At 70 I guess I am luckier than some. I am a Vietnam Vet, an NRA Instructor, and have stayed in relatively good health and physical condition. Even with PTSD and associated anxieties I have always pushed myself to go and do those things I don’t really want to do. I’m not going to miss out on any of life’s experiences if I can help it.

In 30 years I have never shot anyone. I have drawn my gun 3 times, in differing situations. Any one of those could have ended very differently had I not been armed. In each case the person(s) decided to leave the area and leave me (and in one case) my family alone.

John, I carry a concealed firearm for that very reason. I have for nearly 30 years although I am “just” 70 now. You can travel with some one but that doesn’t really improve things for you. I know this isn’t the answer for everyone. The alternative is take a class in outdoor personal defense, situational awareness, and then Cary something you are comfortable with for protection: bear spray, libation, baseball bat, etc. not as good as being armed but better than nothing.

My wife and I cruised Alaska earlier this year. I took my Canon 6D with an array of lenses and she took her Lumix FZ1000. She shot jpeg although the Lumix will shoot RAW, and I shot RAW. Honestly, I am very impressed with the quality of her photos. We have created slide shows and prints up to 16x20 from both cameras. There isn't enough difference to my eye to even talk about. I am buying the new model of the Lumix next year as my exclusive travel camera. We are cruising the Mediterranean next year and the lightweight, smaller size and excellent quality of the Lumix is perfect. IT can do 95% of what my Canon can do and the things it doesn't do are inconsequential. Some capabilities are not as robust as the Canon but really don't affect my normal shooting. I am primarily a landscape, portrait, and pet photographer. I have used the Lumix in all of these settings and really find very few issues. I would not classify it as a point and shoot but rather as a higher end bridge camera. It has a 1" sensor which is the largest in that field.

Upgraded a week or so ago. I use LR 5 and have found no problems so far. Processsed about 300 photos from a dog show.

The Alta area in CA and the 29 Palms wind farms have huge concentrations of turbines.

Google photos

The 100-400 is a better option. You won’t get much result with the 1.4. Consider a crop sensor body. That will give give the effect of 112-320 without magnifying the lens distortions. Much better than a 1.4 extender and cheaper than a 100-400 lens. Plus you have a back up body.

I have used a white styrofoam cup, or a piece of white cloth and a rubber band. I like the cloth because you can fold it if you need more diffusion.

Stop the car. If it’s worth taking a photo of its worth stopping to compose and capture a decent shot.

I have had runs of bad luck like 9,000 gallons of water in my basement, car engine dying, house broken into, but nothing approaching yours. I survived a year as an Infantry Soldier in Vietnam. When things get crappy I always ask myself this: "Did anyone shoot at me today? Am I sleeping in the jungle tonight? Will I eat 50 year old C Rations for dinner?" If the answer to those questions is no then I am good. This gives me perspective. I just suck it up and keep moving.

Things could always be worse.

White House Custom Color in MN does a nice job, reasonable price and quick delivery.

I’m with you. 👍🏻

A robber attempted to get my bag away from me as we were walking to our hotel in Barcelona. I was pulling it along behind me. A citizen yelled and stopped him. Only other event traveling the world was in Paris. The ring scam.