2021 RAM 3500 Tradesman | AEV Prospector | FWC Grandby

[ramblinChet]

Have you ever taken the time to research tire chains?

A few years ago I began collecting information on the subject and talking to people occasionally - nothing big, just a bit of information here and there. Last fall and winter I spent all my time down south with much of it being spent out in Arizona, California, and New Mexico, and Texas, so there was no real need for chains at that time. Interestingly, there were a few mountain passes out west I passed through which had designated areas to install snow chains when required.

Roads such as the one below are not necessarily bad although growing up in the Great Lakes region and learning to drive through feet of lake effect snow taught me that conditions change quickly and it is always a good idea to be prepared for the unexpected. Through the years I have run summer radials, all-terrain, mud-terrain, studded tires, and chains - on and off road in all sorts of conditions: snow, ice, frozen ground, slush and mush, mud, etc.


This time my goal was to procure quality chains that would last me for several years, had repair parts available for purchase, and were routinely used by professionals. It may have taken me a few years but it sounds like I found a solid company with a great history and reputation that are experts in all sorts of chains to include tire chains. Allow me to introduce you to the company pewag, the leading supplier of traction chains worldwide, who began a forging plant in Brueckl, Austria in 1479.


Here is a closeup of their premium alloy square link which is available in 7.0 and 8.2 mm for my tire size (37"x12.5"x17"). Note the grooves in the links which provide additional traction.


This morning was decision time and I spent around one hour on the telephone with the regional representative from pewag discussing my specific requirements along with the pros and cons of each type of chain configuration available. The Zig-Zag 7.0 mm singles (USAZZ3235) were the first to be removed from consideration mostly due to their high price and focus on smoothing out the ride. The representative explained that if I had a smaller car sized tire and drove frequently on chains this would be a great choice due to their comfortable ride and more affordable price for regular sized tires.


Edit - here is some additional technical information to supplement the picture above.


The Ladder 7.0 mm Singles (USA3235) seem best overall and were my top choice prior to speaking with the representative. If I expected most of my chain use to be on paved roads that were packed snow or ice I believe these would be the best choice but when I shared how much time I spend off-road the representative he agree that there was an even better choice.


My ultimate choice were the Ladder Heavy Duty 8.2 mm Singles (USA2445) based upon my projected use of 25% on road and 75% off-road. The 8.2 mm square links are larger and provide more of a paddle type of traction off road compared to the 7.0 mm links plus I drive a heavy duty 3500 truck. We both agreed that for mostly off-road exploration these would benefit me in snow, mud, and sand, although the tradeoff might be a slightly rougher ride on pavement. We then took into account the weight of my vehicle and size of my tires and the representative agreed that even on road my ride should be acceptable.


For reference, here is a copy of my order placed through etrailer. The Ladder 7.0 mm Singles were approximately 25% less cost compared to the 8.2 mm that I selected although I judge the additional cost worth it for my intended use. You can also see I also included two pair of the Glacier Tire Chain Tensioners since they were only a few dollars more and recommended by many.


Here is a video that provides a nice overview of pewag:

 

[ramblinChet]

The Arkansas Overland Route - Trail Hawk Loop​

Life is funny sometimes and when things take an unexpected turn, I just laugh. Dennis, Paul, and I had been planning the Ozark Overland Adventure Trail for a good portion of the past year, had set a few weeks aside to complete it, and now we were exploring two different trails that only one of us had ever heard of. But you know something; what really mattered was that we were together, having fun adventuring and exploring, knocking down hundreds of miles over dirt and gravel roads, stopping to visit interesting museums, experiencing local culture and cuisine, and creating wonderful memories. Folks, it's not so much about the trail, or the rigs, or how many expensive shiny parts someone has, it's mainly about a small group of people spending time together, outdoors for most of the time, relaxing, smiling, laughing, and living life.

The Arkansas Overland Route Trail Hawk Loop is 461 miles long, starts off HWY 82 near Falcon Bottoms WMA , circles the Ouachita River from Moro State Park, and ends back at Moro State Park. This adventure will require a long weekend and there is plenty of dispersed camping and two state parks. This route has mixed terrain and difficulties and although most of the trail is gravel and dirt, there are sections of pavement. The gravel/dirt roads can be flooded, muddy, with ruts, dusty and/or unmaintained - some water crossing or reroutes could be possible. This is not a off-roading route where obstacles are the goal but a overlanding route that puts some dirt road miles under your wheels. There are places to restock, refuel, and grab a bite to eat if so desired.

If you use onX Offroad you can find a link here.



With Dennis needing to depart within a few days we were not sure if he was going to complete the entire trail but we were a bit farther south, enjoying slightly warmer weather, and there were many opportunities for Dennis along this route to jump off, hit pavement, and begin his trek home. Shortly after this picture was taken we drove down a spur to explore a waypoint titled "oil derrick and oil." We passed an older man alone in a truck while driving in towards the oil derricks, and on the way out another younger man rushed in driving another truck, pulled broadside to block our exit, and stepped out to have a few words with Paul, who was in the lead vehicle.

