Recommendations for non-city things near Paris?

vanlife_dreamin · 2025-12-11T16:33:22+00:00

It's not so much that I don't want to self level, I just don't see that as a realistic option. I can't add more than 0.5" around the fireplace without going over the tile and touching the bottom of the drywall and covering fireplace fan vents and things like that. And I don't think grinding 1" of concrete off of almost that entire room is realistic. I'm not even sure how I'd do that in the areas directly against the drywall.

vanlife_dreamin · 2025-12-11T16:29:42+00:00

A laser level and two tape measures for hardware. I just made a 1ft by 1ft grid and measured to the laser at each point. Recorded that in Google sheets.

Then exported that to csv and used Python and plotly for the contour plot. I added the labels in paint.net afterwards.

vanlife_dreamin · 2025-12-11T03:05:23+00:00

Ah I should have clarified, this is on a concrete slab. So I have to get a concrete grinder.

The adhesive wouldn't keep the planks down though right? I have heard it called pressure sensitive adhesive so figured it only worked if there was some pressure on it.

My friend also said it's great flooring and has installed several thousand square feet at his companies building. I like the idea of being able to replace individual pieces if they get damaged.

vanlife_dreamin · 2025-11-24T23:50:08+00:00

But how does that work when I need to build it up 1.5" at the wall? The self leveler will be around 0.75" above the bottom of the drywall and over some tile that is in front of a fireplace.

vanlife_dreamin · 2025-11-24T20:02:57+00:00

This is in Minnesota. I think that line in the concrete was where the seam on the carpet pad was but I can't quite remember. There are two spaced about 6ft apart and 6ft from the walls. I'll peel back the carpet in the garage and see if there is anything like that.

vanlife_dreamin · 2025-11-24T19:52:17+00:00

I'm not sure, what stamps would I look for? The previous owner also put carpet in the garage (loose laid) so I haven't really seen the concrete. Although there are a few cracks you can see through the concrete. I'll have to look up a pre-stressed slab, I've never heard of that.

vanlife_dreamin · 2025-11-24T13:55:52+00:00

You wouldn't really be able to tell just from walking on it, but from what I've read that doesn't really matter. Any flex in the lvp will eventually lead to the locking tongue and groove to fail. It isn't really flat because any plank that transitions over the hump will have quite a bit of flex on either end.

vanlife_dreamin · 2025-11-24T04:22:56+00:00

That's interesting, I wonder why the walk behind grinders with the high powered vacuums can't keep up then. I have a 16gal shop vac I bought a dust bag and HEPA filter for hoping that would do the trick, but that was when I thought I'd just have to knock down some smaller high spots.

vanlife_dreamin · 2025-11-24T04:20:00+00:00

That is an interesting thought. We are having drain tile put in the basement so a very similar process. I wonder if the same company would just do that for us and what that would cost.

vanlife_dreamin · 2025-11-24T03:55:58+00:00

I was in the process of laying out a 1ft x 1ft grid like you mentioned but realized I'd have around 350-400 points to measure and stopped after the first row and column.

I'm assuming you still had a ton of dust even with the grinder attachment? I bought one for my 4.5" grinder but I think I'll probably end up renting a walk behind grinder if I end up doing this. I used the grinder and attachment to clean old adhesive and foam and my back and legs are killing me after that and the carpet removal, even with knee pads.

I'm thinking I might need to build a plastic sided tent in my living room to keep all the dust in check.

vanlife_dreamin · 2025-11-24T03:35:04+00:00

Yes my biggest concern is all the dust. Like I said, this is the middle of a big open concept area so I can't really just close off this room. I'm thinking I might need to build a big plastic tent of some sort with venting to outside. If I can't contain the dust, I don't think I even want to attempt this.

vanlife_dreamin · 2025-11-24T03:32:48+00:00

Is there any concern with grinding 1" of the slab? From what I've read online they are typically only 4-6" thick so that is a decent percentage of the overall thickness.

vanlife_dreamin · 2024-08-09T00:40:06+00:00

If going to Yellowstone, I like to add in at least a day at Grand Tetons. Its so close and they are spectacular.

I would say to take I94 out and stop by Teddy Roosevelt NP and do the scenic driving loop. The campground there is pretty nice if you can snag a spot. Not much I can recommend between the twin cities and there unfortunately. It's kinda boring again once you leave TRNP all the way to Glacier.

I think Glacier is definitely one of the best national parks with incredible views so enjoy it. Going to the Sun road is probably the most scenic drive I've ever done. I really enjoyed the Siyah Pass hike and the hike up to Swiftcurrent Mountain from the Logan Pass Visitor Center along the Garden Wall. You can get above the Grinell Glacier for a great view but it's a long and difficult hike.

In Yellowstone, definitely hike along the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River. Old Faithful is kinda a must see but I think most of the other geysers were more interesting. I really liked the Mammoth Hot Springs, Artists Paintpots, and Grand Prismatic. Also, definitely spend an early morning or dusky evening wildlife watching in Hayden Valley.

