Wow, what fun!

Brian, I know the dealership you're talking about; Saera's uncle is a senior salesman at Gateway Motors. I had my truck towed to Ted Green Ford in Stockbridge. It's one of the original Ford dealers in the state (ask Tim - it LOOKS it) and they're still very popular with locals, so I'm sure they do something right. Except for leaving all the vehicles on the lot unlocked....
I'll try and take a pic of the roller bearings I salvaged soon. Unfortunately we didn't get a pic of the smoke billowing out from under the spindle. Tim, when you find the number of the guy at work with the SS and info on it, send it to me, please.
The hike itself was interesting to say the least, but still rewarding. I still blame my friend from Oklahoma for wimping out when we originally scouted the trail the Saturday before. Seems she wasn't used to hills. We were in front of the uphill part not even a quarter mile from the cabin when she wanted to turn back. Come time for the real hike, and we took the wrong right turn as it got dark. Props to Tim's mom for making sure he packed batteries and lanterns.

After all, how often can you camp on the Appalachian Trail on a dreary rainy night...in a sealed cabin...chatting online on the cell phone....watching Monsters, Inc. on the little TV? That's what's known as luxury in Vermont, I guess. Unfortunately, I'm considering not wheeling the explorer for a WHILE after this incident. Not until I have a completely restored front end (like that's gonna happen) will I want to really take it off-roading. Now I wait for a "double-your-trade-in" deal to pop up. Maybe when the '06 models arrive in 11-1/2 months.