Gadget’s Airstream Chronicles

Hey, a non work related post. How nice. After all, I’m still Airstreaming, enjoying a pretty area, and being happy I found this town. Different things get priority in posts, and my mind has been heavily on finding work in this area!

Currently it’s heating up once more. The past week has seen some pretty high temperatures, and I’m staying out of that kind of sun. Believe me, the days are beautiful, but I need a chilled pool to enjoy this type of heat.

Yesterday we saw over 100 here again. Today we’ll break the 100 mark once again. According to my macintosh dashboard widget, 101 today. According to other services, 103 or 104. Whatever the actual temperature, it’s not Phoenix.

Last night I plugged my Elgato EyeTV in, and watched the news on my laptop. That’s right, I watched TV for the first time in a while. Why you ask? Curiosity. I wondered when the monsoons might begin, so I thought the folks on the news might give me some insights. They didn’t, but they did tell me the heat in Phoenix was high.

For fireworks last night in Phoenix at 9 p.m. they suggested a temperature still above 100. Here in Prescott we’ll see 60’s or 70’s at the worst. It cools off nicely here each night, and each morning I’ve seen temperatures below 60.

Staying in

So, what do I do hiding out inside? Well, the past few days I’ve been reading 2 books on Digital Photography. “Canon EOS 30D: Digital Field Guide”, and “The Digital Photography Book.” Both are good reads and easy to follow.

Also I’ve just about finished “PHP for the World Wide Web.” While I already knew a good bit about PHP I decided to do more with my free time. Going through the book I decided to install my own PHP setup along with a MySQL server. Both drive Wordpress, and Wordpress is what powers this web site. I want to customize my site further and create more tools for it as well. I can now experiment on my computer, rather than on the web server that readers come to every day (aren’t you glad, I’m not experimenting on you).

So, there’s the excitement indoors the past few days. Wonder how many readers I just lost?

Other things to do indoors

Of course, movies, radio, books on tape, etc., are all items that one can do indoors. And I’ve been doing them all. I’ll be watching the latest Ghost In The Shell movie this afternoon, and then probably take a nap. Staying up late tonight to photograph fireworks, so I’ll need a nap.

Finally, I’ve been thinking about gear to write about for readers. I’d mentioned the other week that I’ll be posting more about the gear I use. So I’ve been making the “check list.”

What’s in store for you today? How about towels? That’s right, towels.

I use quick drying towels while on the road. My favorite manufacturers are MSR and Aquis Adventure Towels. Even linking to them and giving some free advertising.

The microfiber towels were first “discovered” when planning for my AT hike in 2001. Normal towels are big and bulky, take tons of

space, and don’t pack well in a backpack. Repeat the list of drawbacks, and then apply it to an RV. It’s the same issue.

But microfiber towels don’t have those issues. Better yet, they pack away small, dry quickly, and dry you off quickly as well!

If you’re packing up for a short trip, several months, or going full time, I’d suggest checking into microfiber towels. They dry so fast compared to a normal towel too, and they’re super for drying up spills, even grape juice!

There’s the wrap up on today’s RV gear recommendation.

In the coming days, weeks, and months I’ll be adding some new categories about the gear I’ve used, and still use daily in my Airstream and for my outdoor activities. Often people notice things in my Airstream and ask, “Where’d you get that?” So, start watching for my big gear reviews. I’m sure there will be something that catches your eye as well.

If you’ve been reading for a while, you know there’s some favorite digital gadgetry that comes along with me. While some of it will pop up in these posts, the more technically oriented stuff will still be found at the Digital RV’s Blog site, and the Digital RV’s podcast site. Check those often too.

So, what should we talk about today? How about the recent clothing changes that have gone on at the Airstream Chronicles. There have been changes too. Why? Simple gang, being outdoors in Arizona requires some necessary changes from living in New Hampshire. It’s hot here now, and I’m in one of the cooler areas! Imagine Phoenix!

The picture to the right was taken mere moments ago. Let’s run it down!

• Tilley Hat: I’ve always like Columbia hats for hiking. But it’s different here. I needed more “shade”. With the rash & skin issues that have come up, keeping my face shaded has become more important. Plus I dig the Tilley!

• Ray Ban Sunglasses: I bought these last year. I’ve never owned a real pair of prescription sun glasses before. Here in AZ they are NECESSARY! Just hate coming indoors with them as everything goes dark!
• Roundtree & York Quick drying shirt: Nice light button up shirt. And it’s a “wicking” shirt like so many of my synthetic hiking shirts. I’m now sticking to white, tan, and other light colors. All of my dark shirts cook me here, so light is it!
• Columbia Shorts: I’ve got North Face and Columbia shorts only. I like thicker shorts for the rocks around here. My favorites are the North Face A5’s. I retired a pair yesterday that I owned for 4 years. They finally gave up, but sure did last a long time! And I always keep the shorts tan or olive. The shorts are a little darker, but they breathe well and are comfy in the mid-90’s.
• Chaco Hiking Sandals: My favorite sandals on the planet. Chacos have Vibram soles gang. What’s that mean? Simple, you can hike anywhere in these sandals. One of my favorite pieces of foot wear. If you’re looking for a comfortable hiking sandal that works as well as a boot, check out Chacos!

Well, there you go. The first listing of the gear I use day to day here at the Airstream Chronicles. If you’re looking for great outdoor wear, check places like REI or EMS. I’m lucky here in Prescott. I have Granite Mountain Outfitters right down the road, and Manzanita Outdoors as well. Both are great climbing and hiking stores with fantastic selections. If you come to Prescott check them out!