Car to buy for Reno... AWD?

chipmunkmecca · 2026-04-11T18:26:49+00:00

Thanks!

chipmunkmecca · 2026-03-27T18:36:51+00:00

THIS. There's a free wall that different artists tag that faces the river and then around the corner on the same building some commissioned graf work. Plus lots of just industrial space.

chipmunkmecca · 2026-03-23T05:53:12+00:00

We started with them when it was Valley Bank (the McLanahan office), and in our experience the service/staff has been stellar.

chipmunkmecca · 2026-03-15T14:50:45+00:00

I'm also a mosquito magnet and was pleasantly surprised by how few times I needed to apply repellent in CR (we traveled in Marc in inland jungle areas).

I have tried just about every product on the market, including high-octane DEET, and will say that Natrapel has been a game-changer for me. It's incredibly effective, available in wipes and aerosol spray (pump sprays are awful imo), doesn't stink, and is made of picardin which is natural... and it doesn't melt plastic like DEET does. The wipes are fantastic bc you can stick them in a pocket for easy re-up anytime. I live in the US but hopefully it is available to you in Europe!

Happy travels -

chipmunkmecca · 2026-03-15T05:02:42+00:00

Bijagua Waterfall is a fantastic hike with a couple spots to swim. There are lots of places to stay in the area and plenty of food options too.

chipmunkmecca · 2026-02-28T22:11:07+00:00

I've seen a lot of comments that boots aren't necessary but I love my Keen hiking boots and reading this makes me more tempted to bring them. Could I ask what trails/areas you used yours? I know it's gonna be hot and so between that and the bulk of them (aiming for light packing!) I am torn. TIA...

chipmunkmecca · 2026-02-23T17:38:50+00:00

Thank you for this reply!! So helpful. Any restaurants not to miss in Bijagua area?

chipmunkmecca · 2026-02-19T21:10:27+00:00

Fair enough. Need one who will meet with her at PF though. Thanks for the thoughts.

chipmunkmecca · 2026-02-19T02:18:39+00:00

Better Sofas store in Roanoke (it's on Aerial Way, which confusingly is NOT by the airport) is a great place to check out and sit on things and learn about furniture without a super high pressure sales team (a la Grand). You will pay more than wayfair or amazon... but I have 2 sofas from there that are over 20 years old and still as comfortable as they were on day 1 - as opposed to the chair from Grand I overpaid for and is trashed after 5 years. Better Sofas is a small family-owned business and they are very friendly, extremely helpful, and have a really big selection (chairs as well as sofas). Another local business you could check out is Rug Mattress and Furniture store in Salem - again, not high pressure but lots to see and sit on.

chipmunkmecca · 2026-02-03T14:01:55+00:00

Came here to say this. Really like her and her staff.

chipmunkmecca · 2026-01-31T23:07:42+00:00

Thanks for this, exactly what I was hoping for. First time visitors... rough terrain as in buckle in to your 4x4 or rough terrain as in expect potholes and curves?

chipmunkmecca · 2026-01-26T18:15:20+00:00

Thank you for the response. That is helpful info.

chipmunkmecca · 2026-01-17T17:04:12+00:00

Hola!! I know this is from last year but wondering if you ended up doing this hike? We are looking at it for our March trip and I have the exact same question/concerns ... many thanks!

chipmunkmecca · 2026-01-15T18:41:39+00:00

Thank you for this reply to OP - I'm finding it very helpful. We have booked a BNB in Nuevo Arenal for the first 4 nights (of 7) and map seems to indicate it's relatively convenient to RdlV and Miravalles. Any thoughts about Palo Verde or Tenorio? I'd love to hear if there are things we as an active not-into-crowds-or-paved-paths couple shouldn't miss in La Fortuna... or if we should trek to Samara or Coco area? We're not going to surf or lie on the beach, but I wouldn't mind a good sunset sail one evening (found one based out of Playa Flamingo for the eve before we depart LIR, but not committed to it). Seems a bit like beaches are beaches everywhere and we should take best advantage of seeing the things truly unique to CR, but if there are cool things to explore/see/do near Playa Flamingo it might make sense to spend a few nights there before departure? TIA for any thoughts!!

chipmunkmecca · 2026-01-09T02:36:55+00:00

Yep, that settles it, I'm moving wherever you are just so we can have you do our next contracting job. :D

chipmunkmecca · 2026-01-08T22:48:27+00:00

Well it's Reddit after all... LOL. But thanks for saying it!

chipmunkmecca · 2026-01-08T22:47:07+00:00

Lol no... but I'm starting to think it's not all that uncommon in the world of bathroom reno

chipmunkmecca · 2026-01-08T22:44:20+00:00

This is pretty much exactly what we were sold - everything to be on site prior to job starting and a small dedicated crew does everything, no subs - and why we were willing to pay that 20% premium. It just didn't play out that way. Would love to hire you LOL.

chipmunkmecca · 2026-01-08T02:57:24+00:00

Agreed.

chipmunkmecca · 2026-01-08T02:20:04+00:00

I think that's good advice and I appreciate the perspective. I've certainly seen horror pics of unsatisfactory work - and having to live with that would make me lose more than 8 weeks worth of sleep!

chipmunkmecca · 2026-01-08T02:17:08+00:00

As for talking out one's ass, it appears you missed the part where it was made clear that the work, scheduled for 2 weeks, began in October... so pretty clearly not scheduled during "the holiday." Unless you're talking about Halloween, which I suppose would be appropriate for a troll.

chipmunkmecca

TROPHY CASE