I have a weird daughter...

I was watching Olivia today when I heard a banging sound from around the refrigerator & caught this. That's my girl!

Gear Review: Trango Cinch

Well, after my last gear review, I'm sure most manufacturers would be quaking in fear should their product's performance incur my wrath.

Trango, fear not. I've been using the Cinch for almost a year now, and I absolutely love it. Super simple design, and rope literally flows through it while belaying, but locks off securely in a fall. Be aware that the lack of friction when the device is unlocked works both ways. Lowering someone of near-adult size takes some practice, and since one hand is occupied holding open the release lever, your brake hand takes all the heat (literally!)

The learning curve is worth it. I highly recommend the Trango Cinch (retail $69) for your gear rack.

Day off with dad

Taking time off with Olivia today. Before lunch we decided to go to the playground across the drive from our apartment. It's kinda funny - it's tempting when you see all those cool toddler/ child toys at Walmart to want to lavish them on your child. Olivia likes going down slides? We should buy her a slide. She likes water? We should get a little kiddie pool.

Then Jen reminds me of where we live. Wanna slide? Walk 100 yards to the commercial playground at Timber-lee's campground. Wanna splash, head down to the lake. When she gets older, there's the 40' climbing tower, archery range, horse trail rides, etc.

I didn't have access to all that growing up...

LUCKY!

Gear Review: DON'T BUY THESE!!

Ok, I realize that the title of this post is a bit harsh, but over a couple year's experience with this brand of outdoors footwear, they've earned it.

If you're looking for shoes that will surely disappoint, then Merrell® makes the shoes for you. I don't know what's happened to them. Merrell® used to sell decent shoes & boots. I have an older pair of mid-weight Gore-Tex® hiking boots that are still going strong...then I bought my pair of polar mocs, a slip-on shoe for cooler weather. Within a few months the inner lining had worn completely through. Not much fun to wear when your heel gets jabbed by an exposed plastic shell.

Then I bought my Gore-Tex® approach shoes. Vibram® soles, waterproof, workhorse of a shoe, right?

Wrong!

The heel lining wore out within a couple months (anybody got some duct tape to cover the edge of that plastic heel cup?) plus the "waterproof" Gore-Tex® lining leaks like a sieve. My toes were squishing in 'em last week during heavy rain.

Bottom line: Avoid Merrell® shoes like the plague. They look nice, but the quality's just not there anymore.