We were spread out just a bit and as I pulled up I sensed something unusual was taking place. As I contemplated stepping out and walking forward to better understand why this young man felt the need to block our travels Paul radioed back that everything was resolved and we would begin rolling in just a moment. As I drove by I slowed to make eye contact with the two scoundrels, and it was beyond obvious to me that these boys were back here hiding something in the woods and were up to no good. Thinking back, those few moments were like a scene in a movie where there was an immense amount of tension with everything just on the verge of breaking loose. Me being retired military and somewhat hyper-vigilant, I'm always prepared to jump into the ring and kick some sand.

Be polite, be professional, but have a plan to kill everybody you meet. ~ General James Mattis

Although the trail was turning out to be a relaxing ride through the forest occasionally there were surprises such as this muddy and watery section. If you plan to explore the wilderness my recommendation is for you to first purchase these three items:

• one engineered extraction point on the front of your rig and one on the rear
  • if your five to ten thousand pound vehicle becomes stuck, the only safe place to hook to is an engineered extraction point
  • it's best to have two factory tow points up front
  • a hitch can be used for the rear but just make sure to have proper rigging
• a recovery gear set
  • extraction points do not good if there is nothing solid to pull on
  • spend the few dollars and start off with gloves, a kinetic strap, add a few shackles, then a tree saver, maybe a static strap also
  • of just purchase a complete recovery kit and have everything that is necessary
• an electric winch
  • you can buy the ultimate lift, lockers, huge tires, and still become stuck
  • an electric winch will always save you when you only need to be pulled s short distance occasionally
  • if you are into long pulls that are endless, invest in a hydraulic winch like I used back in the 90s

Along the trail there are a number of disbursed and organized camp sites which are marked on the map using waypoints. This evening we decided to drive a few more miles and camp along the bank of the Ouachita River.


The next day we were off and running with Paul in the lead, Dennis in the middle, and me bringing up the rear. I enjoy pushing others to take charge, make decisions, and lead our team since most of the time when nothing is moving I just naturally take the lead and make things happen - it's been that way most of my life. It's good to switch things around on the trail so everyone is able to experience different roles and develop a wide range of skills such as navigation, logistics, communication, where to camp, meal selection or preparation, etc.

Nothing fancy here, just truck on a dirt road.


I'm sure I have ever met anyone who has talked much about overland adventures in southern Arkansas or Louisiana but if you are anywhere between Little Rock, Arkansas; Shreveport, Louisiana; and Jackson, Mississippi; I would encourage you to give this trail a try. I'll never forget when we rolled into a small town to gas up and an older local man confronted Paul and just asked him - what are you doing here? My guess is that not too many folks pass through in a Power Wagon with Massachusetts plates hanging on the bumpers.


These ruts reassured me that this section near the infamous Hooker Hole can get really wet and sloppy at times. We all took note of this area and talked on the radios about how happy we were it was beat-up but dry right now - it didn't look pretty but we were only here temporarily. This is definitely one small section that could prove to be a full day of fun when wet since it stretched for miles.


Well, it was time for Dennis and Flor to begin heading back east so we decided to jump off the southern end of the trail and stop into Monroe, Louisiana, for a farewell dinner. It was late in the day and although Dennis planned on hitting Interstate 20 for a few miles we convinced him to find a nice hotel nearby, shower up, warm up, and relax for the evening. Paul and I checked a few nearby spots to camp but we really wanted to be back out camping the wild under the stars. The picture below was taken at Cheniere Lake Park in West Monroe, Louisiana, which was one of the places we initially checked.

Paul and I drove an hour or so to the north and spent the night near a boat ramp in the D'Arbonne National Wildlife Refuge. We pulled into a nice level spot deep in the woods, stepped out of our rigs, and smiled. Even though we were only in town for a short period - it felt good to be back out in the wilderness. The more time you spend out exploring the better you become at scanning a map to identify potential camping spots.


A few hours and many miles later we drove down another spur trail and ended up at Lake Georgia Pacific, in Arkansas. It looked like a great place to camp but it was just a bit too early for us to stop and we were motivated to wrap up the trail soon. We continued the trail and began to head north on the final leg of our journey. With only two vehicles we were moving just slightly faster and combined with our desire to complete the trail, we were making good time.

While traveling I am always checking maps for key phrases such as National Forest, State Park, etc. It was lunch time and I noticed Chemin-A-Haut State Park was not too far away so I radioed Paul and suggested we stop there for an hour or so to relax and enjoy a meal. While exploring new places I always take time to ask questions and learn a bit so while rolling into the park I asked the Ranger what Chemin-A-Haut meant. She smiled and said it was a blend of Native American and French that meant "high road."


Dennis had already departed and was heading back to Delaware, Paul had plans to be in Florida soon, and I was heading to I-don't-know-where. Our hearts take us on wild and unpredictable journeys throughout life and create memories so strong, sometimes we just can't shake them. I'm not sure when it will be, or who it will be with, but I'm going back some day...

 

[ITTOG]

Hooker Hole can get really wet and sloppy at times.​

Ummm..... 😬😬🥵🥵🤬🤬


😄😄😄


Sorry, the immature adult in me couldn't help it.

