But then I come across a photo like this one and am reminded of how 9.6/10 it was as a backpacking destination. And what else remains further along the trail begging for exploration.

Next year, 2027, I’m shifting from crazed birding goals to hitting the trail more often and always with my big camera in tow. I’ve put in serious effort and funds last year to make my overnight backpacking setup lighter than ever and it has me excited to hit the trail back over the 11,000′ dividing the park from the Owens Valley.

Typically these flights loop around the Palos Verdes Peninsula and cross over Long Beach before offering up a fine view of the whole basin and San Fernando Valley beyond.

In this case, I was lucky to get the Hollywood sign featured as well. The mighty, mighty LA River is the in the foreground carving its way to the sea.

I like the tech of it and Apple often trails other developers then improves on their innovation. This seems to be the case with the Duo and I don’t begrudge Apple for doing it.

Let me get this part out of the way first because it is the main reason for the headline and both of my stances: $2000.

$2000 for a PHONE! Sure, it’s more than a phone, but it’s more money than laptops or tablets. It folds out to a tablet, but come on, why do we need that much screen for $2000? Many, many will buy.

And yet…..have you seen the economy? Maybe I am wrong and maybe sales to the top 10% of the country (and world) will be enough. Apple is smart and they know their numbers (although they miscalculated on the iPhone 17 Air and discontinued it less than a year after being released) so they could see enough sales happening.

I’m just highly skeptical. I could purchase the phone at that price, but I also think about all the other things I’d rather do with $2000 than have a status symbol in my pocket.

Also, the cameras! They have the same two cameras as the base model iPhones. Blah. I upgraded to the iPhone 17 Pro specifically because of the 4x/8x third camera and I love that thing.

This also makes me realize I’m dropping out of Apple’s demographic. So be it. In a year or two I need to upgrade my desktop (first generation Studio and it still gets the job done reliably) but gone are the days when I lust after the newest tech like this phone.

Would it be cool to have? Sure. Would I rather spend $2000 (plus $200 tax and AppleCare and and and) on a three week roadtrip across the US camping in National Parks and visiting friends? Hell yeah!