Question:

They also caught a jurassic trout… here’s the web and mail address – http://www.carlsons.co.uk as i said, the flies are satisfactory, but not the quality ties that you can get from waldo. jeff – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – What’s their web-address, those flies catch Upper class fish! — Op "Look, strange women lying around in ponds distributing swords is no basis for a system of government.  Supreme executive power is derived from a mandate from the masses, not from some  farcical aquatic ceremony.  I mean, if I went around saying I was Emperor, just because some moistened bint had lobbed a scimitar at me, they’d put me away. -Dennis the (Bloody) peasant- All Companies will have an incident now and then with one product or another but it’s the way they handle it and the extent to which they are willing to go to make amends that set the class acts apart from the rest….and that goes for the guy at the local shop as well. Maybe I’m just being cynical, Hawkeye, but I wonder whether the fact that you discussed this problem on ROFF had anything to do with Orvis’s extreme generousity? some time ago, i posted about problems with some flies i bought from Carlson’s, a tackle shop in England.  the flies cost 45 cents, and were well worth the price…BUT, they were shipped by regular mail in an envelope.  In the crossing to my mailbox, the flies were damaged because of the packaging – or lack thereof.  i sent a copy of my post to Carlson’s.  soon afterward, the owner of Carlson’s sent me an e-mail apologizing for the problem. a few weeks later, i received replacements in a nice flybox – all in good condition, and with a nice note. heck…maybe you guys have some value after all. <G jeff

Response:

Maybe I’m just being cynical, Hawkeye, but I wonder whether the fact that you discussed this problem on ROFF had anything to do with Orvis’s extreme generousity?

Maybe I’m just being cynical, rw, but I wonder if you’re not overestimating the influence of ROFF? Related good service anecdote: I had one of Sci Anglers Mastery Series AST Lines that got worn out in a single season. I found this kind of frustrating since it was an expensive line… but in retrospect I probably could have taken better care of it (it wasn’t stored well and I used a bunch of DEET bug stuff while fishing the line on numerous occasions). I was looking in my local fly shop and the owner suggested rather than buy a new line, I might want to send the old one back to SA. I did. A couple of weeks later I got brand new one, no questions asked.  I’m loyal to both the Shop and SA now after such good support from both. And my line is still in good shape – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – — visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/

Response:

All Companies will have an incident now and then with one product or another but it’s the way they handle it and the extent to which they are willing to go to make amends that set the class acts apart from the rest….

At work, if someone goofs and worries we might lose a customer, I remind them it’s actually a great opportunity.  You buy from company A and there’s nothing wrong with the product.  You buy from company B, but there’s something wrong with the product.  Company B falls all over themselves trying to make up for it, and goes "beyond the call of duty".  Which company do you buy from next time?  Not an easy one to answer, but lots of people would choose company B. Regards, Jeff

Response:

All Companies will have an incident now and then with one product or another but it’s the way they handle it and the extent to which they are willing to go to make amends that set the class acts apart from the rest….and that goes for the guy at the local shop as well.

Maybe I’m just being cynical, Hawkeye, but I wonder whether the fact that you discussed this problem on ROFF had anything to do with Orvis’s extreme generousity? — visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/

Response:

Based on the couple experiences with orvis customer service this would be typical. Paul

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – All Companies will have an incident now and then with one product or another but it’s the way they handle it and the extent to which they are willing to go to make amends that set the class acts apart from the rest….and that goes for the guy at the local shop as well. Maybe I’m just being cynical, Hawkeye, but I wonder whether the fact that you discussed this problem on ROFF had anything to do with Orvis’s extreme generousity? — visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/

Response:

Based on the couple experiences with orvis customer service this would be typical.

