First real trip with the 80.

[apcoleman]

That is such a cool video. Looks like you guys had a lot of fun.

 

[tech_dog]

It's nice to hear you're happy with the terra grapplers. I'm planning on buying 5 next weekend.

 

[Hayes]

May I pm you with some questions regarding expeditoning with a little one?
Buck

Of course.

In general, the things we did differently with kids on board were:

1. More breaks, more frequently.

2. "Kid gear." Toys for the toddler, blankets for the little one to play on, a little booster-seat thing with a tray for the little one to sit in and eat Cheerios, plenty of diapers, bribes (candy) for the toddler (Our trip was over the Easter break. We set up an Easter egg hunt at our camp in the Doll House).

3. Conscious kid-focused attitude. Prepared to go slower, get less accomplished, and generally adapt as needed. Special attention to sunscreen, feeding, watering, and peeing. If you're driving as much as we did, expect any young kids to blow chunks all over the back of your driver's seat.

4. We had lots of backup. Aunts, uncles, and grandpas to help shoulder the kid duties. Camping at Panorama Point (can you say 1,000 foot vertical cliff?) was exhausting--my 3-year old required CONSTANT supervision. Ultimately, the toddler required more energy than the 8-month old.


In my paltry 3-years of experience as a father, I would say that doing anything with kids is a crap-shoot. In my opinion, #3 and #4 are the most important. You just never know when things are going to go south, and you can never predict what will cause a melt-down. Attitude affects everything.

Hayes

 

[Buckru]

Thanks. Is there anything you brought but found to be a waste of space?
I don't know about any of the rest of you, but wife and I have found the tail gate to be a perfect changing table.

Buck

 

[dmc]

Hayes,

Solid video. Looks like you had an excellent time. I'm glad you were able to take the Poison Spring exit out of the park. It's a very remote road and not utitlized very often from what i've gathered by talking to the Hans Flat rangers. To me the grandness and expanse provide a nice contrast to the intimacy of the Dollhouse.
dmc

 

[DaveyBoy]

Thanks. Is there anything you brought but found to be a waste of space?
I don't know about any of the rest of you, but wife and I have found the tail gate to be a perfect changing table.

Tis the perfect changing table with a roof overhead no less!!

4. We had lots of backup. Aunts, uncles, and grandpas to help shoulder the kid duties. Camping at Panorama Point (can you say 1,000 foot vertical cliff?) was exhausting--my 3-year old required CONSTANT supervision. Ultimately, the toddler required more energy than the 8-month old.

The fine line between keeping my 2 safe while fostering their curiosity...
very hard to do.

 

[Hayes]

Thanks. Is there anything you brought but found to be a waste of space?
I don't know about any of the rest of you, but wife and I have found the tail gate to be a perfect changing table.

Buck

Nothing comes to mind except maybe the giant tent--which really didn't take up that much space, it was just a PIA to setup, and it didn't do well at all in the 60mph winds we encountered one night in the Doll House .

The changing table makes a great tailgate too.
The little cubby hole in my cargo box contains diapers, wipes, and hand sanitizer. I even contemplated velcroing one of those contoured changing pads to the tailgate.

Hayes

 

[Hayes]

bump for photos

 

[e9999]

is that rust juice dripping from under the rubber of your rear window?

if so, you know about this issue and the need for prompt action, right?

 

[ashooter]

Hayes,

I just finally watched the video. All I can say is WOW! Looks like a very cool vacation! That's LIVING.

I wish my dad was still around to do stuff like this with me and my two boys.

 

[Hayes]

Thanks ashooter.

Eric,
Yes. My 80 has a bleeding tumor somewhere beneath the back window. Getting that fixed has moved up to the #1 spot on future Land Cruiser expenses.

Hayes