that I worry about ripping the zipper out skiing. Thankfully the elastic on the hem allows you to move the hem up a bit. But a snap and reinforcement there would have eliminated that worry. I have no doubt the Aphixwas intentionally designed that way. Seems I amobviously missing exactly what this jacket was specifically designed for. Under a shell most likely. And I do really like this jacket. But it will seldom go under a shell when I amusing it. It fits my needs well as a stand alone climbing piece in my "action suit". The over all fit in the body is almost perfect for me. That might have you ignoring thefew unmistakable nitson the design.



It works as a stand alone garment so well in the right conditions climbing. May be even better than the Atom LT. But, thankfully, it is not an full blown Atom SV either. So may be some ofthe Aphix design details are simply lost on me. And likely almost everyone else. Which begs the obvious question?



The long hem does make it really easy to tuck into a harness and keep it there though. I like that. The slim fit on the Aphix is perfect for me. Slimmer than the Atom LTs' cut for sure. The fit is what makes the other small issues, "small" for me. I really like the, hybrid "heavy sweaters" available in combos of 60/80/100g/m synthetic insulation weights with the morebreathable fabricssewn in where appropriate.



Aphix is one of the best yet even all the while being just a tiny bit funky. But then the Atom LT wasn't designed to use as the top of your cold weather "action suit" either. The Aphix might even do the job better. My bet is it will.



If you like what you have read and want to know morecheck out the detailed pictures and reviews on line here and else where:



http://www.arcteryx.com/Product.aspx?EN/Mens/Mid_Layer-Sweaters/Aphix-Hoody



I'll be writing about the Aphixagain.



My guess is Arcteryx will clean this jacket up a bit at some point. They willshorten the body some, fix the cuffs and shorten the sleeves. Not everything I'd want in a jacket that I climb or skiin. I'd like a slightly shorter body, a sturdy snap closure to beef upthe zipper. Atom LT cuffs added to the long sleeves and some lining at the collar for my chin. A slightly bigger hood with some adjustment would be on my wish list. How about moving those pockets up 5 inches or so to clear a harness completely or ditch them all together for Napoleon pockets instead since I am asking?



So before they mess this jacket up...my suggestion is if you like climbing in an Atom LT...check the Aphix out before Arcteryxchanges it drastically or simply ditches it completely.

Three Under Three – Then There Were Four

She became a Mother in March of 1947 with the birth of her son, Doug.



Then I came along 11 months later in February 1948.



And then there were three under the age of three. Jack was born in July 1949.



Number four arrived in January 1954. She was named Teresa Jane.



Christmas 1995 was the last time we were all together.Becky, Jack, Mom, Terry, and Doug.

And now, memories are all that will bring us together. My sister passed away on February 18, .. and Mom died this year on February 15th. I think of you every day, Mom, but especially so on today – Mother's Day – and tomorrow too – your birthday. Love you and miss you.

No Car, Must Travel

It has been two and a half months now without the car - pretty much the entire winter. For the most part we did not miss it. But now that the blizzards have subsided, it is time to get things done. We'll start going on photoshoots and other trips again soon, and there are other ways in which we will need it as well. This weekend was our first experiment with alternative options.



I needed to get to Harris Cyclery (10 miles away) to drop off a bicycle along with some extra wheels and rims, since they'll be building new wheels for the Bella Ciao Superba prototype and also replacing the headset. After considering various options, we decided to take a taxi there with all the stuff, then take the commuter train back. Ordering the taxi, we specified that there would be two people plus a bicycle. Nevertheless, they sent a small sedan and great fun was had by all as we stuffed both me and the bicycle in the back seat. Still, we managed to fit everything in and arrived at Harris without incident. The fee for the taxi was reasonable.Total time for the trip, including calling and waiting for a taxi, wrangling in the bicycle, and the drive itself: 1 hour. Had we rented a car, it probably would have taken longer than the taxi, as a result of having to first go and get the rental.Had we driven our own car, it would have taken 30 minutes.



After getting done everything that we needed done, we had several hours to kill before heading back. The Saturday train schedule limited our choice for when to travel considerably: There was basically one train in the early afternoon and another late at night. So we test rode some Moultons and wandered around the three shops on the Main street, beforeheading for the Commuter Rail station.



We arrived several minutes early. The station is outdoors and the train was 7 minutes late. In freezing temperatures, that wait is more difficult to endure than it sounds. The other people on the platform looked miserable as they paced back and forth to keep warm and cursed the train's (apparently habitual) lateness.



But finally it arrived, and thankfully it was warm inside. The numbness in my face began to subside as we headed toward Boston. Once in the city, we transferred to the subway, then walked home from the station.



Total time for the trip, including waiting for the commuter train, transferring onto the subway line and walking home: 1 hour 15 minutes. But if we include the time wasted because of the spotty train schedule, then the return trip was really over 3 hours. Had we driven our own car, it would have been 30 minutes.In other words, an activity that would have taken us a total of two hours had we used our private vehicle, wound up taking up half of our day - which is not exactly a success story. Next time we will give car rental or zipcar a go, but it is too bad that public transportation in the greater Boston area is not more convenient.

Spotting Potami in Samos: Metamorphosis Church, Potami Beach and Hippy’s Place

Now that we have our rental scooter, Dutchman and I have started exploring Samos Island. One of our first stop that left a very long and positive impression on us, that we even both agreed to come back here another time, is Potami in Karlovasi (northwest of Samos).







This is Potami in a nutshell but there are other attractions and cool places in the area as well, so read along...



The Metamorphosis Church



As we slowly approached Potami, we saw this white and idyllic (chic-styled if I may add) small Orthodox Church. Something told me to stop by and we were glad we did. The church sits on a rock cliff and is also a viewing point! From its viewing platform are stunning views of the Potami Beach below.



As for its name, I have no idea why it is called the Metamorphosis Church.





















I highly suggest a quick stop over here for the scenic views.



Potami Beach



This beach is very distinctive because of its two side by side bays that is beautifully separated by a rock. Potami Beach is a pebble beach and the area has many interesting rock formations, there is even a waterfalls nearby in the forest and a river for those seeking a little bit of adventure and a change of scenery.

















There are tavernas on the main street and on the beach as well, and we went to check out the hip one located right on the water.



Hippy’s Place



Oh wow, what a cool lovely place!



And it looks like all the customers here were Greeks? Not sure if they were all local ones from Samos or vacationing Greeks from other parts of the country.













Having an ice cream and iced tea break from the hot scooter ride. This is indeed a very hip place.

















We are so coming back here and we’ll spend a day to laze on the beach, enjoy the cool atmosphere and music of Hippy’s Place and have lunch at another cosy open-air lounge restaurant along the main road.