—– I have NEVER regretted buying anything from Orvis.  Hard to beat their customer service.  Now, if only the phone company was like Orvis… —- Padishar Creel "What do we live for if it is not to make life less difficult to each other."  – George Eliot

Response:

I received a call today from an Orvis company representative for the northeast inquiring about the problems I had with their Clearwater breathable waders.  Apparently, the owner of the Orvis shop I frequent called them to voice his displeasure over the matter and he told them about my experience with two brand new pairs leaking.  The rep. informed me of a problem they had with a vendor they had contracted with to produce the waders and how they identified the cause and remedied the situation.  He was very apologetic and assured me the problems were behind them (incidentally, the problems were even more prevelant in their stockingfoot models) For my troubles he is sending me a new pair of waders at no cost which I think is very fair and frankly unexpected since I had received a credit for the ones I returned.  Now I’ve got waders aplenty having just received new Dan Bailey breathables (and love them). All Companies will have an incident now and then with one product or another but it’s the way they handle it and the extent to which they are willing to go to make amends that set the class acts apart from the rest….and that goes for the guy at the local shop as well. Natty (wishing he had given me a 9′ nine weight for salmon fishing instead  :-)  ) Before you buy.

Response:

What’s their web-address, those flies catch Upper class fish! — Op "Look, strange women lying around in ponds distributing swords is no basis for a system of government.  Supreme executive power is derived from a mandate from the masses, not from some  farcical aquatic ceremony.  I mean, if I went around saying I was Emperor, just because some moistened bint had lobbed a scimitar at me, they’d put me away. -Dennis the (Bloody) peasant-

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – All Companies will have an incident now and then with one product or another but it’s the way they handle it and the extent to which they are willing to go to make amends that set the class acts apart from the rest….and that goes for the guy at the local shop as well. Maybe I’m just being cynical, Hawkeye, but I wonder whether the fact that you discussed this problem on ROFF had anything to do with Orvis’s extreme generousity? some time ago, i posted about problems with some flies i bought from Carlson’s, a tackle shop in England.  the flies cost 45 cents, and were well worth the price…BUT, they were shipped by regular mail in an envelope.  In the crossing to my mailbox, the flies were damaged because of the packaging – or lack thereof.  i sent a copy of my post to Carlson’s.  soon afterward, the owner of Carlson’s sent me an e-mail apologizing for the problem. a few weeks later, i received replacements in a nice flybox – all in good condition, and with a nice note. heck…maybe you guys have some value after all. <G jeff

Response:

Maybe I’m just being cynical, Hawkeye, but I wonder whether the fact that you discussed this problem on ROFF had anything to do with Orvis’s extreme generousity?

I guess it’s possible RW…. the truth is I never gave that a thought. Given the fact that he called me at my home # AND left a message on my voice mail at the office I seriously doubt it was a ROFF induced action.  He told me that he got my #s from the owner of the Orvis shop who called him about the wader probs.  I wouldn’t for a second doubt the shop owner’s word and have no cause to doubt the reps either. Your point is well taken though…is ROFF really that well known in "the biz"? Maybe in the future I should not mention brand/company names?  I for one would like to know when someone else has had a problem with a product. Natty

Response:

All Companies will have an incident now and then with one product or another but it’s the way they handle it and the extent to which they are willing to go to make amends that set the class acts apart from the rest….and that goes for the guy at the local shop as well. Maybe I’m just being cynical, Hawkeye, but I wonder whether the fact that you discussed this problem on ROFF had anything to do with Orvis’s extreme generousity?

some time ago, i posted about problems with some flies i bought from Carlson’s, a tackle shop in England.  the flies cost 45 cents, and were well worth the price…BUT, they were shipped by regular mail in an envelope.  In the crossing to my mailbox, the flies were damaged because of the packaging – or lack thereof.  i sent a copy of my post to Carlson’s.  soon afterward, the owner of Carlson’s sent me an e-mail apologizing for the problem. a few weeks later, i received replacements in a nice flybox – all in good condition, and with a nice note. heck…maybe you guys have some value after all. <G jeff

Response:

Question:

Can anyone provide links to websites that sell quality flies at lower than retail prices?  Thanks.

Response:

Try www.discountflyfishing.com

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Can anyone provide links to websites that sell quality flies at lower than retail prices?  Thanks.

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Visit www.popularfishingflies.com Here you find one of the best prices on the Net. Popular Fishing Flies – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Can anyone provide links to websites that sell quality flies at lower than retail prices?  Thanks.

