Potatomutato's Posts - NorCal FJs2024-03-29T01:06:51Zpotatomutatohttp://norcalfjs.com/profile/potatomutatohttp://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2524231873?profile=RESIZE_48X48&width=48&height=48&crop=1%3A1http://norcalfjs.com/profiles/blog/feed?user=1k1sloim1h6gu&xn_auth=noThe Extended Warrantytag:norcalfjs.com,2011-08-11:2131553:BlogPost:1350302011-08-11T04:30:00.000Zpotatomutatohttp://norcalfjs.com/profile/potatomutato
<p>There has always been the ongoing debate of whether one should sign up for the extended warranty or not. Some say it's a rip off whereas others swear by them. I probably fall into the former category, but opted to buy into the extended warranty for my FJC primarily because it was a first year model and I have heard things about first year models from any manufacturer.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Up until a couple of weeks ago, I wondered whether my investment would have a return. I've been one of the…</p>
<p>There has always been the ongoing debate of whether one should sign up for the extended warranty or not. Some say it's a rip off whereas others swear by them. I probably fall into the former category, but opted to buy into the extended warranty for my FJC primarily because it was a first year model and I have heard things about first year models from any manufacturer.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Up until a couple of weeks ago, I wondered whether my investment would have a return. I've been one of the lucky ones who hasn't really had any issues with my FJC. That is until about a month ago when I began to hear a hum that wasn't a result of road noise or tires. It was my wheel bearing giving out.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The hum got progressively worse, so I decided to bring the FJC into One Toyota of Oakland...my first visit there. I met with the service manager, Noah, and outlined the issues I knew about (e.g. the wheel bearing and the leaky axle seal I had discovered whilst visiting Red Eye Fab). The FJC got taken into the shop and I headed into the waiting area. Luckily, the waiting area had free WiFi access and I was able to get work done. About four hours passed until Noah finally came looking for me to outline the issues the FJC was having:</p>
<p> </p>
<ul>
<li>Front driver's side wheel bearing</li>
<li>Rear driver's side axle seal leaking<ul>
<li>Leakage got into brake housing, brake shoe and possibly rotor need replacement</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Radiator leaking</li>
<li>Bad water pump</li>
<li>Both CV boots leaking</li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
<p>We went into the shop and did the walk around. The technician pointed out methodically all the bad spots. Lots of work to be done indeed. I wasn't really looking forward to the estimate for all the parts and labor until Noah reminded me of my extended warranty, which for some reason I thought had long since expired. Upon checking the system, it was confirmed I was still within warranty, by a mere 700 miles or so. *phew*</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2540839732?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2540839732?profile=original" width="320" class="align-right"/></a>The FJC had to be kept overnight and the parts ordered the next day once the full inspection was completed. The extended warranty qualified me for the Toyota Rent-a-Car program, so I was given the choice of a Corolla, Camry or Prius. I found myself driving home in a Prius. Life kinda sucked without my trusty FJC, but thank goodness for the extended warranty.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I got a call the following morning and it turned out the radiator was going to be replaced in whole and had to be ordered with a delivery date the following Monday. In all, four days in the shop were required. Loaner car was covered for the duration of service! Total savings after cost of extended warranty? +/- $700.00. <em><-- a lot of beer!</em></p>
<p> </p>
<p>It was great to get my FJC back. They even washed her for me. Getting back behind the wheel and adjusting the mirrors brought me back to the night I bought her. The smile returned after a five day hiatus. So, in this instance my decision to go with the extended warranty paid off. Admittedly, the extended warranty isn't for everyone, but for me it was well worth it this time around. All 92,243 miles and countless smiles of it!</p>Double Duty Uses for Cups - Creativity Challengetag:norcalfjs.com,2011-07-08:2131553:BlogPost:1332422011-07-08T12:30:00.000Zpotatomutatohttp://norcalfjs.com/profile/potatomutato
