I am looking to take advantage of the current sale on 501s. I want to get a pair in black, but I see three options. Seeing on the screen is not always the most accurate. Between "Evolution Black Rigid", "Black Rigid", and "Modern Black Rigid" which do you prefer?

I have heard positive things about Blundstones for travel, but I have never owned a pair. I tried some on at REI and they seemed pretty comfortable, though a little snug getting on and off.

Anyhow, I am going to be traveling to Japan for two weeks. It will be my longest flight (~12 hours) and the trip involves a lot of walking. It has been recommended to bring two pairs of shoes in case one gets soaked in the rain or just to switch up for comfort. I will be bringing a pair of Altra Lone Peaks trail runners and I am thinking about getting some Blundstone Classics. Daily I wear Grant Stone Diesel Boots, Clarks Bushacres, and Red Wing Iron Rangers. None of those would be good for long walking days.

Since Blundstones are bigger than my Altras and I am one bagging it, I was thinking of wearing the Blundstones on the plane if I go that route. I was thinking of my feet swell or get hot though, that may not be the best idea. Have you worn on long flights? How are they for walking 20k steps per day (assuming they are broken in)?

I am traveling to Japan with my dad for the first time during the first two weeks of November. It is a bucket list trip for both of us, but especially my dad who isn't getting any younger. He is still active, walks, hikes, bikes, etc. We Did Costa Rica two years ago including zip lines, volcanic hike, hanging bridges, etc. He is slower, and adventures have to be shorter, but he is still able to get around.

I would love some feedback on my itinerary for Kyoto. Any suggestions, advice, recommendations, etc. would be greatly appreciated.

OVERALL JAPAN ITINERARY

1. Tokyo (2 Days)
2. Kanazawa (2 Days) - Kanazawa itself and Shirikawa-Go
3. Kurobe Alpine Route / Mastsumoto (2 Days)
4. Nakasendo Trail ( 1 Day) - Magome to Tsumago
5. Kyoto (3 1/2 Days)

KYOTO ITINERARY

Sunday, Nov 8: Nakasendo to Kyoto, and an Easy First Night

The goal: Get to Kyoto and settle in. The first night isn't a sightseeing night.

After the Nakasendo Trail: Head to Kyoto (Tsumago, bus to Nagiso, train to Nagoya, then the Shinkansen). We'll probably reach the hotel around 5 or 6. The sun sets around 4:50, so it'll be dark by then.

When we get in: Grab a taxi from Kyoto Station to the hotel (about 15 minutes). Check in, shower, and put our feet up for a bit.

Around 6:30: Wander down Pontocho, the lantern-lit alley a couple of minutes from the hotel, and find dinner there or along Kiyamachi.

If we're up for it: After dinner, cross the Shijo bridge and walk about 10 minutes to Gion-Shirakawa and Tatsumi Bridge. It's prettiest at night. Hanamikoji and Yasaka Shrine can wait until Monday.

Monday, Nov 9: Classic Kyoto (Higashiyama and Gion)

The goal: Kyoto's old streets, temples, and gardens at their most classic.

Morning

Kiyomizu-dera. The main hall and its big wooden stage, the views, the Otowa Waterfall, and whatever else around it catches our eye.

Stroll down Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka. It's an old neighborhood to walk through. We don't need to hit every shop.

The Yasaka Pagoda and the quiet Ishibe-koji lane. We're saving Kodai-ji for tonight's light-up.

Midday & Afternoon

Through Maruyama Park to Yasaka Shrine.

Lunch somewhere around Gion or Shijo-Kawaramachi.

Kennin-ji (Kyoto's oldest Zen temple, with the huge twin dragons painted on the ceiling), more wandering in Gion, or just a coffee break.

Back to the hotel for a late afternoon rest. Don't skip this one, since we're heading out again tonight.

Evening

Kodai-ji's autumn light-up. The rock garden and bamboo grove are lit after dark, with some projection art too. Then dinner in Gion or back near Kiyamachi.

Pacing: One big temple in the morning, a downhill walk, a proper afternoon break, and one short evening outing. If we're wiped out, skip the light-up or push it to Tuesday night. It runs every night.

Tuesday, Nov 10: Fushimi Inari, Tofuku-ji, and Samurai Kyoto

The goal: See Fushimi Inari while it's still quiet, walk over to a Zen temple and its maple valley, and spend the afternoon at the shogun's palace.

