Phil_F_NM
Camera hacker
Down Under mentioned the environmental/ecological impact and this is the other question, how does owning a THIRD vehicle sit with you?
You could fix up that truck to pull a small trailer and be good to go. Repairing/restoring something already in possession, as you intend to do, while not adding more stuff into your life and the life of everything around you. A third vehicle is also a third lubricant pan, and Mercedes don't leak oil, they mark their spot. Actually, just say all diesels do that.
One other possibly which is a really great option, is to simply rent the RV for your time of use. It reduces the footprint of vehicles, the overall consumption and collection, the maintenance, and insurance burden. The ownership of a new-to-you used niche market vehicle is not an investment into anything other than your potential leisure time. These vehicles do nothing but depreciate in value and will continue to do so until they are recycled into razor blades and plastic bottles. Besides, you should definitely rent one, drive for a few hours, and camp in it for a few days, before pulling the trigger on one of your own. My paternal grandparents lived out of a trailer, moving from US forest service job to job (campground host) for over twenty years and I lived with them for a good amount of that time. When I was a toddler, my mom and I lived in a truck bed camper, not unlike what was probably on your old Chevy. It is a very different lifestyle to adapt to, even for a long weekend; like being used to dry air conditioning then walking out into a humid urban heat emergency.
Phil
You could fix up that truck to pull a small trailer and be good to go. Repairing/restoring something already in possession, as you intend to do, while not adding more stuff into your life and the life of everything around you. A third vehicle is also a third lubricant pan, and Mercedes don't leak oil, they mark their spot. Actually, just say all diesels do that.
One other possibly which is a really great option, is to simply rent the RV for your time of use. It reduces the footprint of vehicles, the overall consumption and collection, the maintenance, and insurance burden. The ownership of a new-to-you used niche market vehicle is not an investment into anything other than your potential leisure time. These vehicles do nothing but depreciate in value and will continue to do so until they are recycled into razor blades and plastic bottles. Besides, you should definitely rent one, drive for a few hours, and camp in it for a few days, before pulling the trigger on one of your own. My paternal grandparents lived out of a trailer, moving from US forest service job to job (campground host) for over twenty years and I lived with them for a good amount of that time. When I was a toddler, my mom and I lived in a truck bed camper, not unlike what was probably on your old Chevy. It is a very different lifestyle to adapt to, even for a long weekend; like being used to dry air conditioning then walking out into a humid urban heat emergency.
Phil
Last edited:
Calzone
Gear Whore #1
Phil,
We looked into renting an RV. Mucho costly. I get the idea though: try before buy…
The situation with the C-10 is sell it to raise capitol to buy a Mercedes camper Van. Certainly owning three vehicles is a liability. Also I’m not Jay Leno, meaning a collector.
I have mentioned many times that the Audi is not a tow vehicle, but the truck certainly can be. “Maggie” is not keen on the truck, and for me it makes the most sense and likely is the most cost effective. BTW it already has the OEM factory step bumper with a hitch.
I put a Corvette engine in a Jeep Scrambler (ZZ3 Crate engine), I certainly could install a stroked 350 (383, Chevy small block with a 400 crank), and have not only a cool truck, but also a cool RV tower. The manual close-ratio tranny along with two overdrives would be mucho great for towing.
I think her memory of the 84 Jeep Scrambler taints and frames her opinion. Of course a Jeep, even a Scrambler has a short wheelbase and a choppy ride. Four leaf springs for a suspension offers little comfort. She is thinking the C-10 as being just another Jeep in its crude manners.
The Jeep is a Jeep, especially an old CJ. She does not understand how a Chevy longbed could be a very smooth luxury ride and mucho comfortable. You and I know the independent rear suspension allows the 1966 C-10 to approach the ride of a large car.
In this case “woman-factor” of course defies and bends logical thinking or any reasoning.
Truth be told, I’d be happy-happy with an extended bed camper that had a toilet. This would be so easy to do, would be the most practical, and would actually not only be the cost effective way to go, but would offer the most value and flexibility.
I can’t explain how much frustration I have, except it feels like being castrated. I know what I can do, I know what I want to do, but I can’t do it because of woman factor.
I already know that with a camper mounted that the truck would no longer fit in the garage. That does not mean I would not continue to preserve the truck in my garage as intended. I would just have to separate the two units to do so.
I was looking at the truck today and it’s wonderful patina. A matte or satin Poppie’s Clear Coat and it would be a stunning head turner. With a camper I’d have to figure out a hatch for the gas filling in the camper floor.
“Don’t tell Maggie,” but I’m going to look into a nice in bed camper. I may have to have one of my “hussy-fits” to go my way, even if I have to use only my own money. I’ll also explore a camper that I can trailer. This probably is even better and more practical. It would have to be a small one.
About $4K for a Currie Ford 9-inch real with trac-loc and Wildwood disc brakes. About $23K for a Chevy crate motor (383 cubic inch, 450 HP, 440 foot pounds of torque) and a T-56 tranny rated for up to 750 HP. No need to replace a $3.7K Mercedes 9-speed auto at 150K-200K miles.
Additions: AC condenser; new steering column; power steering upgrade (currently manual steering box is leaky); new bench seat; new oak bed ($1.5K); Wildwood front disc brakes using 2 inch drop spindles; Wildwood adjustable master cylinder; massive aluminum radiator with dual electric fans; tires; stereo.
When you add it all up, even with bold HD overkill, I get a great truck for not a lot of money. Know that I would like to just use the OEM steel wheels with the dog-dish hub caps with 15x2.35 BF Goodrich T/A’s. I only paid $9.5K for the C-10. The entire front end and steering was redone, new ball joints, bushings, tie rod ends… The rear suspension also.
BTW thanks for being a good friend.