<p>Last Friday, July 1st, I came across on Twitter a good article on <a href="http://overlandgourmet.com" target="_blank">Overland Gourmet</a>. It was a camp kitchen tip on the double duty uses of a camp coffee cup. Always trying to be an advocate of re-use/recycle, I re-tweeted the link via <a href="http://twitter.com/norcalfj" target="_blank">@norcalfj</a> as did <a href="http://www.adventurevehicles.org" target="_blank">Adventure Vehicles</a>. One thing led to another and we decided to come…</p>
<p>Last Friday, July 1st, I came across on Twitter a good article on <a target="_blank" href="http://overlandgourmet.com">Overland Gourmet</a>. It was a camp kitchen tip on the double duty uses of a camp coffee cup. Always trying to be an advocate of re-use/recycle, I re-tweeted the link via <a target="_blank" href="http://twitter.com/norcalfj">@norcalfj</a> as did <a target="_blank" href="http://www.adventurevehicles.org">Adventure Vehicles</a>. One thing led to another and we decided to come up with a week-long "creativity challenge" to see how many other double duty uses we could come up with by fielding suggestions from our own readers, members, etc. And, so, here we are.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I posted up a <a target="_self" href="http://norcalfjs.com/forum/topics/cups-double-duty-uses-in-the">discussion thread</a> on NorCal to field some suggestions and folks got pretty creative. Here is the list, in no particular order:</p>
<p> </p>
<ul>
<li>Cereal "bowl"</li>
<li>To mix up pancake batter</li>
<li>Meal "bowl" to hold such delicacies as opg4759's cherry cobbler. Yum!</li>
<li>"Basin" to wash your utensils</li>
<li>For playing Liar's Dice</li>
<li>To rinse a shaving razor in hot water</li>
<li>For brushing one's teeth (e.g. to rinse the tooth brush and water for the gargle)</li>
<li>Napkin holder</li>
<li>To douse a campfire with water</li>
<li>Prepare meals such as rice, oatmeal and ramen noodles</li>
<li>To warm a baby bottle</li>
<li>Hold a multitude of beverage types throughout the day (see: cocktails)</li>
<li>Encase fragile items by putting two cups together and securing them</li>
<li>Bacon fat catcher for re-use on skillet potatoes</li>
<li>and...marmot party hats!</li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
<p>I learned a few extra uses for my Coleman coffee cups I had not considered before. I now look forward to reading what Overland Gourmet and Adventure Vehicles came up with. Links to their blog articles will be updated here when they become available.</p>
<p> </p>
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #ff9900;">Overland Gourmet's list of creative double duty uses for camp coffee cups</span> (<em>link coming soon</em>)</li>
<li><span style="color: #ff9900;"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.heiseroil.com/blog/?p=65">Plastic Drinking Cups, More Than Meets the Eye?</a> by Adventure Vehicles</span></li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
<p>So, if you don't already have one, go out and get yourself a handy, trusty camp cup that can be re-used in a multitude of ways and cut down on single-use cups!</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Reference links:</strong></p>
<p><em>Original article on Overland Gourmet: <a target="_blank" href="http://overlandgourmet.com/2011/07/camp-kitchen-tip-double-duty/">Camp Kitchen Tip: Double Duty</a></em></p>
<p><em>Follow Overland Gourmet on Twitter: <a target="_blank" href="http://twitter.com/overlandgourmet">@OverlandGourmet</a></em></p>
<p><em>Follow Adventure Vehicles on Twitter: <a target="_blank" href="http://twitter.com/advvehicles">@AdvVehicles</a></em></p>
<p> </p>FJC Community - Goaziou Hog Roasterstag:norcalfjs.com,2011-03-29:2131553:BlogPost:901542011-03-29T09:00:00.000Zpotatomutatohttp://norcalfjs.com/profile/potatomutato
<p><em>The Q1 2011 edition of <a href="http://www.fjc-mag.com/" target="_blank">FJC Magazine</a> featured a short interview with hog farmers, Jake and Jim Goaziou, in the article, <strong><a href="http://www.fjc-mag.com/index.php/January-2011/been-there-dune-that-surf-n-turf-2010.html" target="_blank">Been There, Dune That!</a></strong> Below is an extended interview with the Goazious, in which they discuss their family life on a hog farm in Ohio, their experiences being subject matter experts…</em></p>
<p><em>The Q1 2011 edition of <a target="_blank" href="http://www.fjc-mag.com/">FJC Magazine</a> featured a short interview with hog farmers, Jake and Jim Goaziou, in the article, <strong><a href="http://www.fjc-mag.com/index.php/January-2011/been-there-dune-that-surf-n-turf-2010.html" target="_blank">Been There, Dune That!</a></strong> Below is an extended interview with the Goazious, in which they discuss their family life on a hog farm in Ohio, their experiences being subject matter experts on spit-roasting hogs, and the fun times they shared at Surf N Turf 2010.</em></p>
