Hurricane Floyd blew through last week leaving >12" rain in 24 hrs. A data collection session at a high security, difficult to access facility matching schedules of 2 sub-contractors and lead engineer was scheduled for that day they were not inclined to postpone. So I had to prepare for notetaking and referencing already marked up maps in the rain. Neither Staples nor Kinkos even heard of let alone stocked "Rite in the Rain" or water resistant paper. No time to get some shipped from catalogs. So roaming the aisles I saw some sheet protectors -clear plastic sleeves for three ring binders. Then got a Sharpie (TM) marker, designed to write permanently on slick surfaces. Put may maps inside the SPs, sealed tops with tape. The Sharpie marked the see through plastic with no smear or smudge just as if writing directly on the paper. So I was prepared to go, but luckily they did pospone.

At least I have a solution for future.

Reply to post by Scott Cullen, on September 18, 1999 at 18:16:43:

Thanks for the hint. We all hope not to have to be in the position to have to write in the rain.

Here is an addition to your idea: Turn the sheet protectors upside down and then tape. That way the opening is on the bottom and gives just a teeny bit more protection.

Tom

Reply to post by Scott Cullen, on September 18, 1999 at 18:16:43:


Scott,

Good idea.

To fill you in on the details the US spent millions developing a pen that will write in the wet and
at any angle for the Apollo project. The Russians spent $100 and purchased pencils.

Your local dive store will sell "underwater paper" and china graph pencils. They will write under
water which would have been possible by the sounds of things.

Mark

Reply to post by mark hartley, on September 18, 1999 at 18:16:43:

Thanks Mark. I hadn't thought about the dive shop as a local source. Seems to me my dive log books were waterproof paper. All the china markers I've seen are rather broad/blunt tip, however, suitable for writing boldly on a dive slate... "SHARK." The "extra fine" point Sharpie (TM) brand markers seem to work well, though I've not tried them on the waterproof paper. Don't use one on your dive slate though, they are PERMANENT.

Reply to post by Scott, on September 26, 1999 at 08:43:06:

Reminds me of many an operation in the Corps. Lamintated map sections and cardboard for notes and a medium china marker (black, red wont showup with a red/orange lense on you light!).

just fold the edges of the acetate over the back so water wont wick down the paper. (lam both sides too )

Reply to post by Scott Cullen, on September 18, 1999 at 18:16:43:

Out here in the PNW I've found a pad called "Rite in the Rain" all weather writing paper. The manufacturer is JL Darling Corp., Tacoma WA, 253-922-5000, www.riteintherain.com. It works great with a pencil, haven't tried it with a pen.