 

[ramblinChet]

Natchez Trace

Part One of Three​

A Drive through 10,000 Years of History - The Natchez Trace Parkway is a 444-mile recreational road and scenic drive through three states. It roughly follows the "Old Natchez Trace," a historic travel corridor used by American Indians, "Kaintucks," European settlers, slave traders, soldiers, and future presidents. Today, people can enjoy a scenic drive as well as hiking, biking, horseback riding, and camping along the Parkway.

Time for some truth telling - when I was a young buck and made lots of money jumping out of helicopters wearing custom fit wet suits wrapped in nylon webbing with all sorts of gear hanging off, I had an older lady friend. I laugh now since I was in my early 20s and she was in her late 20s. Kathy heard that I had been out diving in Hawaii, then grabbed a Space-A hop into NAS Point Mugu in SoCal, and was spending time with another friend who was a Navy Nurse at Balboa Naval Medical Center and lived in Pacific Beach. My plans were to have fun with the nurse for a bit and visit a close buddy who was at NAB Coronado. It had been some time since we hung out and Kathy was dying to see me so she suggested I grab another hop into NAS Meridian or maybe even Keesler AFB so she could pick me up and we could hang out together in Jackson, Mississippi. My only question was, what was she doing in Jackson?

Some time later I was packing my gear one morning so my Navy Nurse acted surprised and asked what I was doing - I told her I was rambling on and needed a ride to NAS Miramar to catch a hop. She asked why and without blinking an eye, I told her I was heading out to spend quality time with another female friend. Well, there was no ride for me and the next thing I knew I was humping two parachute bags filled with wet gear onto a city bus that was heading out to Miramar. A day or so later I arrived in Mississippi, Kathy picked me up, and the first thing I asked my petite Florida beach girl was what the hack was she doing in Jackson, Mississippi?

Let's just say little Kathy had a plan and when she drove me out for a scenic walk along Natchez Trace I fell right into her trap!



Fast forward to today and then let's back up to the night prior to Paul and myself arriving in Natchez, Mississippi. Being this time of the year the days are short and the nights are really cold - with that in mind, Paul called on the radio and said he found what appeared to be a nice place for us to camp around less than an hour northwest of Natchez in J.C. “Sonny” Gilbert WMA. There's nothing like rolling down a gravel road at night into a forest you have never visited, in the deep south, with a guy the size of a bear from Massachusetts.


The next morning we woke up with the sun and explored a few of the local trails during daylight. It was actually a beautiful little place and I still am not sure how Paul finds some of these places but he does, and they are really good.


The sun was climbing and I called over the radio to suggest we get out of the woods and make the final push into Natchez so we could enjoy a Cajun lunch at one of the local restaurants. As I have mentioned previously, one of the things I really enjoy during my travels is diving into local history, culture, and cuisine.


This is the Under-the-Hill section of Natchez right along the banks of the mighty Mississippi River. Paul and I smiled at each other when we arrived and spent most of our time in this area - it felt warm and comfortable, like an old winter coat.

This area of Natchez was described by numerous nineteenth-century travelers as one of the rowdiest ports on the Mississippi River. Taverns, gambling halls, and brothels lined the principal street. Here, rumor has it, the only thing cheaper than the body of a woman was the life of a man.

And before I knew it, Paul was gone - he turned his ship east and was heading to Florida. Here I was, alone at the beginning of the 444 mile historic Natchez Trace - this was a paved road without a single stop sign or traffic light along the entire road. My guess was that it would take me maybe two or three days total; but the history, oh the magnificent history of this trail that has been traveled for thousands of years by countless men. It sucked me in and each day I scratched my head since knowing I spent a full day of driving and visiting sites, but I was barely moving along the trail. Nashville seemed like weeks or even months away - I was experiencing the exact same feeling that may of the men of the past felt while traveling along this route.


Here are the remains of one of the largest plantations in the area along the Natchez Trace called Windsor Ruins.

Windsor Plantation was built for Smith Coffee Daniell II in 1861. In 1849, Smith Daniell married his cousin Catherine Freeland and the couple had six children, with three surviving to adulthood. The house, one of the largest private residences in the state before the Civil War, was constructed near the town of Bruinsburg, where Union soldiers crossed the Mississippi River to begin their quest to capture Vicksburg. The Windsor plantation once sprawled over 2,600 acres and legend says that from a roof observatory, Mark Twain watched the Mississippi River in the distance.

I'll close with a shot of the Old Natchez Trace where you can walk in the footsteps of "Kaintucks" and other adventurers who walked this highway for thousands of years. There's something primitive and animalistic about this area - I'm not quite sure exactly what it is or how to explain it. But I understand why Kathy brought me here so many years ago, it's a feeling you get that's different from just walking through the forest, or even along an old path. This is an ancient highway, and it has countless stories that only it can remember.

I always smile when I hear the song Kat was playing as we slowed to a stop along the trace...t-t-t-t-twistin' like a flame in a slow dance, baby!

 

[FAW3]

The road less traveled is sometimes the better route.

Another great chapter!