<p><br/>It was the end of September, the leaves just starting to turn and the NorCal FJs making their last run in the Sierras for the season. The annual High Sierra run usually marks the last multi-day trail run for the year and makes for the perfect segue into Fall and planning and prep for the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.allcalrepublic.com">AllCal Republic's</a> presence at <a target="_blank" href="http://www.realcruiser.com/surfnturf/">Surf N Turf</a> in November.</p>
<p><br/>Among the many participants on the run was Jake "<a target="_self" href="http://norcalfjs.com/profile/JakeGoaziou">FJ Scout</a>" Goaziou of Sacramento. Goaziou, the chief of Innovative Quality Concepts, had attended the first NorCal FJs Sacramento Meet & Greet and had made it a point to join in on an extended trail run at some point in the near future.</p>
<p><br/>“Since I only knew a handful of the many members of Nor Cal FJs, I decided to attend the High Sierra Run to get better acquainted with the group,” said Goaziou. “After three full days in the High Sierras, I met some pretty cool people – one of which I met on the rugged 4x4 trail up to base camp.” That person happened to be Leonie Bowers of <a target="_blank" href="http://www.boztec.us.com">BozTec</a>.</p>
<p><br/>Goaziou and Bowers soon found they shared many common interests, including the love of grilling. “On our last day at the event, everyone gathered around the campfire and we had a huge BBQ where we cooked every kind of meat you can imagine. Considering my love of barbequing in the great outdoors, I kind of delegated myself to be the ‘cook’. I’m not even sure how, but hog roasting came up. I had some real life experience to contribute to the conversation and next thing we all knew, we were going to do a hog roast at Surf N Turf 2010!”</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2540841390?profile=original"><img class="align-right" width="320" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2540841390?profile=RESIZE_480x480"/></a>The <a target="_blank" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roseville,_California">Roseville</a> resident grew up on a small farm in rural Ohio to parents, Jim and Sherry, who were ‘Hog Farmers’. The Goazious were hard-working farmers who oftentimes worked around the clock, seven days a week to ensure the farm remained productive and efficient.</p>
<p><br/>“We lived a subsistence farming lifestyle. Planting and harvesting corn for the pigs, a full farrowing operation (where the baby piggies are born and raised), an acre-sized garden that encompassed every kind of vegetable you can imagine, plus sweet corn, a full-scale hay operation where you cut, bail and sell alfalfa and timothy hay bales and yes, plenty of pork chops and bacon!”</p>
<p><br/>The elder Goaziou, also known as “Bear,” was, and still is, quoted for saying, “We ate bacon three times a day.” Jake continues, “Apparently that got around because before long we were providing whole hogs for hog roasts to churches, schools and various other functions.”</p>
<p><br/>Jim adds, “One time, at a campout, so many people came that we were still feeding them at close to midnight after completely harvesting our garden and cooking all the vegetables.”</p>
<p><br/>The effort that goes into roasting a hog can be very tedious and time-consuming, not to mention it is tough and dirty work. Oftentimes, people who had received a properly dressed hog from Jim had no clue how to go about roasting it. So, inevitably Jim would find himself working long, hard hours to dig out a proper roasting spit and spend endless hours masterfully roasting the beast. “And, of course, guess who was brought along as cheap labor!” chuckled, Jake.</p>
<p><br/>“One week before Surf N Turf, I received a call on Saturday morning from a worried man who was hoping to serve up a roasted hog that evening,” says Jim. “After he explained what he was trying to do, I went to [his] home and did not get back to my house until midnight. The hog did, however, get cooked so people could eat at 9:00 PM, but it was some hard work.”</p>
<p><br/>Fast forward to Surf N Turf. Jake invited Bear to California to help him out with the hog roast, which BozTec agreed to sponsor. “Jake inquired about hog roasting back in September and asked if I would assist him in roasting a 130 lb. grower on the beach. Living in the midwest, I had never cooked on a beach, but agreed to help out. I enjoy cooking outside.”</p>
