Every once in awhile you need to stay home and tackle the project list.  Late May has been that time for us.  Not to say the “Guilt meter” hasn’t pegged a few times, with decent hiking weather finally arriving and especially NOT riding in the Iron Horse Classic this year.

The good news is numerous projects are completed and it’s almost time to get back outdoors.  As you can see our 30 year old cataraft needed some patching, nothing serious but when you have to pump it back up mid-dayon a river trip, it’s time to find those niggling air leaks.  Two old patches had micro leaks that we never found on the river, and only after lots of soapy water and driveway conditions, did they show themselves.  The Argonaut original will be ready for the Middle Fork on June 26th.

The deck sprinkler system has been installed for the season, we’ve now got WiFi available for the Highlander, teeth have been pulled, the 4Runner has a driver door lock, insurance photos finally made it to a secure undisclosed location, and most importantly the Excel Gear lists have been updated and tweaked.  Oh and we now have a fresh decor in the guest bathroom, which has only been on the list since we purchased the condo.  That project alone took a week and tools I haven’t used in ages.

All the while we’ve been knocking off projects, the HOA has been tearing up our parking lot to install the “heated” driveway section, which will keep the new Colorado arrivals from experiencing ice on their way to the trash and recycles.  This extremely expensive upgrade is schedule to take 3 months and we are now 30 days into the project with the sound of heavy equipment beeping backwards and rumbling with various compactors.  Access across the great rubble divide has been challenging not to mention playing the urban city parking roulette on the street.  In case you’re wondering that’s 2″ Blue Board insulation placed 8″ below grade so that our new “in-driveway” heating will work as promised.

And just because it doesn’t fit anywhere else, I’ve included my latest MYOG* project for the ultralight gear list.  At 1.15 ounces total, these blue foam camp sandals weigh less than a pair of Smart Wool socks.  Sure hope they work as advertised!

*Make your own Gear