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Can anyone provide links to websites that sell quality flies at lower than retail prices?  Thanks.

Hi Clyde, Check out the Wayne Hart’s replies in the "Best price??" thread above, he gives a link to what sounds like a real good place to by flies online. Darin

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You might want to also try the ‘Fly Shops’ category link from http://flyfishing.about.com/  There are a variety of fly shops that sells flies on-line listed there.

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Question:

you have your harness, you have your carabener(sp) you have your parachute with the long lanyard you might carry a couple more carabeners for a classic 3 bean’er attachment for lowering your self to the ground R. (repelling all the way down) Williams – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – a saw or better judgement

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a saw or better judgement

I recall that a self-rescue kit for tree landings was standard equipment among Tennessee/Georgia HG pilots when I flew there too many years ago. Consisted of one of those flexible-wire saws, a length of strong cord, some basic first-aid material and a whistle. may have been some other items, but it was along time ago. It was not for nothing that the local club is the ‘Tennessee Tree Toppers’, and yes, I qualified. Didn’t need the saw, though, ‘cos I fell straight out. Noel

Response:

Does anyone know of a design or plan for a tree rescue kit?

A recent issue of paragliding magazine had just such a plan.  I don’t remember the exact issue but you can probably find out at the USHGA web site <http://www.ushga.org. — Forrest Keller

Response:

Yes It is called "Tooth Floss" and comes in small boxes from the chemist. Strong enough to be dropped from the tree and haul up a climbing rope! Stewart Reid

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Does anyone know of a design or plan for a tree rescue kit?

Response:

a saw

Response:

Does anyone know of a design or plan for a tree rescue kit?

Check out http://www.kurious.org/PG/treeresq.htm Thanks to Lowell Skoog. Floyd Rogers

Response:

Hi from Dwayne, A box of Dental Floss and say 5 2ft long ropes in your harness pocket. The dental floss is used to pull up a heaver rope when you are stuck in a tree. The 2ft ropes are used to tie yourself or your glider to the tree. I started my hang gliding in Wellington in 1995 back flying with Grant Tatham and company. In Dallas Texas now – I hope to visit NZ again soon. Regards, Dwayne Sinclair.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Does anyone know of a design or plan for a tree rescue kit?

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Does anyone know of a design or plan for a tree rescue kit?

Response:

a saw

or better judgement

Response:

Does anyone know of a design or plan for a tree rescue kit? Here in the NW USA, we have lots and lots of trees.  Unfortunately,

sometimes instead of flying over them, we fly into them.  We have a couple of guys in our club who put on a tree rescue clinic.  They also have recommendations for tree rescue kits.  Our trees are very tall (200 feet) so we have to be prepared.  I don’t know much about tree life in New Zealand, but in the Eastern US, a lot of places only have 30 foot trees. Anyway, we have very long tested ropes, at least 100 foot long for out here. About pencil width. Some people fly with them, others leave it in the truck. I leave it in the truck and carry fishing line in my PG harness.  In the HG I don’t have as much of penetration problems, but maybe I should carry it there too. I think 20 lb fishing test line is good to get the rope up to you.  One trick I used is to run over the line with my truck. I know it sounds weird, but it makes the spool much smaller without damaging the integrity of the spool or the line. It fits into harness better that way. You should also have an extra carabiner, you should know how to do the Munter hitch to lower yourself down, use the bowline knot to tie yourself or stuff off.  A lot of guys bring like an eight foot strap to immediately tie oneself into the trunk of the tree so you don’t fall while you’re getting yourself together.  You can really tire yourself out holding onto the tree wating for help.  I think those are the main things. John Saltveit Oregon NW USA

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maybe supplies for a tree fort

Response:

Question:

I’ve rented a cabin on the back of Hiwassee river near Murphy for the first week in April, and would like to know what kind of flies are recommended for that area that time of year.  I’ve only fly fished saltwater in Florida, so I’m really looking forward to something new and different.   Thanks, Terry

Response:

I’ve rented a cabin on the back of Hiwassee river near Murphy for the first week in April, and would like to know what kind of flies are recommended for that area that time of year.