<p><br/>Jake and Bear arrived on the beach on Thursday afternoon to begin preparing the spit while others began the build-out of the surrounding AllCal Camp. The spit was integrated along the west side of camp and provided a nice “window” that looked out to the surf. The views provided a nice respite from the construction of the spit and the ensuing buzz surrounding the roast. Many attendees made a beeline to the spit upon arrival to find out when the hog roast was going to begin and to inquire about how the spit worked.</p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2540841522?profile=original"><img class="align-left" width="320" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2540841522?profile=original"/></a><br/>On early Saturday morning, 4:00 AM to be exact, Jake, Bear and a handful of volunteers placed the hog onto the spit and officially began the roast. It would be approximately 12 hours later when hungry attendees would get to enjoy spit-roasted hog as the main course of the BozTec-sponsored meal. And that they did. Hungry campers immediately formed a long line that extended into the heart of AllCal’s camp and just as soon began to inquire about seconds after partaking in the feast.</p>
<p><br/>Jake and Bear were assisted by Jake’s wife, Blake, and her parents, Al and Barb throughout the day. Many members of NorCal FJs and SoCal FJCruiserForums pitched in to help as well, continuing the spirit of community and camaraderie that started earlier in the year at AllCal 2010.</p>
<p><br/>By nightfall, there was hardly a sign that a hog roast had taken place outside of the many satisfied attendees lounging around campfires.</p>
<p><br/>“In a word: WOW!” stated Goaziou, the younger. “What a great event to really cut loose and meet real people. I have seldom seen such a diverse group of people with the same passions.”</p>
<p><br/>The elder Goaziou concurred. “I enjoyed the Surf N Turf weekend. It was amazing and enjoyable to see all the people who like to off-road and campout. The ocean was beautiful and all the people were very friendly.”</p>
<p><br/>Luckily, it wasn’t all work for the Goazious. They managed to find time to enjoy the event and its surroundings. “We went four-wheeling, rode quads, went swimming (burr!), sightseeing, shopping in Pismo (for the ladies) and, of course, where else can you roast a full hog on the beach of the Pacific Ocean?”</p>
<p><br/>As the sun set on the 2010 edition of Surf N Turf, Jake took a moment to reflect on his years back on the farm. “I learned by watching and doing and have had a few of my own hog roasts throughout the years.” Goaziou pauses a moment. “But none as good as my old man’s!”</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2540851484?profile=original"><img class="align-center" width="320" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2540851484?profile=RESIZE_480x480"/></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>All about the community.tag:norcalfjs.com,2010-02-07:2131553:BlogPost:533182010-02-07T18:30:00.000Zpotatomutatohttp://norcalfjs.com/profile/potatomutato
I can't say how glad I am to live in a region that has such an active group of FJers. In a way, I think we are pretty spoiled. Post up a trail run at least a week in advance and you are sure to have two or three people interested in joining, if not 15. Post up a happy hour social a couple days in advance and ditto.<div><br></br></div>
<div>Prior to coming out to the midwest this week, I decided to gauge interest in a beer social in the local area. I figured I come out here at least twice a year, so…</div>
I can't say how glad I am to live in a region that has such an active group of FJers. In a way, I think we are pretty spoiled. Post up a trail run at least a week in advance and you are sure to have two or three people interested in joining, if not 15. Post up a happy hour social a couple days in advance and ditto.<div><br/></div>
<div>Prior to coming out to the midwest this week, I decided to gauge interest in a beer social in the local area. I figured I come out here at least twice a year, so I may as well meet some local FJers and exchange trail/mod stories. Last week, I posted up in the regional forum in the Blue Room and I have not received any responses to date. Hmm.</div>
<div><br/></div>
<div>Now if you look at the reverse, it's completely opposite. There have been numerous times when the NorCal region has offered advice or suggestions to visiting FJers, if not throw a beer social in their honor. I think that is pretty cool. Don't get me wrong, it's not just NorCal...many other states (primarily those in the west) adopt the same behavior. And I think that is good.</div>
<div><br/></div>
<div>A well-respected member of NorCal FJs once told me that the reason why he liked the NorCal FJs so much is that we are not just an online community, but a strong offline community as well. Equally important, we may come from different backgrounds and beliefs, but our love for the great outdoors and FJs/Land Cruisers supercedes all of that to create a common bond. And, most importantly, we all like to actively promote the sport of responsible off-pavement recreation, let alone contribute our time and vehicles to benefit others (see: Wampler Foundation and clean-up days).</div>