Early Morning (7:00am?)

Fushimi Inari Taisha. The main shrine, then up through the Senbon Torii and partway up Mount Inari. It's open 24 hours, and before about 9:00 the lower gates are way less crowded than they'll be by noon.

When to turn around: We don't need to reach the summit. The tunnels of red gates through the forest are what we came for, so we'll head back down whenever the climb stops being fun.

Late Morning (~10:00am)

Tofuku-ji. The Sanmon (the oldest Zen main gate in Japan), the Tsutenkyo Bridge over the maple valley, and the Hojo garden.

Midday and Afternoon

Lunch near Tofuku-ji or Kyoto Station, then on to Nijo Castle. Taxi or the Tozai Line back toward the hotel (about 15 minutes). Rest up, then dinner around Kiyamachi or Gion.

Why this order: Fushimi Inari gets swamped by midday, so it goes first, and Tofuku-ji is right next door. Nijo Castle is fine in the afternoon, and it's the samurai and shogun history I really wanted.

Wednesday, Nov 11: Day Trip to Nara

The goal: Japan's ancient capital. Deer everywhere, a giant Buddha, a sacred forest, and an old merchant neighborhood.

Morning

Nara Park and Todai-ji. Get to Nara Park and say hi to the deer. Walk to Todai-ji through the big Nandaimon gate. See the Great Buddha Hall and the Daibutsu, and take our time around the grounds.

Maybe: Nigatsudo has great views, but it's an uphill climb with stairs. We'll only go if Dad's feeling fresh.

Midday

Walk to Kasuga Taisha through the woods (about a mile, and easy), or grab a quick taxi if our legs are tired.

Afternoon

Taxi (about 10 minutes) or the city loop bus over to Naramachi. Poke around Naramachi's narrow streets and old merchant houses. Crafts, little shops, cafés, and Gango-ji if we're interested.

Evening

Dinner near the hotel. Keep it easy tonight.

Thursday, Nov 12: Katsura Imperial Villa and Heading Home

Flight: Leaves KIX at 6:00 PM (AA 8439).

The plan: One last special stop: the 9:20 English tour of Katsura Imperial Villa, then back to Kyoto Station for lunch and the Haruka airport train.

Check out and take a taxi with our bags to Kyoto Station (about 15 minutes). Leave the bags in a coin locker or the staffed baggage room so we don't have to go back to the hotel.

Katsura Imperial Villa, English guided tour (¥1,000 each, booked ahead online).

Early lunch near Kyoto Station.

1:00 to 1:30: Haruka train from Kyoto Station to KIX (75 to 80 minutes, reserve seats). That gets us to the airport around 2:45 or 3:00 for the 6:00 flight.

I will be traveling with my dad who just turned 78. Japan is his bucket list destination and wants to do it while he is still active. He is just a little slower and hikes have to be a little shorter. He might not be climbing the stairs at Matsumoto Castle, but he still hikes and walks regularly. We did Costa Rica two years ago including Zip Lines, Volcano hike, and hanging bridges.

I have a sold idea (minus specific details) of the beginning and the ending of the trip (Tokyo and Kyoto). However, I could use a little guidance on the middle portion considering the time of year and possible cold weather/snow (Kurobe Alpine Route vs Kamikochi).

We will be traveling by train and bus. He is really excited about the temples, gardens, "old Japan", but also wants to see a bit of the modern with Tokyo. He wanted to spend only a couple of days in the big city and then get out into the countryside. I am stuck on two options in the middle of the trip.

ROUGH ITINERARY

Day 1 - Sat, Oct 31: Arrive in Tokyo in the late afternoon.

