SteveKeys.info

Got my first chance to attend Movies in the Park at Friendship Park in Bethlehem.  Tonight’s movie was “Where the Wild Things Are”. I arrived about 8:15 pm and had no problem finding a cozy spot under a tree to spread my blanket even through their was already quiet a crowd. Prior to the movie they had pre-show festivities for the kids. There is also, a concession stand where you can buy hot dogs, popcorn, and soda. All movies begin at twilight but, I recommended you come early to get a good spot and meet your neighbors. I had to leave early because of work tomorrow but I will certainly do this again! By the way… did I mention that the movies are free? Here is a list of the dates and times of the next shows.

7/17/2010
8:30 pm
Planet 51
4th Avenue & W. Market Street, Bethlehem, PA (Fairview Park)

7/24/2010
8:30 pm
“9″
8th Ave & Union Blvd, Bethlehem, PA (Rose Garden)

8/7/2010
8:30 pm
Son of Rambow
E. North & Penn Streets, Bethlehem, PA (Friendship Park)

8/14/2010
8:30 pm
Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs
4th Avenue & W. Market Street, Bethlehem, PA (Fairview Park)

8/21/2010
8:30 pm
Coraline
8th Ave & Union Blvd, Bethlehem, PA (Rose Garden)

These are some of the pictures I took of  our first bicycling ride to New Jersey. Debbie and I were going to have breakfast at Cafe Verde and came upon this huge stairway called the Bullman Street Stairway. This at one time was a major thoroughfare for the residents of  Phillipsburg, NJ. I doubt that this get much use anymore. Of course Debbie had to climb them and looking back I wish I had joined her. Breakfast at Cafe Verde was great.

My 4th of July started off with an 18 mile ride following my daughter Debbie while she ran on the Ironton Trail. My job is simple. I carry her water and energy bars and give them to her when she request. She did the entire 18 miles in 98 degree weather without stopping in about 3 hours. I think that’s great considering I would have been dead in the first 5 miles. Next week she will be tying for 20 miles. That evening my wife made taco’s for dinner which my kids couldn’t resist making plenty of jokes about considering it was the 4 of July. It was great to have the entire family together again which doesn’t happen often. After dinner Debbie, Ethan and I rode to Sand Island to watch the fireworks. When we arrived there were people going around handing out free Rocket Pops. How nice is that! The firework show was not like New York City’s but it was still nice. Afterward, it was off to Heavenly Hedgehog for some ice cream. Had a good time an I was so glad Ethan came along! : )

I purchased the ALPS Mountaineering Mystique 1.0 (a.k.a.) Triton 1.0. Tent and Footprint from the REI-Outlet. I paid $71.93 for the tent, $11.93 for the footprint, and tax $5.04 for a total of  $88.90.

The following was obtain from the ALPS Mountaineering website.

Features:
• Lightweight 2 Pole Design with 7000 Series Aluminum Poles
• 75D 185T Polyester Fly resists UV damage and stays taut
• Factory Sealed Fly & Floor Seams give best weather protection
• 75D 185T Taffeta Floor with 2000mm coating
• Extra Large #8 Zippers on Door and Vestibule
• Single Door Design minimizes weight
• Great Ventilation with large areas of mesh & Adjustable Fly Vent
• Weatherproof Fly provides a Vestibule over the Door

Materials:
• Fly: 75D, 185T, Poly Taffeta, 1500mm Multi-pass Urethane coating
• Floor: 75D, 185T, Poly Taffeta, 2000mm Multi-pass Urethane coating
• Walls: 75D, 185T, Poly Taffeta
• Mesh: Nylon No See-um Mesh, 40D
• Frame: 7.9 mm & 8.5 mm 7000 Series Aluminum Poles

Specs:
Base Size: 3’6 x7’10
Center Height: 3’
Vestibule Depth: 15″
Tent Area: 21 sq. ft.
Vestibule Area: 4 sq. ft.
Tent and Fly Weight: 3 lb. 6 oz.
Total Weight: 3 lb. 11 oz.
Packed Size: 6″ x 16″
Pole Diameter: 7.9 mm & 8.5 mm
Color: Sage & Rust
Style: Two-pole Non-Freestanding
Use Rating: 3 Season
Sleeps: One

Included:
Rain fly, 7000 Series Aluminum Poles, Pole Bag, Stake Bag, 6061 Aluminum Stakes, Guy Rope, Repair Swatches, Mesh Storage Pockets, and Tent Bag with Drawstring

My first impression

I plan to use this tent on overnight cycling trips so, I was eager to weigh the total packed weight of the tent and footprint. The packed weight of the tent was 3lbs 8.9oz and the footprint was 6.3oz for a total of 3lbs 15.3oz (see fig. 1). In my first attempt it took me only 5 mins. to set this tent up. I love the large mesh sides that will keep the bugs out while giving me great ventilation.  There are also two small pockets in the tent to keep small items in. I even noticed a small loop just inside the door that I can hang a light from so that I can read at night. A weatherproof fly provides a vestibule over the door but, I found this really kinda useless because its really only large enough to keep your shoes in before you step into the tent.

I Like

1. Lite Weight
2. Very Roomy
3. Great Ventilation
4. Well Made
5. Easy to Setup

Needs Improvement

1. Should have a side door not a front door.
2. Larger vestibule

Overall I think this was a great buy and I look forward to testing it out in the real world. I will keep you up to date.

Debbie was nominated by Camelot for Children and has been selected by the Volunteer Center of the Lehigh Valley for the “Someone Special” Award.

Camelot for Children, Inc. is a non-profit organization that provides a social gathering place to seriously, chronically, terminally ill and disabled children.

We are so proud of our daughter.

Starting the fall semester of 2010, Debbie will attend Misericordia University.