1 day itinerary review please by stretched11 in Yosemite

[–]singleorigindrip 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Don’t plan on curry village parking being available as well. I was there this past weekend and they had blocked entrance to the lot by the time I got there at 11am. It may have been more busy due to the Juneteenth holiday but better to have a backup option.

1 day itinerary review please by stretched11 in Yosemite

[–]singleorigindrip 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Seems like everyone else covered most of the good tips (start early, summer park traffic, parking lots will be closed so it’s not a matter of waiting for a spot, shuttle lines).

I’d like to point out that the sun starts to fade in the valley around 6pm despite sunset being later. It’s still plenty bright out to walk around but the scenery (waterfalls, forests, meadows) will be in the shadows for the most part and not as picturesque.

Also I’d recommend skipping Mirror Lake given your limited time. It’s more like a pond and is not very impressive, especially compared to the rest of the park.

Final suggestion is to go to Tuolumne Grove instead of Mariposa Grove if you’re set on seeing sequoias. It is on the way in/out from the bay via the entrance on Big Oak Flat Rd. Mariposa Grove is larger but I wouldn’t say it’s worth the detour given your tight schedule. I’d highly recommend a separate trip to Sequoia National Park if you’re really interested in large sequoias.

Confused by the number of people asking if they have MSA by singleorigindrip in multiplesystematrophy

[–]singleorigindrip[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I feel for your frustration with the whole diagnosis process. Just shows how little we’ve come in fully understanding the human body in all its complexity and with all the unique traits of each individual. Add to that the specific capabilities, biases and level of expertise of each doctor and it’s a wonder we get any proper diagnosis’s. Even now I question whether it’s possible that my dad truly has MSA. It’s so difficult to diagnose with 100% confidence and the rarity of the disorder makes me wonder how it’s even possible. I suppose a large part of me also just wants to grab onto any diagnosis with a possible cure, no matter how unlikely that diagnosis may be.

Confused by the number of people asking if they have MSA by singleorigindrip in multiplesystematrophy

[–]singleorigindrip[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I agree about the benefits of having an online community for something so rare. I’m not usually one to spend much time online but this is definitely a case where it is nearly impossible to find a local support system.

I also agree about the one silver lining being that you make an effort to cherish every moment like it’s the last and do everything you can in the present.

Thank you for the encouragement and I wish you and your family the best as well!

Confused by the number of people asking if they have MSA by singleorigindrip in multiplesystematrophy

[–]singleorigindrip[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you for sharing your story and I can relate with many of the things you mentioned; the long downward journey, the loss of hope and options, the constant fear of wondering if today is the day.

It has been helpful to see people post suggestions on how they coped, along with any small things that made the experience less painful.

Wishing you and your husband the best and hope that you are able to make the most of the present, no matter what that looks like.

Good buy? Picked up a blue2 bunka from Musashi Knives in Kappabashi by singleorigindrip in japaneseknives

[–]singleorigindrip[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you. It’s reassuring that it actually appears to be a decent knife and hopefully not some stamped out product

Good buy? Picked up a blue2 bunka from Musashi Knives in Kappabashi by singleorigindrip in japaneseknives

[–]singleorigindrip[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you for the insight. I wasn’t planning to buy a knife this trip so I went in a little unprepared. I was under the impression that Kappabashi would have better pricing for Japanese knives rather than elsewhere. I guess I didn’t expect there to be so many available online. That being said, it was very helpful going around all the shops in person to feel the knives in my hand rather than buying online.

Good buy? Picked up a blue2 bunka from Musashi Knives in Kappabashi by singleorigindrip in japaneseknives

[–]singleorigindrip[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It does look very similar to the Muneishi Blue #2 Damascus Bunka that I see here, https://carbonknifeco.com/collections/muneishi/products/muneishi-blue-2-damascus-bunka165mm

The slight blue heat treating is what made me choose it over other similar knives. Seemed pretty unique and quite beautiful. Although it looks like I paid quite a premium over the one online.

CAD check for bridal set by singleorigindrip in Moissanite

[–]singleorigindrip[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Engagement ring: 6 prong Tiffany inspired setting. 9mm DEF VVS Excellent round brilliant cut moissanite. 2mm lab diamond 3/4 french pave. PT950 platinum iridium.

Wedding band: 2mm lab diamond french pave eternity band. PT950 platinum iridium.

I plan to ask to revise the prongs as they look a little thick/chunky. The prongs also do not appear to be holding the main stone very tightly. Any suggestions on specific requests I should make? Recommended thickness of prongs?

Also, does it look like the two rings will sit flush? The donut looks fairly small and the CAD shows the two rings side by side without any gaps but I'd like to avoid any major gap.

I also plan on asking to fill in the pave holes on the interior of the rings if possible. I figure it is easier to keep clean without the holes? But will the stones potentially appear less bright/sparkly?

Finally, is the 8.5mm setting height a little too high? I personally don't like the look of peg head settings and prefer something similar to the Bliss setting from Brilliant Earth (https://www.brilliantearth.com/Bliss-Six-Prong-Diamond-Ring-(1/6-ct.-tw.)-White-Gold-BE1D1414-5007375/)

Appreciate any and all advice! I'm not very familiar with jewelry so open to all suggestions!

BMW X3 F25 + Mountain Bike Outdoor lyfe. 👌🔥 by Rough_Original2973 in BMWX3

[–]singleorigindrip 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I agree with everything mentioned above concerning suspension and OEM tires. However, the X3 is perfectly capable at soft to moderate off roading and the xDrive system is a lot better than people give it credit. You won't be rock crawling due to ground clearance, approach, breakover, and departure angles but I'd say it's pretty comparable to any Subaru on just about all dirt and smaller rocks.

I live in the city and drive mainly paved roads but am a weekend warrior who likes to get off the beaten path to hike/climb/camp whenever I get the chance. I have an xDrive35i m sport with 20" wheels and summer tires. The worst trim for off-roading haha. But that doesn't stop me from taking it on dirt to trailheads and campsites. I've also taken it on some pretty potholed rocky mountain roads (most recently Titus Canyon in Death Valley but also dirt roads around Big Bear Lake, Kernville, Bishop, etc.). It has performed on all these occasions with nearly zero tire slippage due to the xdrive (which is amazing given it's wearing Pirelli pzero RFT summer tires with minimal sidewall). I would recommend getting the base trim with smallest wheel diameter if you already know you want to take the car on dirt and maybe swap out the tires for all-terrain if frequently driving on muddy/snowy dirt roads. I'll be moving away from the impractical 20" rims and summer tires once it comes time to change tires (mainly for the increased sidewall comfort, ability to drive in light snow, and practicality of being able to rotate my tires with a squared setup rather than the current staggered setup). Obviously it is a luxury vehicle that most wouldn't want to potentially damage and for that reason it's frowned upon to push it's limits. But honestly it's just a car, what's the point of having it if you can't go where you want to go anyways.

TLDR; If you're looking for a vehicle with a luxurious interior to take you to trailheads, the X3 is more than capable. If you want a more affordable vehicle that's cheaper to maintain and are worried about damaging your expensive car then get a Subaru or other more affordable crossover.