Re: [Paddlewise] vehicle for sea kayakers

Hi Dave,

On Tuesday, May 24, 2005, at 7:29:57 AM PST, you wrote:

> In your opinion, what is the best all-around vehicle for sea
> kayakers.

I'm currently driving a very old Subaru GL wagon (1987), and though it
is old, it's in good shape, gets between 25-30 miles to the gallon
(could be better, but that's not too terrible), and can carry up to
three boats w/gear. Even my one piece Greenland Paddles fit nicely
inside. One of the things I also like about this car is its ground
clearance; it's higher than most wagons of similar size I've seen, and
this has come in handy on a few rough mountain roads and in the snow.

My trusty old Subaru may need replacing by next summer (it's already
got a little more than 200,000 miles on it), and I'm beginning to
wonder at the wisdom of continuing to replace more parts again soon
rather than looking for something with more years in it, and perhaps
something with even better fuel efficiency (I wish there were a hybrid
Subaru GL wagon!). Even so, if this car is any indication of the
overall quality and longevity of Subarus, I'll be looking for another
used (yet younger) Subaru for my next car.

I'm still leaning in the direction of a wagon rather than an SUV type
car or a full blown truck, because I would still want something with
decent fuel efficiency, and I just don't need anything bigger. I drive
on some rough roads now and again, but I never drive off-road (just
don't like the idea of messing up a place that doesn't already have a
road), so I don't need anything capable of plowing its way through
pristine wilderness. No Hummer for me! :-)

-- 
Melissa
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