        royal wulff, adams wulff (called a "thunderhead" in n.c.) and some dark bodied elk hair caddis.  all in size 12-16.  hare’s ear and squirrell tail nymphs, size 12.  that’s it.  now pretend you’re an otter hunting fish.  upstream, quietly and slowly.         a. wayne harrison

Response:

I’ve rented a cabin on the back of Hiwassee river near Murphy for the first week in April, and would like to know what kind of flies are recommended for that area that time of year.  I’ve only fly fished saltwater in Florida, so I’m really looking forward to something new and different.   Thanks, Terry

– Hi Terry, Good luck with your adventure. For early spring dries you will need some: fly…                size Elk Hair Caddises    12-16 Blue-Wing Olives     16-18 Adams parachutes     12-16 March Brown          12-14 for nymphs: tellicos             12-14 bead head hares ear  12-14 pheasent tail        12-14 and for wets working downstream: wooly bugger         6-10 soft-hackled wets    12-14               you can use the soft-hackled wets as a dropper behind the other flies if you choose to. Also, the smaller the tippet you use the more success you will have with the dry flies. The fish should be actively feeding but they will scatter and hide at the smallest disturbance, including a leader splash. Be smooth and gentle with your presentation and you should do just fine. –Walt The Blue Ridge Book Gallery | We are located 8 miles south of Boone on Rt. 1 Box 975-23            | Hiway 105 in Foscoe in the heart of the Banner Elk, NC 28604        | beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. Please (704) 963-5001              | visit us when you’re in the area.                             |  Thanks….Marie & Walter Winter http://www.mercury.net/~wgwinter/         also on Interloc…

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve rented a cabin on the back of Hiwassee river near Murphy for the first week in April, and would like to know what kind of flies are recommended for that area that time of year.  I’ve only fly fished saltwater in Florida, so I’m really looking forward to something new and different. Thanks, Terry — Hi Terry, Good luck with your adventure. For early spring dries you will need some: fly…                size Elk Hair Caddises    12-16 Blue-Wing Olives     16-18 Adams parachutes     12-16 March Brown          12-14 for nymphs: tellicos             12-14 bead head hares ear  12-14 pheasent tail        12-14 and for wets working downstream: wooly bugger         6-10 soft-hackled wets    12-14 you can use the soft-hackled wets as a dropper behind the other flies if you choose to. Also, the smaller the tippet you use the more success you will have with the dry flies. The fish should be actively feeding but they will scatter and hide at the smallest disturbance, including a leader splash. Be smooth and gentle with your presentation and you should do just fine. –Walt The Blue Ridge Book Gallery | We are located 8 miles south of Boone on Rt. 1 Box 975-23            | Hiway 105 in Foscoe in the heart of the Banner Elk, NC 28604        | beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. Please (704) 963-5001              | visit us when you’re in the area.                             |  Thanks….Marie & Walter Winter http://www.mercury.net/~wgwinter/         also on Interloc…

    Hi Walter        I saw by one of the other sites that the non-resident NC license went to $30.00, TRUE ?                                                        John Popp                                                      in Sanford Fl.

Response:

   Hi Walter       I saw by one of the other sites that the non-resident NC license went to $30.00, TRUE ?                                                       John Popp                                                     in Sanford Fl.

Hi John, I’m not sure what a day/3 day/or week license costs but a non-resident year license costs $40.00. –Walt — The Blue Ridge Book Gallery | We are located 8 miles south of Boone on Rt. 1 Box 975-23            | Hiway 105 in Foscoe in the heart of the Banner Elk, NC 28604        | beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. Please (704) 963-5001              | visit us when you’re in the area.                             |  Thanks….Marie & Walter Winter http://www.mercury.net/~wgwinter/         also on Interloc…

Response:

Question:

Many rivers still high, but they are dropping as fast as they went up.   Extremely hot weather melted a lot of snow(still a lot to melt, though).   Big Hole is dropping 10-15% per day.  2′ viz at Melrose yesterday, and salmon flies are showing up down near the "Notch".  River is fishing fairly well with nymphs.  Madison is beginning to drop, too, and traditionally the Montana Power Company drops the Madison flows around the 3rd week of June and begins to fill Hebgen Lake.  Gallatin and Yellowstone are still a mess.  Yellowstone has done some serious damage to  DePuy’s and Armstrong’s Spring Creeks, but NOONE knows for sure how much until the river goes done.  I guess I am the eternal optimist, and I figure this flood is like the YNP fires of 1988.  It will be temporarily inconvenient for us humans, but I expect this event will be beneficial.   Talked to Bob Auger, DePuy’s riverkeeper, yesterday, and he is poised to begin work to rebuild the dam as quickly as the water comes down.  I hope there will be fishing in DePuy’s again by mid-July(will take small bets on this!).  Beaverhead and Big Horn are very good.  Smith River is excellent.  Firehole and Henry’s  Fork are good, too.  Firehole has caddis and PMD’s and the Henry’s Fork is getting ready for green and brown drakes.  High water as this time of year is normal.  Remember, we have been in a decade long drought cycle here, and the recollections of many fishermen are of LOW water years.  Things will look fairly good by first week of July.   Dave Kumlien, Montana Troutfitters,Bozeman html

Response:

Hi Dave, Thanks for the Montana report.  It’s obvious to me you spend a lot of time on it (and for our benefit) and I wanted you to know it’s appreciated. Tight Lines Al Beatty BT’s Fly Fishing Products Bozeman, MT (96 catalog)

Response:

Al Beatty writes: Hi Dave, Thanks for the Montana report.  It’s obvious to me you spend a lot of time on it (and for our benefit) and I wanted you to know it’s appreciated.

I second that. -Ande Rychter

Response:

David, Thanks for the information.  It sure is helpful for those of us who live in the city (ie, Dallas, TX) who plan on traveling to Montana in the near term. I was wondering, do you not receive info on the North Blackfoot (from around North Fork down to either Scotty Browns bridge or Clear Creek), as well as Rock Creek? If you or anyone else could provide info on these areas (such as water conditions, hatch & pattern info, whether I should consider wading or floating, etc.) and what I might expect from around July 10 through July 14, I would appreciate it. Thanks again! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Many rivers still high, but they are dropping as fast as they went up.   Extremely hot weather melted a lot of snow(still a lot to melt, though).   Big Hole is dropping 10-15% per day.  2′ viz at Melrose yesterday, and salmon flies are showing up down near the "Notch".  River is fishing fairly well with nymphs.  Madison is beginning to drop, too, and traditionally the Montana Power Company drops the Madison flows around the 3rd week of June and begins to fill Hebgen Lake.  Gallatin and Yellowstone are still a mess.  Yellowstone has done some serious damage to  DePuy’s and Armstrong’s Spring Creeks, but NOONE knows for sure how much until the river goes done.  I guess I am the eternal optimist, and I figure this flood is like the YNP fires of 1988.  It will be temporarily inconvenient for us humans, but I expect this event will be beneficial.   Talked to Bob Auger, DePuy’s riverkeeper, yesterday, and he is poised to begin work to rebuild the dam as quickly as the water comes down.  I hope there will be fishing in DePuy’s again by mid-July(will take small bets on this!).  Beaverhead and Big Horn are very good.  Smith River is excellent.  Firehole and Henry’s  Fork are good, too.  Firehole has caddis and PMD’s and the Henry’s Fork is getting ready for green and brown drakes.  High water as this time of year is normal.  Remember, we have been in a decade long drought cycle here, and the recollections of many fishermen are of LOW water years.  Things will look fairly good by first week of July.   Dave Kumlien, Montana Troutfitters,Bozeman html

Steve Ginn 2nd VP – Consulting Group

Response:

Question:

I’m making my first trip to the Green River next week and have never fished it before.  We’ll be hitting the area in Utah where it dumps out of Flaming Gorge.  Any advice or suggestions for a beginner on this river? Are there any areas slow  (and safe) enough for a float tube?

Response:

I’m making my first trip to the Green River next week and have never fished it before.  We’ll be hitting the area in Utah where it dumps out of Flaming Gorge.  Any advice or suggestions for a beginner on this river? Are there any areas slow  (and safe) enough for a float tube?