 

[ramblinChet]

Natchez Trace

Part Two of Three​

This picture is a beautiful representation of what it looks like while driving along the Natchez Trace. In short, it's a 444 mile long two-lane road with light traffic that has no stop signs or traffic lights, and commercial vehicles are prohibited. There are countless historical places and parks along the way to stop and explore, camp, hike, etc.


While driving north and reviewing my maps of the area I noticed Vicksburg was just forty-five miles west of Jackson, Mississippi, along the banks of the Mississippi River. This would be my last opportunity to see that mighty river for many months and for years I have wanted to visit Vicksburg to learn more about her role the War of Northern Aggression. If you consider the fact that I am retired military, have a home near the Yorktown Battlefield and have visited other battlefields such as Antietam and Gettysburg, an initial visit to Vicksburg is entirely logical. Each of these locations, and many more, are of supreme historical significance which should be visited, talked about, and openly discussed in an effort to prevent future unnecesary battles which are a result of lies, propaganda, and greed.

Here is a picture inside the Visitor's Center. If you plan to visit, set aside maybe an hour for the visitors center, an hour for the USS Cairo Museum and Outdoor Exhibit, and several hours to tour the park. This would be a great place to tour around on a bicycle and stop for a picnic - the battlefield is rich with green grass and flowing hills.


Here is a beautiful example of one of the memorials - this is the Iowa State Memorial. If you enjoy monuments and memorials then you will really enjoy that fact that there are nearly 1,400 monuments, memorials, bronze statues, regimental markers, relief portraits, busts, and iron tablets and guide posts throughout this military park.

The Iowa State Memorial is located in the South Loop portion of the park on Union Avenue. This memorial was dedicated on November 15, 1906, at a cost of $100,000, honors the 38 infantry units, three artillery units, and three cavalry units from Iowa that served in the Vicksburg Campaign. Mounted in the middle of the Memorial is bronze statue of a solider mounted on a stallion and carrying a flag. Surrounding this statue, is Vermont White Granite and six bronze relief panels which depict successive engagements in the Vicksburg Campaign.

Sometimes I take chances and venture into dangerous areas where I simply do not belong. This time I decided to drive my rig deep into the inner-city of Jackson, Mississippi, in search of some soul food. A friend warned me that the owners wife had been charged with first degree murder back in 2021 and to "lock your doors and not stop for any reason" while visiting this part of the city. As I walked in the owner, Tyrone Bully, greeted me with a smile and said to sit wherever I liked - the interior was a mixture of forty years of used restaurant furniture and local artwork, with a cool vibe that is impossible to describe.

Although the menu contained chitterlings, turkey wings, meatloaf, mac and cheese, rice and gravy, tomatoes and okra, yams, and greens such as collards, turnips, and mustards, I opted for a soul food classic - ham hocks. Note the inset picture in the lower left corner. As I left with a full belly, Tyrone mentioned that since it was after dark I should "get out of the city real quick." I paid my bill in cash and rolled out through the cold dark night to find a location outside the city to sleep. It was all worth it and I would do it again.


One thing I really liked while traveling along this route were the many roadside pull outs where you could park, read about local history, enjoy a snack, or hike.

For centuries, American Indians traveled and traded along this corridor, which traverses the homelands of the Natchez, Chickasaw, and Choctaw nations. By 1785, the Old Trace was used as a transportation route for boatmen who floated down the Mississippi River to sell their goods in Natchez and New Orleans. Their flatboats were useless against the current of the Mississippi so these "Kaintucks" sold their boats as lumber and walked or rode horses home along the Old Trace. Accommodations for these and other travelers sprang up along the trade route and were known as "stands."

Along the parkway there are three free campgrounds managed by our National Park Service. These are primitive camgrounds without electricity, showers, or dump stations, are first-come, first served, and you are able to stay at a campground for up to fourteen days. All sites have drinkable water and flush toilets. The free campgrounds along the Natchez Trace are:

• Rocky Springs at Milepost 54.0
• Jeff Busby at Milepost 193.1
• Meriwether Lewis at Milepost 385.9

If you spend some time clicking through all the layers of pages on the National Park Service web site you will discover much useful information regarding this parkway. The really nice thing is that each area of interest contains a nearby milepost and brief description. Some highlights of the list are waterfalls, graveyards, horse trails, a cave, and even a boardwalk into a Cyprus swamp.


I have really been enjoying my trip along the Natchez Trace and it has turned out to be so much more than I expected. Although I have never heard anyone suggest taking a vacation to specifically travel the length of this parkway I can see how a trip like this would be lots of fun. It's a long beautiful drive with no congestion, there are so many places to pull off of small towns to explore along the way, free campgrounds and some of the richest history in these United States.

Allow me to leave you with another one of my snap shots taken along the way. And in case you haven't guessed yet, we having lots of fun along the 'trace.

 

[ramblinChet]

Natchez Trace

Part Three of Three​

I have been enjoying my travels along the historic Natchez Trace for four full days now and it still feels like I am rushing - there is just so much to see and do along the way. Nonetheless, it is looking like I will be finishing sometime later tomorrow. For a 444 mile drive along a paved road this is sure taking me much longer than I expected but I have been really enjoying the ride. Along the way I have noticed occasional dirt roads that crossed the trail so I decided to jump off and explore a bit - it felt good to hear and feel the gravel under my tires while rolling along at 10-20 mph for a little bit. Sometimes I wish all the roads were gravel or dirt - life would slow down and everyone would learn to smile again, and wave.


