Backpack computers.
Whew, that was a whirlwind Spring Break with the family. Ended up skiing five days in a row, rest day yesterday, perhaps a few pow turns later today. Leaving for Europe and Silvretta traverse all too soon, so I’ve been setting up a cool new travel computer.
More below about computers, first, one more photo from the Elk Mountains.
Tuesday, Elk Mountains. The storm dropped more overnight, we got in two complete laps with a picnic in between. Light wasn't that good for photos in the open bowls, but I had fun playing around with Photoshop on this one. Yep, that's our boy.
Back to computer issues. I tried blogging from my PDA. That stinks if you want to do much in the way of writing, or process photos so they look at least semi-pro. Instead, WildSnow will attempt blogination on an Acer Aspire One miniature computer. Been configuring the little guy for the last few days and the tiny box of tightly packed electrons seems to be working like a champ. Blogging from the Acer now, along with building as many shortcuts and automations as possible, e.g., why compute when you could be making turns?
The backpack computer? It probably needs some sort of hardcase, and the power supply extension cord weighs nearly as much as the cpu, time for a mod on that!
Gear news from Dynafit, they appear to have a perfected jumbo crampon, inside dimension 110 mm. Via a carefully designed system of molded ribbs, these aluminum harscheissen are quite strong for their weight. Testing is ongoing -- at the moment they're up in Alaska with a guest blogger.
Check out these burly Dynafit Comfort heel posts (volcanoes) that B&D Ski Gear might start selling. To inquire,see their advert in left sidebar. About time someone aftermarketed these things, as the OEM model, while lightweight, is a bit fragile. B&D's version is also slightly taller, yet can easily be cut down if you don't like the extra rise.
I've had this one on my desk for a while. When you buy a new snowmobile, it comes with a safety book that's full of good backcountry novice info. BUT, ever wondered why all those sledders keep getting killed in really stupid avalanche accidents? Check out their safety book -- not one word in there about the white death. Time for a new edition. Hello???
WildSnow.com publisher emeritus and founder Lou (Louis Dawson) has a 50+ years career in climbing, backcountry skiing and ski mountaineering. He was the first person in history to ski down all 54 Colorado 14,000-foot peaks, has authored numerous books about about backcountry skiing, and has skied from the summit of Denali in Alaska, North America’s highest mountain.
