Bumbo
New member
It's not my first Thanksgiving camp trip, but it's the first with our 4Runner.
Unfortunately we had a bit of a heat-wave and it was hotter than I liked, but that didn't stop us from getting out there.
Home base: We generally take two trucks when going out for saftey and convenience... Silverado is the support truck, 4Runner is the toy. Plus the rest of my crew.
This is the 4th or 5th time using our Kodiak canvas tent which has been an absolute welcome upgrade from a Coleman tent since we desert damp. Very roomy, durable, and keeps the dust out. As you can see, she is happy as a clam.
A little backstory on the 4Runner:
Its been in my wife's family since it was new. Purchased by her father, who passed earlier this year.
She told me a story about that day at the dealership... they were not rich, and her dad was going to buy what he wanted and what he could afford.
Her only request: If you are going to buy this SUV, make sure it's a 4x4. Luckily he listened and deal was sealed... a SR5, V6, cloth interior, with 4WD.
This truck spent most of it's life on-road as a commuter... but it's something she always wanted to take off-road and adventure in.
We built up the truck together, installed the suspension/lift together. I took the time to do all the work on the extras... Dual battery, all electrical, roof rack, lighting, brakes, calipers, rotors, SS lines, all fluids, and more...
I always used to give her a hard time because it was gold... now lovingly referring to it as "old man gold"; this was probably his 2nd or 3rd gold vehical.
I know its still not the color of choice, but it has grown on me. A lot actually... the more I see it in its "natural habitat".
Today... I would not want it to be any other color.
As night turns we play with some lighting and then wind down for the night... retreat to our camp fire for good food and drink.
Excited about the desert trip, my wife bought me an early birthday gift... very thoughtful, my first real watch, and a book (Freedom's Forge) she knew would inspire me.
Good food, good company, plenty of off-road driving, no broken parts, and all-in-all safe and successful trip.
I sat there thinking about stuff, and appreciating the things that I have in life.
Thanksgiving 2017... I have a lot to be thankful for.
Unfortunately we had a bit of a heat-wave and it was hotter than I liked, but that didn't stop us from getting out there.
Home base: We generally take two trucks when going out for saftey and convenience... Silverado is the support truck, 4Runner is the toy. Plus the rest of my crew.
This is the 4th or 5th time using our Kodiak canvas tent which has been an absolute welcome upgrade from a Coleman tent since we desert damp. Very roomy, durable, and keeps the dust out. As you can see, she is happy as a clam.
A little backstory on the 4Runner:
Its been in my wife's family since it was new. Purchased by her father, who passed earlier this year.
She told me a story about that day at the dealership... they were not rich, and her dad was going to buy what he wanted and what he could afford.
Her only request: If you are going to buy this SUV, make sure it's a 4x4. Luckily he listened and deal was sealed... a SR5, V6, cloth interior, with 4WD.
This truck spent most of it's life on-road as a commuter... but it's something she always wanted to take off-road and adventure in.
We built up the truck together, installed the suspension/lift together. I took the time to do all the work on the extras... Dual battery, all electrical, roof rack, lighting, brakes, calipers, rotors, SS lines, all fluids, and more...
I always used to give her a hard time because it was gold... now lovingly referring to it as "old man gold"; this was probably his 2nd or 3rd gold vehical.
I know its still not the color of choice, but it has grown on me. A lot actually... the more I see it in its "natural habitat".
Today... I would not want it to be any other color.
As night turns we play with some lighting and then wind down for the night... retreat to our camp fire for good food and drink.
Excited about the desert trip, my wife bought me an early birthday gift... very thoughtful, my first real watch, and a book (Freedom's Forge) she knew would inspire me.
Good food, good company, plenty of off-road driving, no broken parts, and all-in-all safe and successful trip.
I sat there thinking about stuff, and appreciating the things that I have in life.
Thanksgiving 2017... I have a lot to be thankful for.
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