This morning I am leaving David Crockett State Park in Tennessee after spending the night and I am already making plans to stop back again. If you are planning a trail make sure and spend a fair amount of time researching the area to locate federal, state, and county, forests, parks, etc. I like to mark interesting locations on my map that are within a reasonable distance of the trail just in case I am looking for a spot to pull off and have lunch, camp, grab a shower, fuel up, tour a museum, etc. Don't get me wrong - the trails themselves are fun but many times jumping off and rolling into something interesting a few minutes off the trail can be the icing on the cake.


If you remember a month or so ago after completing Eastern Kansas Flint Hills Overland Route and then again after completing Green Country Oklahoma Adventure Tour; Dennis, Paul, and I, spent several nights at Tyler Bend Campground in the Ozarks near Buffalo River. While we were there a couple pulled in from Virginia in a white van and while we said hello, we never stopped to talk much since we were busy making plans for the trail, checking river crossing levels, fixing meals, etc. So here I am, a month plus later, and I pull into a free campground 350 miles to the southeast in a different state, and guess who is also camping there - the same folks from Virginia that we met at Tyler Bend.

This time I pulled over to say hello, listen to where they were heading next, what their plans were for the near future. They were great and one of these days I will tell some other stories related to meeting folks on a trail, or beach, in a parking lot, and crossing paths with them months, or even years later, in places so far away from where we originally met. The statistical probability of chance meetings such as these must be slim to none but it has happened several times over the past few years.


Here is my mount for the Maxtrax that I have been running for a year or two now. My main goal was to keep the traction boards out of the way so they do not interfere with daily operations while at the same time keeping them easily accessible. It seems like most mounting options placed them on the roof or the rear swing away tire carrier which may work for most. For me, being on the roof they were out of the way but difficult to access; while on the swing away they needed to be handled daily, but were easy to access. Mounting them on the side of my camper meant that the only time I interacted with them was when they were needed, and when I did, they were right there. Yeah, it made things a little bit wider but overall this has not been an issue.


Since my Maxtrax are so easy to access I don't even hesitate to use them for all sorts of tasks. In this case I was setting up to camp for the night in one of the free campgrounds and the spot I had picked out had my truck angled nose down ever so slightly. My solution was to pull out the Maxtrax and bump the nose up a degree to even things out. I guess the moral of this part of my story is that I really like to surround myself with items that can serve multiple purposes. In this case I can use these traction boards to assist me, or someone else in mud, sand, or snow; I can also use them to bridge washed out or rocky areas on the trail, use them as a rudimentary shovel in sand or snow, as a backboard for a child or small person, or to level my vehicle. One item, multiple uses.


I stopped by this monument to pay my respects to a man that most know very little about - Meriwether Lewis. Most, including myself, associate his name with the Lewis and Clark Expedition which by itself was an achievement unlike any other. The broken shaft on his monument represents a life cut short - I encourage you to watch this five minute video to learn the story of this amazing man. Dig deeper, learn history, pass it on to others young and old - it's up to you to keep our dream alive.

That men do not learn very much from the lessons of history is the most important of all the lessons of history. ~ Aldous Huxley

It cold as heck this time of the year but stopping on a sunny day to spend some time along the water is always a good thing. I'm going to ask a favor of you - go out for a few hours this weekend and park along side some water - an ocean, lake, pond, river, stream, anything. Just take some time for yourself and get out to relax a bit. If you have a wife or children and they wish to join then being them along also. Let the kids run wild, chase each other with sticks, throw stones in the water, take their shoes off and get some mud between their toes. It's good for everyone and we all know it - break free from the matrix and enjoy some nature!!!


This was me driving over the Tennessee River as the sun was setting on my second to last day on the Natchez Trace. I am able to summarize this trip by saying this historic route was so much more than I expected and I hope one day you too will be able to join the brotherhood of men who have traveled the 'trace. Although my journey was nothing compared to those taken one hundred, or one thousand, years ago - I still was able to see, hear, feel, taste, and smell, many of the same things those men did. I was able to walk in their footsteps, close my eyes, and imagine being home, home again...

And you run and you run to catch up with the sun but it's sinking
Racing around to come up behind you again
The sun is the same in a relative way, but you're older
Shorter of breath and one day closer to death

 

[p nut]

What an envious life!
Are you still on the road full time?
Would you mind sharing what your average monthly cost is to be on the road?

 

[ramblinChet]

What an envious life!
Are you still on the road full time?
Would you mind sharing what your average monthly cost is to be on the road?

My target is to spend around $1,000 per month although it often is higher and seems to fall mostly around the $1,300-1,500 range. My two largest expenses are food and fuel and here is my greatest struggle - I am able to easily control costs and keep them low by severely limiting my travel, camping in the forest, and buying cheap food in bulk. But that does not sound like fun.