Day 2 - 3 (Sun, Nov 1 - Mon, Nov 2): Tokyo

• Day 2: Asakusa & Old Tokyo (Sensoji Temple, Ueno Park or Tokyo Skytree)
• Day 3: Meiji Shrine, Team Lab Borderless

Day 4 - Tue, Nov 3 (Culture Day): Travel to Kanazawa

• Arrive midday: Higashi Chaya geisha district

Day 5 - Wed, Nov 4: Kanazawa

• Kenrokuen Garden, Kanazawa Castle, Omicho Market, Nagamachi samurai district (or 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art)

Day 6 - Thu, Nov 5: Shirakawa-go Day Trip

• Out and back to Shirakawa-go for the day

This is where I am considering two options:

>Option 1: Kurobe Alpine Route

>Day 7 - Fri, Nov 6: Kurobe Alpine Route Crossing (Kanazawa → Matsumoto)

>Day 8 - Sat, Nov 7: Matsumoto Castle + Travel to Nakatsugawa (Naksendo Trail next morning)

>Option 2: Kamikochi

>Day 7 - Fri, Nov 6: Straight to Matsumoto (Matsumoto Castle + dinner)

>Day 8 - Sat, Nov 7: Day trip to Kamicochi, leave after lunch to catch afternoon train to Nakatsugawa (Naksendo Trail next morning)

>Both the Kurobe Alpine Route and Kamikochi are at the tail end of the season and can be impacted by weather. I was thinking the Kurobe Alpine Route is a unique experience and since there is a lot of time on buses, trains, ropeway, etc. it could be a nice break for my dad before doing the Nakasendo Trail. However, we love National Parks in the U.S. and Kamikochi is right in our wheel house. Though it is a week before it closes for winter and could be pretty barren.

Day 9 - Sun, Nov 8: Nakasendo Hike (Magome → Tsumago) + Travel to Kyoto

Day 10 - 12 (Mon, Nov 9 - Wed, Nov 11): Kyoto

• Day 10 (Monday): Fushimi Inari + Higashiyama
• Day 11 (Tuesday): Arashiyama. Less about the bamboo, more about the temple, bridge, and monkey park
• Day 12 (Wednesday): Day trip to Nara (or Uji)

Day 13 - Thurs, Nov 13: Kyoto to Osaka (Fly out in the evening)

• Flight out of Osaka isn't until 6:00 pm. Can spend the morning in Kyoto or head to Osaka for a day. not sure, yet.

Considering the new freedom of movement rules and the increase in overall talent across the league, is the Valykrie's defense this year the best in the history of the W? They are holding teams to 75.6 points per game which is about 8 points less than the second best team. They have held the Liberty who have the 5th best offense to 60, 67, and 70. They just held Minnesota to 25 points below their season average.

Natalie Nakase has to be coach of the year, right?

I have a 2008 Honda Element that I purchased new. I loathe having to part ways with it. It has 230,000+ miles and has taken me all over the U.S. and Canada. Being a Honda, it has had zero major issues. I recently replaced the original motor mounts and suspension. Still drives like a champ. I took it on a 4,000+ mile road trip last year without a worry.

With that said, it is getting long in the tooth and it is time to start looking for a new car. I kept holding out for a new Element, but they aren't coming. I am an avid mountain biker and take multiple mountain bike road trips per year (Sedona, Utah, Colorado, Santa Cruz, NorCal, etc.). Some of my favorite things about the Element is that there is no carpet, it is tall, and there is a ton of cargo space so I can roll my bikes right into the back. I don't have to have a rack or take a wheel off. This great for stops like lunch or the store and not having to worry about the bikes.

With all that said, I have been looking at the SUV market. I initially wanted another Honda or Toyota. I don't like the 4Runner. I love the fuel efficiency of the RAV4, but it is cramped inside and overpriced. Honda got crazy with pricing and doesn't offer anything I am interested in. Mazda doesn't have off-road capable stuff. So, Subaru is where I have settled, but I don't know much about them.

What drew me to Subaru is the new Outback. I love the knobs! 100% I love the knobs. The new infotainment system looks like one of the best in modern vehicles. I don't really know what the difference is between the Forrester and the Outback is except the Forrester has a hybrid, but no knobs and a slow crappy infotainment system.

TL;DR

• I live in SoCal
• I am coming from a 2008 Honda Element (originally owner)
• I am an avid mountain biker and go on a lot of road trips
• I'd prefer to be able to put my bike in the car instead of on a rack
• I want something reliable
• The knobs, infotainment system, and cargo space of the new Outback caught my eye
• What are the key differences between the Forrester and Outback?
• I have heard CVTs suck, but eCVT is from Toyota and is really good. Is a hybrid worth it just for this?
• Subarus seem heavy. Is the turbo worth it? Or is it less reliable?

I know it is a lot of questions, I have been searching, but just not sure. The dealer will just tell you whatever you want to hear, so I figure ask Subaru owners directly. I appreciate it.

