Post 55 - dream machines

Well this is post 55, one better than last years 54 posts! Thought I would dream a little and post about my dream machines.

I'd love to get a cool 4x4 camper so here are my top 10 for Ultimate 4x4 Campers

10. Roadtrek
Pretty wimpy right? Well these things can be bought in 4x4 and hey... you gotta start somewhere.

They're probably the nicest on the inside but they're pretty much just your standard RV. I wouldn't complain if I had one, but if I had the money.... well move down the list.

9. Outfitter Manufacturer
These are just truck slide-ins, but they make pop-up models that are low profile with a lower center of gravity. I like the fact that they have built in toilets and showers. The real advantage is that I wouldn't need to store another vehicle. Nice, but not the best, that's why it low on my list.

8. Tiger Motorhomes
Now these are like truck campers, but permanent. They build these sucker on a truck frame! Pretty nice, a step up from the Roadtrek, which are van based and not that rugged.
This is much more suitable for the back roads and it's priced well at under $80,000. Take a look at the overview to see its capacity. The only problem is I don't know if it seat 3 or 4, so might not work for the family.


7. Toyota Hiace
Here is a nice import that's small and affordable (used for under 15,000)
Although a small 4x4, I found this quote that made me want one "Wheels magazine found in a van test that the diesel model could, in factory standard form, do donuts continuously with the speedometer reading nearly 100 km/h (62 mph) ." Super sweet, plus with the way they're importing these into BC, it's quite possible to pick one up. Have a look around and you may find one.

6. GTRV
A friend of mine drives one of these so I had to include them (kidding, they are quite nice!). They make a nice 4x4 model and they do a good job at usable space.

I'm not sure about the prices for these things, but I have a slight preference for the next company on the list.

5. Sportsmobile
These are van conversion that make a great camper. You can get basic models, but I prefer the 4x4 ones and I could even afford one too!
They have a nice look to them and the website has used one for sale quite often. Take a look, but don't blame me if you wanna buy one!

4. Innovan
I tell you this thing has the coolest kitchen sink! Can you find it here?
The best feature about this model is that it comes off the truck if needed. That makes for an awesome package and is why it ranks as number 3! You can find a photo gallery of this baby here. Sadly, this thing is made in Australia, so I'd hate to see the cost to get it here. Hey, what side of the road do they drive on down there?

3. Earthroamer
This could be in my price range and has the coolest tent-on-roof system ever!
This model costs just over 100,000 bucks and would make a sweet camper! Look inside if you don't believe me, it's got a toilet and an inside shower! It would be best for a couple, so as it stands... I'm out.


2. Foley Specialist Vehicles
I saw one of these on our Yukon trip and fell in love. Who wouldn't want one of these? Actually if you don't... don't tell me.
Built in the UK, these things are bomber and they look sweet as well! Forget 4x4, this thing is 6x6! Pretty much the best thing out there... oh wait did you see number 1?


1. The Unicat
Probably the most heavy duty out of the bunch, this thing is pretty hard core. My favorite is the EX70-HD / MAN TGA 6x6 Model.
Check out the photo gallery here. Personally, the hidden quad compartment is way too cool and heck these things come with a dishwasher! I also love the espresso machine in it.



So now you've seen'em all. Which is your favorite?

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Mark Lavorato

Remember him? If you do, you might find this interesting.

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Another Trip

Well Dora is gone. Off to Toronto for an extended weekend to visit with friends from 10 years ago. Back then, she did a stint in Canada World Youth and traveled to Indonesia. Well, it seemed fitting to do a 10 year reunion so that's where she is.

We boys back home are doing just fine and hope your having fun!

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LadiesFest

Well, Dora was up for another race today, Ladiesfest, an all female 8k that goes up and down the coulee. She was planning on running it with her mom, but unfortunately, she became ill in the morning and was unable to race. Dora's sister-in-law was also running, so they ran it together instead. Her official time is not available yet, but it would be 47min + as we have a picture of her approaching the finish line at 47:01. Last year her time was 51:12 so an improvement from last year. Logan thinks mom is #1!

It was nice to be there in time to see her cross the finish as last year she was expecting 55min, and we missed seeing her cross the finish line. This year we got ready early and caught these shots!

Nice job Dora!

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Boy's Camping Trip... sort of

Well me and the bro headed out to Waterton mid week for a little rest and relaxation.... yeah right. Funny thing is when you go camping with 3 kids, rest and relaxation are just silly words you tell yourself to encourage the exodus from home. Any smart man would throw the kids in the backyard, grab a beer and be happy... but not us! We're not that smart! After traveling 40km and stopping twice, we realized the dire situation we were putting ourself in. Check my math.