The other extreme would be driving endlessly every day all over the place and eating out at fancy restaurants. That does not sound like fun either. What I try to do is slow down my travels to a manageable level, eat good but occasionally spoil myself, and deal in cash. If I place $1,000 in my pocket at the beginning of each month is becomes really easy to break my spending habits down and keep things in check. If I stop by a grocery store and spend $65 the first thing on my mind is, these selections should last me around five or six days.

If I purchase a pound of ham, some cheese, and French bread - guess what I am having for lunch or dinner until everything is gone? Same thing with breakfast - a dozen eggs, a pound of bacon, use some of the cheese and bread I already have purchased - I am I going to enjoy Chet's bacon-egg-and-cheese breakfast sandwiches until everything has been eaten. I minimize expenses in restaurants by stopping for lunch and taking advantage of specials.

And here's something that you may not have realized - when we take control of our lives and slow them down to a manageable and understandable level, we are able to think much more clearly, establish good healthy eating, sleeping, and exercise patterns. In short, I spend less and am living a healthier and more productive life.

Here's one final example - my buddy Paul wants me to zip down to Florida to join him and then we plan to head out west. Although it would only take me maybe 12-14 hours to drive down I most likely will not be down there for another six or eight weeks - I am slowing my travel down, controlling my travel expenses, taking my time, enjoying the journey, and snapping a few picture and sharing my thoughts as I ramble along.

 

[ramblinChet]

One of the great things about driving along the backroads of these United States is you sometimes are able to take a peek into the past. Here is Skip's Garage along Route 62 in Russelleville, Ohio. When I see these old places I take a moment to try and imagine what it was like decades ago - what sorts of vehicles pulled in - what were the customers like - who was the owner?


Nothing like rolling by your local VFW post and seeing a Bell AH-1S Cobra sitting outside. If you are interested in finding an old US Army helo near you this link may help.


Crossing the Shippingport Bridge, which is a cantilevered through truss bridge, spanning the beautiful Ohio River. Just to the right is the Beaver Valley Nuclear Power Station. A few miles upstream from here, in downtown Pittsburgh, the Ohio River begins; and nearly 1,000 miles later, she ends as she joins the mighty Mississippi. Just in case you are curious, the Allegheny and Monongahela rivers join together in downtown Pittsburgh to form the Ohio - hence the reference to Three Rivers with regards to the 'Burgh.


Socks, socks, and socks. Back around a decade ago I purchase several hundred dollars worth of Point6 merino wool socks and although they lasted me for a long time - the last few years they have been totally destroyed being stretched out, holes all over, etc. So it was time for some new socks and my beautiful sister recommended these. One hundred dollars later and I am enjoying five new pair of socks: two are light, two medium, and one heavy. We'll see how these feel in a decade but right now they are amazing!!!


Rolling through the hills on my birth-state, Pennsylvania. Growing up in these parts was sort of strange since no one really liked the cold and the snow, but everyone loved it in their own special way. Yeah, it's cold and nasty and quite the pain the rear but there is something tough about living and working in these conditions for months every year. I'm happy to be back in the nasty weather - strange as it sounds, it hurts but feels good. After all, pain is weakness leaving your body.


My favorite part of this post - field repairs! The lock on the back of my camper is well beyond its useful life and it has been nearly inoperable for many months now. Since it is mounted on the back of my camper it routinely ingests dust and dirt while driving down the trails - especially out west. My plans are to devise a method to protect my new lock from dust while on the trail but to also schedule maintenance in the form of disassembly, cleaning, reassembly, and lubrication; maybe annually?

I read about deadbolt locks for some time and ultimately decided on a stronger and more durable Schlage B60N6 for a fair price. The lock is Certified ANSI Grade 1 for use in light commercial applications, including multifamily, office, and retail. Here is a video by Mr. Locksmith that helped me make my decision.


No, I am not planning to use the white lithium grease pictured above for my lock. I am one of those geeks who actually read my entire RAM Owners Manual and noted there are parts of our truck which require maintenance, that are not listed in the maintenance section. If your drivers door, or any other, occasionally groans when being opened or closed - a shot of white lithium grease will provide silky smooth action and keep it quiet.


Here is some white lithium grease sprayed on the drivers door lower hinge assembly. It's not pretty right now but in the future I will clean the area and apply grease in a more controlled manner. Right now, passing through the Steel City, I was just takin' care of business.

 

[p nut]

I know you just bought some socks, but I love Darn Tough socks. Made in Vermont. Very well made. Best part - unconditional lifetime guarantee. If you wear a hole in them, they’ll send you a replacement. I have several pairs and couple of them got holes in them from regular wear. True to their word, they covered them under the guarantee.

Socks Guaranteed for Life - Our Lifetime Warranty

The Darn Tough Lifetime Warranty: If our socks aren't the most comfortable, most durable, and best fitting socks you own, return them for another pair.

darntough.com

 

[K9LTW]

That Bell Cobra is only about 15 minutes from my mom's place in East Liverpool. We've passed it a ton of times as well as the nuke plant when we go visit. Small world.

