Katman1356...Jason

While reading Jason's excellent Disney Fantays trip report,
No you didn't! :)

Sure, rub it in!  Ha....I fixed the orig post. 

This was a first cruise for me and Sil. I was trying to pay close attention to things so I could intelligently answer any of my clients questions after.
I hope you have a great cruise. Feel free to ask questions. If I don't know we have plenty of Fiends resources to get an answer and I might need to know someday too.

They do look good.  I've changed my mine, grinders can go on the list of to do food.

Wow, you finally get started on the report and the only picture you post is of the EWP.  You are really trying to tick off Lou, aren't you?  :rofl2:

It's on my fridge holding up pictures as I don't own a vehicle and I will not share with my wife. 

We've been to the Luau several times.  The main course is grilled chicken. Some of the food is similar to Ohanna.  Our first time we went, the show was a traditional Luau.  Now, it is a "story" either about a young girl leaving for college and being nervous and reminders that she should remember Ohana, OR the young girl is coming home from college on the Mainland and has forgotten her Polynesian culture and Ohanna and they have to encourage her to remember where she came from.
 
They also have folks come up for birthdays, anniversaries, honeymoons, and do a dance, and they have the traditional Polynesian dancers woven throughout the story.

Well, being the first Fiend to camp on the moon is a big deal!

I'm so happy you got the chance for a do-over! 
 
And judging by the menu of that diner....you must have been real close to Mo. 

Some of you will remember that Matt and I went on a hike last August to get used to backpacking in all the gear we would need for an overnight stay in the wilderness.  Matt is in Boy Scouts and I have had the pleasure of getting to learn a lot by hanging out with these guys and Matt.
 
Well, last years trip was a learning experience where we discovered that a comfortable pack was important.  The pack he was carrying did not fit right and he was uncomfortable shortly after we started.  On that trip we did get to the shelter, put on a lot of miles on the trail and overnighted in a really nice place.  BUT…, we never made the summit.
 
Two weeks later we returned to the area with the Boy Scout troop and climbed the same mountain (not a very challenging mountain either).  Matt was still not a happy camper after the prior attempt and stayed near the base working on orienteering skills with another group while I went with the rest of the kids and other adults to climb to the summit.  We made a rookie mistake of not verifying that each kid had enough water for the hike. Lesson to other adults out there, simply asking the kids if they have enough water is not enough.  Two of the kids that were in our group only had one small water bottle with them on a hot sunny day, and we had to turn around at about half a mile from the summit because the group was running low on water. 
 
So, over the winter we were complaining about our failures and decided we would have to give this a third try.  Matt is now a year older and growing like a weed.  One of his friends in the troop and his Dad (both were on the second attempt to summit) and the troop leader agreed that this would have to be planned.  So, starting in mid-February, we all put together our calendars and lined up a date to get the job done.
 
Our plan was to take the Piper Trail up to Penacook Shelter again, just a three mile hike, and set up camp mid day.  Then we would take off for the summit with just water and maybe a few other items and finish the last 1.5 miles without the 30 pounds on our backs.
 
We started from central MA at 7:00 on Sunday morning for the three hour drive up to the parking lot.  The weather was great on the way up and we were really stoked for this trip.  Matt and I had picked up two more modern packs through the scout shop last year during a fantastic clearance sale that our local scout outfitter told us about (two customizable Osprey packs that can be adjusted to different sizes over the years for less than a cost of a single pack at the local outfitters).
 
Some signs at the trail head:
 

 

 
Think the Fort will ever go to self service pay stations?  In case you are wondering, they do check and anyone who does not pay will get a hefty ticket or towed out of the parking lot.
 

 
As you can probably tell, the weather was great.  Temperatures in the high 70’s, partly cloudy with a little bit of a breeze.  After having three weeks of 90+ degree humid days, we were enjoying this change.  The trail starts out fairly well maintained with a gradual incline for the first mile or so.
 

 
We cross over brooks several times or near them on the climb.  Another reason why this hike is good for the first few pack trips – if you bring a filter you don’t need to carry a lot of water to drink.
 

 
 
And then we start to climb, gradually at first:
 

 
And then the real dreaded switchbacks as the trail gets steeper:
 

 

 
 
And higher we go, like stair climbing on rocks:
 
 

 
 
At last we reach the 3.1 mile mark where the junction to the spur trail takes off toward the shelter.  That is such a welcome relief to know we can drop 30 pounds at the shelter and finish with nothing but a water bottle!
 