Cal
We looked into renting an RV. Mucho costly. I get the idea though: try before buy…
The situation with the C-10 is sell it to raise capitol to buy a Mercedes camper Van. Certainly owning three vehicles is a liability. Also I’m not Jay Leno, meaning a collector.
I have mentioned many times that the Audi is not a tow vehicle, but the truck certainly can be. “Maggie” is not keen on the truck, and for me it makes the most sense and likely is the most cost effective. BTW it already has the OEM factory step bumper with a hitch.
I put a Corvette engine in a Jeep Scrambler (ZZ3 Crate engine), I certainly could install a stroked 350 (383, Chevy small block with a 400 crank), and have not only a cool truck, but also a cool RV tower. The manual close-ratio tranny along with two overdrives would be mucho great for towing.
I think her memory of the 84 Jeep Scrambler taints and frames her opinion. Of course a Jeep, even a Scrambler has a short wheelbase and a choppy ride. Four leaf springs for a suspension offers little comfort. She is thinking the C-10 as being just another Jeep in its crude manners.
The Jeep is a Jeep, especially an old CJ. She does not understand how a Chevy longbed could be a very smooth luxury ride and mucho comfortable. You and I know the independent rear suspension allows the 1966 C-10 to approach the ride of a large car.
In this case “woman-factor” of course defies and bends logical thinking or any reasoning.
Truth be told, I’d be happy-happy with an extended bed camper that had a toilet. This would be so easy to do, would be the most practical, and would actually not only be the cost effective way to go, but would offer the most value and flexibility.
I can’t explain how much frustration I have, except it feels like being castrated. I know what I can do, I know what I want to do, but I can’t do it because of woman factor.
I already know that with a camper mounted that the truck would no longer fit in the garage. That does not mean I would not continue to preserve the truck in my garage as intended. I would just have to separate the two units to do so.
I was looking at the truck today and it’s wonderful patina. A matte or satin Poppie’s Clear Coat and it would be a stunning head turner. With a camper I’d have to figure out a hatch for the gas filling in the camper floor.
“Don’t tell Maggie,” but I’m going to look into a nice in bed camper. I may have to have one of my “hussy-fits” to go my way, even if I have to use only my own money. I’ll also explore a camper that I can trailer. This probably is even better and more practical. It would have to be a small one.
About $4K for a Currie Ford 9-inch real with trac-loc and Wildwood disc brakes. About $23K for a Chevy crate motor (383 cubic inch, 450 HP, 440 foot pounds of torque) and a T-56 tranny rated for up to 750 HP. No need to replace a $3.7K Mercedes 9-speed auto at 150K-200K miles.
Additions: AC condenser; new steering column; power steering upgrade (currently manual steering box is leaky); new bench seat; new oak bed ($1.5K); Wildwood front disc brakes using 2 inch drop spindles; Wildwood adjustable master cylinder; massive aluminum radiator with dual electric fans; tires; stereo.
When you add it all up, even with bold HD overkill, I get a great truck for not a lot of money. Know that I would like to just use the OEM steel wheels with the dog-dish hub caps with 15x2.35 BF Goodrich T/A’s. I only paid $9.5K for the C-10. The entire front end and steering was redone, new ball joints, bushings, tie rod ends… The rear suspension also.
BTW thanks for being a good friend.
Cal
Last edited:
Calzone
Gear Whore #1
I dug in a bit into in bed campers and small trailers.
The weight adds up fast. Pretty much would have to upgrade the suspension from the OEM stock half ton a lot on the C-10.
The campers for long beds are made for modern crew cabs. Not interested in pop-ups because I know “Maggie” won’t roll that way.
So my clever lazy-slacker solution is just keep the truck in the garage. I don’t think lightning will ever strike twice, and I know I got a deal of a lifetime. I know “Maggie” likely won’t like it, but as long as she gets her way, I can do my evil ways. Ha-ha.
I need an ambitious project to dream about. Call me delusional, but I like to make dreams into reality.
As far as being bad for the planet, or environmentally unfriendly goes. If it just sits in my garage it does no harm, and in fact burns no gas. Pretty much “Zero-Emission” I say.
Then there is the fact that it is a rare commodity that could or might appreciate greatly because not only is it a “Barn Find” it is also a “Survivor” that pretty much remains stock and OEM. Pretty much like holding 4 gold Canadian Maple Leafs each having an ounce of gold each. Pretty much a hard asset.
I do still like the idea of just doing the head, getting it road worthy, and perhaps just upgrading the front brakes for safety. This would increase its value greatly, and I can just store it for safe keeping. I’m cool with that. It is just a mighty cool truck that is remarkable and exceptional. I could always sell, but it would be almost impossible to find and buy another one.
Roasted a chicken on the BBQ. Made a salad to go with the chicken using fresh lettuce from my garden.
Just one more day of daycare. The family is moving July 1st. It is a sad ending… The grandson we took to the Muscoot Farm in Katona that is a Westchester Park where they have live farm animals penned up. He is advanced, and at 22 months of age is already into his terrible 2’s. The guitar obsession continues. Pretty amazing how much he wants to emulate me.
He demands that I play one of my guitars with him, and he demands the pick I’m using, even since I issued him a bag of picks. This kid is a hippy-baby. Today at Muscoot Farm he had his guitar and drew audiences with his playing.
I learned that in northern Westchester the created dams and flooded farms to create the watershed for NYC as early as 1837. Pretty much north of Croton there is imposed an area that has to have limited development to protect this vital watershed. I say this real estate is somewhat protected and sheltered from development, even though it is 45 minutes to an hour’s train ride to Grand Central along the Hudson River.
From north eastern Westchester it likely is a bit longer.
