There Are Pandas, and Then There Are Pandas.
And this isn't either of them! The Pandas we're talking about here, are watches, not bears. And what got me thinking about them (again) was a link posted this morning by @cm.rook who pointed a few of us to the very attractive (and not terribly priced) Yema "Rallygraph" Panda which, in it's most traditional arrangement, looks like the one on the left, but can also be had in the version on the right: The model on the left is a true Panda, while the model on the right is called a reverse Panda. The reason for that distinction is clear--Panda bears, only come in the first arrangement. Now at this point, everyone should be thinking about the most well-know Panda, The Rolex Panda, which is actually a Daytona, and among Rolex Daytonas, the most famous of which is the Paul Newman Daytona, which was famous first, because it was Paul's, and second because it sold at auction for $17.8 million (US Dollars). The story of that auction is well-known so I'll only...
Nov 8, 2019
abandoned home along Masons River
paddling across Belfry Lake towards Rams Head
MacLeods Island, MacIsaacs Island and Rams Head Island in Belfry Lake After exploring the western side of the island, I searched for a suitably flat site for my Six Moons Design Lunar Solo in the dense entanglement of paper birch, yellow birch, stunted black spruce and balsam firs. I found a hummocky, but level, patch of moss covered forest floor. A very tricky place to find a spot for a non-freestanding tent. “Maybe I could use those hummocks as a lumbar support if I laid juuuust the right way.”
Rams Head Island, campsite location. I was forced to break a cardinal rule of mine by pitching my tent near several widow makers. By that time, the wind had completely ceased and the forecast looked calm so I made the determination that it was safe. I was correct.
campsite spread
blinded by the light After pitching my tent, inflating my pad and unfurling my sleeping bag it was time for dinner; creamy pasta with chicken and veggies that was slightly bland but pleased my hungering body. Afterwards, I made a coffee and took a short paddle around the island to watch the sunset. By that time all wind had ceased. The symphony of frogs, loons and birds were soundtracking my sunset paddle. I welcomed their sounds as I thought about my dogs back home. It’s incredibly rare I am without them while camping or backpacking. They both love water but are terrified of the canoe.
Sunset paddle w/ coffee
Bedhead and bed beard; a happy dirtbag.
*gear used on this trip that was purchased through Drop: Snow Peak Trek 900, Marmot Hydrogen 30° 800fp, Z-Packs food bag, Advanced Elements waterproof stuff sacks, Sierra Designs DriDown Pillow, Drop x Fizan hiking poles, Timolabs I S Bluetooth speaker, Luci Solar string lights, Snow Peak spork, Snow Peak single wall 600 mug, MSR pocket rocket (original version).