Friday, January 18, 2008

A Few New Things


I've picked up a few things over the last couple of weeks that are worth mentioning. First up is The Avalanche Handbook. I was looking for something to read on the subject to add to what I've read in The ABCs of Avalanche Safety. At first glance, and that's all I've given it, the book looks pretty good. I'm basing that purely on the diagrams I've seen and the odd page read here and there. It might turn out to be different. Anyway, it will prove useful on the flight to Canada, along with the free beer.

Next up are a couple of DVDs. I've now got a copy of the much anticipated In Short. I quite like the DVD but I wouldn't say it's an all out winner. I'll save my comments for the review I'm writing.

Another film from this season that I was also looking forward to, that's now in my collection, is La La Land, by Runway Films. I was hooked in by the promising trailer, and watching the beginning of the film, it seemed as though it was going to live up to my high hopes. But it didn't.

It's not a bad film, it just doesn't stand out the way I thought it was going to. Maybe I'll elaborate with a review.

Martin and I were talking recently about the wave of snowboard films that come out each year, and questioning what it is that we're looking for in a snowboard movie. There are so many film crews these days...

Last up are the avalanche probes. Now I know that I've already mentioned the probe, but just this week I picked up a new one. Explanation: I was sorting out the beacons and probes for myself, Ciara and Martin, and ended up getting one of the sets later than the first two. We've all got BCA Trackers now, but I've mixed up the probes: two from Black Diamond and one from BCA.

I'm re-mentioning the probes because before I bought them I spent a good while procrastinating over which type to get. On one hand I was thinking how much difference can it make? and on the other it was I don't want one that's too short, but it's gotta fit in the backpack.

Anyhow, now that I've got them I thought it would be useful to show the differences between the two models that I've got - I'll try to do that this weekend.

With only a week now until we go, I suppose I don't need to say how stoked I am. I can't wait to get there. The excitement builds with each day. This evening I was brushing up my playlist and tomorrow we're heading into town to pick up some bits. Still hoping for some epic snow conditions...

3 comments:

Mal said...

So what *are* you and Martin looking for from a snowboarding DVD? Man, you can't just leave us dangling like that. You never know, there might be DVD-makers reading this, desperate to know what you're after... :)

Gavin Hope said...

I'm detecting a hint of sarcasm there mate :) You're just going to have to wait... see if my busy schedule will allow time to write something! :)

Mal said...

Seriously, there wasn't an ounce of sarcasm in that. Even if DVD makers don't read afterbang, I'm still keen to hear what you like.

Anyway, have a great time in Fernie, dude. Looking forward to reading about it while you're away.