French Tarragon

I finally managed to find some French tarragon. This fragrant herb is essential in many French recipes, which is what I'll be using it for.

Anyone have experience with tarragon?

Antelope Canyon

WOW... Antelope Canyon is... in a word... SPECTACULAR!!!!! Definitely some of the most fascinating light I have ever seen. I spent 4.5 hours in the canyon. My mind is officially blown :-)



Above: The entrance to the canyon. Only about two feet wide at its beginning, the canyon is a bit of a squeeze to climb down into it!



Once you are down in the canyon, it does open up and travel through it is a bit easier than at the beginning. There are several areas, though, where it is only wide enough for one person to walk through at a time.



Above: A shot of Lionel, one of the Navajo guides that brings tour groups through the canyon.



Every place you look in the canyon is a treat for the eyes. The shapes and lines in the canyon walls provide for unlimited photo opportunities. The reflected light coming from above makes for some of the most amazing light that a photographer will ever see.

The Fargo Walk of Fame

Monday, August 15th - - Upon leaving Minnesota, I stopped at the Visitor Center in Fargo to see what there was to see in North Dakota. I wasn't going to be in the state long as I had a little Rendezvous in central South Dakota in a few days!



As I walking to the visitor center, I noticed a series of concrete “blocks” running alongside the sidewalk. Upon closer examination I saw footprints, hand prints and signatures of various celebrities preserved therein.



A little further along, a sign gave an explanation:

“Founded in 1989 by Fargo printer, Mike Stevens, the Walk of Fame was originally located on the city sidewalks of Mike's print shop, Express Print, in downtown Fargo. It was moved to the current site during the summer of ... The first inductee into the walk was Jazz trumpeter Al Hirt. Since then movie stars, musicians, authors, athletes, religious leaders and celebrities from all walks of life have joined the Walk of Fame. Mike privately funded all expenses for the first 95 celebrities, and felt it was a small way he could repay a community that's been so kind to him.”

So just call me a name dropper...





Hee Haw... Roy Clark.



He got kids to say the darnedest things! Art Linkletter.



Love these guys! The Oak Ridge Boys.



It was a long time ago, but I miss his television show; his humor. And he could sing pretty good too. Jimmy Dean.





What this guy could do with a basketball – amazing! Meadow Lark Lemon. I actually got to see him and the Globe Trotters play in person once and loved watching them perform on television.





He always came through and told us the rest of the story... Paul Harvey.



These fellows could sure put on a great show! Alabama.



A “Hoosier Gal” from Whitley County, Indiana - Janie Fricke.



I Love You, You Love Me… the big blue dinosaur, Barney. I can't tell you how many of his videos I watched over and over and over again with my nephew Zach, oh, 12-15 years ago! He's a big boy now!!





Gary knew what was going to happen before it happened – Gary Burghoff aka Radar O'Reilly.





He was one high-flying, fast-flying dude! Chuck Yeager.

Storm Shadow

Stormy is our Miniture Horse and Shetland cross.

Mammut Eiger Extreme Nordwand TL Boots

Mammut sez:



"Despite a complete range of technical features, this full-gaiter boot is the lightest in its category, making it a perfect fit for the Eiger Extreme range."



Weight is not the end all for even a weight weenie like me. But since it is the very first comment of the online Mammut description I'll address that.



http://www.mammut.ch/en/productDetail/301000560_v_0470_75/Nordwand-TL.html



And since the same misrepresentationhas been repeated in a couple of Internet reviews so lets put that to rest up front.



all in size45EU/11.5 US per one boot



The lightest ice boot to date:

Scarpa Rebel Ultra1# 14.4oz



Intergal gaiter ice boots listed by weight:



Batura 2.0 2# 2oz (current version)

Scarpa Phantom Ultra2# 3.5oz (35.5oz) / 1006g

La Sportiva Batura 1st gen. 2# 7oz / 1106g

Zamberlan Paine 2# 7oz

Mammut Extreme Nordwand2# 7oz

Scarpa Phantom Guide2# 7.5oz / 1120g

Salewa Pro Gaiter 2# 8oz

Zamberlan Eiger 2# 8oz

La Sportiva Batura 2nd gen. 2# 9oz / 1170g



Full double bootswith External gaiters attached for comparison



Scarpa Phantom 6000 new model 2# 10oz / 1190g

Lowa 600RD 2# 14oz

La Sportiva Spantik 3# .05oz / 1362g

La Sportiva Baruntse 3# 2.5oz / 1503g

Zamberlan Denali 3# 6oz





OK then, so now we know where the Nordwand TL actually fits in the mix for weight.