<div><br/></div>
<div>I feel fortunate to belong to such a non-club. Hope to see all of you on a trail or at a social this year. Cheers!</div>Of Surf N Turf 2009tag:norcalfjs.com,2009-11-13:2131553:BlogPost:464892009-11-13T07:07:14.000Zpotatomutatohttp://norcalfjs.com/profile/potatomutato
Last year, I wrote about how great <a href="http://norcalfjs.ning.com/profiles/blogs/of-surf-n-turf-2008">Surf N Turf 2008</a> was. I could not imagine we would have been able to top that in terms of fun and borderline craziness.<br />
<br />
Enter Surf N Turf 2009.<br />
<br />
Where to start? From the build of the Taj Mahal to the jump competition, the beach cuisine to the night dune runs...there was never a dull moment aside from the few hours of sleep that were needed in order to kickstart the energy at…
Last year, I wrote about how great <a href="http://norcalfjs.ning.com/profiles/blogs/of-surf-n-turf-2008">Surf N Turf 2008</a> was. I could not imagine we would have been able to top that in terms of fun and borderline craziness.<br />
<br />
Enter Surf N Turf 2009.<br />
<br />
Where to start? From the build of the Taj Mahal to the jump competition, the beach cuisine to the night dune runs...there was never a dull moment aside from the few hours of sleep that were needed in order to kickstart the energy at sunrise.<br />
<br />
The concept of <i><b>AllCal</b></i> truly became reality at this event...and perhaps even became AllCalAZ with Trailbus/busty's long trek to the epicenter of Cruiser Culture that is Surf N Turf. I don't think I have seen so many smiling faces, helping hands and generosity in one FJC setting before this year's installation of SnT.<br />
<br />
I could go on and on about how this event was so special, but I won't for the sake of boring y'all. Rather, I encourage you to become a part of Cruiser Culture next year, be it at SnT or our proposed new run in the Feb/March time frame. Our presence at SnT 2010 will, dare I say it, only get better. The planning has already begun!Of all the places and times - seeing FJers at randomtag:norcalfjs.com,2009-06-13:2131553:BlogPost:105612009-06-13T01:30:00.000Zpotatomutatohttp://norcalfjs.com/profile/potatomutato
Most of us see FJs on the road everyday, but it's rare when you see an FJer you know through the forums. For me, there has only been a few instances so far:<br></br>
<br></br>
<u>Date: July 15, 2007</u><br></br>
FJer: <b>LandCruiserSteve</b> (from the Blue Room)<br></br>
Location: Tusayan, AZ<br></br>
Situation: I ran into Steve and his wife in Tusayan right after the inaugural FJ Cruiser Summit. My buddy and I were looking for the campgrounds just outside of the strip when we see this Sun Fusion rolling by the…
Most of us see FJs on the road everyday, but it's rare when you see an FJer you know through the forums. For me, there has only been a few instances so far:<br/>
<br/>
<u>Date: July 15, 2007</u><br/>
FJer: <b>LandCruiserSteve</b> (from the Blue Room)<br/>
Location: Tusayan, AZ<br/>
Situation: I ran into Steve and his wife in Tusayan right after the inaugural FJ Cruiser Summit. My buddy and I were looking for the campgrounds just outside of the strip when we see this Sun Fusion rolling by the other way. We both waved and ended up pulling U-ies to greet each other. Turns out they were going to be staying in the area a couple days to soak in the environs of the Grand Canyon before heading back home to the South. We shared some stories about the summit and went our separate ways. I think we were both in the spirit of the summit - happy and wanting to meet as many Fjers as we could.<br/>
<br/>
<u>Date: December 06, 2008</u><br/>
FJer: <b><a href="http://norcalfjs.ning.com/profile/PuckerFactor">PuckerFactor</a></b><br/>
Location: Redwood City, CA<br/>
Situation: I was in the process of getting my body mount chopped by 2007fj when I hear someone calling out my name from across the street. I ignored the first yell and began looking around after the second. Low and behold, there's Pucker with child in arms. We caught up and heard his good news.<br/>
<br/>
<u>Date: December 07, 2008</u><br/>
FJer: <b><a href="http://norcalfjs.ning.com/profile/opg">opg4759</a></b><br/>
Location: Candlestick Park, CA<br/>
Situation: Bossquatch, PB&FJ and I finished tailgating pretty early and ended up going into the park pretty early as a result. After sitting around and realizing that we were pretty early, we decided to go back to the truck and finish off more beer. As we were on our way back in, I noticed a guy walking right next to us that looked like opg, but didn't recognize him as quickly because he was wearing a cap (no dome in view). I asked the guys for confirmation, "is that opg?" They turned around and we all unanimously agreed it was him after seeing that he was donning Sharks gear to a Niner game.<br/>
