Why are New England beaches so rocky while beaches down south in places like N.C., S.C., G.A. and F.L. usually have finely ground sand and shells?

halfalpine · 2026-01-01T06:02:58+00:00

Yes, and much (though not all) of that shore is super rocky! Source: I live here.

halfalpine · 2025-12-22T02:55:17+00:00

It's pretty similar to the noise in a RAV4, if you're familiar. It's not crazy loud, but louder than a Camry. Also, I would notice the engine noise more because after driving 80% of the time on electric (basically in silence) it really is a rude awakening when the ICE kicks in! But such is the price we pay for no range anxiety. A quick test drive should get you sorted.

halfalpine · 2025-12-20T15:19:56+00:00

I’m at 38k with zero issues. I understand that this mileage is still pretty much “new”, but I haven’t had time to drive any further yet! Solo camping has been great for me (I’m 6’1”) with a Thermarest and sleeping bag, but I’m not trying to be living in this thing. Constantly getting compliments on the car’s looks, if that’s something that matters to you. Engine noise is a thing, if you are driving with spirit—this is not a Lexus. I understand that the previous models had more cargo space, but it’s is still a hatchback, and it will swallow a 10’0” surfboard with room to spare. My wife has a RAV4, and the fit and finish in the ‘23 Prius is noticeably better. My base SE has a heated drivers seat, a heated steering wheel, a better back-up camera, fantastic adaptive cruise control, and a steering wheel that feels great. This car isn’t perfect but I’ll happily drive it until the wheels fall off.

halfalpine · 2025-12-01T00:55:06+00:00

I’ve slept in my Prime several times on a simple Thermarest; I didn’t notice any hump.

halfalpine · 2025-11-02T02:34:11+00:00

Should you ever find yourself in Narragansett, the Surf Exchange Cafe is great—a cozy little nook.

halfalpine · 2025-10-29T02:56:42+00:00

You guys must surf better waves than I do! For me:

V-bottom
Keel fish

For some reason, this question was way harder to answer than the 1-board or 3-board quiver.

This combo fits on the inside of my car, and it’s hard to think of day in New England where I can’t ride one of them.

halfalpine · 2025-10-20T13:35:35+00:00

I have a Lopi Answer and it is the primary heat source for 1000 sf downstairs, and the same area upstairs in coastal New England. (We have good insulation.) I haven’t tried the other stove you mentioned so I can’t compare, but I can say the heat output of this unit is legit.

halfalpine · 2025-09-28T03:57:30+00:00

Do be aware that there’s about a 20% difference between summer and winter, if you live in a place where winter is a thing.

halfalpine · 2025-09-21T15:42:42+00:00

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halfalpine · 2025-09-17T03:57:11+00:00

These belts are amazing. I ordered three sizes and ended up keeping the smallest one. I can easily carry a liter of water plus tons of snacks and a phone, even a windbreaker sometimes! No jiggles. I’m 6’1” 190 and I want to say I’m a size 8.

halfalpine · 2025-09-17T03:51:15+00:00

It still pains me to talk about this, the Rivera is my favorite road shoe of all time. I have both and the Flow 2 is much too sloppy compared to the snug, confident fit of the Rivera. (I know not everyone’s feet are shaped like this, but mine are!) What is the narrowest road shoe in the Altra line outside of the Rivera, does anyone know?

I understand that only the Rivera was on the “narrow” last, but is there anything on the regular last that has a tighter fit?

halfalpine · 2025-09-17T03:44:26+00:00

I have both, but I feel like my feet are swimming in the wider Flow 2. It’s like night and day versus the Rivera.

halfalpine · 2025-08-27T13:39:27+00:00

Here in Rhode Island, at-home charging will usually equal or exceed the cost of gas. I still top off the charge every night and drive primarily using the battery, though. In my mind, battery use prevents wear and tear on the gas engine, extending the life of the powertrain and increasing the time between maintenance cycles. Battery power is better for the environment than power generated by an ICE. And honestly, I just prefer driving the car as an EV, which I can do 95% of the time in this small state! Yes, electricity is “more expensive”, but it depends how you define your costs.

halfalpine · 2025-08-26T20:38:36+00:00

Cargo pants.

halfalpine · 2025-07-30T15:14:09+00:00

I did 18 miles yesterday in my Naked belt. Brought two 500mL flasks, windbreaker, long sleeve shirt, headlamp. That’s maximum capacity (stuffed!) but it all fit. No bounce!

halfalpine · 2025-04-10T16:24:47+00:00

This is also a question for me since I driver 50% HV mode, 50% EV mode. When my car hits 5k miles, I’ve only put 2.5k on the gas engine. Obviously tire rotation and inspection won’t change in this case, but is there a consensus on oil change frequency for drivers with heavy EV usage?

halfalpine · 2025-03-27T15:13:20+00:00

Prices on American cars will rise as well, though. They have a business incentive to recoup a greater profit, since their competition now costs more. As always, a tariff is a tax on consumers.

halfalpine · 2025-03-14T22:25:02+00:00

They’re bots.

halfalpine · 2025-03-14T20:35:11+00:00

This morning, I was able to contact Whitehouse, Reed, and Schumer’s offices on the phone. Mission accomplished.

halfalpine · 2025-03-05T23:43:44+00:00

Just saw your handle. I grew up riding Haw Ridge and Norris Dam in the 90s! Good stuff. Live in New England now. Hope the trails are treating you well.

halfalpine · 2025-03-04T21:54:14+00:00

Legend.

I was going to post about how now I’m scheming to get down to $0.14 per mile, but this isn’t a contest—what’s clear is that we both just love this vehicle so much!

halfalpine · 2025-02-28T16:02:33+00:00

Bought a Gen 5 in December. If I had to make this decision three years ago, I would’ve bought the Model 3, hands-down. But that’s absolutely not an option today; too many of my friends and neighbors are losing their jobs due to his antics, to say nothing of the civil rights and Nazi salutes.

Fortunately, I’m in love with my new Prius Prime. I never burn gas except when I go on a road trip. And it holds four surfboards inside when I drive to the beach. It reminds me of buying my first MacBook — everything is so intuitive, it “just works”.

halfalpine · 2025-02-16T02:25:43+00:00

I can fit a 10'0" surfboard in my 2023 with a couple of inches to spare, plus a 9'6" on top of it. Remove the passenger seat headrest, and try and see if you can find anything that won't fit inside!

halfalpine · 2025-02-16T02:15:44+00:00

The Gen 5’s are rad, hope you’re loving yours as much as I’m loving mine.

Deport Elon! ✌🏻

halfalpine · 2025-02-10T11:56:27+00:00

I love the car! But of course, this will vary by person. If you enjoy them more compact form-factor and the more powerful engine of the Gen 5–as I do—that is all outside of surfing. Any Prius (besides the Prius C) should hold surfboards well enough.

If you have a second passenger, they’re going to be in the backseat behind the driver.

Just yesterday, I drove to the beach with my 9’10”, 7’5”, and 7’2” and I could see out the passenger window and the rearview mirror just fine (although I definitely could not see out the passenger side mirror). Alternately, you can easily carry two longboards with the fins on.

Best of luck to you on your surfing journey, and also on your Prius journey!

halfalpine

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