Does anybody have a good route that combines both descents into one ride since they pretty much have the same starting point? Is there a good return trail after you descend one to climb back up and descend the other?

Does anybody have a good route that links both the Tiddlywinks and Funner descents?

But ... dang it with all of the yapping at the refs. Same reason I stopped watching Luka. I used to love Luka, but I can't watch him anymore.

I never watched women's college basketball game until there was some hype about Caitlin at Iowa her Junior year. I got hooked. She was box office. Fast paced, logo threes, cross court passes, and a whole lot of fun.

That carried over to the W. She started off slow her rookie season, but after the all star break ... amazing. There was some chirping, it was little annoying, but wasn't bad.

Now though ... I am getting over it. That was a crazy reaction with the ref in the Valkyries game. Half the time she isn't in position to play D in transition because she is back there yapping. Today's look was not good for the young girls watching. I am still holding out hoping that she can chill with all that yapping to the refs, but dang it she is making it hard for me to ride or die with her.

I purchased a CTB 26 for 3-5 day business travel and extended weekend trips. For business travel it is mostly educational conferences so nothing too fancy: 1-2 pair of pants, 1-2 OCBD or 2-3 polos plus a pair of shorts, t-shirts, socks, underwear, etc.

I am thinking of going with either TPC10 (pants, shirts, shorts) and TPC8 or TPC4 (socks, underwear, sleep). Anybody try similar load outs? What will fit best? Also, small toiletry and small tech pouch, but there are also the other pockets for those. Any other suggestions?

I was going to wait until Fall to upgrade from my 13 mini, but I might wake up tomorrow to a $200 bump. Anybody else thinking the same? That a price hike is imminent?

Does this bag exist? What is the closest? I love the three external pockets of the CTB26. I also like the side access on the front pocket when you wing it around. Whereas, the top quick access on the Aer TP4 has almost zero volume and the lower front quick access pocket really has no volume. The main admin/quick access is good.

Essentially, I want a CTB 26 with Aer comfort. What should I be looking at?

We of course haven't seen any reviews, yet. However, more details and pics have been trickling out ahead of the kickstarter. I paid the $1 to "reserve my spot" in the kickstarter. But to be honest, as more details have come out I am a less keen on the bag than I was initially.

I love the weight, size, empty clamshell main compartment, and being Tortuga I am sure the harness system will be comfortable. However, the lack of quick access pocket on the top, lack of a "hidden" quick access on the side/back for passport, big ass side handle, and limited admin panel has me less keen than I was initially.

What does everybody else think based on the available info?

What do you value more in a travel backpack? For example, Aer Travel Packs are considered really comfortable, but also overbuilt and quite heavy for the amount of actual volume you can carry in the main compartment. Whereas, something like the Pakt Aero Travel Pack is 2 pounds lighter but thin straps, not ventilated back panel, no load lifters, etc.

I am not particularly concerned about carry on weight limits as the pack will be for flying domestically in the states. Mostly, is a heavier pack with a beefier harness system more comfortable than a lighter pack with less beefy harness system.

I signed up for the $1 Tortuga Superlite early access, but also looking at the two packs above.

I am ~14 years from retirement. I started a bit late supplementing my teacher pension with an IRA and 403b. But I have been maxing out contributions the last several years to "catch up." I also just moved a bunch of money from HYSA into Vanguard. I had been saving for a down payment, but that is likely never happening on SoCal. So, I must well get a better return. I was thinking since I have my pension as my "safety net", why not 100% stocks? I want to simplify my portfolio. Maybe go all in on VT and chill?

Brokerage

• VTIAX = ~$1,500
• VTSAX = ~$9,000
• VWENX = ~$151,000
• VT = ~$65,000

Roth IRA

• VTIAX = ~$32,000
• VTSAX = ~$149,000

403B

• VTIAX = ~$14,000
• VFIAX = ~$61,000

UPDATE: I decided to go heavy on the stocks with the pension as my "bond equivalent". I had minimal tax repercussions for divesting out of VWENX (~$800 at 15%). So, I sold and will purchase VT instead. Vanguard wouldn't let me do a straight exchange. That will simplify my brokerage account. I will look into the Roth IRA and 403b, but I am not as concerned about them. I already have decent holdings.