Call me old fashioned, but I enjoy writing. On paper. With a pen. It’s rare to find me without a bound notebook in my hands, especially when meeting with people. I’ll find myself months later, reviewing notes that I scribbled down – or laughing at a doodle that I scratched out. I can’t verify the source, but I know that I’ve read “doodlers” have higher IQ’s than the general population. I’m just going to believe it.
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When I got my hands on the Kathmandu Valley Co’s Everest Explorer Journal a week or so ago, I developed writer’s block. Not because I didn’t have anything I wanted to say or document, but rather because I was worried that I didn’t have anything important enough to document in this beautiful book. Not to worry, I’ve since cleared the blocks – and on that, here’s my review of the Kathmandu Valley Co.’s Everest Explorer Journal:
Starting from the outer cover of the journal, you get the impression that you’re in for a treat. The Everest Explorer Journal is wrapped in water buffalo leather. Now, I just might be a dumb Midwesterner, but this is pretty amazing (and intimidating). Tanned using walnut husks, this journal creates stories for itself before it’s even opened. Although the leather isn’t as thick as some leather-bound journals that I’ve had in the past, it feel solid and has great structure to it.
Opening the leather tie strap creates the emotion of opening one of the most important books on earth. If you’re used to “traditional” notebook paper (who isn’t?) – then the hand made Lokta bush paper inside might just blow your mind. It’s rough cut and textured. From what I’ve read, it’s handmade and sun-dried at high altitude in rural villages in Nepal. Once dried, it’s transported by pack animals to Kathmandu where the final journal assembly takes place.
If you’ve got a writer or creative-type in your life – this would make an amazing gift. If you’re a writer or creative-type, stop what you’re doing and order one of these. Depending on the size, they range from about $25 – $45. With origins in the high-country of Nepal, this journal will be joining me on all of my summer camping adventures.
Great!