<br/>
<u>Date: January 18, 2009</u><br/>
FJer: <b><a href="http://norcalfjs.ning.com/profile/daPitbull">daPitbull</a></b><br/>
Location: Interstate 80 outside of Vacaville, CA<br/>
Situation: PB 07FJ, suecyde and manoweb were on our way back from Tahoe when I noticed a familiar looking FJ headed eastbound on 80. suecyde had been keeping count of the number FJs we saw on the trek home and daPit happened to be number 11 or thereabouts. I gave Pit a call and it was confirmed that it was him.<br/>
<br/>
<u>Date: February 19, 2009</u><br/>
FJer: <b><a href="http://norcalfjs.ning.com/profile/MichaelScully">MOTORDRIVE</a></b><br/>
Location: Castro St., Mountain View, CA<br/>
Situation: I had just finished having coffee and was on my way home when I recognized a black diamond with HIDs mounted to the front bumper. Looked real close and realized it was MOTORDRIVE. Oddly enough, I was in the process of texting him when I received one from him. He was out for a drink so I joined him for a beer. MOTORDRIVE is like the mayor - he knows everyone at the bars on Castro. Cheers!<br/>
<br/>
<u>Date: April 30, 2009</u><br/>
FJer: <a href="http://norcalfjs.ning.com/profile/C4B"><b>C4B</b></a><br/>
Location: Park St., Alameda, CA<br/>
Situation: I had just met up with jr vong and was on my way to meet up with Bozly when out of the corner of my eye, I see an odd looking FJ. I look over and low and behold, it's C4B! Vong saw had seen him earlier. Hilarious.<br/>
<br/>
<u>Date: June 11, 2009</u><br/>
FJer: <a href="http://norcalfjs.ning.com/profile/SiLvRFJ">SiLvRFJ</a><br/>
Location: Park St., Alameda, CA<br/>
Situation: We were having an impromptu happy hour at Lucky 13 and had seen a couple civilians drive by until one caught MoabFJ's eye. "There we go!" exclaimed MoabFJ. We all look over and lo and behold, it's SiLvRFJ driving down the road.<br/><br/><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Date: A couple times so far...</span><br/>FJer: <a href="http://norcalfjs.ning.com/profile/4x4CruiserGirl">4x4CruiserGirl</a><br/>Location: 280 and El Camino Real<br/>Situation: The first was seeing her speed by me in her tinted windows (hmm, guess it's true how certain folks get off easy...cough). The second was her tailing some Sun Fusion and then whipping a U-ey to grab a sandwich at Mr. Pickles.<br/>
<br/>
To be continued...<br/>
<br/>
Have you randomly met FJers around...not necessarily just on the road, but run into them somewhere?Of Surf N Turf 2008tag:norcalfjs.com,2008-11-18:2131553:BlogPost:87792008-11-18T09:33:13.000Zpotatomutatohttp://norcalfjs.com/profile/potatomutato
Well, it's been over a week since the whirlwind that was Surf N Turf 2008 and I'm still craving for more.<br />
<br />
From the detailed organization of getting 16 trucks down to the dunes in a single caravan to the organized chaos that enveloped the night runs, Surf N Turf 2008 proved to be quite an event to remember. In fact, the only thing that would have made it better was banana chocolate chip pancakes on Sunday morning.<br />
<br />
Many thanks are in order to everyone who represented NorCal. Every individual…
Well, it's been over a week since the whirlwind that was Surf N Turf 2008 and I'm still craving for more.<br />
<br />
From the detailed organization of getting 16 trucks down to the dunes in a single caravan to the organized chaos that enveloped the night runs, Surf N Turf 2008 proved to be quite an event to remember. In fact, the only thing that would have made it better was banana chocolate chip pancakes on Sunday morning.<br />
<br />
Many thanks are in order to everyone who represented NorCal. Every individual contributed in one way or another, whether it was taking photos/videos, preparing/offering meals, rescuing flying porta-potties, hauling equipment, coming up with ideas for cool gear, leading runs, imparting knowledge or best of all, making us laugh.<br />
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It still amazes me to this day that so many people from different regions, backgrounds, professions and beliefs can all rally around one vehicle and have such a great time together. It kind of makes me wonder if we'd achieve world peace if everyone in the world owned an FJ.<br />
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OK, perhaps that's taking it a little too far.<br />
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But for me, Surf N Turf was the best way to wrap up the wheeling season. Great people, great spirits and great fun. Hope y'all had as much fun as I did!<br />
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Until Surf N Turf 2009...<br />
