barefootwalk

 It is pretty beaten up but it has been my beating companion for more than 10 years now. It came into my life when I was at a turning point. I can divide my life before having this when I was a business minded, human race, win the game person and after having this when I changed dramatically and I left many things. The second option I had planned that year, was much darker.  I took it to a long adventure. For all these years it was the only living beating gear traveling with me in every adventure. Forests, desserts, sea and mountains. From war zone in the Middle East to the Mediterranean coast in Europe and the Rocky Mountains in America. Hiking unknown places and even mapping unmapped places. Finally it has started to fail. Right now the joystick doesn't work. Interestingly I am at another turning points in my life. I should take a break and think what I am going to do next? But for now this gear needs a graceful retirement as it deserves.

 I had a difficult decision to make. Power is the most important problem in my trips and I was under impression that solar is the best option but I couldn't wrap my head around all the space I need for a decent setup. I don't think anything less than 200w is practical, considering cloudy days or shorter winter days. If you camp for a long time, solar is the best power option but I move and drive a lot. After a lot of research and up and down, I decided to go with a DC to DC charger. I know I can easily use a simple relay and don't spend a lot but I know for experience that any addition to car's electrical system should be taken more seriously. Saving extra $50 doesn't worth screwing around your car's electric system. You can easily put a lot of work load on the alternator and fry it in time. Out of many car problems, the alternator is the only one I don't hesitate to fix. Renege had a big sale so everything was a perfect match and I got my DC to DC charger. ...

 Made a short trip to the Sipsey wilderness and spend an afternoon cooking pizza in a cast iron skillet. It turned out great!