derekraines

I love jeeps. I have a 2000 Grand Cherokee that still looks & runs like new. Last year I bought a ‘75 CJ5 that I was going to attempt to restore. I stripped it completely to the frame, sanded and rust-proofed the frame, and then realized I had gotten myself in way over my head and dropped the project. I should have done my research first – Jeeps before 76 are nearly impossible to find aftermarket parts for. I also did not think about the total investment of time & money involved in doing the kind of restoration I was dreaming about. This time around I think I’ll buy one that is in better condition and does not require a total frame-off restore, because I’ve now realized that’s way beyond my abilities at the present time.

Just completed a hike to Bridge Mountain in Red Rock Canyon this last weekend. It was an awesome hike. Drove up Rocky Gap Road in my Jeep, took about an hour, and started the hike around 10:30 am. We got back to the car around 5:30 or so. I really want to do this hike again. It was pretty challenging and there were a few technical spots that got my adrenaline pumping. Got some really nice pictures from it too. Need to decide what hike I’m going to do this weekend.

I just got the Pimsleur Spanish 1 language lessons and so far I’ve completed 2 sessions. I’m already really enjoying this method of learning a language. I’ve taken French language lessons in school and feel that the method of listening/talking (rather than trying to learn to read & write at the same time) is much better. After all, we learn to speak English before we can write it, it only seems natural to learn other languages that way. I’ll do 30 minutes per day, and should have the 1st course completed in a month. Then I can move on to levels 2 & 3. I want to travel throughout South America so learning Spanish is pretty much a requirement in order to make that happen. After I’m done with the Pimsleur courses I may consider doing an immersion course like some other 43things members have mentioned doing.