Cal
The weight adds up fast. Pretty much would have to upgrade the suspension from the OEM stock half ton a lot on the C-10.
The campers for long beds are made for modern crew cabs. Not interested in pop-ups because I know “Maggie” won’t roll that way.
So my clever lazy-slacker solution is just keep the truck in the garage. I don’t think lightning will ever strike twice, and I know I got a deal of a lifetime. I know “Maggie” likely won’t like it, but as long as she gets her way, I can do my evil ways. Ha-ha.
I need an ambitious project to dream about. Call me delusional, but I like to make dreams into reality.
As far as being bad for the planet, or environmentally unfriendly goes. If it just sits in my garage it does no harm, and in fact burns no gas. Pretty much “Zero-Emission” I say.
Then there is the fact that it is a rare commodity that could or might appreciate greatly because not only is it a “Barn Find” it is also a “Survivor” that pretty much remains stock and OEM. Pretty much like holding 4 gold Canadian Maple Leafs each having an ounce of gold each. Pretty much a hard asset.
I do still like the idea of just doing the head, getting it road worthy, and perhaps just upgrading the front brakes for safety. This would increase its value greatly, and I can just store it for safe keeping. I’m cool with that. It is just a mighty cool truck that is remarkable and exceptional. I could always sell, but it would be almost impossible to find and buy another one.
Roasted a chicken on the BBQ. Made a salad to go with the chicken using fresh lettuce from my garden.
Just one more day of daycare. The family is moving July 1st. It is a sad ending… The grandson we took to the Muscoot Farm in Katona that is a Westchester Park where they have live farm animals penned up. He is advanced, and at 22 months of age is already into his terrible 2’s. The guitar obsession continues. Pretty amazing how much he wants to emulate me.
He demands that I play one of my guitars with him, and he demands the pick I’m using, even since I issued him a bag of picks. This kid is a hippy-baby. Today at Muscoot Farm he had his guitar and drew audiences with his playing.
I learned that in northern Westchester the created dams and flooded farms to create the watershed for NYC as early as 1837. Pretty much north of Croton there is imposed an area that has to have limited development to protect this vital watershed. I say this real estate is somewhat protected and sheltered from development, even though it is 45 minutes to an hour’s train ride to Grand Central along the Hudson River.
From north eastern Westchester it likely is a bit longer.
Cal
Last edited:
DownUnder
Nikon Nomad
Repurposing what you already own would be cheaper. It would also remove you in part from the consumerist merry-go-round that now preoccupies you. At pre-retirement you should be looking at downsizing for your future retirement. Shoring up investments, eagle-eye monitoring your pensions, planning for future years at home, selling select items you no longer use - at good prices, not giveaway - while you still can.
By the time you hit 70 all all your oncerns about aging will have dwindled down to occasional thoughts. Me, at 65 when I sold my practice and retired I thought I was still young. At 67 and 68 I was close to 65. At 69, not so near. And at 70, well, I had to face the inescapable fact that I WAS over the hill. As I did you will then cease stressing about it and focus your goals and mind on enjoying life, with some luck and a degree of good planning you will have many active productive years ahead of you.
I happen to dislike (detest, despise, hate, loathe, your choice) SUVs and RVs. They clutter up the roads, use up resources and generally their owners make a nuisance of themselves. Idiots in our town race them on river beds and in the forests in our state and national parks, doing untold damage to the environment. Yet the number one suburban dream is to own such a monster. This at a time when many Westerners can no longer afford even a basic home, some cannot even pay rent.
Another possibility (again thinking laterally) for your journey/s to visit family in the South,would be to plan a two-day trip, book a good hotel, and do photo shoots both ways, going and returning. This will be cheaper than buying, running and maintaining a gas/diesel-guzzling camper and you will enjoy new experiences. Also contributing to local economies in a positive way.
I've done this two times in the USA, admittedly several decades ago when the cost of everything was far lower than now, and enjoyed it greatly. My particular area of interest is Civil War battlefields. I visited the sites of almost every major battle fought between 1861 and 1865. There are thousands of Kodachrome slides in my archives, mostly of cannons and fences where the worst of the fighting was. Virginia and a few states to the West thereof were of special interest. Before this journey I made time to read up on the history of the American Civil War, which made me quite informed about that conflict (as well as a complete dead rock at parties) and I greatly enjoyed my forays into an important part of the history of your country.
Trailer living (here in Oz we use the British term and we call it "the caravan lifestyle") is an entirely different world. When I hit 80 if I'm still able to be out and about, living in one would be a delightful experience for me. Free of the cares and worries of home ownership. But then my partner may well have other ideas about this, so I will have to make do and adjust my fantasies accordingly.
Whatever you decide, try lateral thinking. There is always a better (and usually cheaper) solution to any such situation.
Last edited:
Calzone
Gear Whore #1
DU,
At 66 1/2 I already feel the slowdown and I am facing some limitations. I believe my slowdown could be slow.
I have to agree with you that trucks and SUV’s are a menace and they promote an entitled style of driving. They also seemed to be owned by people who have no understanding of physics and are amung the worst of drivers.
That said my RV would be utilized in a way that is kinda cost feasible. I have an incurable disease that makes me sensitive to the cold. This winter I intend on snow-birding to avoid the cold. Buying a second home not only is a liability, but also costly.
The grandkids and the bond we have with them is important to us. Visits are likely going to be monthly. It is about a 1500 mile drive round trip. Then to fight the isolation of the suburbs we explore the Hudson Valley almost every weekend.
Hotels, bed and breakfasts as you suggest add up. The winter rental is another cost.
As you mention the inevitable decline in aging, “Maggie” is now 71 and 5 years older than me. Pretty much it is now or never to do an adventure of sorts. Also since I’m a biker and use to be an avid fisherman, every weekend when I worked full time.
