More stuff, and a visit to USA Kilts

[McElmurry]

McElmuury, that thread I started on the expense of kilts was a big help to my understanding (rationalization?) actually. Without it I probably would NOT have done this. Given the expense of this stuff, I figure if I'm gonna do it, I better do it before I retire. In that regard getting quality stuff from a place like USA Kilts is a good decision. And now I know how to get there...

When will you be getting your new kilt?

Frank

I have found posting on this site very helpful as I think through various issues. I don't think anyone has the same opinions after posting on here for a while. The site is a very good sounding board.

I went with the 6 to 10 week turn around since it is more for next hiking season and to compensate a little for the extravagance of owning TWO kilts.

[frank_a]

I've had an acrylic kilt for two weeks this past Saturday and it already looks somewhat ratty. I wanted this new kilt before my late October birthday and a big party we're having here in early November. Then we hope to have a large family Thanksgiving this fall for the 1st time up at my niece's place in Saranac Lake. So there's just stuff coming up that I figured what the heck? I have kilt hose and garters now too, so I'm on my way.

Take care,

Frank

[mookien]

No kidding John? I was born and raised in Massena and went to undergrad school in Plattsburgh (71-75). I have spent plenty of time in the Adirondacks. Gail and I climbed most of the 49 peaks 35-40 years ago and still camp a lot in the Adirondacks. As point of fact, we are off the Nick's Lake Campground in Old Forge next weekend for a vintage trailer meet. I may again be the only one there in a kilt. We'll soon see!

Should have pics within a month, maybe 3 weeks Eric thought. It will be great I'm sure. ...

Frank: No kidding. I went to college in Florida, but in the summer worked as a surveyor on the Northway from Pottersville, North Creek, North Hudson (Frontier Town), and points north. My wife (to be), Mary, worked as the head chambermaid at the King George motel in Lake George - wild town in those days (in the summertime, dead in the winter). That should give you an idea about how old I am.

I hope you (both) enjoy your camping trip, ... and that there's more than one kilt in sight.

John

[frank_a]

John, when you say you worked as a surveyor on the Northway, you mean when they were building it? That would give me an idea of how old you are. I did an economic impact study of how the Northway changed the economy along Rt. 9 when I was in college. That was an eye opener. Gee, Frontier Town, haven't heard of that place in a long time. Ah, the good old days eh?

Our camping trip is a Meet 'n Greet for Sunline Coach owners. Our "new" Sunline is a 1983 T-1550 that even has a furnace! Our last one was a '79 Sunline Sunspot, a 5X10 trailer (very rare as well) that I called an aluminum tent on wheels because that was about all it was. Basically it got us old tenters out of the tent! This one has a stove, oven, frig, dinette, sink, hot water heater, furnace, toilet/shower! Only about 15' long, but for us, it's the height of style. Sunlines were great trailers, but are no longer made. Keep them in good condition and they last a long time. Kinda like people...



Gotta run, gonna be a busy day today. Enjoy your day sir!

Frank

[mookien]

Frank: Yes, when they were building it - dynamiting the rock, building the roadbed, grading, paving, etc. They use to make us hide behind the bulldozers and scrapers when they set off the charges. I spent most of my time on the section that ran from Pottersville north. We worked 12 - 14 hour days, six days a week, but at union wages, so I saved enough money to pay for most of my college expenses. Tuition in those days was a whopping $125 per term.

Good looking RV. Furnace, stove, oven, fridge, toilet, shower, hot water? That's nicer than my house! I hope you have a great time "camping". I know it will be comfortable. Years ago, I use to backpack, but now my idea of "roughing it" is to forego the breakfast buffet at Bellagio.

John

[frank_a]

That's what I figured John, so yes, that does date you sir.

Gail and I backpacked for many years. We requested backpacking equipment for our wedding in '74 and got famously equipped. We backpacked right up to me carrying our youngest son on top of my backpack climbing mountains in the Wallowas of Oregon in the late 70's. We brought our 3 sons up camping in tents, and kept that up after the kids were grown and gone up till the year before last. Now we camp in relative luxury!

Thanks for the compliments on our little travel trailer. We will have the smallest Sunline at the meet 'n greet unless the fellow who bought our Sunspot shows up. I would imagine we'll have this trailer a long time, and given the way things are going, maybe as a retirement residence!

I forgot to mention that I installed a roof mount A/C unit before we took off for our annual Keuka Lake summer vacation in July. for my money, that's a lot more valuable addition than a furnace!

Enjoy your day,

Frank

[mookien]

Frank: Tent camping with 3 boys and carrying the youngest on your backpack?! You deserve a bit of luxury. Enjoy the Meet n' Greet, ... and "camping" in your Sunline.

I use to live in SW Oregon - Ashland, Klamath Falls, and Eugene, but that was many years before many years ago. Just a kid at the time.

John

[frank_a]

No, not exactly John, it was the 1st son being carried on top of the gear on my back that got me out of backpacking. Just as good. Over the years, back, shoulder (both), knee (both) surgery has sidelined me from heavy duty stuff anyways. Plus I have a herniated disc and spinal stenosis, so I'm basically just a basket case. Good thing I have an office job eh? I still get a lot done, just smarter. And I have a very positive attitude. That's the big reason I'm getting into kilts finally. Now or never is the way I see it.

I think I still have pics around of that climb in the Wallowas somewhere. I was a much more svelte fellow back then!

Take care and enjoy the evening.

Frank

[frank_a]

Our former trailer...

[mookien]

Cute. It looks just like your new Sunline before it grew up.

You sound like a real cyborg. I trust that all the surgeries were successful. Sounds like they haven't slowed you down at all. Good for you, ... and your positive attitude. That is great! Good luck with your back.

John