Consolation

There's nothing like getting stuff in the mail to console oneself, and this box of goodies arrived just in time for such an effect.

I've got a pair of very cool looking snowshoes in my lap right now. Apparently they have "advanced, re-designed bindings". Does that mean that they screwed up the first time? They do look advanced though. I'm not sure which way is forward. Or how the boot attaches. I guess I'll figure it out. Onto the floor with these.

Next, I have seven cool looking carabiners. Screw locks. Into the gear bag.

Booties. Yeah, they're like baby booties. Except warmer. So, I guess you put on your socks. Then the booties. Then you put your foot in the boot. Then you bask in the warmth of your feet. Unless you're in the desert, and then having booties was a pretty stupid idea. Onto the floor.

My Petzl helmet. This protects my very valuable head. It doesn't look too corny, but I don't think I'll be wearing it while I walk to work or anything. Onto the floor.

Back pack rain cover. Probably not strictly necessary, since it'll likely be a bit too cold for rain, but, who knows. Onto the floor.

Gaiters. Made of Gortex and other stuff. These things keep me from snagging the crampons on my pants/shoes/laces. Very helpful for not falling on your face or tearing a hole in your pants. Onto the floor.

Mountain Hardwear insulated Gortex jacket. With pit-zips, which I am unable to contort my arms sufficiently to zip back up, without taking off the jacket first. I can see that being a problem. Into the closet.

Mountain Hardwear absolute zero (that's marketing for you) mitts. These are to keep you from having your fingers amputated after a particularly cold day. You put on light-weight gloves first, and then maybe heavier gloves and then the mitts. Snug as a bug in a rug. Onto the floor.

Lastly, a Smartwool light-weight zip-t. It's very soft. And light-weight. And it has a zipper. Did I already say all of that? Into the closet.

There's still another two boxes that haven't arrived. More consolation yet to be had.