        You should get a guide the first day, so you can get a feel for the river. I just got back from there, and the fishing was great. They raised the water though, but should get good again in a day or so, after the fish settle down to the new flows. There’s a baetis hatch around 2 pm, and if the weather is cloudy and a little chilly, the hatch can go to 5 pm or so. If it’s a nice day, it goes to about 3:30 to 4 pm. I would not use your belly boat at the levels the river is right now, except to ferry to the other side. There are a couple of rapids that you wouldn’t want to go through in the belly boat at this level, but if you know where there at, you can get out and walk around them.         Midges are good most of the day, with top feeders stack up on the banks. Good dry fly fishing if the winds not blowing.         Have fun, T Wigs.

Response:

Hire a good guide.  Floating the Green is excellent.  PMD and BWO are good bets, along with pheasant tail nymphs and scuds, Griffith’s Gnats always work. One thing to remember, if you can see your fly on the water, it’s too big.

Response:

Question:

Does anyone have any tips or experience on fishing the Wissahickon in Philadelphia?

Response:

: Does anyone have any tips or experience on fishing the Wissahickon in : Philadelphia? Get a tetannus shot before you venture in.

Response:

Does anyone have any tips or experience on fishing the Wissahickon in Philadelphia?

What…God doesn’t know?

Response:

I fished the Wissahickon when I was a kid. They would stock it with trout, but if you ate one that was in the water too long it tasted like soap. The stream is muddy and tough to get down to in areas near Bells Mill and Valley Green if you want to wade. I would suggest that you go upstream near Flourtown where there’s a park that has open banks and the stream is a bit shallower and, if memory serves, may be better all around for fly fishing. Good luck

Response:

Question:

Oh, was that hate mail? I thought it was just another ‘96 fund-raising blurb from the Republican National Committee.

Response:

Unless someone changes the name of this conference to rec.woodworking.politics keep those comments to yourself or take them elsewhere.

Response:

Now that the Republicans control Congress, and will control the White House  after the next election – I’m sure that hate mail was from Democrats! Let’s keep this kind  of nonsense off this board. Name: O.C. Garza Time: 13:46:39 Eat…Breath…Good Cigars…Fly Fishing…Die!

Response:

Question:

: Learn to roll cast. Or pay a guide $150/day to put you in a raft. — Rick T. Rick Fletcher   –   http://www.chem.uidaho.edu/~fletcher/ Assistant professor of chemistry  |  That’s Idaho, not Iowa.    |  These University of Idaho               |  Upper Left Hand Corner.    |  opinions Moscow, ID 83844-2343             |  No, I don’t grow potatoes. |  are mine.

Response:

Learn to roll cast.

Response:

oh how I love to fly fish! My partner might even say I’m obsessed with fly fishing, and tying and anything else to do with this marvelous sport. And yes, I am a woman. Been fly fishing for about 5 years now and still consider myself somewhat of a beginner. Always wanting and looking for new stuff to learn. About flies in trees/bushes=simple always buy one for the fish and one or two for the trees. Also, try some creative casting, side arm casting, sling shot or bow and arrow casting, certainly roll casting, etc. Try these casts on an open lawn first, until you are more comfortable with it all. And if you have a fly shop in your area, check to see if there is a women’s group or club and if not, start one. It’s a great way to fish and learn in a safe environment! Most important…have fun! =)

Response:

to lodge my Hook in the raft – and off i go after spending $150! But seriously – i’ll learn roll casting – thanks for the advice!

Response:

Question:

Jensen) writes: Looking for foul weather gear

I would not look too hard for a bargin when looking for raingear, you will regret it later.  Get yourself some Grundens, Guy Cottons, or as a last resort some Helly Hansons(although Hellys have really gone down hill lately).  I work in the seafood industry in Alaska, and I have found that Grundens makes the best raingear out there.  And you can get it in day glow colors if you want to.  Look at comercial fishing outlets for them.