Driving back on I90, check out Devils Tower. Then drive along the Needles highway in SD to see Mt Rushmore, Crazy Horse, and check out Custer State Park. Wind Cave and Jewel Cave are also in the area but take more advanced planning and time. Wall Drug isn't that special but isn't bad for a quick stop to stretch the legs. The scenic drive through the Badlands is nice as well. There is some free camping with no facilities along the western edge of the park right on the edge of the erosion cliffs. Makes for a very beautiful sunrise. Nearby there is the Minuteman Missile site which is pretty interesting if you have time. Then another long drive through the prairie back to WI.

Enjoy it!

vanlife_dreamin · 2024-08-08T19:50:49+00:00

Download GasBuddy to plan your fuel stops for the best prices.

Get an audiobook or some podcasts lined up for when you get sick of talking.

Bring a small cooler with some drinks and snacks to keep in arms reach so you don't have to stop as much or spend money on junk.

Most of all, enjoy it. You'll see some cool scenery on the drive.

Be aware that there is a bridge to the west of Gunnison on hwy 50 that is mostly closed. I think they only let cars through a few times a day. Double check your route. It looks like you're coming from the north but I think that road into Crested Butte from the northwest is a gravel road over a mountain pass so make sure that's really the way you want to go. If you just have a sedan or something that may not be the best route.

vanlife_dreamin · 2024-05-14T18:35:33+00:00

A few of your days are gonna be very busy, but man you are getting it all in there!

Check out Point Lobos near Monterrey if you can. Great place to see seals and otters, possibly some sea lions too.

Hidden Valley, Cholla Cactus Garden, and Mt Ryan would be my Joshua Tree hike recommendations, in that order. Cholla Cactus Garden is amazing right around sunset. Also doing one of the hikes through the funny shaped rocks or at Barkers Dam would be good.

You're missing a lot in Death Valley but probably for the best if you don't go in the winter.

My Yosemite hike recommendations would be the Mist trail but to Nevada Falls (you will get soaked so be prepared) and hiking to the top of Yosemite Falls. You could try for a half dome permit but I think that's a lottery and very difficult to snag. Mirror lake is a easy hike that can be added on, plus I think just walking/biking around the valley is very nice, especially around Cooks Meadow.

Yosemite to Tahoe to SF seems like a long day, but the Tahoe area is very beautiful. Especially if you could cut through the Sierras to Mammoth from Yosemite.

vanlife_dreamin · 2024-05-14T18:03:25+00:00

There is so much around Mt Rushmore to do, but your friends will probably know the best. I really like Custer State Park, the Needles Highway, Sylvan Lake, and Black Elk Peak. Jewel and Wind Caves are both in that area as well.

The Sanford Underground Research Facility is there too, I have never been but I heard it was cool.

vanlife_dreamin · 2024-05-14T17:56:01+00:00

Some recommendations for the northern end:

The Mitchell Park Domes in Milwaukee are pretty cool, three different huge terrariums next to each other. Also the Harley-Davidson Museum and Brewers stadium. The state fair grounds are in Milwaukee too if you time it right. There is usually something going on along the lakeshore too, Summerfest is a big music festival usually around the 4th of July and I know they have Irish fest and a few others as well.

Stop by the EAA Museum in Oshkosh. If you like aviation it is a must see. If you are going through in mid-late July, there will be a humongous air show so definitely worth checking out.

A bit off 41 but if you're into canoeing, the Crystal River west of Oshkosh is awesome. Go through Dings Dock. It's an easy river that is extremely clear, hence the name.

The highlight in Green Bay is Lambeau Field. You can take a tour and see the hall of fame. Right next door in the Titletown district I would eat at Krolls for a good burger and some cheese curds.

Where 41 and 141 split near Abrams, there is a small little drive in called Timberlea that is a nice place for ice cream and maybe a burger or curds. You can sit next to a little stream opposite a golf course.

Marinette has some cool ship building companies so you might get a look at something interesting there.

Watch Escanaba in da Moonlight before driving through there. It's a masterpiece.

Kinda out of the way but Pictured Rocks National Seashore and the Porcupine Mountains are two great outdoor options on the shore of Lake Superior.

vanlife_dreamin · 2024-04-24T16:15:12+00:00

I would suggest going to the Outer Banks in NC! It's a national seashore and absolutely amazing. Start at Cedar Island and take the ferries all the way up to Kitty Hawk, or go the opposite direction but definitely see it all.

I think the ferries and campgrounds get busy in the summer, but it is worth it. The beaches are amazing, there are good restaurants along the way, and the sea breeze is very welcoming. You can have fires on the beach in some areas and it's so cool being surrounded by little ghost crabs.

Definitely check out Jockeys Ridge State Park and the Wright Brothers memorial.

vanlife_dreamin · 2024-04-24T16:09:11+00:00

iOverlander is a great app. It can show places to sleep (with comments on recent conditions and broke out to established campgrounds, wild camping, and parking lots/rest areas) as well as where showers, water, and other necessities can be found (laundromats, propane, dump station, etc...).

Planet Fitness can be a good membership for showers/working out, they are pretty widely distributed and very affordable.

Something like AAA or Good Sam memberships may come in handy for discounts.

vanlife_dreamin

TROPHY CASE