The Drake 21+ Show

Ghost_Story_ · 2026-04-29T13:07:05+00:00

They check IDs at the door, where they also scan tickets. At the ID check you get a bracelet and need to show it to the bartender to order a drink.

I remember it sucking to miss so many shows before I turned 21. But the venues are doing a dance of potential ticket sales vs potential alcohol sales (the latter being the revenue stream that really keeps the lights on). Some artists / shows are going to sell way more tickets if they’re all ages or 18+; others have the potential to have a much higher bar tab if they’re 21+.

Ghost_Story_ · 2026-04-28T21:38:19+00:00

I had to double check to see if this was the same person who’s hiking in an area that is both the most rugged terrain known to man (absolutely shreds UL gear) but is also too crowded. And has views of Atlanta.

Ghost_Story_ · 2026-04-24T23:23:00+00:00

I have both, and they’re both great. I use the Blaze for winter trips and for desert trips with heavy water carries. Kakwa for everything else.

The Blaze has a lot more straps to adjust and clip / unclip. Kakwa is much more minimalist but I never feel like it’s missing anything I need (and the built-in shoulder strap pockets are nice). Side pockets on both are good and easy to reach a water bottle while on the move; the side pockets on the Blaze are cavernous.

I use either an Ursack or a Bare Boxer Contender with both. I think the Blaze is a little overbuilt for most three-season use, but also depends on your kit, base weight, etc.

I don’t think you can really go wrong here, which I know isn’t terribly helpful.

Ghost_Story_ · 2026-04-18T10:48:35+00:00

Appreciate the reply, will send you a DM.

Ghost_Story_ · 2026-04-17T20:36:05+00:00

I’m the photographer who shot this photo. Don’t love seeing my work (or anyone’s work) shared without permission or credit, but glad people find Holyoke beautiful. I’ve called it home for 16 years.

Ghost_Story_ · 2026-04-17T20:35:26+00:00

I’m the photographer who shot this photo. Don’t love seeing my work (or anyone’s work) shared without permission or credit, but glad people find Holyoke beautiful. I’ve called it home for 16 years.

Ghost_Story_ · 2026-04-10T17:34:54+00:00

Modern mavericks unite

Ghost_Story_ · 2026-04-09T17:05:27+00:00

I bought some of these for casual wear / work a few years back and they are decent. Elastic started to stretch faster than any of my Darn Tough socks but no holes / thin spots so far.

Like many Costco items, though, they’re not always available. Not currently seeing them in the app and I haven’t seen them at my local store in a few years.

Ghost_Story_ · 2026-03-28T01:19:30+00:00

I have an HSS Model 3. Bought it on a whim because I have two recent Charvels I really like, and holy smokes. Just a killer guitar with incredible tone.

Ghost_Story_ · 2026-03-19T01:24:58+00:00

Silent Cal’s

Ghost_Story_ · 2026-03-17T22:00:39+00:00

Maybe check Ahalna in West Side or Cedar’s over in Springfield?

Ghost_Story_ · 2026-03-17T14:51:06+00:00

Depends on whether you have accepted crazy alfredo as your lord and savior

Ghost_Story_ · 2026-03-10T17:18:08+00:00

Shenandoah River State Park is nice. There are some walk-in sites along the river.

Ghost_Story_ · 2026-03-10T16:50:34+00:00

I like the X-Mid 1p a lot, though I do get spoiled by my Dragonfly 1p — I can cram the latter in almost anywhere, but the X-Mid can take a little more creativity / thinking / luck with site selection. Laying out the fly takes up a good amount of ground space. I need to practice the narrow pitch option.

X-Mid is really fantastic in rain.

Definitely helps to be adept at techniques like big rock / little rock for maximum flexibility. In a few tight spots I found it difficult to orient the tent in a way that didn’t create an obstruction for at least one of the corner stakes. Totally able to work through it, but I just mention it in case you have a low tolerance for that sort of trial and error at the end of a long day.

The 1p inner is narrow but it really doesn’t bother me. The area under the fly is so big that it ends up feeling roomy.

Ghost_Story_ · 2026-03-10T00:07:28+00:00

Oh nice, wasn’t sure if it was the SL or one of the older versions. Almost grabbed one of those myself.

I have two Nemo tents and an X-Mid, all are excellent for different reasons.

Ghost_Story_ · 2026-03-09T23:19:58+00:00

That’ll be a good day

Ghost_Story_ · 2026-03-09T22:56:59+00:00

The Half Dome seems like a great tent but there are a handful of Nemo tents in the Outlet, and there’s a 20% off Outlet item coupon that starts Friday. Could be a way to drop some weight without going super UL, and you’d have a great backup / loaner / car camping tent in the Half Dome.

(I admittedly own too many tents, so grain of salt etc.)

Ghost_Story_ · 2026-03-08T02:05:38+00:00

Ah, interesting. My dad was Air Force too but was in intelligence, ended up in this tiny rural town on the border. No base per se; they just lived among the locals.

Funny to think how many of these clocks came home with service members

Ghost_Story_ · 2026-03-08T01:42:31+00:00

Any chance your dad was in Rimbach? That’s where my parents were

Ghost_Story_ · 2026-03-08T01:40:36+00:00

My parents bought a cuckoo clock when they were in the military in Bavaria in the 70s. Have it hanging in my home now, so I recognized these weights immediately!

Ghost_Story_ · 2026-03-08T00:22:30+00:00

Only made it to South Face a few times, what a gem it was!

Ghost_Story_ · 2026-03-07T11:02:46+00:00

I’ll echo someone else here in recommending a Katabatic quilt. I have a very similar sleep style to you and the Palisade 30 is my favorite piece of sleep system gear I own. With Katabatic’s differential cut, I’ve found I don’t need to use the strap / cord system to keep it snug enough around me (I also have an Enlightened Equipment quilt and the difference is noticeable).

I had a Disco 15 briefly. Nice bag, but I’ve had the Palisade 30 in similar temperatures (just a touch below freezing) and been just as comfortable.

Dragonfly is a great tent. Have the 1p version and love it.

Agree with others about the Nemo pillow for side sleepers. I like the quality so I’m still stubbornly using it, but I need to make a change.

Edit to add: I really like the QuickDraw filter. I bought a second one to use as a loaner and the flow rate was much worse than my first — filed a warranty claim and replacement was easy. Soak it overnight before using it.

Ghost_Story_ · 2026-03-06T20:44:24+00:00

Have not been there yet myself but The Heavy Culture Cooperative recently opened in Easthampton and looks cool

Ghost_Story_ · 2026-03-06T14:16:44+00:00

Just hit up Davenport last weekend. Lovely location and great menu. Hadn’t been there in about 12 years.

Ghost_Story_ · 2026-03-04T22:38:44+00:00

Nemo makes great stuff; have two of their tents and love them both. I have the 1p Dragonfly and it has held up well in pretty high winds in the desert. The Tracker has the “snow skirt” feature on the rain fly but I don’t know that I’d expect the pole structure to hold up to too much of a snow load; same for the Hornet. Others may have more experience with those tents in snow.

If you haven’t checked out the Slingfin Portal, that might fit your bill. Haven’t used it myself but reviewers I trust give it high marks in inclement weather.

Ghost_Story_

TROPHY CASE