You can only imagine when I start doing another boot review that I have to start really looking for things to say. "Game changer", "the flagship", simply "the best" are terms I like to bandy about. But I also like them to mean something.



There are over a dozen really, REALLY good mtn boots listed above. And without a doubt I have some distinct favorites in that bunch. Truth is I really like some of the colors. And I like how some fit and not so much others. Sometimes it is just purely the cosmetics that might get me into a boot first. But if the boot doesn't fit even that attraction isn't going to last long. First pick the category of boot required. In this case we are talking a rather rigid boot that will easy and securely take a technical crampon.



First and fore most the biggest decision on any boot should be made by"how does it fit".

Nothing else really matters.



Only then do you need to start worrying aboutwhat crampons will fit your boot and just how warm will it be.









FIT?

OK, everyone is different. I admittedly have difficult feet to fit. But I can climb (and have) in both Scarpa and La Sportiva boots in the last decade. I have favorite boots, not a favorite brand.









The Nordwand TL fit?



For me I find the last's heel more open/wider than I like. But then I have an extremely narrow heel. The toe box is not overly roomy but good enough to wiggle my toes and keep the circulation up. Again the last is a bit boxy for my skinny feet because with the laces snugged up I almost match the sides of the boot. Smaller size and it is a little short. Common problem with my foot.



If I were to dare a comparison. Wider in the heel that La Sportiva or Scarpa. Wider in the fore foot than La Sportiva butonly a tiny bit wider than Scarpa in the forefoot. All good things if you have a foot wider than mine. Reminds me a lot of the Raichle lasts. Which only makes sense as Mammut took overRaichle in . But with a almost 100 history many will know what a Raichle last feels like and if it will fit their needs.



Last pair of RaichlesI owned was in 1973. Wow! Take about a trip to memory lane!








Mt Temple, Canadian Rockies, 1973 and my *very first* boot picture!

Raichle Zinals of course :)Last Raichle to fit me. Wish I still owned them




But I might have been able to make the Nordwand work if I could have snugged the heel down with the lacing.



But that didn't work out as well as I would have liked.

There were/are a lot of complaints with the laces on the Scarpa Phantom series of boots about the Kevlar laces. Too skinny and too slick. The Nordwand suffers from the same issue imo. Not a big deal but a PIA to lace the boot tightly for me. Once done the lastlocking eyeletset above the ankle joint and the mechanical lock on the lace sorts it all nicely.









Again like the Scarpa...6000 double boot this time, thelast bit of "lacing" is done with a velcro strap. Easy enough to use and well positioned to aid in a proper fit and ankle support. I like it on both the Nordwand and in the Scarpa 6000. It is well done here.











The tongueis exceptionally well made and positioned for my feet. It really adds to mycomfort in the the boot. The tongue also hasa "pull" cut into it and is extra high in front to allow that. One on the side in back to match. So easy on with the boot. But may be a little too much thought put there. With a velcro positioning tab on the tongueas well. All nicetouches and well thought out. Me? I am a big fan of simple. Phantom Ultra still has my vote for a the best lace system of the bunch. How the lace system fits my foot has much tot do with that. So try ALLof these boots on first before you buy.



Like all of this genre of boots the actual internal boot is synthetic. Mammut uses "Thinsulate 200B &a WaterProof Warm Lining". The Thinsulate I can vouch for. It is a warm boot. The water proof lining? Doesn't everyone have something of thesort?



The real issue of these boots isn't if they are water proof. I don't think any of them really are, certainly not over extended use and walking in ankle deep water.











The real issue is how well they breath and stay dry from your feet internally On that front the Mammut is better than most IMO. I wouln't expect them to dry out any better once wet though. It is the limitation of this boot design in general...not just with Mammut, but everyone.



Next up is warmth?



Take a look at the list I posted for weights. In general but not always (depends on how high tech the boot really is) you can add warmth for every added ounce of weight. Likely the easiest way to keep track. On top of that look at how big the gaiter is. Bigger the gaiter, in general again, the warmer the boot. Several reasons for that but generally you can take that idea to the bank and not worry about it any longer.



You'll see more details on all that in coming reviews of similar boots as to why I think all that "generally" is true.



But if anyone starts telling you any one of these specific boots is any warmer than the others...my guess it is the fitor simply different conditionsand human physiology.



