Hi all,
Some folk might appreciate the heads up on an announcement from the
Ray-Way web site:
The web site mentioned that the online shop will continue to trade
while stocks last.
There's no mention as to why the business is closing except that,
elsewhere in the site, Ray mentions that from Sept '05 he's working
full-time on another project.
The contribution to the "outdoors scene" from Ray (and his missus) has
never quite achieved critical mass in terms of perception here in the
UK but, beyond a shadow of a doubt Rays' "Friend" revolutionised rock
climbing across the globe. His ultra-light ideas in backpacking are
known to anyone who's interested in that branch of walking and has
done any reading around, wether or not you practice the techniques.
As has been said elsewhere:
"He is a figure that has inspired adulation from some, while others
have strongly criticized parts of his writings and described him as
rigid and self-absorbed. Whatever your personal outlook toward Ray may
be I think we have to admit he has been a colorful, controversial and
influential figure in lightweight backpacking"
PS some awesome shots of skydiving on the web site ;-)