 
But they don’t give up the shelter that easily, you have about a half mile scramble over little used or maintained trail to get there:
 

 
following little signs like the yellow paint on the tree (above photo) or small signs like this which are hard to notice if you aren’t looking for them:
 

 
Matt knows we are close, and is a lot happier on this trip:
 

 
Finally we get a break and take some time to eat lunch:
 

 
 
It was about this time that we notice clouds beginning to roll in, so we decide to head for the summit.  The radar (this side of the mountain also has spotty cell phone coverage and we could check the radar on our phones) shows some good rain heading east, but near the border of NH and VT, so we feel confident we can make it in time.
 
A pause along the ridge headed to the summit:
 

 
Then the clouds really roll in.  Matt pretending to be the character on the advertisement for the video game “Assassin’s Creed”:
 

 
 
And finally we find the highest point while wandering around in the clouds.  Sort of creepy but cool to have “fog” rolling around and partially obscuring your line of sight.  The peak of Chocorua seems very steep and very unusual for northeast mountains which tend to be round tops or not so steep.
 

 
Then we headed back down to start dinner before the rains come.  I grabbed a few more shots along the trails that run the ridge between Middle Sister Mountain and Chocorua:
 

 
I didn’t get any photos of dinner, but it was another one pot meal cooked over the alcohol stove followed by granola bars for desert hunkered down in the shelter while the rains pounded the metal roof.  One of the adults also brought out a surprise flask so that the adults could have a small celebratory toast of Jameson!  That hit the spot.  An added bonus of sleeping on a wood floor with very thin sleeping pads – the kids said none of us really snored that bad!  We typically snore so bad that the trees shake, but not this night!
 
It rained hard all night but we stayed dry in the shelter.  We had draped our rain fly tarps over the entrance to keep the blowing mist out and we were very comfortable.  I woke in time for sunrise the next morning and grabbed this shot while waiting for the coffee:
 

 
and the shelter:
 
 

 
Coffee above the clouds – can you smell the aroma?  Wish you were there?  I do.
 

 
 
We finished breakfast, grabbed our gear and some extra trash others left at the shelter and off we went to the base.
 

 
We always find a great local spot along the trip home to tank up after our camping trips and we stopped at a 50’s style diner for a brunch at noon. 
 

 
And what would a trip report be without pood forn?  Useless in my mind, so here is the long awaited obligatory shot of Matt’s small little nosh called the Cadillac special.  He finished.  I paid J
 

 
It’s not a fort trip, but I needed to prove we could summit that mountain.  Now we can choose our next peak adventure and climb even higher and gain more experience.
 
 
 
 

That looks good, but I thought based on the headline that there was a new "beach themed" bar opening at the Beach Club.  I was expecting rum drinks, not dessert. 

We are currentlt booked to stay at All Star Sports less than a week after the refurb is scheduled to be completed. We will be sure to take pics.

Disney has also released an up to 30% Room Only Discount. 

Save up to 30% on stays at select Disney Resort hotels, valid for stays most nights:
September 29 through November 9, 2013—book by September 15, 2013
November 10 through November 22, 2013* and November 30 through December 23, 2013—book by November 3, 2013

This can be combined with Tickets to make a package but if you want Tickets and Dining the Free Dining Option is probably the one that will work best for you.

Sadly this does not include the Campsites at Fort Wilderness but it can be used at the Cabins at Fort Wilderness.
 
If you are interested in a No Obligation Quote just send me a message or contact me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/JasonWithMouseCounselors
 

I bet the water beneath them doesn't look like it does in Dave's Bora Bora pic.

Right.
 
Same with Grand Floridian, Boardwalk, Animal Kingdom Lodge, etc. 
 
We at the Fort are spoiled that we get to park right at our "room."
 