Batura 2.0 2# 2oz (current version)

Scarpa Phantom Ultra 2# 3.5oz (35.5oz) / 1006g

La Sportiva Batura 1st gen. 2# 7oz / 1106g

Mammut Extreme Nordwand 2# 7oz

Scarpa Phantom Guide 2# 7.5oz / 1120g

Salewa Pro Gaiter 2# 8oz

Zamberlan Eiger 2# 8oz

La Sportiva Batura 2nd gen. 2# 9oz / 1170g



And no way in hell do I want to be out for long climbing in -35C temps in any of them. Save that nonsense specifically for a double boot. Or risky your pinkies imo!



That said the Nordwand does have an exceptional gaiter and huge YKK drysuitzipper system. But the zipper seems to have some durability problems for the early reports I have seen. Not every one has sorted that all out yet in these boots.The gaiter is high. It is heavily reinforced for crampon wear at the instep. Half the boot for heaven'ssake! Nice for punters in crampons like myself. The gaiter is afull 3" higher than the La Sportiva and Scarpa versions. Pants in or pants out? Thatis a tough one. Advantages to both sides there. Given a choice? I'd rather have thelonger gaiter. Just cut it trim enough not to get in the way of my crampons if you do want to tuck your pants in. The Nordwand could easily be moretrim in the upper part of the gaiter. Only elastic on top of the gaiter. Not pull string and no easy way to add one. Mistake there IMO.



The carbon fiber shank?



Of all the boots listed above no question the Nordwand has one of the most stiff mid soles.



If you want to separate this genreof boots there you have it. Some are "soft". Scarpa for example. The Nordwand is "stiff".Thank the high tech carbon fiber midsole for that. I like a stiff boot, if it has enough rocker in the sole and it fits me well so I don't get heel slip. For the right foot the Nordwand will be an exceptional boot. Worth noting as well that you can play around with the velcro strap on the lacing and get a very supportive ankle or lots of mobility in the ankle depending on how tight you cinch the velcro. And still keep the laces and the majority of your foot secure as required. Nice option few other boots have.



Even the lugged sole is worth taking a second look at. It is a heavy lugged Vibram. They could have dropped weight by going to a shallow lugged sole. But there are always trade offs.






More block under the ball of the foot mightbe handy on rock.






Typical worthless insole like every other production boot I have seen. May be 2 cents more effort thrown at this one. But not a nickle more. Anicecarbon shank which is warm by somecomparisons to other materials used. And aheat reflective foil on top of it beneath the previous mentioned insole. in the insole. Another high tech bit of design for a single boot. Both add warmth.






Photo courtesy of Mammut




Sadly the Nordwand does not feel light or nimble compared to the Scarpa Phantom Ultra or Batura 2.0. Although the weight is certainly right in there and lighter than most. Part of that is the sole is not trimmed as close as some others. The larger lugs on the sole is something I also feel. For me it is more the bulk and feelkin to theScarpa 6000 or Zamberlan Eiger. Not a bad thing of course but no where near as warm as the 6000 either. But the Nordwand is also 3oz per boot lighter than the 6000, But notas useful for multi day trips. Every bit as good of boot how ever as any of the singles I've mentioned here. Better of course if your foot fits a Raichle last better than my foot does.



Bottom line. Exceptional single boot for cold weather. Not a replacement for a decent double boot and doesn't try to be.Wider last and fit is a nice option with so many boots so similar in fit. If I had wide feet likely the boot I would be in. Love.....how stiff the sole is. Not thrilled so much on the laces but the lace system is solid. Wish they would take some of the bulkout of the gaiter, And trim the toe of the sole better. I'd take a grinder to mine. Better yet just use a much more low profile toe cap for the tech crampons that is farther inset into the boot. Thatwould help a little how the boot climbs as well. $575 retail and easy enough to find in the US online.

Teeth

The leaves of honey bush look dangerous to touch, but aren't.

Trave & Storm

Our two ponies Traveler and Stormy

Phend-Fisher Family Reunion Ledger (1935)

The 26th Anual Reunion of the Phend & fisher families was held at Nappanee Park in the Pavillion Sunday Aug. 25th 1935

The Presideing Officers were
President Henry Phend.
Vice President Reuben Pletcher
Sec. & Treas. Cecil Phend.

The day was a nice sunshine day. The noonday Prayer was offered by Reuben Pletcher. Then we all enjoyed a good dinner, after which the buissness meeting was called to order by the President Henry Phend.

