Review: Lifeproof iPhone 4s Case

Lifeproof - even when life is Plumbing and Fishing

After the near miss of last summer's surprise swimming while fly-fishing the Usk I resolved to get a waterproof case for my phone. The choice available was hardy inspiring, so like so many projects it ended up on the back burner, with the phone traveling around in an old sock, keeps the rubble out but hardly waterproof. As chance would have it the case got a real life test on the first day, when I dumped a couple of litres of water onto my lap. No problem.

I got mine by chancing my arm and asking a PR company for one, BoB (Brother of Bushwacker) bought his for cash before leaving New Zealand, he was gutted to see that 'Ah that's where it is! Orange' was a colour choice, he has subtler grey edition. For people who like looking for things put down not five minutes ago there are a couple of 'tactical' colour schemes too. They look pretty cool but I've lost enough stuff already so its 'Ah ha! Orange' for me every time.

The design is well thought out, that lump at the top of the picture is a spare screw-in seal for the headphone port - sort of thing I'd lose on the first day so much appreciated.

Proper cases for smart phones are defiantly an idea whose time has come, everywhere I've taken it the case has started conversations about its design and practicality, The Littlest Bushwacker and I met a fella on the train who was pretty dissatisfied with his case, it had survived a few drops, and a nerve-wracking dip in a swimming pool, but only by the grace of god.

I was heartened to see that Lifeproof pass that most important of 'proper company' tests - they sell spare parts! And a rather cool floating case too.

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I Want One - A Not So Occasional Series Pt21

On friday I spent the day with author, historian and storyteller The London Poacher. His opportunistic days of hunting the water corporation's lands are long gone, these days he's the groundsman's friend protecting east london's golf courses from green-eating coney's. He showed me round his battery of petite rifles including a very nice Anschutz in .22LR, with a barrel that seemed to have been bored from a locomotive axle, that has taken a rabbit at 168 yards. Obviously such a discovery lead me to the Anschutz site where I found this little jewel - their new Biathlon style 1727 hunter in 17HMR bunnywhacker.

Ohh ohh ohhh radial ball-lugs AKA the Fortner action, a la Heym SR30!
The price seems unconfirmed at this time but looks as though it'll Blaser money. Ouch, and Ouch again.  'Champagne tastes and a beer income' Bah!

Maybe ISSC will come to the rescue?

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Fathers Day Hunting And Fishing Book

A Sportsman's Library: 100 Essential, Engaging, Offbeat, and Occasionally Odd Fishing and Hunting Books for the Adventurous Reader 

Stephen J. Bodio

If you just found this post from its title and you need a book for dad, for a dad who likes Hunting, or Fishing, or Dogs or Birds of Prey you're done, Steve B's book will remind the old man of a few favorites, and leave him wanting to order a few of Steve's favorites. It's a witty book, and as the recommendations of each of the 100 books have amusing and insightful anecdotes about the authors,  he's bound to like it. I did.

For the rest of you.

I've never met Steve Bodio but I avidly read the blog posts he writes from his Querencia in the high country of New Mexico. Hunter and naturalist, a-firearms aficionado, and the author of some very very well written books. He's the kind of guy you would ask for a book recommendation, he's read most of the cannon of outdoor literature and knew quite a few of its writers too. So the idea of asking him to put together a list of favorites was a good one.   

I imagine visiting him in his study, seeking a book recommendation with the background reading to put the recommendation into context, Steve's eyes light up and he turns to his groaning book shelves levers out a couple of volumes and wittily invokes their authors and environments. Done. His 'A Sportsman's Library' is that in a box.

But enough of books, I'm off to flick some lures at the Pike in the canal. 

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