Response:

: I would not look too hard for a bargin when looking for raingear, you will : regret it later.  Get yourself some Grundens, Guy Cottons, or as a last : resort some Helly Hansons(although Hellys have really gone down hill : lately).  I work in the seafood industry in Alaska, and I have found that : Grundens makes the best raingear out there.  And you can get it in day : glow colors if you want to.  Look at comercial fishing outlets for them. faulies, not me. But I would like to check out a commercial supplier in LA or OC, just to see what’s there.  Anyone know where to find one?

Response:

-    I’m looking for foul weather gear but don’t want to pay the high prices – that the local stores charge.  Is there a good mail order place for this – stuff? I recently found a Helly Hansen mfg’s outlet store near Kenosha, Wisconsin.  I think they were just trying to sell yuppie sweaters and similar trendy stuff and they had their real foul weather gear on the shelf just to impress people. Never the less, they did have everything from their low end, $120 suits, to their high end, $900 suits.  They also had a hand written tag that explained in detail why each item was a mfg defect.  If I didn’t already have a suit I would have been very tempted to buy a $270 suit for $180 because they got their name embrodered on the wrong corner of the pocket. G. Jackson

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        I postedthis elsewhere so I’ll post it here.  Don’t get sucked in by all that expensive sailing oriented shit.  Read on.      On my first ocean cruise in 1981, I bought some "Offshore" foul weather gear at R.E.I. in Seattle.  Total piece of shit. After some pretty rough usage (we lost a rudder) and 31 days at sea, the seams leaked.  I took them back to R.E.I.  They said that they wern’t meant for the kind of sailing I do, but for the "weekend" sailor." I said "Well why the fuck! do you call it "Offshore"? To make a long story short, they wouldn’t refund my money and it just confirmed my opinion of R.E.I. as a fashion house for frustrated yuuppies. Growing up in Seattle, I have resisted the R.E.I Clone look mightily although I have to admit, Pile Jackets are great for me as I’m allergic to wool.      Where is this leading to?      Buy Helly Hansen fisherman foul weather gear. No seams, no fly, no pockets, NO LEAK!!!!  I’ve worn mine for 10 years fishing in Alaska and California and on many trans ocean sails.  Still wearing them.  My mother is borrowing them for a river rafting trip this month.  About $80 last time I bought (I have two pair) — — Turn off ascii capture on the personal computer 4;1H Press the <Return Key to return to mail … —

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     On my first ocean cruise in 1981, I bought some "Offshore" foul weather gear at R.E.I. in Seattle.  Total piece of shit. After some pretty rough usage (we lost a rudder) and 31 days at sea, the seams leaked.  I took them back to R.E.I.  They said that they wern’t meant for the kind of sailing I do, but for the "weekend" sailor."I said "Well why the fuck! do you call it "Offshore"? To make a long story short, they wouldn’t refund my money and it just confirmed my opinion of R.E.I. as a fashion house for frustrated yuuppies. Growing up in Seattle, I have resisted the R.E.I Clone look mightily although I have to admit, Pile Jackets are great for me as I’m allergic to wool.      Where is this leading to?      Buy HELLY HANSEN fisherman foul weather gear. No seams, no fly, no pockets, NO LEAK!!!! And they are tough as steel and easy to patch. I’ve worn mine for 10 years fishing in Alaska and California and on many trans ocean sails.  Still  wearing them.  My mother is borrowing them for a river rafting  trip this month.  About $80 last time I bought (I have two pair) —

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     I’m looking for foul weather gear but don’t want to pay the high prices that the local stores charge.  Is there a good mail order place for this stuff?                                      we suck!"

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:      I’m looking for foul weather gear but don’t want to pay the high prices : that the local stores charge.  Is there a good mail order place for this : stuff? I wouldn’t do it.  I would rather have something that fits.  I ended up with a "Grotto" jacket from Boat/US and Explorer trousers from West Marine because each fit properly.  (I can hear them fighting in the closet.) It’s kind of hit and miss because everything is S/M/L/XL. My biggest disapointment was the lack of rad colors. And my BIG IDEA, now placed in the public domain, is glow-in-the-dark zippers – so you can get them on at 3 am.

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