Truck Review


I guess I've had my new truck for around a year and a half now. Ford got most things right with this truck (it's a Ranger; my old truck was a Dodge Dakota). It's too bad they've already it; you can't get the same engine anymore, and the replacement gets worse mileage. Mine has a peppy Mazda I-4 plus a stick shift; it gets 30 MPG. Sure, that's nothing compared to the 40 MPG my Civic gets, but it's good for a pickup (my old truck got 20 MPG). The engine is definitely a little bit underpowered, but it's worth it for the mileage. I usually only notice if I have the AC on and am going up a long steep hill at high speed.

The 7 foot bed is a nice option for a compact pickup (my old truck was 6.5 feet). The extra length makes it easier to throw a bike or kayak in the back (I'd take 8 feet if I could). The cargo bed isn't as wide as my old truck, but that has only mattered a few times. The interior of the cab is washable throughout, which means I don't have to care about tracking in mud and grime. The suspension isn't as good as my old truck; among other things, it had a stabilizer bar, while this one doesn't. I really notice the difference when you're on forest service roads and the like, but you just have to be careful.

A minor pleasantry in this truck is how easy it is to change the oil. My old truck was fairly easy as well, but on this engine everything is perfect. The oil filter points straight down and is located right by the oil plan drain plug. It's a breeze compared to my Hondas (but I forgive you, Honda).

Fine Pine Lines

Man-Eating Tree


You've got to watch out for these guys. It's only a matter of time before they switch from signs to people. I, for one, welcome our new pine tree overlords and their pro-swimming stance.

Beech Carving Thoughts


How do other trees feel about beeches' inevitable roles as records of love? Jealous? Relieved?

How do the carvers feel upon encountering their carvings years later? Embarassed? Wistful?

I'll never know the answer to the latter, not having had a serious carving-worthy girlfriend when I was a kid. I pondered this question while showing my wife these pictures. She quite reasonably said that she doubted I would have carved on a tree even if I had a subject of which to carve. Such a carving is considered unacceptable vandalism to a Boy Scout. Reasonable enough, but you have to consider that love makes people do things which they otherwise might not.

Color Along the Shortcut Trail


More from last weekend in Atlanta.

Pine by Pond


That blob on the ground is two people on a blanket.

Poplar Trunk Shadow


Do you see it?

How about now: