Thought I'd drop by and let you know how the trip went to not so sunny AZ. Found out that while there the weather was warmer in Chicago than Tucson! The days were not overly warm and the nights still dropped down to where you were cold. Now for the equipment check. The KATA rain slicker worked great. Glad I had a few days to figure out the right way to put it on before I acutally needed it. Also got a great deal on a Pelican 1620. Got some good footage at the Saguaro National Park as well as the Salt River Canyon. The Sony vcr worked better than I thought it would saving the XL1s. Now I need to figure out how to afford the wide angle lens (just too much open area there) as well as better filters (is there really too much sun?) all this before I retire the end of September. Anyway it's great to be back, missed the site (actually felt withdrawal). Next time laptop so that I can keep up if not in touch.

Don,

Have any shots of you holding your camera while the Kata cover is on?

I've got one, too...and to this day I get the feeling that I'm putting it on in a cock-eyed way. It's not exactly evident, is it?

Don, I would be *very* interested of any pics you might have of the Kata Rain Slicker in use. Thanks,

I felt that I had to stand on my head and use three hands to put the slicker on. I got to use it one rainy day only. The right hand slips into the opening to control the zoom and telephoto. The left hand is out in the open. You have to be careful with the many many zippers! Finally figured out that I could unzip part way and be able to use left hand on the controls. All this while the camera was either on a tripod or monopod. I'll try to post more information later. Bottom line was that I was very happy with the product - just too bad that it didn't come with a set of instructions!

Hey Don, good to have you back. I spend a bit of time in Tuscan and yes, it can get cold. And yes, the 3x is what you need for the open West. You are right about the rain slicker, I took one to the Amazon and got so tired of trying to put it on and off I almost flung it overboard. I am also a Fed with an XL-1s and retiring in a couple of years. I CAN'T WAIT!!!!

<<<-- Originally posted by Chris Hurd : Don, I would be *very* interested of any pics you might have of the Kata Rain Slicker in use. Thanks, -->>>

I sent you a couple as well.