stalk.the.land

Nokia N800 internet tablet review

2009-06-14T21:48:00.000-07:00

Here is a video review of the N800. It's under 12 minutes so if you're not that curious or interested, I may write a review later.

Fullsize http://blip.tv/file/2241940

MOLLE utility waist and shoulder bag

2009-06-13T13:08:00.000-07:00

I bought this pack on eBay for $8, and $9 shipping here: http://stores.shop.ebay.com/Airsoft-Accessories-Supply__W0QQ_armrsZ1

It shipped from Hong Kong to Wisconsin, USA in 10 days, which was reasonable considering it was said to take from 7 to 14 days.

I bought it for photo trips of course. It's a good enough size to not be a burden carrying, enough space for some food and a bottle (or MORE food, put your water bottle on either side pocket - which would fit probably 2 or 3 cell phones each as well). You can wear it around the waist or from the shoulder.

Overall, I'm pretty happy with it. The build quality is good, the materials are generally good - though zipper teeth are plastic, along with the clips and loops. The actual zipper pulls are metal. There seems to be some water-proofing or water-resistant material sewn inside most pockets as lining, which is great. Otherwise, the material seems to be nylon and I can't imagine much water would get through - standard backpack material.

With my N800 in a Dell PDA case, belt-clipped to MOLLE strap

Size comparison of N800 to bag

There is a back face to the bag with velcro on both sides,
opens up for a hidden pocket (open on either/both sides) - would be very nice for maps/documents

Metal rings, not sure what for, but you could clip things on them

Plastic loop bits to place the strap through (to wear pack on waist)

The main compartment, one large enough area with mesh-webbing pocket (loose, not taught)

The front

2nd compartment, has 1 wide pocket in back, and 2 smaller ones in front (memory cards, keys perhaps)

General shot of the pack

Worn over the shoulder

essential_gear

2009-05-22T07:41:00.000-07:00

Just browsing Ranger Joes.com I've found some essential gear. I'm not sure I'd pay the full price of all this (a bit over $600!), but it at least gives an idea of what may sometimes be needed on long trips.

Brunton Monocular
$35

Good for seeing animals (I've seen plenty of deer along the tracks), and far ahead along the path.

Multi-plier
$30

For repair or needing to put together a shelter, etc.

Headlamp
$55

Sometimes you're out later than usual and suddenly it's dark - or you're inside somewhere with no light.

Wind-up flashlight
$25

LED light sticks
$7.50

Radio pouch
$29

Radio x2 set
$80

Keeping communication if 2 people are far apart enough on the trip, during scouting, etc.

Camelbak MULE hydration pack
$100

Gotta keep hydrated, also seems to serve well as a small backpack.

Wire-saw
$8

Never know if you have to cut through some wood to build a shelter.

Fatboy Versipack
$70

A decent size waist-pack (minus the gun)

Medium assault pack
$40

Bigger packpack which supports hydration reservoirs (Camelbak)

Individual first-aid kit
$25

Gear pouch
$11

Good for camera or other supplies

Sweat-wicking t-shirt
$10

Important to wick away moisture, especially if you've been sweating and it gets cold later

Rain poncho
$15

Don't wanna get caught in a storm without this

Water/chemical resistant leather gloves
$33

Helpful when climbing rocky or rough terrain

Padded patrol belt
$35

Can add MOLLE pouches, etc. for carrying gear

Total: $608.50

neenah.industrial.002

2007-11-17T20:12:00.000-08:00

Location: Neenah, WI
Radius: 8 miles

OVERVIEW

ROCK QUARRY

While this rock quarry in Menasha wasn't my intended destination, I couldn't pass it up. I first came across it when I lived in the city about 10 years ago, used to ride my bike around. It seems a little bit different this time around, and I didn't see any fluorescent green pools of liquid as I first did. I got halfway through it when I heard dogs barking. A man was walking with them and yelling. I thought "damn, guard dogs and property owner telling me to leave?" -- not even the case, just a guy casually walking through.

Climbed around on the sandy mounds of pebbles and such for some other vantage points. In one particular area near the industrial equipment the scent of sulfur, I assume - hit me hard. I'm not quite sure what is done here at the quarry, other than it's owned by Badger Highway.

And now, to the intended destination I took the 16 mile round trip on foot for. I left about 1 PM and arrived home about 8:30 PM. I maybe spent half an hour to 45 minutes at the quarry, but what took me so long was probably the 8 mile walk home - sore as hell. I wanted to just take a bus home, but for some unexplainable reason, I kept walking. Let's not forget it was 29 F (-1.6 C) out. I really wasn't bothered at all though, I dressed in layers, had gloves, didn't really even need a winter hat. It was all quite managable, and nice to take in the sights of Neenah. Notorious for paper (which really, is more important than you would think), the city is quite a little industry with mills about the river, old historic downtown buildings... a certain inviting, admirable character about the town of 24,000.

I came across this old, almost ominous industrial building when walking home to Appleton (again, about 8 miles) from a temporary job. I didn't have a camera with me, but there was something awesome about it - and I think it's because I knew nothing about it. Apparently it belongs to Voith Paper company, which given the location, is not surprising. I have no idea what the facility is used for, but it seems that trains can unload beneath a railed-crane of above. By the time I got there, it was getting darker than I wanted, so the photos really don't represent the intricacies too well. There seem to be dozens of pipes, stairways, ladders, stacks... it was practically something out of Doom 3.

And finally, over the bridge and back home.

appleton.wasteland.001

2007-10-22T19:18:00.000-07:00

Location: Appleton, WI
Radius: 1.25 miles

OVERVIEW

RADIUS AERIAL