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---
layout: post.html
author: David Cary
date: 2024-10-28
title: Labour Day 2024 Newsletter
---
It seems like the bad weather never ends. When will summer come? 
![Bowen](https://res.cloudinary.com/dofwwje6q/image/upload/w_400/v1730074735/blog/IMG_7879_io1akd.jpg)
Two weeks ago there was a glimmer of hope, and I headed off to Homer and the Bowen for a trap check, and then a day later to Pomona Island to service audio recorders.
![Pomona](https://res.cloudinary.com/dofwwje6q/image/upload/w_400/v1730074729/blog/IMG_7973_puhagi.jpg)
The sunshine was great for the few moments it was out, but the rest of the time cloud prevailed. I was grateful for the calm.
Thanks to all who have been buying trapper belt pouches in which to stow the smelly stuff. Keep up the good work.
![Trapper Belt Pouch](https://res.cloudinary.com/dofwwje6q/image/upload/w_400/v1719608877/FP/IMG_7603_2_ip3kox.jpg)
I am making a new 75l Alpine pack, similar to a 65l Alpine but wider. Unfortunately I am over pack photography, so no images yet. It may be my best balanced large pack yet, very similar to a Macpac Ascent, but only 1.2kg or so. 
I have always made big packs somewhat grudgingly, but I need something bigger for an upcoming mission if summer ever comes. It surprised me with its niceness on a recent load carry in the rain. A new FP product.
Thanks to the family that kindly waited for me to paddle into Moturau hut recently. That is the first time I have seen a customer pack in the wild (other than those owned by people I know). It was a special pack too, the second Sandwich Pack (45l) from a lifetime ago. I am frequently asked if I have changed them, the answer is no, nothing major is different.
In the beginning I thought I could make a living from 35l packs like others in the UK and USA. Alas, not in NZ. We are a hard bunch. I had to make a 45l, 55l, 65l... Now there is a really big one too 75l.  
Get out there, and let's make the world a better place, just a little.
Happy tramping
David
![Me](https://res.cloudinary.com/dofwwje6q/image/upload/w_100/v1730074725/blog/IMG_7977_xsusbu.jpg)