Cast Iron Cookware

I have quite a collection now. There is a certain beauty and functionality to it. When it is well seasoned, I can cook anything and not worry about sticking. I try to avoid highly acidic foods because that tends to strip the oil seasoning of the iron surface. Seasoning the cast iron needs to be stressed, that it the secret and beauty to the system. My latest cast iron adventure has been the Dutch Oven. More on this later.

Patagonia Capilene Silkweight underwear

I have been wearing mostly natural fibers as of late, but wanted to revisit synthetics to see if I could decrease some pack weight and get more wear time. Wool is a great insulator but wears out quickly.       

First, the numbers

• The top weighs in at 7.60 ounces or 215 grams
• The bottom is 4.15 grams or 119 grams

The fit

 

Form fitting. The material is very stretchy and adheres to the skin. If you are curvy, this will accentuate all the details. I purchased a large and it is true to size. The bottoms have the same fit and an opening to facilitate urination.

 

Impression and Comments

My very first impression was that this product is a rash guard and Patagonia is expanding it's use to underwear as well. That duality actually makes good sense if your activities include water sports and camping at the same time. I have not tested it as a rash guard, only underwear, and as that it works as an insulator only as a base layer and something else on top. By itself, I feel the coolness of the ambient air temperature, not body heat being trapped, as in wool. The best combination for warmth was my down shirt layered on top. Riding my bike in the low 30s with this combo was very comfy and that's how I will wear it on my next trip. Stayed tuned for a follow up!

Happy Holidays

The  photographer who composed this image loves, the holidays, dogs, and is very patient.

Rolling stone country. Its close to the solstice, enjoy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NBwC7Qzljso

Rare bird siting on San Clemente island

A Red Flanked Blue tail, found mostly in the Old World was spotted recently on San Clemente. The last North American siting was the Falarron islands offshore from San Francisco better known for White shark sitings. For the complete story and much more, go here.

The Down Hill Side.

My friend Roger always talked about the downhill side of every trail. The steepest part can always be a downhill, simply turn around and the pain is gone and the views change. I love the feeling of getting to the top, then that slow turn going down. Of course, going down becomes very painful on the knees, then I yearn for the uphill, and so it goes when on a hike.

Ok, enough of that. This blog will be heavy on hiking, especially in the Sierra and Channel Islands. I want to be informative and helpful, so stay tuned.