Day: April 4, 2026πŸ’Ύ

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Map: Snowy Mountain

The SuperDuty – Purpose over Status

I’ve been spending some time in the cab of my new 2026 SuperDuty lately, just dialing everything in. It’s a work truck, so it’s basic where it counts, but still packed with enough tech to keep things interesting. There’s a certain satisfaction in just sitting there, adjusting the mirrors, and getting a feel for the rig.

Since I drove it home from the dealerβ€”stopping only for a quick hike at Peebles Islandβ€”it’s stayed parked. I’m not in a rush to put pointless miles on it. The fuel economy is about what you’d expect for a heavy-duty truck, and I see no reason to burn $4-a-gallon gas just to hit the supermarket when I can ride my bike. I didn’t buy this to warm the planet on grocery runs; I bought it for the long haul and the real adventures.

Getting this deal done was a grind. I had to use every bit of leverage and industry knowledge I had to make sure I got a heavy-duty truck that should last me the next fifteen years. Between the research and the back-and-forth, I swear I’ve earned a few more gray hairs these past few weeks.

In the end, I got exactly what I was after: a no-frills workhorse with the bones for off-roading and camping. Once the truck cap is on and the solar and batteries are wired up, it’ll be a proper rig. I walked away with the title for under $60k cashβ€”no monthly payments, no high-trim nonsense. Now it’s just fuel, insurance, and maintenance.

I’m damn happy with the choice. This truck isn’t a status symbol; it’s a tool I paid for with years of disciplined saving and investing. I’m going to be deliberate with how I use itβ€”saving the engine for the backcountry, trips to see my folks in the country, or reaching those remote preserves where a bike or a bus won’t cut it.

Untitled [Expires April 18 2026]

Thematic Map: Onondaga County Wetlands
Map: Shelving Rock Road and Dacy Clearing Road

Democrats are Fun Suckers, Republicans are Mean

It was the comedian and sometimes political comenator that once P.J O’Rouke who described the Democratic Party as being a “Bunch of Fun Suckers”. Democrats generally advocate policies that are anti-fun, usually to save small children or the whales. They want new restrictions on what people can do — how fast they can drive, how much they can drink, and even more odiously, what they can drive, or what they can eat.

Donkey

In contrast are the Republicans. Most good Republicans don’t really care what you eat or drive, or how fast you drive, or if you drink and drive. That said, Republicans are what Mario Cuomo once called the “Big Mean”. They are big and mean to people. They’re anti-welfare, and generally against people who are working class folks. They don’t like taxes, especially if they hit the rich, but watch out working folks, as they probably don’t care that much for you either.

Flag on Hang Gliders Cliff

The reality is neither party offers wonderful options. You get to choose between screwed by left or the right. You end up chosing the best of two bad options.

Map: Green Mnt NF Forest Road 74 Camping
Map: Kasoag State Forest