Colors of Spring at Washington Park
The tulips can bring so much color to the blog this time of year.
Thursday May 16, 2013 — Washington ParkThe tulips can bring so much color to the blog this time of year.
Thursday May 16, 2013 — Washington ParkAn apple blossom along the trail smelled quite nice.
Sunday May 2, 2021 — Papscanee Island Nature PreserveThat quaint Finger Lakes village just north of National Forest that received 9 inches of rain in less then a half hour during a summer thunderstorm in 2018, leading to cars floating down Main Street.
A small cave located a short distance from the Thompsons Lake Nature Center.
Saturday May 16, 2020 — John Boyd Thacher State Park



My 2026 Ford F-350 Super Duty XL is more than just a pickup; it is my ticket to the kind of wilderness only found at the end of a long, winding dirt road. While others might see a heavy-duty work truck, I see a purpose-built overland rig designed to handle the grit and grime of the backcountry. With its Carbonized Gray paint and a SuperCab layout that provides extra gear storage without the bulk of a full crew cab, my truck is perfectly sized for navigating tight forest trails and rocky outcrops.
The soul of my truck lies in its mechanical readiness for the unknown. Because I have the FX4 and XL Off-Road packages, I have the peace of mind that comes with heavy-duty skid plates protecting my underbelly from trail surprises. When the path gets steep and the dirt turns to deep silt, my 33-inch off-road tires and 3.73 electronic-locking rear axle ensure I am not just spinning my wheels. I have the tactile, old-school reliability of manual locking hubs combined with a 6.8L V8 engine that provides the raw torque needed to haul my entire basecamp up a mountain.
Speaking of basecamp, my truck is essentially a mobile power station for my outdoor life. The dual battery system and high-output 410 Amp alternator mean I can run a 12V fridge, charge my gear, or power auxiliary camp lights without worrying if the truck will start in the morning. When I finally reach that perfect, secluded spot, the LED box lighting makes setting up my camp and unloading my kitchen gear easy, even if I arrive long after sunset. The power sliding rear window lets the mountain air circulate through the cab, and that tailgate step makes it easy to hop in and out of the bed while I am getting organized.
Ultimately, my F-350 is the bridge between the modern world and the wilderness. Inside, I have the comfort of the Medium Dark Slate cloth seats and the convenience of SYNC 4 technology to help me navigate, but the heart of the vehicle is all about durability. Whether I am hauling a heavy load in the camper shell or towing a trailer full of supplies, my truck is built to get me to the places where cell service fades and the adventure actually begins. It is a rugged, reliable tool that ensures that no matter how rough the road gets, I am always the one in control of the journey.
Below are the major features and specifications listed on the window sticker of my truck: