Yes, I first learned the sport with a wood racket and quickly graduated to the Wilson T2000. All relics compared to the rackets of today.

I heard they banned backpacks at this years US Open. Would love to hear if that was true or not.

I love Asheville having grown up there (but as Thomas Wolfe wrote, you can't go home again). The photo is very nice. I wonder what it would it look life if you tightened up on the dead tree a bit.

Really spectacular stuff. thanks for sharing

Willy, thanks for the great insights. PS, if there is such a rule on posting photos, I would'nt mind in the least. PSS, love the Melville quote.

I was looking to do a photography workshop in the Zion Utah area this Fall. Never been anywhere near there and looking for local knowledge on best sites as well getting some quality instruction. There are several photographers with nice looking websites with favorable testimonials, but obviously they are not going to print the bad reviews. Just interested if anyone has done a workshop with someone in Zion that you liked and felt it worthwhile. Many Thx.

B&H sells some "waterproof" bags for less than $30. I don't know how waterproof they might be in the real world, but it might be worth a try. I would also go with my most versatile and most expendable lens.

I am headed to Whistler, BC in July. Can hardly wait. Good shots.

Watching the French open prompted me to pull out some photos I took at Indian Wells a couple of years ago. I hope the security issues of late don't clamp down on being able to take a camera bag into events like this. Constructive criticism welcome.

Thanks for sharing. Absolutely on my bucket list.

Really Right Stuff has a really small tripod (no bigger than your hand) that works okay if you can find a flat rock to set it on and don't mind stooping. All the discussion about the elk park to Chicago basin loop caused me to dig out some old photos.

I can only speak to the four councils I have been involved in. None have sought or received public benefits or funds. We pay camping fees the same as anyone, and meet on private property. Each have provided thousands of dollars worth of public benefits to state and local parks in the way of building structures and trails. Eagle projects in our local venue have included building a baseball diamond at a Children's home and building entire houses in a habitat for humanity type program--all with private donated funds. I wouldn't lose any sleep over government support for scouting--you are likely getting the much better end of that deal.

Here is the context of my remarks. I was a scout, my son an eagle scout, and I have been on the executive board of a local council for many years.

Since this issue came up, our fund raising, which is essential to the program, is down significantly, as regular donors sat on the sideline to see how the vote would come out. I don't know how the middle road they steered will sit with anyone who has strong feelings on the matter. I do fear for the program.

For me, personally, I spent some time reading about the various biblical passages on homosexuality. Paul wrote Romans and Corinthains in Greek. We obviusly read it in various English translation. In the original greek Paul used the word "arsnokoitus" which was something of a 1st century slang word and which has been translated in some english texts as "homosexual." That translations is the subject of much debate. I am neither a theologian nor an expert in ancient greek, but will only suggest before anyone relies too heavily on those two passages--the only two in the New Testament on the subject--that you read the various commentaries on them. I do think that most churches, even those who condemn homosexual conduct, would not exclude someone so inclined, anymore than they would exclude someone who swears or works on Sunday.

On the flipside, everyone griping about the continued ban on adult leaders need to take a breath. Change sometimes comes slowly and it rarely comes from the agitation of outside parties with no real stake in the game. The scouts are well aware that there are outside parties who hate the religious focus of scouting. Just go read the comments in any Huffington Post article on scouting. But scouting is, and will always be supportative of a belief in God. You can hardly walk in nature and do anyting else.

I'll be interested if anyone has great solutions. A few years ago I packed a Canon 50d and several lenses up to the Chicago basin in Colorado. I had them in a smaller lopro pack that slipped inside the top of my arctrec backpack. The idea was to backpack to the basin, use it as a base camp, and then hike with just the camera pack to points around the basin. It worked but was pretty heavy slog up to the basin.

I am thinking of a point to point trip this summer and am going to try carrying the camera in a smaller waterproof bag. B&H has several for around $20 and they are much lighter than the lowpro pack and could put be placed either on top of a pack or slung over a shoulder.

Have a great trip, but the basic problem is that good cameras/lens are measured in pounds when backpacking gear is measured in ounces. I did get some great photos so it was worth the effort to me.

I am also a hobbiest. The first lens I bought was the Canon 17-40mm L f4. I am guessing it is around $800 new today, maybe a used one is less. It is still my favorite lens. I have absolute confidence it is providing the best image for a non-prime lens. While it might hurt to write a bigger check on the front end, there is solice in never having to have second thoughts about the lens you bought. Just my opinion.

love the color palette. thx for sharing.