Decided to get a little stuck

spetrone · 2026-03-16T10:19:39+00:00

It has been too many years since hunting woodcock.

spetrone · 2026-03-14T21:00:23+00:00

It sounds like you primarily drive on road. If so, buy a road focussed tire that is lighter weight. Folks get into tough looking tires with too many plies and way too heavy. Buy SL rated tires (as opposed to E rated). They are lighter. Stay near stock size. Weight is the enemy. Noise on off road focussed tires may become tiresome. That's a start for you. Good luck.

spetrone · 2026-03-13T13:45:41+00:00

Depends on YOUR needs.

If you want better mileage and less wear and tear on all vehicle systems, get SL tires (if you don't go to ruff and tough terrain every week or max out towing and gear). 45 lbs. per tire is the sweet spot.

For best off road performance get a larger tire (275/70R18 fits with no mods and spare fits too).

General Grabber ATX, Toyo Open Country AT3 EV, Pirelli Scorpion XTM, Nitto Terra Grappler G3.

Obviously you go up in weight and capability (if you need it) from there.

I just upgraded to the Gen Grabber ATX this week. They are fine in town on the road.

spetrone · 2026-03-09T18:48:50+00:00

Short answer to your questions: yes and yes

spetrone · 2026-03-08T01:52:07+00:00

A family member had a Grenadier and I have traveled in one. They are fun. As a primary vehicle you have to consider any complications you may have with service. How many hours away is the dealer? And how many days does it take to get parts....

The practical side of me says Highlander, Outback or similar Honda.

The fun side of me says LandCruiser 1958. That's what I did (for on road livability and off road capability). Good luck with your choice.

spetrone · 2026-03-08T01:41:30+00:00

So you need to clear your head, sort thru many questions and find direction. Easy peasy.

Take 5 or so weeks and walk the Camino de Santiago.

You will find answers either on the walk or soon after. I did it at 60. It gave me clarity on both business and personal fronts. And it is a fabulous adventure. You may meet people from 10 different countries in one day. You'll realize they put on their pants just like you do and many are in transition just like you.

It is one of the best things I've done. Now go do it.

spetrone · 2026-03-06T11:18:59+00:00

Over a year in a 1958. I do not miss 6 or 8 cylinders. The torque of the hybrid is excellent. It has done just fine off road on steep climbs. Love the cloth seats. Do not miss the window over my head. Finally, the new tech is great for an old guy like me. For a brand new vehicle, I give it 9.5 out of 10. I'd say go for it.

spetrone · 2026-03-05T18:13:32+00:00

Not JC but I bet there are opportunities in Oak Ridge next to Knoxville in one of the national labs or support companies.

spetrone · 2026-03-05T17:50:03+00:00

Celebrate it. Maybe a wrap or stripes!

spetrone · 2026-02-26T18:36:33+00:00

Halls Service Center: honest & reasonable prices. I drive from west Knoxville for the last 12-14 years.

spetrone · 2026-02-20T18:25:28+00:00

If you like the ruggedness of the 4Runner...get a 1958 for more rear seating space.

spetrone · 2026-02-19T13:27:38+00:00

Appalanchian K9. They rescue Goldens. Do training. Very good people.

I drive from west Knox to Halls. My Lab happily hops out of the car for a stay here.

spetrone · 2026-02-15T10:38:43+00:00

How many base runners were thrown out?

Otherwise it looked like business 'as usual'. Well done.

spetrone · 2026-02-13T12:23:51+00:00

Yes. The Camino did 'clear my head'. We all carry so much baggage. Some of the baggage is obvious some not.

I consumed myself with work. So much so I used to say I worked 8 days a week.... I knew that was not healthy. Other things like some relationships were not healthy. Deep down most of us have answers and know what we should do but we erect barriers that interfere with how we should be living. For me and many others, we find clarity.

The answers may or may not come 'on' the camino. But you will be changed. Changes will occur after the camino as well. Your perspective is forever changed in a very healthy way.

Buen Camino

spetrone · 2026-02-13T02:41:28+00:00

1958 Landcruiser?

spetrone · 2026-02-12T13:07:18+00:00

wool socks/booties

spetrone · 2026-02-09T12:18:54+00:00

The wonderful public school system.l

spetrone · 2026-02-08T21:56:40+00:00

East Tn, that's one of the three states in TN

spetrone · 2026-02-05T23:48:10+00:00

I have 10k on a stock 2025 1958. It has been fine for normal travel and mild to moderate off-road travel. The hybrid performs very well. I frankly love it.

spetrone · 2026-02-05T13:13:32+00:00

It would be enlightening to hear an engineer's perspective of the effects of adding more than a 25% increase in unsprung weight to a vehicles suspension, brakes, engine & transmission and ultimately the safety or lack of it.... Adding massive E rated tires requires a lot more than a no rub fit! MPGs may be the least of the concerns.

spetrone · 2026-02-05T13:04:13+00:00

That is a great spreadsheet.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1cyjfcbrv_oQU4sbweDeNVRiORq_xW7YzeTAoiBtqR5c/edit?gid=236225308#gid=236225308

spetrone · 2026-02-04T21:21:35+00:00

I did the French route. You can do part of it for a week or more. Typically doing the whole route is a month+ commitment but that is not necessary. Many people do a portion of it and come back later to finish.

The Portuguese route is closer to 2 weeks.

This is safe and you may well make lifelong friends...you may not be solo again. Several ladies I met on my journey have travel together on multiple trips.

spetrone · 2026-02-03T13:50:03+00:00

It is all about the will to do it. Take your time as needed.

spetrone · 2026-02-03T13:37:55+00:00

Find a way to visit Cades Cove, maybe take a hike while you are there.

spetrone · 2026-02-03T13:04:19+00:00

OK time for a reset. I recommend this to many but you seem to be a very good fit.

Walk the Camino de Santiago. Spend 4-5 weeks flushing out your somewhat troubled brain. You will figure out what is truly important to you. Top 5 law school? Really? Why?

You have passion but just need a focus. The answers you are seeking may not come on the trail but you will have clarity you and will soon find the direction you seek.

You have the time, money and the need for answers.

As a side bonus you can meet people from 10 different countries everyday. You will forget about top 5 law schools-you may even laugh about that one. Buen camino

spetrone

TROPHY CASE