NPM I think I got my PM before you, and with then got a reply to my email saying both CR's and the 1080 SPK's are gone. Bummer I was hoping for the nicer CR's to ski as an everyday, but looks as if that won't happen.
You might want to say what the boot sole is, as the P18's only have a few mm of adjustablity and thus become drilled three times for most people once they fit them to thier boots...
Theres no tax if you get them sent to your house and if you live in a state that REI isn't located in. Otherwise, if REI has a store in your state you get charged tax regardless of whether you pick up the stuf or get it shipped to your house.
Definatly heard of guys using windex as a base celaner before wax, but shouldn't reaally do anything ontop of the wax. Just use a structure brush and what not.
or go to Backcountry.com and save another $50, at $499
http://www.backcountry.com/store/group/100000194/c1/s1/Alpine-Super-Fat-Skis.html
Think I saw them cheaper on an Ebay BIN recently too.
Just a suggestion, if your going to be living out of this pack for 2 months go with a 75L or so. 30-40L most likely won't cut it space wise unless you only bring a change of clothes and a few other essentials.
I got a Lowe Alpine Cornice 40L. It's probably 5 years old, but I haven't used the hydration bladder. Black and greenish. I have a replacement buckle for the hip strap that broke, but I think I need to get a new ladder lock (cheap to replace) for the shoulder strap. Thinking $30. Shot me...