This last winter we took a trip out west visiting millions of acres of land that I along with many others own. Our public lands are owned by all of us and are preserved for our use and the use of future generations. With this being the 100 year anniversary of the Park Service we…
Other Stuff
Vandalism in the National Parks
by LJ •
I stare down from a Rocky Mountain pass as wisps of feathered clouds set fire in the setting sun. The entire sky reaches a furious roar of red and orange before slowly fading into the deep purples of night. A slivered moon hangs above the peaks. This sunset reminds me no matter the roller-coaster of…
Electrical
Streamlight LED Flashlight
by tomas •
Since 2008 I have been running a Streamlight Strion flashlight in my Toyota FJ Cruiser. The installation is integrated into the dash of the FJ and here is the post on how the installation was originally done. On my last trip I realized how dim the incandescent bulb really is. With this in mind…
Artistic Photography, Trip Reports
In Pursuit of Gold
by tomas •
For most of us, prospecting for gold is a fantasy that will never be fulfilled. However, every fall in Colorado brings the opportunity for chasing gold. The aspen trees of Colorado paint the mountains with swatches of color just like an artists canvas. This year I chose to take a few days during the last…
Miscellaneous
Mouse Attack, I think I won (I hope)
by tomas •
For the third time, with my Toyota FJ Cruiser, I have had a mouse in the passenger cabin. One trap and the latest mouse is a goner (no photos of this). It is time to get a handle on this problem The first mouse came through the cabin air intake and put a hole in the cabin…
Electrical, Electronics
USB Charge Ports Installed
by tomas •
“Not enough USB Charge Ports”. If you’re like me and driving a preUSB truck, setting up USB charging is a pain. With only one auxiliary 12 volt socket in the Toyota FJ Cruiser two USB sockets was the limit and for that I had to give up the aux port. I also had a tendency to go…
Electronics, Electronics
Bluetooth GPS build
by tomas •
If you’re like me you have found that the GPS accuracy of Android phones and tablets leaves something to be desired when used in the car. My Sony Android tablet can barely get a fix from inside the FJ. I have been wanting to get away from my Windows based CARpc with the built in GPS…
Service & Warranty
FJ Incontinence
by tomas •
My Toyota FJ Cruiser has been leaving little spots on the ground everywhere I have been parking. In the last few weeks they have gone from spots to little puddles and I have been having to top off the gear oil. This is a problem that I finally had to address. With the Toyota FJ Cruiser…