Wayne and I do quite a bit of traveling, and every where we go (for better or worse), our computers go. We carry all kinds of stuff, so backpacks with lots pockets help us stay organized. When we were in Eugene, we walked to REI. While browsing the aisles, I found the world's best backpack! It's the Power Pack by Outdoor Products.
What first caught my eye was the pockets. Next came the quality construction, and the added bonus was the laptop compartment. The Power Pack comes in two colours. I chose the black, and Wayne took the brick and black combo. There's a small zipper pouch on the lower front, a padded zipper pouch for glasses near the top, two side zipper pockets covered with mesh pouches and a large "quick stash" pouch with clips and a velcro closure.
Unzip the first compartment and there are numerous slots and zipper pouches to stow your digital gear and other small items. Right now a lot of my things are in ziploc baggies hiding in the bottom of my current pack's main pouch. Trying to find them is a challenge. I'm really looking forward to having all of these organizational tools.
Unzip the next compartment and there's a section they call the media organizer. The media folders at the bottom keep books, papers and magazine in order. The folders can be compressed to make this center section into a main compartment to carry things like a change of clothes for overnight trips. Often, Wayne and I will only take a backpack so that we can easily walk to our destination.
Unzip the last compartment and there's a padded section for a laptop computer. It can handle both large and small laptops because of a removable padded cradle. Because of the placement at the back of the pack, the computer is easy to remove for those trips through airport security.
But that's not all. Tucked up against your back are two security pockets. The top one includes a retractable identification holder for tickets, passports, etc. The bottom one is a zippered storage pocket for other valuables. The comfortable padded straps include a mesh cell phone pouch (actually too small for my old style phone) and several accessory loops.
Next week I'll get to give my new backpack a full test when I use the Quick Shuttle and Pacific Coastal Airlines to head back to Powell River. It probably won't be any lighter, but at least I'll be able to find my things a whole lot easier. - Margy
In Powell River, BC, there's a famous group of men who give freely of themselves for the hiking community. They're called the BOMB Squad, short for Bloody Old Men's Brigade. Throughout the backcountry you will find countless trails, boardwalks and bridges they have constructed.
According to their website, the squad began in 1987 with three retirees working to clear some of the older trails around Powell River. The group soon grew to seven men all in their sixties and seventies. As of last year, the number has increased to twenty-seven and the age range up to eighty. Thanks to consistent Thursday work day efforts, they have over 180 kilometres of trails and 60 structures to their credit. So if you go hiking in and around my town of Powell River, you will find lots of evidence of their handywork.
For more about trails in the Powell River area check out these links:
Sunshine Coast Trail
Current Trail Conditions
Discover Powell River
thesunshinecoast.com
Trailpeak
I invite you to come to Powell River and try some of our wonderful trails and bridges. -- Margy
for the Outdoor Enthusiast
Up the Winter Trail
Your winter plans won't be complete without a visit to Powell River and its uncrowded winter vacation opportunities. Hike, snowshoe, cross country ski - we have it all and more. Want a preview? Read Up the Winter Trail by Wayne Lutz and start your adventure.
Tonight Wayne and I got to meet some great people from a hiking club called the West Vancouver Ramblers. They are a group of 32 hikers who came to Powell River to experience the natural beauty of our region on foot. The Ramblers are associated with the West Vancouver Seniors' Activity Centre. They have scheduled hikes in their local area every Monday. This four day trip lets them see new territory and enjoy the camaraderie and fellowship of good friends at the same time. They were a great audience and made us feel comfortable and welcome immediately. It's so much fun to share our books and experiences with like-minded people.
After the slide show, there were lots of questions about Powell River and our float cabin lifestyle. It was amazing. One of the women brought with her a copy of the Our Canada article from last month. We've received more attention from this article than anything else.
Thank you Ramblers for a great evening. We hope you enjoy Up the Winter Trail as our thank you. Come back soon to see more of our town and wonderful back country. -- Margy