 

[ramblinChet]

One thing I have noticed over the past few years is the fact that it is so easy to research specific products, review all the technical details, place an order, complete payment, and have the item arrive just a few days later. Installation is another story especially if it is the first time working with a particular type of component. Reading manuals, purchasing specialized tools and supplies, and then performing the installation. It's fun and exciting but it takes around 70% of the overall time for me.

In some ways I am happy that some of the systems I have for my adventure rig have taken longer to construct and install because along the way I have revised and added to my original design multiple times. I guess the primary advantage of this slow process is the iterative design process that ultimately results in a more complete final product. Since I am closing in on my final design of my upgraded electrical system I figured it was time for a final review. Here are a few of the final products I have decided to add to my electrical system:



Some of you fellow Victron Energy aficionados may have glanced at the display below and though it was the BMV-712 Smart that is part of my current system. The primary use of my BMV-712 is to monitor the State of Charge (0 - 100%) of my house battery - it can also display current, voltage, amp hours, and temperature, of the battery. This MPPT Control will be mounted adjacent to the BMV-712 to provide me with a measure of how my solar panels are performing. I suspect my primary measurement will be PV (photovoltaic) power in watts although I will also be able to monitor PV voltage, PV daily yield, etc.

My goal with the BMV-712 and MPPT Control is to be able to glance at my system and immediately recognize my battery State of Charge and solar system PV power since these are what I consider the two most critical metrics. Sure, I could whip out my smartphone and click on a few links and read these same values via Bluetooth connection but I like to keep it simple. Just a quick glance at a few gauges will be fine, thank you.


Since the MPPT Control is not Bluetooth capable via cable to the solar charge controller - in my case, a SmartSolar MPPT 100/30 which is Bluetooth capable. If you order a MPPT Control don't forget the cable - they are available in various lengths from 0.9 to 10.0 meters. They also have two versions of the cable available, one straight connection on both ends, and the other with one straight and one single 90° connection. I opted with the 90° connection so the cable will drop straight down from the rear of the controller.


Revisiting Bluetooth connectivity - this VE.Direct Bluetooth Smart Dongle will be used in conjunction with the Inverter 500VA so I am able to accurately monitor the AC output of my system and how hard the inverter is working. About the only thing I use the current inverter for is to charge my laptop so I don't consider this a necessary piece of equipment but since I was already ordering the other pieces and I would rather have it and not really need it than build my system and wish I had included this piece, I just ordered it to be safe.


My chains arrived and those damn things are heavy - this is a single chain for a 37x12.50R17 tire and it alone weighs 35 pounds. So four chains add a 140 pounds to my overall payload and I am once again glad I built my AEV Prospector on a RAM 3500 platform. I included my US size 9.5 foot in the photo for reference.


Yeah, maybe these tire chains are considered overkill for most applications but I am planing to exercise them in the mountains during the winter months to go places where others are unable to go. There's something beautiful about venturing deep into the mountains during fair weather but I suspect those same places may be even more beautiful during inclement and austere conditions. We shall see...


Two of my cousins are doctors and I stopped by one of their homes one evening to spend time and catch up - it was a great visit. What a really love about my one cousin Johnny is the fact that he is a well balanced man. For example, as a teenager, and while he was studying to become a doctor - he worked in a local hardware store. A year ago my another cousin had vehicle problems and was given an estimate of >$10k to fix (replace) the engine.

A few days later the vehicle was towed to Johnny's house where he spent several weeks worth of spare time first pulling the heads and bottom end apart to replace a broken valve spring, valve, piston, and a connecting rod. Some machine work was necessary, fresh bearings down below, new springs, valves, and other things up top, might as well throw in a new water pump, idler pulley, tensioner, etc. Total for parts was <$2k and keep in mind, he's a doctor and fixes people during the daytime - just a cool dude. Johnny works with his hands as well as his head - he's a well balanced man.


Some people wonder how I am able to live like I do and even dream about living this way also. Here is what I can tell you; I am no different from you, I just decided to live life a different way, that's it. My life may seem to be easier and fun 100% of the time but it's still hard at times. There are still ups and downs but at this point in my life the rewards are what I am enjoying. If you desire to begin enjoying some of these same rewards then you need to begin breaking yourself free from your current system. You must begin to take back control of your life and the future of your loved ones by learning to look others in the face and say "no" when they request more of your valuable time. And after you say no, there is no need to offer any explanation since a simple no is sufficient. As a man, the toughest word to say is also the shortest, but it is also the most powerful, and that word is no.

Yeah, you are taking a great risk in some situations by responding with a firm no but guess what, with great risk, there is great reward. If a simple no results in the loss of a job or a relationship, maybe that was not the best job or relationship for you. You will find another, we men always do. If I decide to jump back into the workforce I can do so with little effort and if I decide to jump back out again, it will take even less effort. I will decide what is best for me and my family. I am an expert at saying no and that keeps everything nice and fair for both sides. Life is tough no matter what you decide to do - God intended our lives to be challenging so embrace the difficulties, they are part of His plan for you.

If you remain inside the system and play by their rules for the remainder of your life; my fear is that on your death bed, you will finally realize the game has always been fixed. And you may say to yourself, "My God, what have I done?"