A song was sung by the group. The Sec Report was read and Approved. Offisers elected for following year were.
Pres. Henry Phend.
Vice Pres. Will Phend.
Sect. & Treas. Reuben Pletcher
Enterainment committee Chairman Evelyn Werely Bechtol

Death Report.
John Earnest - Elkhart
Sam Rinkenberger - North Webster
James Shaw - Elkhart

[page 2]
The History of the Phend & Fisher families was given by Fred Earnest giving a compleat History traced back to Switzerland.

A Special talk was given by Henry Phend.

It was moved and second that we have the Reunion at the same place next year on the last Sunday of Aug.

Treasure report.
Expence cards 1.60
Parks Building 2.50
Bal. In treasure 2.17
Collection 3.93
[balance] $6.10
[expenses] 4.10
Bal on hand. $2.00

Closing song God be with you till we meet again.

Reuben Pletcher Sec & treas



Notes:
John Ernest died March 12, 1935. He was the husband of Sophia Phend Ernest.
I do not yet have a date of death for Sam Ringgenberg/Rinkenberger (son of Christian and Caroline Fisher Ringgenberg).
James Shaw died July 1, 1935. He was the husband of Sophia Ringgenberg Shaw (sister of Sam Ringgenberg).

The Phend-Fisher families gathered for a reunion in Northern Indiana almost annually from 1909 until 1943. The events of the day were recorded in an old ledger book. Spelling has been retained as it was in the original though some punctuation and paragraph breaks have been added. To view all articles in this series click on the "Phend-Fisher Reunion Ledger" label at the bottom of this post.

Yucca & Mesquite

Most of the native trees or brush around my sons home is mesquite trees seen in the first 2 photos and the yuccas shown in the next 2 photos. Both are very drought resistant but the drought that is going on now is about to do in a lot of the native plant live in the southern New Mexico area.

Nene Way 3 Sixfields to Billing

8.8 miles. One unintentional detour turned a mile or so of the walk into the A45 Way. Just about ok if you were cycling, but noisy and unpleasant for walking. Dry, fine, no sun today.



Lots of birdlife today - from terns hovering and diving, to several families of swans, moorhens with big-footed chicks, coots, a heron, and a flock of goldfinches taking off from a patch of teasels. Canada geese flying in a mob - how does an individual goose decide whether it'll join those on the wing or stay with the gang on the ground?








We started from Sixfields, crossed the road to Duston Mill Lane and walked down to the disused Mill and the path by the lakes of Storton’s Pits Nature Reserve. We saw terns hovering above the water and diving in – but my photographic skills weren’t up to capturing them, alas. `

Express Lift tower - the 'lighthouse'

The Express Lift Tower, otherwise known as the ‘lighthouse' is visible on the left for a large part of this section of the walk. The area is left to grow pretty wild, and is an important wetland habitat

Chicory?

As we walked we noticed that the ‘lighthouse’ appeared to be on our right – we had walked round the end of one of the flooded gravel pits and missed a left turn where the Grand Union Canal Walk joins the Nene Way. As much by luck as judgment we found the Canal Bridge where the Nene Way doubles back at a right angle then over a bridge with iron rails across the river and then turned right to walk under the railway viaduct.















The path continues at the back of a shopping centre, then under the A5123. At the Carlsberg brewery, with its silos, the path turns to the left and then back on the other side of a short channel. There is a bridge, and the banks have several large willows.

Looking over the Nene from behind the Carlsberg brewery

Shortly after this there is a long high wall which forms part of the flood defences.













These decorative bricks are part of theflood defence wall in Northampton.












According to the plaque 'Local children from Delapre Middle School engraved the bricks using both the local environment and the celebration of the Queen's jubilee year as their themes.'


The plaque shows some of the industrial history of the Nene, and its importance as a commercial waterway, along with the nearby Grand Union Canal.








































The Nene Way then goes into Beckett's Park














We followed the path over a footbridge and through the Barnes Meadow Nature Reserve and site of the Battle of Northampton in 1460







The path brought us to the Bedford Road, and what I imagine is part of the Nene Whitewater Centre.

Bedford Road water control system - is this linked to the White Water centre? No one there when we walked by.

Just after this point we were diverted/distracted and followed signs for Billing via the cycle path. A mile of the Nene Way we hope to come back to - away from the heavy traffic noise and smell of the A45!

A welcome sight after our detour along the cycle path and through the shopping park.

A fine avenue of beech (?) trees in the area behind Riverside retail park.

moorings and huts along the river

Approaching Billing Aquadrome - spectacular gardens for mobile homes








Back to base . . .
















A photo taken last week. Behind the pub at Billing.