Bidding Farewell to Old Hats

[Nathaniel Finley]

I haven't found a thread like this in the Lounge, but I'd like to have a place where folks can honor the passing of good hats.

So for example, this week I officially traded out my Akubra Banjo Paterson for my new FED IV. The Banjo Paterson has been my constant companion for 3.5 years, and he went to a good friend. Being a full-time traveler does not afford me the leisure of keeping two full brimmed hats, and it was either give the BP to somebody who would use it or ship it home to an inglorious and undeserving fate in my family's closet.

Here are a few of my favorite images of "O'Feral." You have been a true dharma bum, sir, and I am excited what your new life is going to bring you! Travel well and be a blessing to others, my dear friend.

Thanks to the Lounge for being a place where I can post this!

Now it's on to more adventures under the protective shade of my new FED IV!

Cheers,
Nathan

 

[scottyrocks]

Any more info on what being a full time traveler means? Sounds fascinating.

 

[Hurricane Jack]

Any more info on what being a full time traveler means? Sounds fascinating.

Usually means you work for one of the gov't alphabet agencies...or you're a trust fund baby.

 

[Bob Roberts]

Usually means you work for one of the gov't alphabet agencies...or you're a trust fund baby.

Or a gypsy spirit with wanderlust...

 

[scottyrocks]

This gentleman doesn't look like a government employee. But hey, ya never know.

 

[Bob Roberts]

This gentleman doesn't look like a government employee. But hey, ya never know.

Undercover

 

[Blackthorn]

Great pics! Like the others, I'd love to hear a synopsis of your story. Those archery pics...were you in Bhutan? That's the natural sport there.

 

[Blackthorn]

the ashadirashad.com page doesn't seem to want to open...

 

[Nathaniel Finley]

Any more info on what being a full time traveler means? Sounds fascinating.

Usually means you work for one of the gov't alphabet agencies...or you're a trust fund baby.

Lol, yes, a spook sent to infiltrate the Fedora Lounge, this den of subversive activities.

In the internet age there is a growing community of so-called "digital nomads" in the world:

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_nomad

Most digital nomads I know are computer programmers, online English teachers or entrepreneurs. I work for an internet-based university offering various PhD programs, for mostly international or non-traditional students (folks who are advancing an already established career, for example). Fun work, good pay, not such long hours, and I can do it anywhere there's a solid internet connection.

But I don't mind if you choose to think I'm a spook. People get all kinds of ideas. It's not my job to unconvince them.

So long O'Feral! Here's one last memory for the road - strapped to the handlebars of a bicycle on tour in the Hudson Valley! Whatever adventure we found, you were up for it, pal! Have fun in your new life, buddy!

Cheers,
Nathan

 

[Nathaniel Finley]

Those archery pics...were you in Bhutan? That's the natural sport there.

No, but I would LOVE to go to Bhutan! It's so bloody expensive, though, just for a tourist visa. This photo was in Holland, of all places, at a medieval fair.

 

[Blackthorn]

Great pictures, NF, really enjoyed them! I've done a bit of traveling myself. My avatar was taken in Kuala Lumpur last year.

 

[Nathaniel Finley]

Great pictures, NF, really enjoyed them! I've done a bit of traveling myself. My avatar was taken in Kuala Lumpur last year.

Did you get to Melaka, two hours south of KL? That's my home base in Asia. A number of these photos were taken there, actually!

 

[Blackthorn]

Did you get to Melaka, two hours south of KL? That's my home base in Asia. A number of these photos were taken there, actually!

Yes, I did. I was there for a couple of days. Interesting place!

 

[Blackthorn]

Now, a critical question! Why switch from a BP to a FED IV? What's the advantage?

 

[Nathaniel Finley]

Now, a critical question! Why switch from a BP to a FED IV? What's the advantage?

Yay, now we're talking about what I really came to discuss!

Crown height is the advantage, short and simple. The Banjo Paterson was my first ever full-brimmed hat and I didn't have any idea what I really wanted when I made the purchase. The Banjo is a nice hat, but the crown is too low to do anything with. Over time, I realized that I really wanted a crown I could dent the heck out of.

Besides, the Banjo lived a long life in less than 4 short years. His felt, although incredibly soft and supple, had developed a tear and stunk something awful whenever he got wet. It was stained beyond cleaning in so many different ways. The sweat band was shrinking so much that I was having to give it a gentle stretch every two or three weeks. It was just time for him to start living a less rugged existence.

Here's what he looked like when I finally gave him to a friend in Melaka two days ago (before flying to Cambodia for my first adventure with the FED IV):

You can just see the tear at the top center of the crown and, although I love all the varieties of color on the felt they are actually a symptom of a very tired hat.

I am sure I made the right choice, and my friend (a Kashmiri man who could probably never get this kind of a hat unless someone gifted it) was so happy to recieve O'Feral as well!

 

[Blackthorn]

Well stated, NF! I have both models, since I have a home base where I can store hats, but if I had to choose only one, I might well go with my tawny fawn Fed IV as well. Good choice, mate!

I loved Cambodia as well, I hope you have a great time there. Check in here from time to time and say hello!

 

[RBH]

Or a gypsy spirit with wanderlust...

 

[Bob Roberts]

Thank you! Great images. Not to mention the genius.

 

[Nathaniel Finley]

Well stated, NF! I have both models, since I have a home base where I can store hats, but if I had to choose only one, I might well go with my tawny fawn Fed IV as well. Good choice, mate!

I loved Cambodia as well, I hope you have a great time there. Check in here from time to time and say hello!

Will do Blackthorn! Actually, I was excited to post some photos of the FED IV and me at Angkor Wat but I came down with a flu and had to miss going to the temples this time. I've been once before so it was okay that I missed it, but I bet the Fed IV would have looked really cool there!

 

[Nathaniel Finley]

Thank you! Great images. Not to mention the genius.

Yes, really great hats in this!