I thought some of you photography buffs would like to "listen in" on this conversation. Jay sent me these questions and I was able to forward them on to Trail Dawg while he was sitting out some rain in Pearisburg.

Jay, thanks for checking the website. I hope these brief answers will help some; I will be more than happy to continue to answer any questions, too. Understand, though, I don't have the opportunity often to email, or check my email for that matter, so if I don't respond back promptly, you'll know I'm not ignoring you, I'm just livin' it up out here. Snickers will also help answer any questions you may have...hope this helps!!!

1. Is weight not a concern for him, or is photography his vice, and one of the things he's willing to sacrifice on?

I'll carry the weight for such good pics, afterall, this is a once-in-a-lifetime journey (for some). But mostly, I like the manual functions (not point-n-shoot) and the quality of pics. G5 is a 5-meg camera, so if I want to enlarge a pic larger than an 3x5, then I can without losing quality.

2. You said you keep 5 or 6 256MB compact flash cards in rotation. Did he consider an item like the Vosonic X's Drive II?

Considered micro drive, but here is my thinking: 1) if large drive gets corrupted *somehow* ALL pics will be lost - not a risk I am willing to take. 2) It's cheaper to buy Compact Flash and more widely used (at this point); moreover, if one gets lost in the mail or corrupted from dew or rain, I can replace it easier while on the trail 3) More Cards in the mix allow for more frequent updates to traildawg.com since we, Snickers and I, can bounce them back and forth more.

3. He also has a small tripod, correct?

Yes, check the link below to Campmor.com...

Tripod at Campmor

4. How is the camera physically carried?

I use a camera bag (that I modified by cutting extras off, like handle) attached to my shoulder straps on either side. Then, there is a shock cord that is attached to the bottom of the bag that I slip my hipbelt/buckle into so that it (camera and bag) doesn't bounce when I walk. See Album 9, pic 4 - Album 3, pic 52...you can kinda see it.

Camera bag at Campmor

I decided on this bag based on my camera's measurments -- l x h x w.

5. How do the people he takes pictures of respond to being pictured?

Just ask, "Do you mind if I take your picture?" Never had anyone say "No!"

6. Am curious also about how he gets to be in the pictures so often.

check out www.dcresource.com - one reason I went with the G5 was the remote control and timer delay. If someone is around, I ask them to snap the pic (which doesn't work out so well sometimes because people don't know what they are doing); if I am alone, I set the tri-pod and use the remote. Funny, even in the woods, us MEN need a remote!! Hehehehe...

See you on the trail...

Trail Dawg