What I am saying and promoting is that a RV would not lay around unused, and pretty much is a logical extension of my lifestyle. With an Empire State Pass and a fishing permit, I could park say at Robert Moses Field 2 and surf fish. Overnight parking is permitted.
Know that my home in Peekskill is modest and small. The money has to come from somewhere for sure. A RV purchase in our case would involve no financing.
As far as downsizing goes we did that over 15 years ago, we got rid of about 3/4’ers of our possessions and moved into a 650 square foot luxury apartment. Pretty much bare essentials, just what we needed, and only kept things of enduring value that held a future.
I’m big into hard assets, so effectively I own possessions that hold enduring value. I know I have a bit of a stockpile, but this is how I stored wealth. I intend on selling some of these assets to fund my RV. The 1966 Chevy C-10 is a hard asset that is kinda remarkable. Storing it in my garage is not a waste. I could always sell it because of condition-condition-condition and its being a rare “survivor.”
I grew up poor, escaped poverty, and I am not your typical wasteful American consummer who does not understand value.
Perhaps one day I would sell the C-10 as is; maybe one day I might build it out into a super-truck; possibly and most likely it would just be made road worthy with just a front disc brake upgrade for safety. All I know is I have lots of other stuff I could sell to raise cash other than the C-10.
Know that I look and project well into the future. A lot of obsessive debate and thinking is going on. The thoughts from you and Phil are welcomed. I know there are many ways to spin his, but this is a serious expense.
I have my worries about “Maggie.” She is not so physically active, suffers from anxiety. We kinda put our retirement on hold being caretakers, and this of course has had health consequences. We are both losing fitness… I don’t know if eventually I will become a caretaker for her. In a ways I already am.
Of course the growing of children will likely mean less frequent trips. The grandson is of a very tender age, but the purchase of a RV will help promote our longevity, our fitness, and out mental and physical health.
Cal
At 66 1/2 I already feel the slowdown and I am facing some limitations. I believe my slowdown could be slow.
I have to agree with you that trucks and SUV’s are a menace and they promote an entitled style of driving. They also seemed to be owned by people who have no understanding of physics and are amung the worst of drivers.
That said my RV would be utilized in a way that is kinda cost feasible. I have an incurable disease that makes me sensitive to the cold. This winter I intend on snow-birding to avoid the cold. Buying a second home not only is a liability, but also costly.
The grandkids and the bond we have with them is important to us. Visits are likely going to be monthly. It is about a 1500 mile drive round trip. Then to fight the isolation of the suburbs we explore the Hudson Valley almost every weekend.
Hotels, bed and breakfasts as you suggest add up. The winter rental is another cost.
As you mention the inevitable decline in aging, “Maggie” is now 71 and 5 years older than me. Pretty much it is now or never to do an adventure of sorts. Also since I’m a biker and use to be an avid fisherman, every weekend when I worked full time.
What I am saying and promoting is that a RV would not lay around unused, and pretty much is a logical extension of my lifestyle. With an Empire State Pass and a fishing permit, I could park say at Robert Moses Field 2 and surf fish. Overnight parking is permitted.
Know that my home in Peekskill is modest and small. The money has to come from somewhere for sure. A RV purchase in our case would involve no financing.
As far as downsizing goes we did that over 15 years ago, we got rid of about 3/4’ers of our possessions and moved into a 650 square foot luxury apartment. Pretty much bare essentials, just what we needed, and only kept things of enduring value that held a future.
I’m big into hard assets, so effectively I own possessions that hold enduring value. I know I have a bit of a stockpile, but this is how I stored wealth. I intend on selling some of these assets to fund my RV. The 1966 Chevy C-10 is a hard asset that is kinda remarkable. Storing it in my garage is not a waste. I could always sell it because of condition-condition-condition and its being a rare “survivor.”
I grew up poor, escaped poverty, and I am not your typical wasteful American consummer who does not understand value.
Perhaps one day I would sell the C-10 as is; maybe one day I might build it out into a super-truck; possibly and most likely it would just be made road worthy with just a front disc brake upgrade for safety. All I know is I have lots of other stuff I could sell to raise cash other than the C-10.
Know that I look and project well into the future. A lot of obsessive debate and thinking is going on. The thoughts from you and Phil are welcomed. I know there are many ways to spin his, but this is a serious expense.
I have my worries about “Maggie.” She is not so physically active, suffers from anxiety. We kinda put our retirement on hold being caretakers, and this of course has had health consequences. We are both losing fitness… I don’t know if eventually I will become a caretaker for her. In a ways I already am.
Of course the growing of children will likely mean less frequent trips. The grandson is of a very tender age, but the purchase of a RV will help promote our longevity, our fitness, and out mental and physical health.
Cal
Last edited:
Calzone
Gear Whore #1
I just looked at and checked my mileage since I got my last oil change on the Audi. In 6 months I put on 7K miles and that includes a round trip to the southern end of North Carolina and a trip to the Jersey Shore.
An RV will prolong the life of the Audi, and pretty much this provides a basis for the amount of travel and driving we do, even though we are not working and are retired.
Know that most of the mileage is highway and not city driving.
The isolation of the suburbs is real. Weekend travel helps us fight the social isolation that can be deadly and life shortening.
Cal
An RV will prolong the life of the Audi, and pretty much this provides a basis for the amount of travel and driving we do, even though we are not working and are retired.
Know that most of the mileage is highway and not city driving.
The isolation of the suburbs is real. Weekend travel helps us fight the social isolation that can be deadly and life shortening.
Cal
Calzone
Gear Whore #1
I come to believe the word “Artist” has a sense of entitlement because the title suggests privilege and distinction.
