That sounds like it was a great trip! Scandinavia has been on our bucket list for many years and we were lucky enough to put it together now. Your northern lights trip should be incredible!
Morning Cup Of Coffee And Weather
- Thread starter Tour 931
- Start date
You're surrounded by stunning scenery in every direction up here.
Tour 931
Ranger
Yes but no tall mountains and deep canyons like what you saw.
Sweeney
Administrator
Those are my grownup toys. Here are my childhood toys.
My Grandad had an American Flyer train set -- I used to love that thing. I can still smell the 'exhuast' from the engine, the smell of carbon brushes, and if I listen hard enough I can hear the horn - which used a small blower over a reed. Sadly, the engine was separated from the cars and track and all of it disappeared. The engine is still in my possession, but it had been dropped and abused so badly for 50 years by the time I acquired it that it is no longer a salvageable toy. I just would look at it, and remember.
I think I had that tractor too
I also had a big ol' Tonka truck - all steel. Sharp edges and all.Wow. Absolutely stunning. I wonder if the people in that little village even see the mountains any more? I suspect that you get used to such things as a permanent part of your life... and just stop experiencing that "wow!" sense...
Tour 931
Ranger
I’m 75 going on 10. I just never grew up.My Grandad had an American Flyer train set -- I used to love that thing. I can still smell the 'exhuast' from the engine, the smell of carbon brushes, and if I listen hard enough I can hear the horn - which used a small blower over a reed. Sadly, the engine was separated from the cars and track and all of it disappeared. The engine is still in my possession, but it had been dropped and abused so badly for 50 years by the time I acquired it that it is no longer a salvageable toy. I just would look at it, and remember.
I think I had that tractor too
Wow. Absolutely stunning. I wonder if the people in that little village even see the mountains any more? I suspect that you get used to such things as a permanent part of your life... and just stop experiencing that "wow!" sense...
Sweeney
Administrator
Grow older, not up -- sounds like good advice. Its even scriptural -- though I'm not quite sure His Majesty meant quite the same thing
"And said: Amen I say to you, unless you be converted, and become as little children, you shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven."
-Matthew 18:13
Well, hopefully rain dissipates - but I get to go camping this weekend and actually try to play a little bit. I booked this weekend thinking it was memorial day -- but they slipped an extra weekend into unofficial summer. So, I'm off to a lovely park Friday, then coming home Monday. Frankly, I"m not overbooked - but I could use a minute to recharge and regroup.
What you you folks seeing? I was able to book a site at one of the states busiest campgrounds this weekend --- are you seeing a decline in campers compared to say the last decade? Last year was certainly less busy than the previous year --- the covid campers seem to have kind of backed off a bit. But this year is reminding me of when we started --- last minute was usually available.
Van_and_Terri
Ranger
Reservations seem to be easier to obtain than the previous 5 years it seems. A welcome change!Grow older, not up -- sounds like good advice. Its even scriptural -- though I'm not quite sure His Majesty meant quite the same thing
"And said: Amen I say to you, unless you be converted, and become as little children, you shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven."
-Matthew 18:13
Well, hopefully rain dissipates - but I get to go camping this weekend and actually try to play a little bit. I booked this weekend thinking it was memorial day -- but they slipped an extra weekend into unofficial summer. So, I'm off to a lovely park Friday, then coming home Monday. Frankly, I"m not overbooked - but I could use a minute to recharge and regroup.
What you you folks seeing? I was able to book a site at one of the states busiest campgrounds this weekend --- are you seeing a decline in campers compared to say the last decade? Last year was certainly less busy than the previous year --- the covid campers seem to have kind of backed off a bit. But this year is reminding me of when we started --- last minute was usually available.
Last edited:
Van_and_Terri
Ranger
Got our new Tear Jerker’s Flag today. They haven’t been available for awhile.
Port of Call - Stockholm. These are from Gamla Stan or Old City. It's an island right in the middle of the city. It's awesome.
View attachment IMG_20250528_194355_(845_x_1200_pixel).jpgView attachment IMG_20250528_194507_(900_x_1200_pixel).jpgView attachment IMG_20250528_194545_(1600_x_1200_pixel).jpg
View attachment IMG_20250528_194617_(1674_x_1200_pixel).jpg
View attachment IMG_20250528_194355_(845_x_1200_pixel).jpgView attachment IMG_20250528_194507_(900_x_1200_pixel).jpgView attachment IMG_20250528_194545_(1600_x_1200_pixel).jpg
View attachment IMG_20250528_194617_(1674_x_1200_pixel).jpg
With essentially no room for expanding the streets between those historic buildings, I suspect bikes may be the preferred mode of travel.
Yep, but on the street in most of these pics it is pedestrian only - except for the delivery motor bikes that drive like crazed taxis. Luckily you hear them coming
Sweeney
Administrator
I want one --- I just need to buckle down and hit buy it.
Personally, I agree. But I've got the vested interested in broken campers! I've got a new rant queued up on the warranty practices of the "big guys" and what CampInn is the best camper company in the world!!!!
