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September 27, 2013

Astral Rassler shoe review

Here's my quick review of  the Astral Rassler boating shoe.

I bought a pair of Rasslers at Gauleyfest and wore them on the Lower G and the New this past weekend.
http://www.astraldesigns.com/products/Rassler.php 
Sizing: Small. I wear a 7.5 women's shoe and the size 8W/9M Rasslers fit correct in length. Width is wide and they have lots of toe room, but the heel narrows back so they stay put. Haven't swum with them but I believe the ankle portion will keep them on in a swim. I'm curious to see if my drysuit socks will fit in them. Usually I have to buy a larger size shoe for my drysuit socks.
Construction: Innovative. The heel has built-in holes to drain water. Water also drains out of holes on the sides of the shoe. Nice feature. Big thick laces, and they come with an extra pair of laces. I'm not a fan of laces on boating shoes, but at least these are easy to cinch and tie; the 5.10 Water Tennie shoe laces suck.
On the other hand, the inside of the Rassler is rough and I have some blisters rubbed by the shoes. I added some duck tape to my heels to prevent them getting worse.  I got a blister on my left little toe as well. Not sure if it's just that they are brand new and I have tender feet from having to exclusively wear NRS play booties, after my 1.5 year old  Water Tennies disintegrated, way too soon.
*After reading a review of the Brewers that mentioned the same rough interior, my solution will probably be to wear short socks with the Rasslers, but duck tape does work.   I used to duck tape my big toes before cramming my feet into my WS EZ playboat.  What would life be like without duck tape?
Sole grip - excellent. They are using Stealth rubber. Not sure if this is still the same stuff that 5.10 uses. I found this website: http://www.stealthrubber.com/ .  I didn't do any portages, but did some rock scrambling to get photos, and during rest breaks.  The soles were nice and sticky on wet rock.
I scrambled up a rock to take this photo of Pure Screaming Hell on the Lower Gauley.

Overall I am very pleased with the Rasslers.

September 16, 2013

Best. Damn .Show. Ever.

OK honestly,  my answer is "The Andy Griffith Show" but this is the Second Best Ever.

September 12, 2013

Save the Jondachi River from being dammed

"The world-reknowned Upper Jondachi River is threatened to be dammed by a poorly-conceived, government-run hydroelectricity project.  This river is part of one of the most pristine watersheds in Ecuador.  On top of this, it is a popular tourist destination, and is the crown jewel of local whitewater tourist offerings. 
To conduct a legal defense against the hydroproject, the Ecuadorian River Institute (ERI), 501c3, is seeking to raise $5,000 to match its current investment of $5,000 in this legal process (total legal fees are $10,000).
Protecting this river is an environmental, tourist and local business imperative, and we are grateful for your support!"

ERI is a great organization and this is a very real concern.  Please help save the Jondachi!

http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/save-the-jondachi-river-from-being-dammed



September 5, 2013

Great album on youtube

Basie and Sinatra... at the Sands....  1966!  Someone put the entire thing as one long track on youtube. Unfortunately the album cover shown isn't the right album, it's this:
http://www.amazon.com/Sinatra-At-Sands-Frank/dp/B000006OBQ
Which I just bought in mp3 format... this is an outstanding album!



September 3, 2013

ICF World Freestyle Championship has started in the Nantahala Gorge

Link to live feed video of the World Freestyle Competition which starts today and lasts through Sunday:
http://canoeicf.com/icf/Aboutoursport/Canoe-Freestyle/Nantahala-2013/LIVE-FEED.html
Schedule of events, parking and shuttle logistics, etc. all here:
https://www.freestylekayaking2013.com/worlds-spectators.html


September 2, 2013