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BTW...did I mention I dig cypilk's video? 20+ views and counting!A Change in Seasonstag:norcalfjs.com,2008-11-01:2131553:BlogPost:71232008-11-01T21:02:19.000Zpotatomutatohttp://norcalfjs.com/profile/potatomutato
As autumn creeps towards winter, the ol' FJ will slowly begin its transition from trail bus to snow shuttle. The crossbars mounted with the gas tank tray will be replaced by the crossbars mounted with the 'board rack and the rear seats will be re-installed to accommodate more passengers for trips up to the slopes.<br />
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I'm hoping the FJ sees a lot of snow this year. The past few years, I've been regulated to less than 10 snow days each and that has sucked. As a result, I'm resurrecting an old…
As autumn creeps towards winter, the ol' FJ will slowly begin its transition from trail bus to snow shuttle. The crossbars mounted with the gas tank tray will be replaced by the crossbars mounted with the 'board rack and the rear seats will be re-installed to accommodate more passengers for trips up to the slopes.<br />
<br />
I'm hoping the FJ sees a lot of snow this year. The past few years, I've been regulated to less than 10 snow days each and that has sucked. As a result, I'm resurrecting an old tradition that has oddly led to good snow years - catching the annual Warren Miller flick. Care to join?<br />
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<p style="text-align: left;"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2540866376?profile=original" alt="" width="640" height="480"/></p>
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Are we there yet?National Summit 2009?tag:norcalfjs.com,2008-07-21:2131553:BlogPost:15052008-07-21T06:28:20.000Zpotatomutatohttp://norcalfjs.com/profile/potatomutato
The 2008 National Summit ended today and I can only imagine all the fun the attendees experienced this year.<br />
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After attending last year's summit, I decided that I would attend every other year from now on. As much fun as I had, the two day drive each way was a bit much. Sure, you could technically do the drive in one long day by switching drivers and such, but you'd also be missing out on a lot of great scenery and national parks along the way.<br />
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So as soon as the new dates are set and Ouray, CO…
The 2008 National Summit ended today and I can only imagine all the fun the attendees experienced this year.<br />
<br />
After attending last year's summit, I decided that I would attend every other year from now on. As much fun as I had, the two day drive each way was a bit much. Sure, you could technically do the drive in one long day by switching drivers and such, but you'd also be missing out on a lot of great scenery and national parks along the way.<br />
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So as soon as the new dates are set and Ouray, CO is once again confirmed as the meeting location, I will begin to plan a NorCal caravan. I can't wait to hit the trails of Ouray again!<br />
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<p style="text-align: left;"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2331972037?profile=original" alt="" width="640" height="480"/></p>
<center><b>On Yankee Boy Basin Trail - July 2007</b></center>Life with the FJtag:norcalfjs.com,2008-07-21:2131553:BlogPost:15022008-07-21T06:13:59.000Zpotatomutatohttp://norcalfjs.com/profile/potatomutato
Rather than doing a chronological blog or a day-to-day journal, I'll be focusing on life with the FJ. Undoubtedly, my life has changed since I drove the FJ off the lot one evening back in October of '06. I have since met many new friends and have joined a community of responsible wheelers that love the great outdoors.<br />
<br />
This blog will highlight my life with the FJ - the sights it has taken me to, the modifications it has gone through and the people I have met as a result of owning one. See you…
Rather than doing a chronological blog or a day-to-day journal, I'll be focusing on life with the FJ. Undoubtedly, my life has changed since I drove the FJ off the lot one evening back in October of '06. I have since met many new friends and have joined a community of responsible wheelers that love the great outdoors.<br />
<br />
This blog will highlight my life with the FJ - the sights it has taken me to, the modifications it has gone through and the people I have met as a result of owning one. See you on the trails!<br />
<br />
<p style="text-align: left;"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2540839529?profile=original" alt="" width="640" height="480"/></p>
<center><b>Second day of ownership - Oh, What a Feeling!</b></center>