I’m not so sure I fit the term. Pretty much I just want to be known for my openness to new ideas, living in a world of concept and ideas in a thoughtful manner, and being clever.
As an artist, or when I believed I was an artist, seems to have been a projection of sorts because of art degrees and being creative. Anyways perhaps being clever likely is a better word than creative.
Living in the world of possibility naturally makes me a dreamer and perhaps at times delusional. Living in a world of possibility also promotes a positive mental attitude which encourages the world of possibility.
I guess from an outsider’s perspective I could be judged affluent and care free, but the reality is that my world is rather unsettled, always changing, and requires mucho adaptability.
I recognize fully that I really don’t aspire to be an artist. I don’t want recognition or acknowledgement, but I guess I do want to be known as a clever guy who lives in a complicated world of big ideas and concepts. Pretty much nothing more.
I thought I was just an artist with a day job, but really I’m just a “clever” guy.
Cal
I’m not so sure I fit the term. Pretty much I just want to be known for my openness to new ideas, living in a world of concept and ideas in a thoughtful manner, and being clever.
As an artist, or when I believed I was an artist, seems to have been a projection of sorts because of art degrees and being creative. Anyways perhaps being clever likely is a better word than creative.
Living in the world of possibility naturally makes me a dreamer and perhaps at times delusional. Living in a world of possibility also promotes a positive mental attitude which encourages the world of possibility.
I guess from an outsider’s perspective I could be judged affluent and care free, but the reality is that my world is rather unsettled, always changing, and requires mucho adaptability.
I recognize fully that I really don’t aspire to be an artist. I don’t want recognition or acknowledgement, but I guess I do want to be known as a clever guy who lives in a complicated world of big ideas and concepts. Pretty much nothing more.
I thought I was just an artist with a day job, but really I’m just a “clever” guy.
Cal
Calzone
Gear Whore #1
The long goodbye is getting hard on us. We are sad and heartbroken.
The grandson hurts the most. Our house has been his second home. Recently he does not want to go home with his mother to his primary home.
No easy way to say goodbye except with tears…
Cal
The grandson hurts the most. Our house has been his second home. Recently he does not want to go home with his mother to his primary home.
No easy way to say goodbye except with tears…
Cal
DownUnder
Nikon Nomad
At 66.5 you are a mere babe in arms compared to me. And many others here.
At age 76.5 as I am, staying active is a necessity, not an option. I go swimming every day, I walk as much as the demands on my time and my schedule allows, and I plan activities to get myself out and about.
This week - I'm on one of my periodic 'vacations' in Indonesia for three months - I no longer drive, haven't since 1991, so I got a rented car and driver for the day, to do errands and revisit a derelict amusement park on the Java Sea waterfront, soon to be demolished for low-income housing, a civic project which has been on the planning boards for 20 years so I may not be around when it eventually happens, if it ever does. That was on Monday.
On Wednesday a friend and I drove up (same car and driver) to the Bromo Valley (Mount Bromo is a semi-active volcano) via a back road, to look at terraced gardens on steep hillsides and breathe fresh air away from the heavy pollution of inner city Surabaya. I walked about ten kilometers and took 300+ images, of which if I'm lucky maybe 30 will be keepers.
Yesterday I revisited the old sea port at Tanjung Perak, to photograph what remains of a once-large fleet of sailing boats. These still carry cargo (even live cattle) and basic goods to the outlying islands of Indonesia, small ports so isolated that the big cargo ships usually never call at. Containerization and larger ships have eroded the markets for these smaller craft, often using a 'mix' of sail and Diesel engines. The crews are paid as little as US$5 a day and work like draft horses, loading, unloading, making the ships ready to sail and once at sea doing all the duties associates with keeping boats safe on the water. In all, an interesting day. I walked the length of the wharf,, each way about two kilometers so in all, maybe five kilometers, in two hours. Then home for a big G&T and a long nap which may have eroded the healthy effects of my day out, but what the hell, at 76 should I care?
This weekend more outings. one to explore a low range of mountains south of the city, shop at village markets, and soak up the beautiful scenery East Java is renowned for.
Next week, another trip, to the old capital city of Majapahit in the countryside. I've been there several times but still a few ruined temples I've not explored, also a Buddhist monastery with one of the largest reclining Buddhas in all Asia. And shops selling cheap terracotta replicas of old Buddhist-Hindu statues dug up in the local gardens and rice fields. So more exploring, and more photography.
So many images. I'm accumulating images to work on when I'm home in Australia for a few month later this year. Time then to do post processing, keyboarding, captioning and all the chores that go with digital photography, as well as home duties, looking after our house cats, catching up with friends, and a few outings with my partner. Until my next escape to somewhere else in Asia.
So yes, my monicker - "Nikon Nomad" suits me well, I reckon.
You seem to be made from the same mold. We are both thinkers, at times maybe even overthinkers. We like planning and consistency but (I speak for myself entirely for myself here) leave a few openings for chance and opportunity to creep into our days.
As for your SUV, well, I can see positives to your plan. You intend to buy (if you do buy) used, not only to save money but (I hope) minimize the environmental impact. You consider costs when you do something out of the ordinary. You have an eye for blue and from what you've written so far, for quality too. And you also understand that a relationship with another person involves coping with risks as well as flexibility.
An important part of aging is to plan and be ready for it when it hits. I reckon you are well not he way to doing that. Your 70s will be as active and fulfilling as your mid-60s are now. Maybe in different ways. But I hope the adventure will still be there.
My apology for having (again) hijacked your thread. For me what you write reads a lot like sitting at a kitchen table with a coffee or a glass of good wine, and enjoying a quality conversation with an old friend. Who knows how to open up and share thoughts and feelings. All good.