TCD

If it is done tastefully, I don't see why a pup and a MH can't coincide on a pad.  However, I do realize there is a FL law on the books that has been decided now to be enforced on property.  This is fine and if needed, I will gladly pay for the extra site.  However, as mentioned, the prices at the Fort have become WAY out of line on the whole and as long as there is a rule of 10 people per site, people will try to find a way to use that to help them save a couple of pennies here and there.  Personally, I bought a pup after we had a MH (we started out with a pup and worked our way to the MH) because our son is outgrowing the space we have for him in the MH.  We don't plan on getting another MH, so the pup seemed like a good idea at the time.  We got a good deal on one, put a little money into it and now it is a fine addition to our "fleet."  It actually works out for us now because we are farther away from the Fort and if diesel is too expensive, we drive down and pick up the pup from storage and use it instead of the MH and use the MH for local trips.  I guess it is all in how you see it really.  We took a "negative" in the Fort now enforcing the FL law and turned it into a positive.  I wouldn't sell the pup for the world.  It really has come in handy and I will be more than happy to pay for that extra site if needed in the future for extra family and friends to stay, just because it is camping and fellowship and not staying in a hotel with people yelling and screaming up and down the halls.

So I posted on this thread and now I'm getting ads for the Mafia Museum. 

Why not?  Vegas has a monorail too.  Do you think you drive it with a lever?

Feel free to share my pictures with them and let them know I highly recommend it. :)

I must be having a really good week. That's the second time a woman has said I was correct. LOL

Your all weirdos. Everyone knows they are grinders. :D

Well, if thinking used:
 
Purchasing a Used Pop-Up-Camper
 
Pricing for specific makes and models are different for different areas of the country One good source for pricing information is the NADA Guides.
As to the rest, just make sure that you go through the camper, part by part.  You should set it up and take it down whole drill - from start to finish with the owner BUT make sure that you do it with them.
Inspect roof for any damage or abrasions Check latches and seal for proper seating (recheck this when you close it back) Make sure the lift system is in order and works correctly - let them show you how it cranks and you do it to see how it feels and works. That the door works and sets correctly The bunks and slide out pull out smoothly and watch how it sets up and poles to bunks set-up and attach. Have them show you how to set-up the awning as well Let them show you how to turn on and off the propane and look at the hoses making sure that they look in good shape. (You may find this easier to do before pulling out the bunks) Once the stabilizers are down, go inside, have them set-up the galley and have them hook-up to water (if possible) and check the sink, look under sink for visible leaks and inspect the hoses - bring a flashlight for this. Have him run the stove and refrigerator (on gas you should be able to feel that the inside of fridge is cooling off) Look inside for any visible signs of patching on canvas material, test all zippers, flip cushions to look for tears, rips or faulty zippers. Check curtains for water spots and rips. Look up at roof interior for any signs of water marks or damage. Open drawers and cabinets for any sign of runner/latch problems and observe storage space needs for your family Run all interior lights and A/C and ceiling vents Have them light the furnace and show you how it works as well as the hot water heater. Check around the shower floor for leaks and have them show you how the cassette toilet works as well as the shower and its set-up Walk the whole floor checking for soft spots (wood rot). Have them show you how to hook-up and run the outside stove (if applicable) Have them show you where the fresh water holding tank is and the water pump. Have them show you where the fuses are located. If all is in order, go back outside and have them show you all the outside utility hook-ups and electric cord and the battery set-up.
Walk out the whole exterior for signs of side wall damage or any visible damage to the canvas/vinyl or how it attaches to camper. 
Then slowly start the process for closing the camper and watch them as you help them close the camper. Make sure that it closes smoothly, and that the top is tight to the body and latches without too much effort.
Assuming that you have a hitch for your tow vehicle - attach it to your camper and test the lights and turn signals. 
If you have grease pencil, mark where the bottom of the tire is (on the sidewall)  Pull forward and look at the tires all the way around for any signs of irregular wear or problems.  Ask them how long the camper has been sitting.  Tires that are exposed to the sun (UV rays) begin to break down quickly and become dangerous.  Be wary of the spot you marked where the tire contacted the ground and look for any signs of a "flat spot".  If in doubt about the tires, assume you will need to replace them and adjust your price accordingly.
Have them show you the manual and all paperwork for the appliances so if you do decide to purchase you will know up front if they have the information on the camper.
Inquire if they have made any warranty repairs or if they have ever had the wheel bearings repacked.  The bearings should be repacked once a year and you may need to have it done immediately upon purchase based on the age of the camper.
 
OK, I admit I'm copying off my web site

Your choice was between meeting a bunch of rare, obscure characters, or going to Ohana to stuff yourself with a bunch of meat on skewers? 
 
Good call.