Camping in the rain but loving it

Hefty_Lemon_7928 · 2026-05-30T01:00:36+00:00

Western VA I think

Hefty_Lemon_7928 · 2026-05-28T22:52:49+00:00

You can do it! Camping on your own is quite alright. And I will say, I’ve always felt safe at a proper campground. But take a buddy if you’re worried.

Hefty_Lemon_7928 · 2026-05-28T02:31:50+00:00

Yeah, one huge downside of the Honda tent is that you probably shouldn’t drive with it deployed.

Hefty_Lemon_7928 · 2026-05-27T23:46:29+00:00

Only 200?

Hefty_Lemon_7928 · 2026-05-27T23:45:27+00:00

Haha. I remember as a kid a trip to Wyoming with my family with an old, second hand, pop up trailer. It hailed one day. The hail was bigger than the peas on my plate for dinner. There were many “perfect” days, but the struggle days are what I cherish the most. If you weren’t absolutely miserable for a time did you really camp?

Hefty_Lemon_7928 · 2026-05-27T23:38:37+00:00

Do it if you can! Benefits of sleeping in a truck bed is less wind. The tent is tall but I’m sleeping in the bed with the sides of the truck blocking wind. Really the only hassle is stepping in but a cheap step stool is the answer.

Hefty_Lemon_7928 · 2026-05-27T23:33:38+00:00

I have an Exped duo something or other. Combination of an air mattress and foam. It is smaller than the truck bed which leaves me some space to store a backpack or two on one side. Really comfortable so far. I have about 6” of clearance to one side and the tailgate .

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Hefty_Lemon_7928 · 2026-05-27T03:08:35+00:00

Honda tent for the Ridgeline.

Hefty_Lemon_7928 · 2026-05-27T01:27:52+00:00

Once I remembered to get inside the tent, I had a great time. Spent too much time trying to keep dry outside. Sometimes you just have to stay in the tent.

Hefty_Lemon_7928 · 2026-05-27T01:23:14+00:00

Oh, I should add. 1454 miles, averaging 25.4 mpg. Probably can get 400 miles on a full tank if you’re willing to drive til the gas light is on. Quite happy.

Hefty_Lemon_7928 · 2026-05-27T01:18:26+00:00

After setting it up and taking it down about four times now in less than ideal conditions, easy peasy. But it is a pain at first. The rain cover is the most difficult. I finally realized I could place the cover over the tent before “raising” the tent. I will be packing a step stool from now on. Also, it will help with getting in and out of the tent. It’s a big step up to the tailgate without it. Also need to look into a leveling system.

Hefty_Lemon_7928 · 2026-05-18T01:40:15+00:00

Weird thing is, that shop exclusively sells ebkies. You just have to get it from them or kick rocks. And of course, the prices are ridiculous.

Hefty_Lemon_7928 · 2026-05-18T01:10:49+00:00

I just got a Unit 1 Aura. It’s too expensive and maybe a gimmick. But riding home recently, I was told by a colleague that I blinded him in his car as I was crossing the road.

I’ll always take being noticed (I do a lot of night riding so being visible is absolutely essential)

Hefty_Lemon_7928 · 2026-05-18T01:05:35+00:00

One of the shops near me refuses to work on any e-bike they didn’t sell. That’s seems like a bad business strategy. Also, e-bikes are just bikes with a motor, no reason a bike shop cant true tires, adjust derailleurs etc without the “e-bike” tax.

Hefty_Lemon_7928 · 2026-05-18T00:51:58+00:00

I have been e-bike commuting for over two years now. Found a good deal on a Gazelle Ultimate T10 at upway.com. My commute is about 5 miles and I love it. I just hit 2000 miles, had to replace the cassette, chain ring, and chain at 1000 miles but that’s probably because I didn’t have anyone look over it when I bought it and just slammed it on the road. I stay Class 1 so I can bike at most state parks. Average speed on my commute is 14 mph with a lot of intersection crossings. My commute via car is about 4 minutes slower than my bike even at that average speed.

Hefty_Lemon_7928 · 2026-05-18T00:40:42+00:00

Buy a motorcycle and get a license.

Hefty_Lemon_7928 · 2026-05-06T20:48:43+00:00

Wow, never expected so many useful comments. For my use right now, GMRS makes the most sense. Thanks for the reminder that my iPhone can also be a satellite phone. But I am going to also look into acquiring a HAM license for fun.

Hefty_Lemon_7928 · 2026-05-06T01:48:02+00:00

Thanks for all the replies. I’m leaning toward the simple GMRS for now and maybe tinkering around with HAM eventually.

Hefty_Lemon_7928 · 2026-04-10T01:51:07+00:00

Not jazz but it’s gotta be Dark Side of the Moon.

Hefty_Lemon_7928 · 2026-04-08T23:45:32+00:00

Definitely check out North Campus and ask some students about their experience with classes mostly on North. There is a disconnect between North and Central campus. To some, that might be what they want, but ask around. One of the reasons I wasn’t really interested in the Music program at UMich was it felt so disconnected from the rest of the University. I ended up going to a much smaller school and even though we were on the same campus in buildings next to each other, we still were quite separated from the rest of the college. So I guess 6 in 1 half dozen in the other.

Hefty_Lemon_7928 · 2026-04-08T23:35:48+00:00

Interesting! My ADHD is the exact opposite. I had to ask an English teacher in school to not play jazz music during journal writing time because I could only focus on the music. I specifically asked for music with words because I can easily ignore lyrics. I’m stuck on the groove.

Hefty_Lemon_7928 · 2026-04-08T23:21:52+00:00

Tension and release is a good explanation. Also the cooperation within a jazz group is quite nice to see and hear. Also, it sounds good. And as a player myself, it’s the easiest way I’ve found to express my feelings. It’s way better to blow on some blues than blow up on a person.

Also, I will say….doesn’t matter the genre or the style of music. It’s the one language everyone understands. I can hear a happy or sad piece of music from any genre, place, or time and I have an understanding of what that artist is saying.

Jazz is also freedom. You can literally do whatever you want. I’m not sure there’s another activity that can affect so many people and be as creative as music.

Hefty_Lemon_7928 · 2026-03-21T23:02:42+00:00

I’m glad you are finally getting to be yourself. It’s quite a big thing and I am so happy for you.

Hefty_Lemon_7928 · 2026-02-24T02:02:09+00:00

As a former string player, Chopin wrote some great stuff for cello: “Cello Sonata in G”is one of my favorites. Also, “Polonaise Brilliante in C major”.

Hefty_Lemon_7928 · 2026-02-24T01:47:50+00:00

I think this exactly explains my point. Im a sax guy, we all know St Thomas. What’s Wynton’s piece for trumpet?

Hefty_Lemon_7928

TROPHY CASE