At age 76.5 as I am, staying active is a necessity, not an option. I go swimming every day, I walk as much as the demands on my time and my schedule allows, and I plan activities to get myself out and about.
This week - I'm on one of my periodic 'vacations' in Indonesia for three months - I no longer drive, haven't since 1991, so I got a rented car and driver for the day, to do errands and revisit a derelict amusement park on the Java Sea waterfront, soon to be demolished for low-income housing, a civic project which has been on the planning boards for 20 years so I may not be around when it eventually happens, if it ever does. That was on Monday.
On Wednesday a friend and I drove up (same car and driver) to the Bromo Valley (Mount Bromo is a semi-active volcano) via a back road, to look at terraced gardens on steep hillsides and breathe fresh air away from the heavy pollution of inner city Surabaya. I walked about ten kilometers and took 300+ images, of which if I'm lucky maybe 30 will be keepers.
Yesterday I revisited the old sea port at Tanjung Perak, to photograph what remains of a once-large fleet of sailing boats. These still carry cargo (even live cattle) and basic goods to the outlying islands of Indonesia, small ports so isolated that the big cargo ships usually never call at. Containerization and larger ships have eroded the markets for these smaller craft, often using a 'mix' of sail and Diesel engines. The crews are paid as little as US$5 a day and work like draft horses, loading, unloading, making the ships ready to sail and once at sea doing all the duties associates with keeping boats safe on the water. In all, an interesting day. I walked the length of the wharf,, each way about two kilometers so in all, maybe five kilometers, in two hours. Then home for a big G&T and a long nap which may have eroded the healthy effects of my day out, but what the hell, at 76 should I care?
This weekend more outings. one to explore a low range of mountains south of the city, shop at village markets, and soak up the beautiful scenery East Java is renowned for.
Next week, another trip, to the old capital city of Majapahit in the countryside. I've been there several times but still a few ruined temples I've not explored, also a Buddhist monastery with one of the largest reclining Buddhas in all Asia. And shops selling cheap terracotta replicas of old Buddhist-Hindu statues dug up in the local gardens and rice fields. So more exploring, and more photography.
So many images. I'm accumulating images to work on when I'm home in Australia for a few month later this year. Time then to do post processing, keyboarding, captioning and all the chores that go with digital photography, as well as home duties, looking after our house cats, catching up with friends, and a few outings with my partner. Until my next escape to somewhere else in Asia.
So yes, my monicker - "Nikon Nomad" suits me well, I reckon.
You seem to be made from the same mold. We are both thinkers, at times maybe even overthinkers. We like planning and consistency but (I speak for myself entirely for myself here) leave a few openings for chance and opportunity to creep into our days.
As for your SUV, well, I can see positives to your plan. You intend to buy (if you do buy) used, not only to save money but (I hope) minimize the environmental impact. You consider costs when you do something out of the ordinary. You have an eye for blue and from what you've written so far, for quality too. And you also understand that a relationship with another person involves coping with risks as well as flexibility.
An important part of aging is to plan and be ready for it when it hits. I reckon you are well not he way to doing that. Your 70s will be as active and fulfilling as your mid-60s are now. Maybe in different ways. But I hope the adventure will still be there.
My apology for having (again) hijacked your thread. For me what you write reads a lot like sitting at a kitchen table with a coffee or a glass of good wine, and enjoying a quality conversation with an old friend. Who knows how to open up and share thoughts and feelings. All good.
Last edited:
Nokton48
Veteran
25th Anniversary 500CM 100 F3.5 Planar Neopan 400 ADOX Broax MQ by Nokton48, on Flickr25th Anniversary Hasselblad 500C/M 100mm F3.5 T* black Zeiss Planar A12 back Fuji Neopan 400 ADOX BORAX MQ dev
8x10 #2 RC Multigrade dev. I really like Neopan 400 120. I am down to my last twenty rolls in the freezer.
D23 15 Liter Chems from Artcraft by Nokton48, on FlickrHi Cal,
Just stocked up on Chems to make 15 Liters of Kodak D23 and D23 Replenisher. Not expensive I buy again from Artcraft, they are in your neck of the woods. Artcraftchemicals
Heads Up! Just bought two more of these for myself. You might want a few for yourself?
Discontinued - KODAK Floating Lid - 8" x 10" BUY MORE AND SAVE! | eBay
I just read that floating lids are also used in the art of WINE MAKING! Sip a nice glass of wine whilst appreciating the fact that your chemicals are protected from oxidation and contamination due to yourKODAK 8x10 Floating lid.
www.ebay.com
Last edited:
Calzone
Gear Whore #1
Devil Dan,
I surely will load up on the floating lids. Many thanks.
For home brew chemicals I pretty much have a full blown chemistry lab minus the chemicals: triple beam balance; weights; glassware… All expensive stuff as if I bought everything from Fisher Scientific. I even have a glovebox.
They downsized labs and pretty much I did my dumpster diving. I forgot magnetic stirrers/hot plate and ultrasonic cleaner.
Cal
I surely will load up on the floating lids. Many thanks.
For home brew chemicals I pretty much have a full blown chemistry lab minus the chemicals: triple beam balance; weights; glassware… All expensive stuff as if I bought everything from Fisher Scientific. I even have a glovebox.
They downsized labs and pretty much I did my dumpster diving. I forgot magnetic stirrers/hot plate and ultrasonic cleaner.
Cal
Calzone
Gear Whore #1
It was the sad goodbye today. The grandkids left today for North Carolina.
When we got home I called my friend Arthur who works the food pantry at C-CHOP our farm to table pantry.
Pretty much we had all this baby equipment to recycle: play pen, a porta crib, stroller, booster seat, dresser, clothing, toys.
