Busy, busy, busy, sticker shock, busy
I've been rather busy lately here, along with Jeff and Kodi, so not much time to formulate coherent posts and multimedia to describe it all. A brief summary: The weekend was a back-to-basics camping trip to Hillside. By back-to-basics, I mean we camped in our tent rather than the uber-trailer. Two reasons, primarily the spot we were assigned was along a road that would not easily accommodate the rig, and the truck is still parked in front of the garage waiting for me to rip out the transmission and fix it. The tent camping was fun as usual, despite three nasty electrical storms that rolled through Friday afternoon and into the night. Things cleared up nicely by Saturday morning though.
In all the themed weekends that Hillside puts on throughout the summer months, we've discovered a gem among them for the past several years. It's "Wrestling, Car Show and Talent Contest" weekend. Seemingly a kind of catch-all grouping of unrelated activities, the weekend has continuous wrestling activities (everything from collegiate to pro styles, on large, expansive mats and a pro-style ring), a chance for car enthusiasts to bring their rides to show and shine, and a talent show that raises money for the local ambulance/rescue squad. Those who have permanent sites in the lower section (the "Village") get together and host a "Village People" party, this year had tons of incredible food, a DJ and various beverages with and without alcohol, free for everyone there. This also ends up being a sightseeing party as well, with wrestly wrestlers, big muscly muscleguys with lots of muscles, bears, car enthusiasts and their prides and joys, and everyone else hanging around and socializing. It's very relaxing, fun, and seems like everyone there is friendly and outgoing.
This was also Kodi's first trip to Hillside. He had a blast. He's also a babe magnet, and plays the part well. He also discovered the creek next to our site and eventually started bounding and splashing around in the water. I dont think I ever saw this dog have so much fun. He behaved well for the most part, and seems to finally gotten over his car sickness and only needs a stop every hour or two to relieve himself.
Today marked my first trip to a couple dealers to check out new trucks. My old Dodge, which has served me very well through 18+ years of hard use, is due for semi-retirement. I had an expected bout of sticker shock as I looked at the new rides that would suit my needs/wants. Looking at Dodges (natch) and the new Chevys, with diesel engines, four doors, long beds, trailer prep, four wheel drive and a modicum of 'luxury' appointments to make travel nice, I'm looking at around fifty grand for what I want. Yikes. It's a lot of money for a truck. I knew this going in, but still, seeing the prices in black-and-white on those window stickers is a bit off-putting. It's not that I cant afford it, I just dont feel it's quite worth it.
Lots of pics and some videos from the weekend. I hope to get some posted soon.
Cheers!
In all the themed weekends that Hillside puts on throughout the summer months, we've discovered a gem among them for the past several years. It's "Wrestling, Car Show and Talent Contest" weekend. Seemingly a kind of catch-all grouping of unrelated activities, the weekend has continuous wrestling activities (everything from collegiate to pro styles, on large, expansive mats and a pro-style ring), a chance for car enthusiasts to bring their rides to show and shine, and a talent show that raises money for the local ambulance/rescue squad. Those who have permanent sites in the lower section (the "Village") get together and host a "Village People" party, this year had tons of incredible food, a DJ and various beverages with and without alcohol, free for everyone there. This also ends up being a sightseeing party as well, with wrestly wrestlers, big muscly muscleguys with lots of muscles, bears, car enthusiasts and their prides and joys, and everyone else hanging around and socializing. It's very relaxing, fun, and seems like everyone there is friendly and outgoing.
This was also Kodi's first trip to Hillside. He had a blast. He's also a babe magnet, and plays the part well. He also discovered the creek next to our site and eventually started bounding and splashing around in the water. I dont think I ever saw this dog have so much fun. He behaved well for the most part, and seems to finally gotten over his car sickness and only needs a stop every hour or two to relieve himself.
Today marked my first trip to a couple dealers to check out new trucks. My old Dodge, which has served me very well through 18+ years of hard use, is due for semi-retirement. I had an expected bout of sticker shock as I looked at the new rides that would suit my needs/wants. Looking at Dodges (natch) and the new Chevys, with diesel engines, four doors, long beds, trailer prep, four wheel drive and a modicum of 'luxury' appointments to make travel nice, I'm looking at around fifty grand for what I want. Yikes. It's a lot of money for a truck. I knew this going in, but still, seeing the prices in black-and-white on those window stickers is a bit off-putting. It's not that I cant afford it, I just dont feel it's quite worth it.
Lots of pics and some videos from the weekend. I hope to get some posted soon.
Cheers!