43° North

Want to Feel Like a Kid Again?

Barb — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 20:23:34 +0000

Go on a Disney Cruise!

Thunder, Lightning, Wind and Rain – Oh My!

Barb — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 17:25:31 +0000

It’s not unusual to have evening storms here, particularly in the summer when it’s very hot during the day. Yesterday was one of those days, with a high of 95 degrees. You know something is brewing when the skies look like this:

Sure enough, we were in for an electrical storm, the likes I’ve never seen before. A solid two plus hours of thunder and lightning, with some heavy rain, and 40 mph winds. The rain and wind stopped, and we then had a front-row seat to an unbelievable light show:

Sadly, one person was struck by lightning, and several fires were ignited in the foothills around town. Mother Nature had quite the attitude last night. Here’s hoping she finds herself in a better mood for the rest of the summer.

My Search For The “Perfect” Camera Bag(s) – Is It Over??

Barb — Thu, 19 May 2011 00:31:09 +0000

I’ve been on the search for the “perfect” camera bag (for me) for years. I can’t count the number of bags I’ve purchased – and then returned or sold – because they’re just not “quite right”. It’s kind of been an obsession of mine What I have found is that there is not one single bag that will fit my every need. So, instead of trying to find something that doesn’t exist, I’ve caved in, and found the “bags” that will work for me – in just about any situation I find myself in. Now granted, I don’t have tons of photo equipment, but I have managed to collect a couple of camera bodies (Canon 7D and Canon Rebel XSi w/battery grip) and a few lenses, along with various and sundry other photography-related items. I’ve tried them all (it seems to me, anyway): Tamrac, Case Logic, Kata, Canon, Crumpler, and probably a few I’ve forgotten.

What are my requirements? Simple (you would think).

1. I need one bag that will hold ALL my equipment, plus my MacBook Pro 15″ laptop, for traveling purposes. It has to fit in the overhead bin of any airplane (regional jets included), or under the seat in front of me. I want everything together – nice and neat – in one place.

2. I need one bag for walkabouts. This bag needs to be comfortable to carry all day and have some room in it also, for my wallet, phone, trinkets, souvenirs, a bottle of water, etc. Oh, and it MUST hold one camera body and my walk-around lens mounted. Would be nice if I could also slip my 70-200 F/4 in there, as well. A sling, or shoulder-type bag – purselike – would be great.

3. While the above bag will likely take care of most instances, there are times where I need a little more room. A backpack-type case is good, with plenty of room for camera, with lens mounted, extra lens, and also more room for a jacket (beach towel?), lunch, water, wallet, phone, etc. I need a bag like this when riding scooters around Key West, or day stops on a nice island while on a cruise :) Also, a “rain cover” would be nice (would not have thought this until I got caught in a torrential downpour one day with my camera equipment).

4. Bags No. 2 and 3 need to be flexible enough to be folded, stuffed, or otherwise packed into my suitcase to be used when I arrive wherever.

What have I come up with? Lowepro to the rescue!

1. Lowepro Fastpack 250: Albeit a bit snug, everything I have, camera-related, fits into the bag, along with my laptop (plus charger). Room for wallet and phone in the top compartment. Can even squeeze my iPad in alongside the laptop. One bag – carry-on – no muss, no fuss.

2. Lowepro Passport Sling: Almost like carrying a purse! Hiding inside is my camera with lens mounted, an extra lens (70-200 F/4), wallet, keys, phone, etc. It expands another 30% with a zipper on the end (in case I have the need to buy something I can’t live without – depending upon the size, I have a place to keep it).

3. Lowepro Versapack 200 AW: For those day trips when I need just a bit more room. The top section of the bag holds quite a bit of personal stuff – would hold a light jacket, bottled water, wallet, phone, snacks, and even more. The bottom holds all the camera equipment I would need for a day. And yes, my iPad slips into the front section. Should I get caught in a rainstorm – it even has a raincoat

BONUS: Both bags No. 2 & 3 are pliable and collapsible enough to fold and fit in my suitcase. This means, I have both bags with me, and can choose what works for me on any given day

I’m deliriously happy – I do believe my obsessive search may be over (for now anyway – wouldn’t want to dismiss the possibility of finding something newer and better down the road). I highly recommend all the above bags – the quality is excellent on all three. Of course, everyone has their own personal needs in a bag(s), and you need to find the one(s) that work best for you. It took me awhile, but for now – success! Yay Lowepro – and thank you Hmmm, wonder what I can obsess about now …

Barber Park – Boise

Barb — Sat, 07 May 2011 15:08:24 +0000

Such a peaceful place this time of year. No cars, no people, just you and nature.

Barbacoa

Barb — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 01:35:14 +0000

Out of all the restaurants in town (and there are many!), this is one of my favorites. I mean, any restaurant where the ceiling is lined with wine bottles has to be good, yes?

Long Haul

Barb — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 20:21:20 +0000

Two more weeks in this lovely boot, then hopefully I’ll find out if I can walk again on both feet! What a LONG recovery for this injury. Happened December 6th. Some advice? Don’t break your foot — ever. And live in a warmer climate where there isn’t any ice

To and From Key West

Barb — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 19:18:20 +0000

Water like glass … this is part of the Islamorada Fish Market in Islamorada, Florida. This is a stop for us, always, on our drive to or from Miami to Key West. The food is great, and the view is ahhhhhhhh.

Nice Day!

Barb — Sun, 13 Feb 2011 20:26:53 +0000

Wow, I almost feel like digging out some shorts!

Bath Time!

Barb — Sun, 13 Feb 2011 08:52:11 +0000

Bath time for Miss Phoebe. She’s not a big fan, but tolerates it because she knows a treat awaits her when over

Love My Car

Barb — Sat, 12 Feb 2011 06:42:00 +0000

Pretty sure I have the most awesome license plate in the state