“Maggie” tried to see if Good Will would take the items, but they are picky. Ended up Arthur was the better choice. Arthur mention that they pretty much want new packaged items to sell, meanwhile our donations will be free. Also some places sell the packaged items on-line. Pretty much these charities are businesses, and are not from the heart.
So the divine intervention is that when I called Arthur he happen to still be in Peekskill. Today after the food pantry he generally goes home, but he happened to still be in Peekskill. He lives in Wappinger Falls further north in the Hudson Valley.
I had thought that Maggie would want to have some time to sort through all the stuff, but she said getting this done sooner rather than later would be better for her. So somehow we got the help we needed by chance when we were in our time of need.
I feel really great that some less fortunate people will get some nice things that will make their lives easier.
The grand daughter gave me a bag of canned food to recycle and this made me proud of her thoughtful kindness. She is ten. Arthur also will see that this food will get to those in need.
Of course C-CHOP supports our local community, another bonus. How everything worked out seemed to be divine intervention.
Moved the lawn. Rain expected tonight into tomorrow.
I think I will go for a run with heavy hands to try and move forward. My sadness is greatly diminished with the recycling we did.
Cal
When we got home I called my friend Arthur who works the food pantry at C-CHOP our farm to table pantry.
Pretty much we had all this baby equipment to recycle: play pen, a porta crib, stroller, booster seat, dresser, clothing, toys.
“Maggie” tried to see if Good Will would take the items, but they are picky. Ended up Arthur was the better choice. Arthur mention that they pretty much want new packaged items to sell, meanwhile our donations will be free. Also some places sell the packaged items on-line. Pretty much these charities are businesses, and are not from the heart.
So the divine intervention is that when I called Arthur he happen to still be in Peekskill. Today after the food pantry he generally goes home, but he happened to still be in Peekskill. He lives in Wappinger Falls further north in the Hudson Valley.
I had thought that Maggie would want to have some time to sort through all the stuff, but she said getting this done sooner rather than later would be better for her. So somehow we got the help we needed by chance when we were in our time of need.
I feel really great that some less fortunate people will get some nice things that will make their lives easier.
The grand daughter gave me a bag of canned food to recycle and this made me proud of her thoughtful kindness. She is ten. Arthur also will see that this food will get to those in need.
Of course C-CHOP supports our local community, another bonus. How everything worked out seemed to be divine intervention.
Moved the lawn. Rain expected tonight into tomorrow.
I think I will go for a run with heavy hands to try and move forward. My sadness is greatly diminished with the recycling we did.
Cal
Calzone
Gear Whore #1
DU,
By no means did you highjack this thread. This is an open forum, and your thoughtful wisdom is welcomed here.
In other words this is not my thread, but our thread.
I do believe you understand my needs fully. I am not wealthy, but I want a rich life. There are still plenty of things I want to do…
The life of staying active involving fitness is where we are heading also. Peekskill has a public pool that is free for Seniors. Our health insurance offers free gym memberships. The RV will support hiking, biking and for me fishing.
I looked into a VW Euro Van. These are gas powered, but are known to go 250K-300K miles. The thing though is that they stopped making them in 2003. These are more of a cult vehicle, but the deal killer is no toilet. I found a 2002 that has only 1K miles. Hmmm. They want big dollars and with a solar upgrade it would be as costly as the Mercedes we are looking at.
I figure we also need the smaller Mercedes Sprinter. Our driveway is small.
The VW is 17 feet long, the same length as the short Mercedes Spinter, but the VW had a lower roof with the possibility of fitting in our garage because it has 8 foot by 8 foot doors.
Over the long run though the Mercedes I think is the better choice. I think I get more for my money.
Today I had an early appointment to shoot this guy who works a Dain’s Lumber, the oldest lumberyard in Westchester. Chris in the past raced circle track. I got one interesting insights. The way to turn in circle track is more like a pivot and then full acceleration. We spoke of the physics of racing, and also the athleticism required. Chris would run in hot weather wearing sweats and a hoodie. Pretty much it gave him some conditioning to the heat load of racing.
So in the yard was a customer with a Mercedes Sprinter van getting a 12 foot section of LDL. I asked him if he liked the sprinter, and he said he loves it, and in fact it is his third one. I mentioned the $600.00 dealer oil change, and pretty much he has a guy who does it so he does not get “ripped-off.”
AJ warned me that the oil is both costly and special.
Cal
By no means did you highjack this thread. This is an open forum, and your thoughtful wisdom is welcomed here.
In other words this is not my thread, but our thread.
I do believe you understand my needs fully. I am not wealthy, but I want a rich life. There are still plenty of things I want to do…
The life of staying active involving fitness is where we are heading also. Peekskill has a public pool that is free for Seniors. Our health insurance offers free gym memberships. The RV will support hiking, biking and for me fishing.
I looked into a VW Euro Van. These are gas powered, but are known to go 250K-300K miles. The thing though is that they stopped making them in 2003. These are more of a cult vehicle, but the deal killer is no toilet. I found a 2002 that has only 1K miles. Hmmm. They want big dollars and with a solar upgrade it would be as costly as the Mercedes we are looking at.
I figure we also need the smaller Mercedes Sprinter. Our driveway is small.
The VW is 17 feet long, the same length as the short Mercedes Spinter, but the VW had a lower roof with the possibility of fitting in our garage because it has 8 foot by 8 foot doors.
Over the long run though the Mercedes I think is the better choice. I think I get more for my money.
Today I had an early appointment to shoot this guy who works a Dain’s Lumber, the oldest lumberyard in Westchester. Chris in the past raced circle track. I got one interesting insights. The way to turn in circle track is more like a pivot and then full acceleration. We spoke of the physics of racing, and also the athleticism required. Chris would run in hot weather wearing sweats and a hoodie. Pretty much it gave him some conditioning to the heat load of racing.