I almost got kilt by a kamikaze biker in Amsterdam. They take the bike lane seriously!
Then I tripped on a streetcar track. Falling down (broke my toe!) about 20 feet in front of a street car. It was stopping, so no real danger but still when the last thing you see is headlights aiming at you...its gets your attention.
I then went to a local pharmacy got get something for the pain...wait...that was a pharmacy right?
Sweeney
Administrator
About a week ago, I got a call from a family who bought a massive new toy-hauler fifth wheel with an MSRP exceeding the cost of my current house and acre of land—nearly $175,000 for a depreciating asset. Even with a 30% discount bringing it to $125,000, that’s a steep price. Sure, the 9-foot ceilings and 19-square-foot fridge are impressive, but there’s a catch.
The fridge, only five months old, is running at 60°F, and the freezer at 10°F. It’s likely a faulty fan that circulates freezer air to the fridge or a bad circuit board. The manufacturer sent a list of diagnostic questions, which I answered after a visit. They requested more info, and after a phone call, they instructed me to disassemble the freezer, remove the back panel, test the fan with 12 volts, and check the circuit board for 12 volts.
Each of the three (3) trips took 1.5 hours each, totaling 4.5 hours of work. Plus, I’m liable for any damage, like scratching the fridge, during the process. What does this warranty job pay?
They’ll pay for 0.7 hours of labor....yes! I get paid 42 minutes for over a half day labor. If I want to make more than that, I have to bill the customer for my time. The worst part is, there are no technical manuals for any of this...and the part probably costs $250 to purchase outright and $25 to make.
WHY do people tolerate this? Thank you @Cary Winch and Craig for treating your customers right, and making a product that doesn't need cheap Chinese crap replaced.
----
I"m taking tomorrow off to work on my web site, advertisement, and some personal things. Going to a beautiful state park I haven't been too in years. Wish me luck!!!
The fridge, only five months old, is running at 60°F, and the freezer at 10°F. It’s likely a faulty fan that circulates freezer air to the fridge or a bad circuit board. The manufacturer sent a list of diagnostic questions, which I answered after a visit. They requested more info, and after a phone call, they instructed me to disassemble the freezer, remove the back panel, test the fan with 12 volts, and check the circuit board for 12 volts.
Each of the three (3) trips took 1.5 hours each, totaling 4.5 hours of work. Plus, I’m liable for any damage, like scratching the fridge, during the process. What does this warranty job pay?
They’ll pay for 0.7 hours of labor....yes! I get paid 42 minutes for over a half day labor. If I want to make more than that, I have to bill the customer for my time. The worst part is, there are no technical manuals for any of this...and the part probably costs $250 to purchase outright and $25 to make.
WHY do people tolerate this? Thank you @Cary Winch and Craig for treating your customers right, and making a product that doesn't need cheap Chinese crap replaced.
----
I"m taking tomorrow off to work on my web site, advertisement, and some personal things. Going to a beautiful state park I haven't been too in years. Wish me luck!!!
Warren Mary Ellen
Ranger
Unbelievably mild here this weekend in SC. We’ll be paying for this for the next 3 months, but it’s nice for now.
Tour 931
Ranger
Luck.
Sweeney
Administrator
Same here...60 on Sunday at Noon. Mid week we'll see hights coming up....which I'm ready for.
You are a busy man. What you need is the 18 hours of daylight they are currently experiencing in Fredrikstad, Norway (and everywhere else around here) so you'd have more time to get things accomplished. And that 18 hours is actually sunrise to sunset, so the light extends well beyond. We've only experienced DARK once in the 3 weeks we've been here...I will be landscaping my shop in the next few weeks. I bought six loads of big rocks to add to the few I already have. They will be delivered later this week. And I’m heading out in a few minutes to buy more pots.
Sweeney
Administrator
Are you just planning a stop or part of the adventure, spending a day or two? Tippicanoe is a lovely park - I'll stay there once or twice a year, normally. There are many trees there -- it can be muddy at times. However, it's usually quiet and a little cooler due to the shade. The area does not have a lot of tourism. Just north of it, there are a few small towns that still have that "root beer stand" feel to them - what I mean by that is old towns, small that still have that 60's/70's kind of feel to them. Have you ever seen the YouTube channel with the guy fixing lawn mowers who wears hillbilly teeth and a baseball cap with a fake mullet? His shop is in that area
I assume you are looking for a '1 nighter' -- which would be about where I'd stop coming from where you are en route to the Smokies. This is a perfect park for that. I usually stay more towards the entrance of the campground -- that shower house is a little nicer.
If you are looking for a little longer stay, Potato Creek is probably a little 'nicer' and closer to activities such as the RV hall of fame, and the Studebaker Museum. Not as many trees but still pleasant - this is one of my favorite parks. There is a lot to do near it -- Studebaker Museum, RV Hall of Fame, and the famous "Shipshewana" area -- Amish country.
As for Tyler to? Yah, you're in good company.
AFTERTHOUGHT: There is also Prophetstown -- I have not stayed there. I believe shower houses may be a problem there. But it's right off the interstate near West Lafayette.