(0 wifes + 3 kids + 2 not so smart dads - 1 plan) x infinite possibilities = sheer utter chaos

*note the brackets for correct order of operations

Well all was not so bad as we had fun, had beer, had a few mishaps, but returned with all 3 kids... well 5 if you include us. I've included a classic Waterton pic for those lost LOMAH-nites who are out there somewhere.

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Star Trek Cartoon + Shatner’s “Common People” = Kirk/Spock Slashup

Courtesy of Neatorama....

Behold the best Star Trek mash up ever: the animated Star Trek + William Shatner’s cover of Pulp’s "Common People" = greatness!



Done in the style of Kirk/Spock (or K/S) story:

In the science fiction TV series Star Trek (1966-1969), the characters of Captain James T. Kirk and his Vulcan science officer Mr. Spock share an unusually close friendship, although both characters have relationships and sexual liaisons with women. Almost from the beginning, fans noticed the loving nature of the relationship. A few fan writers started speculating about the possibility of a sexual relationship between Kirk and Spock. The Kirk/Spock phenomenon eventually took on a life of its own, and became one of the driving forces in Star Trek fanzines during their heyday.

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Happy Fathers Day

Well it was fathers day over the weekend and it was a pretty good couple of days. It started out with me helping my Father move into their new house. I must admit that I'm starting to feel my age and my lack of exercise as I felt the pains of moving the next day. It was however a great day as it started with a "treasure hunt", was followed up with Smitty's for breakfast, next a paddle down the Oldman river with a BBQ to finish.

Thanks to Dora for making it a special day for me!

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Need a tent?

Someone locally is selling a tent and I thought I would mention it. Seems like a good price so if a friend is interested, I could pick it up and we could arrange delivery later. It's a bit heavy but if your getting out in the winter it's a good tent.

http://waterton.blogspot.com/

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High water in Waterton

With the heavy rain in Southern Alberta, I thought I would make a quick post for the Lost LOMAHs so they could see what it looks like.

photo: Chris Goble

http://waterton.blogspot.com/2008/05/waterton-high-water.html

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The Broken Group (1 of 3)

Well 9 days later I am back in LOMAH, after a 5 day paddling trip in the Broken group in BC. The trip was awesome and I will do my best to tell the tale and provide insight if you ever plan a trip yourself.

First I cheap. No wait.... thrifty! Instead of flying into Victoria, I found a cheap flight to Vancouver for $185 including the taxes! To add to my...... thriftiness, I decided to take public transit to Victoria rather than pay to take the bus, Pacific Coach line at $85 return. So instead I did as follows:

1. Take the 424 bus to the airport bay station (5-10 min)
2. Get on the 620 to Tsawwassen (5min wait, 40min ride)
3. Hope the ferry to Swartz Bay, Victoria

Easy enough right? Well for someone not use to taking public transit, it was a bit unnerving. I managed alright (it's that transfer stuff that always gets me), found a spot for my luggage and sat down. It was a 40min ride so I thought I would start some small talk with the lady next to me (seemed of similar age). Funny thing. A bit of talking and I found out she's doing a PhD in Environmental education and is in town for a conference. We chat a bit as I am interested in enviro ed. and such. Then another funny thing. She's into kayaking as am I. Then the kicker, she worked for outward bound in Ontario and as it turns out she know a friend of mine, "Lav". Sometimes I can't believe how small the world is.

Well we keep talking and get on the ferry which is a costsaver day and only costs $5. We chat on the way to Victoria, we have an interesting talk about the impact of family environment on growing up (as she was adopted and so was my sister) and the next thing we know Swartz Bay!

Well from here I planned on taking public transit again to meet up with "the crew" when I get an offer of a ride from her friend (she meets her at the ferry). I know you're never suppose to get in a car with strangers, but I'm like 35 and they're both women. What could go wrong? Well, after a short drive and a conversation about breast-feeding which was oddly not uncomfortable, we make it to Victoria.

Not bad for $7.50

*Next Part I of the trip.

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TGIM!

I know, I know - thank god it's Monday!?! But that is the day my adventuring husband returns from Victoria and area. Hopefully full of all sorts of great stories, some that he is able to share. We have been doing fine here on the home front, though missing dad of course. It's been an adventure here too. Thankfully there are contractors out there that still have enough pride in their work to come and fix things in the rain - for free.

One more morning to get to day home before work...And one more supper to make...Having Marko home this year was more of a blessing than I realized. Next year might be a little hectic!

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New Phone Fad

I must say that technology has come a long way! I found this picture and had to share it as it was too good to pass up.

Personally, I think several of may students my benefit from this device and I'm sure Dora would like to outfit me with it as well.


Picture from

Dr. X's Free Associations

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