So in the yard was a customer with a Mercedes Sprinter van getting a 12 foot section of LDL. I asked him if he liked the sprinter, and he said he loves it, and in fact it is his third one. I mentioned the $600.00 dealer oil change, and pretty much he has a guy who does it so he does not get “ripped-off.”
AJ warned me that the oil is both costly and special.
Cal
Last edited:
Phil_F_NM
Camera hacker
Having someone else change the oil on any vehicle is a waste of money. Doing the maintenance like changing a timing chain or belt can be left to hired mechanics, but regular consumable maintenance like tune-up and oil change are so inexpensive if you do your own labor. A little messy, but that's only the hands. Done right, a drop won't even be spilled on the driveway.
Phil
Phil
Calzone
Gear Whore #1
I’ve performed many tune ups and oil changes. Have taken off a head off an inline-6 to have a valve job performed by a shop. One valve was cracked and I had lost a cylinder.
Pretty much did not have the time.
Cal
Pretty much did not have the time.
Cal
Calzone
Gear Whore #1
An unusual early hurricane is forming in the Atlantic. Usually the first hurricane is in August. Very warm water temperatures are to blame.
Very humid today. I will try and do a run with heavy hands. I kave a set of 2 pounders, and a set of 3 pounders.
A headline today was about the 10 most expensive places to live. Madhattan placed number one on top of the list citing 350K millionaires live in NYC, and because land is limited the housing costs are high. Pretty much jobs was the major draw.
Lived in Madhattan for a decade. It was an interesting experience and lively in an over the top way. Pretty much I had my fill though and moved on.
It is fortunate we bought a home that remains close to NYC and is commutable. Land here too is limited in a different manner; it has to be limited to protect watershed. Also luckily we are not paying crazy high property taxes.
I would expect that the Carolinas to get stifling hot and sticky. The low lands have susceptibility to flooding and hurricanes. Too much for my comfort. I’m locked into a secure place in the Hudson Valley. Since we are the Gateway to the Hudson Highlands here in Peekskill, pretty much the places to explore and discover lay further north.
When you get around Fishkill housing sprawls all the ways to Poukeepsie. You can see and experience the less restricted growth and development. Even though further north and further from NYC the population density increases.
Anyways Peekskill and the northern end of Westchester is a special protected area. The area around Katona though has steep taxes. There is a high concentration of wealth there.
Read an article about the health benefits of eating eggs every day. Pretty much high nutrition, but for some of us eliminating or limiting intake to only one yoke was recommended. Pretty much this is what I do. I learned in my 30’s racing and riding with much younger and stronger riders that protien intake is literally the fountain of youth. Pretty much protien is the building block for much of your body which is a chemical engine.
My gerontologist PCP likes my cholesterol levels.
I feel more myself today. Yesterday saying goodbye was hard.
Cal
Calzone
Gear Whore #1
Went for a jog with my 3 pound heavy hands. Part of it wound down into a power walk. Very hot and humid.
The med I’m on has some side effects listed, but I did not have any symptoms: dizziness; fatigue, low blood pressure, dehydration.
Today was a start. I lost a lot of fitness. Let’s see how much I can regain, and how quickly I can snap back.
“Maggie” wishes she did not have to do this presentation Tuesday night. I’m involved with this one also. Oh-well.
Time to eat.
Cal
The med I’m on has some side effects listed, but I did not have any symptoms: dizziness; fatigue, low blood pressure, dehydration.
Today was a start. I lost a lot of fitness. Let’s see how much I can regain, and how quickly I can snap back.
“Maggie” wishes she did not have to do this presentation Tuesday night. I’m involved with this one also. Oh-well.
Time to eat.
Cal
Phil_F_NM
Camera hacker
This is incorrect. "Hurricane season" begins June 1st, though closed isobar tropical storms can form prior to that day. First named tropical storms typically form after June 1st, first hurricanes typically form in late June - early July, first major (Cat. 4 - 5) storms form late July. Peak tropical storm season is August - September, but again, as with potential early formation in spring, the increased warming of the gulf stream can extend the tropical storm season well beyond November.
Phil
Calzone
Gear Whore #1
Phil,
Thanks for the correction. I got caught up with the headline hype. Pretty much repeated what I read. The state of journalism is awful. Sadly I got swept into it. My correction should include that storms of this magnitude generally happen during August, the peak season you mention. My bad.
This early storm though is already a Cat 4.
Cal
Thanks for the correction. I got caught up with the headline hype. Pretty much repeated what I read. The state of journalism is awful. Sadly I got swept into it. My correction should include that storms of this magnitude generally happen during August, the peak season you mention. My bad.
This early storm though is already a Cat 4.
Cal
Last edited:
Calzone
Gear Whore #1
Today’s jog/power walk with heavy hands has a relaxing and tiring effect. I feel drugged yet relaxed.
Always hard to start a routine. Tomorrow is another day.
I’m happy I started today. I beat a severe thunderstorm. I also tested the possible side effect of this drug I am on.
While running is not biking, I feel it is a better workout for cardio. On a bike it is easy to rest. I’ll reserve biking to long rides. Running is easier to establish a routine. Also requires less time.
I proved today I still have the capacity to sweat a lot and not overheat. Pretty much I gave myself a sweat bath.
Cal
Always hard to start a routine. Tomorrow is another day.
I’m happy I started today. I beat a severe thunderstorm. I also tested the possible side effect of this drug I am on.
While running is not biking, I feel it is a better workout for cardio. On a bike it is easy to rest. I’ll reserve biking to long rides. Running is easier to establish a routine. Also requires less time.
I proved today I still have the capacity to sweat a lot and not overheat. Pretty much I gave myself a sweat bath.
Cal