The Mighty Winzling...

Well I have not updated my blog recently. I have been in Connecticut for a few weeks waiting for my mom to get ready to go to San Diego with me. Turns out this wait has been good as my brother, Colin, discovered some disturbing mechanical issues with her that were never brought to my attention in San Diego when I had her oil pan gasket and oil cooler lines done. Among these issues are a leaking rear differential, a severely eroded front pinion gasket, two universal joints far beyond their service life, filthy transmission fluid, a punctured fuel filter thanks to Colorado Camper Van, and a chewed up serpentine belt thanks to an over tighten belt and/or bad tensioner.

Luckily my brother and his buddy come to my rescue, and Winzling's, and for just a few hundred in parts Winzling will be spiffy as can be come the end of the week and I will be on my way.

Thanks for watching my six, bro, I love you.

More updates to follow.

-Kyle

The Wait Begins

Obligatory Winzling shot.

I took these in Jamestown NY at a neat little rest stop yesterday, the 3rd. Nice place to stop, catch your breath and take in the sights. Jamestown and the surrounding area has a lot of fascinating history. Lucille Ball was actually born there, cool!

I am staying with my big brother, Colin here in Connecticut while I wait for mom. In that time Colin and I are going to do some work on Winzling addressing the interior and safety.

Mom and I have a few things planned for fun, too!

I've begun exercising again and I've changed my fasting schedule to begin in the AM and end at 5PM or so. This will hopefully allow me to get up, exercise and snack while on the road, then begin fasting early evening.

My body is weak but I have a long run planned for tomorrow.

-Kyle

Into the mouth of the dragon.

I am in the East now. Tough sleeping arrangements all around but happy to be getting closer to mom and my family. I will be staying with my big brother for a few weeks while mom prepares for the trek out West and our grand adventure.

I visited my friend Kendra in Ohio, we had a blast.

A painted mastodon over the border in Ohio.

Lake Erie in Mentor OH after my visit with my pal Kendra.

I found a sailboat shaped rock!

Obligatory van shot.

Creepy lighthouse complete with creepy foghorn.

I am in Vestal NY now, I will be back in Connecticut tomorrow. Until next time.

-Kyle 

On Creating my Own Suffering,

Lately I have been trying to become a better Buddhist. While I do not adhere to the strict doctrines of any sect of Buddhism I find a lot of valuable information by learning about each. Namely suffering. I do a darn good job of creating my own suffering, I really do. To not be doing, or driving, being idle creates much suffering in me. I have wanderlust in the worst way.

I owe people money, not a lot, but enough to the point where I am  broke. Especially now over extending myself with the new van. It is not the lack of money that bothers me. Money is a tool, an object of this plane of existence. In the end, it goes away, just like everything material. What bothers me and is a point of contention is idleness.

I do not know why I always must be doing, moving. I am restless. This is a fact and I do not know why it must always be. Quiet meditation is a good method for observing and neutralizing suffering, but here in the crowded East finding a quiet mountain campsite, or a quiet desert plot to reflect is tough. To seek such a place would be difficult here in the East, though I am positive they exist, it's where my lack of funds yet again come into play as locating them would be rough on finances.

I must do the best I can to get East, rest, recuperate, find a quiet place to replant my roots while I wait for mom, and then head West to the emptiness with mom where my mind can free itself and I can begin to understand and repair my wanderlust.

Until next time,
-Kyle

Badlands, Attica Indiana: A Lesson in Off Roading

I'm in Attica Indiana for a few days. Yesterday Aaron, his father, Jim, and his Nephew, Vincent, and myself, plus our trusty vans all went off roading in Badlands off road park. I learned a lot of valuable lessons from Aaron, and my van. 

I managed to smash my front cross member on a rock. A lesson in itself as I should have not gone down that trail. lesson learned. Much valuable information was garnered, and stronger, and new friendships built. I see how Aaron developed his character, because his father too is a shining light in the human race. It gives me faith in humanity to see people like Aaron, Jim, and Jayme. Knowing that good because exist and are thriving.

Onto the photos, some stolen from Jim's Facebook. (;

The two amigos, or one amigo and one amigette?

Winzling lieks to play in the sand. :3

No, he's really crazy...

I don't know if the engineers who built this van had any idea what kind of action this vehicle would see...

Sage advice from a crazy man. I guess that makes me nuts too.

It was a bummer to say bye to Aaron, he's a good guy. But I am sure I will be seeing him again soon.

I am staying another night here in Attica. I need to start exercising again. I feel my human shell weakening so tomorrow I'm going to get up and sprint hard, grab a hot shower, then hit the road North by North East toward Ft. Wayne. Aaron's dad says there is a great genealogy library up there and I want to check it out.


Until next time.
-Kyle

A New First.

I changed Winzling's spark plugs today. Not too much trouble. It was honestly easier than I expected. I am still a bit paranoid I over tightened the two rear driver side plugs, but no use stressing about it, in 100k miles I will deal with it. On the passenger side and the front driver side plug I was able to finger tighten the plugs and give them 1/4 turn with the ratchet, so those I am not worried about. Now after doing it I have no hesitation in doing them again myself. Thanks to Aaron for coaching me online and for the write up.

Aside from that, I did laundry, and I am going to get some groceries for my departure from IL to IN and then to CT.

-Kyle

Flooring and Some Glamour Shots

Put down some peel and stick linoleum flooring in Winzling today. I've also included some photos of her current setup and system. Spark plugs and solar panel to follow shortly. Then it's off to Badlands in Indiana on the 27th or 28th with Jayme and Aaron for some fun and camping, then onward to Connecticut.

She needs a wash, no point since we are going to Badlands.

-Kyle