Makin' Good Time

Van

Van bed in progress

This is still a work in progress, but the rough bed is in, with storage under.

2010 alaskaVan

Looks like I'll be wrenchin over the Holiday weekend

I just had Dave at Mastertek in Algonquin check out the van. FWIW, Dave is a great guy and I highly recommend him if you happen to need car work done. Anyway, from time to time the van was idling a bit rough and I thought it was due to low compression in cylinder 1. Turns out that’s not the issue. He seems to think it is an ignition related problem. I’ll probably just replace that coilpack and see how it goes. The issue is that it isn’t consistent. I suppose that is a blessing since it tents to imply that it isn’t a mechanical problem.

2010 alaska

You are doing what?

I found a quote and discussion that gave me some comfort in trying to explain why Scott might be interested in dragging his cute children into the bear filled country.

2010 alaskaTechnology

Technology for travel

In packing for the trip I started to think about how much baggage is “required” in the digital age. Digital Camera, PDA, Computer, cell phone and all supporting spiderweb of cords. We considered not bringing the laptop but decided it could double as a DVD player for the kids, and for that alone it would be worth its weight in gold.

Van

1999 Ford E350 Windshield Replacement

I thought this was pretty cool so I took step by step pictures. It only took these guys 20 minutes and cost $135. After putting on more than 11,000 miles still no leaks.

2010 alaska

We finally got a road trippin' bus!

Just picked it up tonight! A 1999 Ford E-350. Runs great. I have a bunch of customizing to do. I’ll try to get some inside pics up soon.

2010 alaska

There are others out there...

It has been said, “If you can’t beat them, join them…” (referring to very handsome, yet very stubborn husband)

2010 alaska

No more backpacking tents for us..say hello to the new condo

With the help of John at REI, April and I chose a new tent. After researching large tents online and then setting up a couple of contenders at the store, we chose the Base Camp 6. Did I mention that this thing is huge!! I’m going to set it up in the backyard this weekend and seal the seams. Hopefully I’ll get a picture with the kids in it which I’ll post here.

For sale

So I'm a Yakima Junkie

Yakima is a manufacturer of high quality rack systems for hauling your favorite sporting gear (bikes, boats, etc) around on top of your vehicle. As a long time Yakima customer I’ve collected more than 3 complete racks and a considerable number of the accouterments. In doing so my collection of non-matching SKS cores has increased.

2010 alaska

Let's talk goals

So April asked me a good question the other day. What are the goals of a trip or travelling in general. This is going to be a bit of a long answer so I’ll start with a few bullets and expound upon them as time permits.