 

[ramblinChet]

My life began in Erie, Pennsylvania, on a hot summer day in 1967. I can't tell you how many years I have enjoyed lake-effect snow but snow like this just seems perfectly normal to me. If you are heading to bed and the weather man says 8-12" will fall overnight, you think nothing of it since there have been times where three to five feet have fallen within the span of a few days. My Snow Joe broom and brass blade ice scraper are perfect for this.

This is my childhood home, this is my neighborhood where I played hide-and-seek long after the sun went down, this is the street I broke both wrists on when jumping my BMX bike, and this is the home where I snuck out of my bedroom window virtually every night during my high school years. Yeah, I thought that was really cool walking around with a cast on each arm until I needed to sit down and use the bathroom. But hey, I still hold the undisputed record for distance jumped in my old neighborhood!


New York Lunch (a.k.a. the Greeks) is on 10th and East Avenue in Erie, Pennsylvania, and is a very special place to me. At various times throughout my life I have shared meals here with my late grandfathers, my late father, my son, countless friends, girlfriends, etc. My earliest memories of eating there began in the 70s and no matter how many years go by, when I walk in I am always greeted by the owners, Steve and Nina (near fridge) who are now in their late 80s, or their son, with a handshake, or a warm hug. With that beautiful Greek accent I am asked "How have you been?" and "How is your family?" It's a fun place with endless memories and great food to just swing in, order "a burger and a dog with everything" and maybe even a small order of Greek fries. It is small hometown businesses like this that helped build our beautiful country.


As many of you are aware, I love history, and learning about where we all came from, how we arrived here, and most importantly, how we worked together to build these great United States. Below is a picture of the inside of St. Hedwig Church in downtown Erie, Pennsylvania. I recently attended a traditional Latin High Mass here and then began to study the history of the church which left me somewhat speechless - I discovered it was founded by Rev. Monsignor Andrew Ignasiak, a departed relative of my family.

The church architecture is Tudor Gothic consisting of dark rose and beige faceted stone with solid oak main doors hung on genuine Tudor hinges, capped by a heavy slate roof with a copper Gothic fleche presiding atop the bell tower. The cobblestone used for the exterior walls came from the old city streets which were being torn up to make way for modern paved roads. The procession of angels and archangels in the vault of the ceiling were hand painted using the features of the children of the parish as models and the European stained glass windows were created by Joseph Herzig of Munich, Germany. So much history in one little church!


Presque Isle State Park in Erie, Pennsylvania, is a day use park that is a must visit if you are in the area. Presque Isle is actually a 3,112-acre sandy peninsula jutting out into Lake Erie that has a beautiful 13-mile long paved road with a maximum speed of 25 MPH that loops around it. There are thirteen beaches, unique sand dunes and a natural shoreline - other activities include swimming, boating, fishing, hiking, bicycling, and in-line skating. The light house on the peninsula is sometimes open for tours, there are also a few house boats, a Coast Guard Station, and only a few other buildings - here are two that were decorated for Christmas.


While touring the area I stopped by Erie Bluffs State Park to park near the lake and relax for a bit. If you would like to try your hand in fishing for Steelhead, Brook, Brown, Walleye, etc., you should schedule a trip to Erie Bluffs since the world-famous Elk Creek passes through it. While relaxing and reviewing maps of the local area I noticed that seven miles to the west, along the Pennsylvania and Ohio border, was Pennsylvania State Game Lands 314 so I decided to drive over and check it out and boy was I happy I did. This shot does nothing to share the fact that it was 14° F, the winds were brutal, and the waves were crashing into the large chunks of ice I was standing on. It was surreal in the most violent of ways and a great reminder of just how powerful natural forces are.


How about a short lesson in reading ice charts? Lake Erie (bottom right corner), between Detroit, Cleveland, and Buffalo, is currently 85% covered by ice. These charts provided by the U.S. National Ice Center contain much useful information and as you can see, a good portion of the lake has a maximum ice thickness of 6-12 and 12-28 inches. Here are some ice-thickness guidelines:

• >4" ice fishing or foot travel
• >6" snow machine
• >10" small car or SUV
• >16" heavy duty truck

Here is another useful chart which details Total Ice Concentration of the same areas. For example, when an area is covered in red (9-10 tenths) it is saying that 90-100% of that area is covered in ice. Orange is 7-8 tenths and means 70-80% is covered in ice, and so on.


And finally, here is a combination map which, although complex, details both the Estimated Maximum Thickness and Total Ice Concentration, simultaneously. This is great information to have before venturing miles out onto the ice.


This picture was taken while wearing a big smile on my face - heavy snow was falling, the winds cut like a knife, and I was blinded by white-out conditions. But none of that mattered; it felt good to be back home for a bit and to spend time with family and friends, to step up and reach out to ones you have not spoken with for so long, to visit those forgotten places and pay respect to those who have departed. It was at that very moment I stopped to reflect upon the fact that my story is your story - so if you have not been home in awhile, maybe head back and create some memories with the ones you love.

You leave home, you move on, and you do the best you can. I got lost in this whole world, and forgot who I am...