I suppose it would be redundant to say “wow, what times are these?!” And although I agree it is important to keep informed, I also feel it is important to take a step back and re-channel. Something I’ve enjoyed since the holidays and inadvertently realized last night how good of an impact it is having on me is catching up on some adventure/inspirational documentary films. Shamefully to say, until the past couple nights I had yet to watch “The Dawn Wall” and “Free Solo.” If these aren’t ringing a bell, they are both about climbing and I highly recommend looking them up! And if you are with me on these, all I can say is - well, I can’t even find the words right now!!! I find it funny/interesting that although climbing is not something I personally have ever gotten into or even tried (I have a heights thing, lol, which actually I have come leaps and bounds towards conquering the past decade thanks to many of the situations I have put myself in!), I find films about climbing to be some of the most compelling and inspirational… and crazy at times, lol!
A couple nights ago, I honestly was choked up with tears of elation and awe-inspiring awesomeness at the end of “The Dawn Wall.” And then last night while watching “Free Solo” it hit me that, as I was writhing in my seat and practically unable to watch 😂 from the mind-blowing cinematography, just how good viewing these was for me. I could feel the adrenaline of inspiration flowing through me and I have been geeking out just thinking about getting back out there!
I guess the point I am trying to make is - that when things are going rough and we find ourselves bogged down and overwhelmed, a little distraction in the direction of something we love can really help us regain our focus.
On that note, and in the spirit of pursuing our passion, I’d like to share two recent acquisitions I am personally stoked about - guess who has a brand new backpack to break in thanks to Osprey’s awesome “All Mighty Guarantee!” Though I am very sad to see my pack of the past 7 and a half years and soooo many mind-blowing adventures go, I am at the same time so excited to break in a new satchel! And with the advances of the new model, carrying hefty loads is supposed to be even a bit more comfortable🤞😁 Not to mention, my fallen pack will live on in reincarnation somewhere as Osprey recycles every part they possibly can of backpacks they deem unable to bring back to a “fully functional state.”
And you may not realize this, but (for you old school camera geeks like me out there) every image I have presented to you since I began using a 4x5 large-format view camera has been taken using what is considered a “normal” lens in this size - which is 150mm. (Think 45-50mm in 35mm format or 90mm in medium-format focal lengths). If you’ve spoken to me at all about how I “see” things, you know I am all about the big picture! Not only do I dream of working in 8x10 large format someday, but I would equally love to own a Linhof 617 Technorama panoramic camera! But, although I must digress from these thoughts for the time being… I did just find myself at an incredible price and in awesome shape, a beautiful looking Super Angulon 90mm wide-angle lens for the 4x5 format… AND again for you camera geeks like me, it’s a Copal Multi-Coated f5.6 stopping all the way down to f64!!! Do I really have to tell you I can’t wait to start sizing things up with this puppy?!!😁
So between the new pack, a new lens, and snowshoes that still properly need broken in, like I said in my last post - come on SNOW in the Northeast!!!!!!!!!❄️
With my best regards,
Brandon
