Month: May 2011

Is the Compass really a Jeep, thing?

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When Jeep introduced the Compass for the 2007 model year; I instantly thought (and still think) that it was one of the best names ever given to a vehicle with adventurous aspirations – something Jeep vehicles have always represented. However; the Compass didn’t quite live up to its Jeep heritage, or its own name for that matter. When Jeep announced that Compass would receive an update for 2011; I wasn’t expecting more than a minor appearance refresh.  I simply didn’t think that Chrysler would invest a lot of money, time, and energy to significantly update a vehicle that they have already announced will be replaced in a few short years.  I was wrong about that, and thankfully so.

Photo: Courtesy of Chrysler

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Alaskan Initiation

I always liked the idea of traveling the world…
but never had the motivation to really look into how a person would go about doing such a thing. It seemed cool to say: I’d like to backpack through a foreign country – yet I hadn’t bought a pack, or even as much as a travel guide. The opportunity to visit Alaska fell in my lap; and without any research, or much planning – I opened a new chapter in my life, and was bitten by the proverbial ‘travel bug.’

yes, there are rain forests in Alaska – and yes, I left a bit thinner :)

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‘the fastest production Jeep ever built’

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When I think about Jeep, it’s rarely about speed (well, speeds over 5mph at least.) Most Jeep enthusiasts modify their vehicles to go slower, not faster.  Think rock climbing, not 100 meter dash…

That mentality changed a bit in 2005 when Jeep debuted the Grand Cherokee SRT8. Despite its lack of low range 4WD, its lower profile, and its obvious on road racing ambitions – it was hard for (even the most devout) Jeep enthusiasts to speak ill of the tricked out Super Jeep.  When the newly redesigned 2011 WK2 Grand Cherokees started selling well in 2010… rumors and spy shots of the assumed SRT version started to surface.  We finally got an official glimpse of the very much desired 2012 Grand Cherokee SRT8 last week in New York…

Photo: Courtesy of Chrysler

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Half Dome II – a review

Sleeping outside is like sleeping in a 5 million star hotel – granted you have a good tent (and a clear night of course.)

I headed to REI a few weeks ago after receiving my 2010 dividend and a sweet 20% off any item coupon. I had no idea what I was going to buy… but knew I would find something awesome in that store, as I usually do. Continue reading →