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Update - Maine 
Thanks to all for keeping tabs on the team - they have successfully made it through the first week of the journey, and 100-miles of Wilderness! The past few days have been spent tramping over wet ground, under steady rain and heavy clouds. Our runners, Ben and Rick have met several other thru-hikers nearing the end of their trek, (heading northbound), and are sharing the trail with the local moose, though no direct sightings to date. They expect to reach the first mail-stop in Andover, ME in about a day or so and will soon be crossing the border into New Hampshire. The White Mountains await.Stay tuned for amazing new photos in the days to come. *be well,2175 for ALS / CrewThe time is now. Begin today. GreatOutdoors.com: inspire, equip, connect and GO, 2008-10-27 04:40:54
Thanks to all for keeping tabs on the team - they have successfully made it through the first week of the journey, and 100-miles of Wilderness! The past few days have been spent tramping over wet ground, under steady rain and heavy clouds. Our runners, Ben and Rick have met several other thru-hikers nearing the end of their trek, (heading northbound), and are sharing the trail with the local moose, though no direct sightings to date. They expect to reach the first mail-stop in Andover, ME in about a day or so and will soon be crossing the border into New Hampshire. The White Mountains await.Stay tuned for amazing new photos in the days to come. *be well,2175 for ALS / CrewThe time is now. Begin today. GreatOutdoors.com: inspire, equip, connect and GO, 2008-10-27 04:40:54
Update-Big Day Today
Yesterday, Ben took on the Trail solo, beneath low-hanging rain clouds - while Rick headed into town in the 2175 Crew Vehicle to give his Achilles some time off. Not long after arriving, he met business owners Mark and Cindy Rollins of the Mountain View Motel in Stratton, ME - who offered to donate a room for the night. Since all rooms were filled, however, they directed Rick down the road to Linda and Tom Lemont at the Spillover Motel, who welcomed them both that evening. Having a place to hang your sneakers after 169 miles means a lot ...thanks to both the Rollins and Lemont's for their spontaneous generosity. Speaking of the 2175 Crew Vehicle: Next to Spot GPS tracking, this is the best way to find the Team as they drive through your town. Keep an eye out! Our sponsors at Altrec.com and GreatOutdoors.com provided us with company decals for all four doors, which the Team is very proud to show off as they wind their way through New England. If you haven't already, take a look at some of the gear that Altrec.com has donated to the cause, (our Gear page) - that includes base layers, top layers, shorts, water-proof trail shoes, a jam-packed first aid kit and Clif Bars; the list goes on. 2175 is fueled by their support - and that of our community; please know that your help has made this campaign a reality, and in turn, we hope to make a positive impact on those affected by ALS. Thanks from our Team to yours. Be sure to visit GreatOutdoors.com - were 2175 is profiled among stories of climbers, runners and cyclists exploring the great world around. http://www.greatoutdoors.com/ _________________________ Dispatch from the Field: from Primary Pacer - Rick Cheever Ben got an early start today - 6:15am, earlier than we have ever started; we are improving everyday. He was pumped up for his biggest day ever, 32 miles with 10,000 feet of elevation gain. We estimate it will take him between 13-15 hours. read moreGreatOutdoors.com: inspire, equip, connect and GO, 2008-10-27 04:40:54
Yesterday, Ben took on the Trail solo, beneath low-hanging rain clouds - while Rick headed into town in the 2175 Crew Vehicle to give his Achilles some time off. Not long after arriving, he met business owners Mark and Cindy Rollins of the Mountain View Motel in Stratton, ME - who offered to donate a room for the night. Since all rooms were filled, however, they directed Rick down the road to Linda and Tom Lemont at the Spillover Motel, who welcomed them both that evening. Having a place to hang your sneakers after 169 miles means a lot ...thanks to both the Rollins and Lemont's for their spontaneous generosity. Speaking of the 2175 Crew Vehicle: Next to Spot GPS tracking, this is the best way to find the Team as they drive through your town. Keep an eye out! Our sponsors at Altrec.com and GreatOutdoors.com provided us with company decals for all four doors, which the Team is very proud to show off as they wind their way through New England. If you haven't already, take a look at some of the gear that Altrec.com has donated to the cause, (our Gear page) - that includes base layers, top layers, shorts, water-proof trail shoes, a jam-packed first aid kit and Clif Bars; the list goes on. 2175 is fueled by their support - and that of our community; please know that your help has made this campaign a reality, and in turn, we hope to make a positive impact on those affected by ALS. Thanks from our Team to yours. Be sure to visit GreatOutdoors.com - were 2175 is profiled among stories of climbers, runners and cyclists exploring the great world around. http://www.greatoutdoors.com/ _________________________ Dispatch from the Field: from Primary Pacer - Rick Cheever Ben got an early start today - 6:15am, earlier than we have ever started; we are improving everyday. He was pumped up for his biggest day ever, 32 miles with 10,000 feet of elevation gain. We estimate it will take him between 13-15 hours. read moreGreatOutdoors.com: inspire, equip, connect and GO, 2008-10-27 04:40:54
Edith Kravitz
Good Morning, Everyone. Today’s story is about Edith Kravitz, educator and inspiration. Thank you for teaching us through this story! The article below was originally printed on the ALS Association website as part of the “Stories of Courage” series. To see the article main-page, please click here. __________________________________________________ ALS Doesn’t Stop Art Teacher from Educating and Inspiring By Stephanie Dufner, ALSA Communications Coordinator As a former teacher who taught art to elementary, middle and high school students on Long Island, N.Y., Edith Kravitz has inspired fellow educators and students for many years. She eventually parlayed her creative talents into a successful public relations career as an independent consultant. Her major client was a national educational firm that relied heavily on her services for 13 years. Despite having ALS, Kravitz still utilizes her gifts in teaching and art to educate adults and children about using one’s imagination despite having the disease. A Florida denizen since 1986, Kravitz relocated to the Sunshine State because her husband Dick was offered a new job in St. Petersburg. She holds a bachelor’s degree in art education from Hofstra University and a master’s degree in art education from C.W. Post College, part of Long Island University. read moreGreatOutdoors.com: inspire, equip, connect and GO, 2008-10-27 04:40:54
Good Morning, Everyone. Today’s story is about Edith Kravitz, educator and inspiration. Thank you for teaching us through this story! The article below was originally printed on the ALS Association website as part of the “Stories of Courage” series. To see the article main-page, please click here. __________________________________________________ ALS Doesn’t Stop Art Teacher from Educating and Inspiring By Stephanie Dufner, ALSA Communications Coordinator As a former teacher who taught art to elementary, middle and high school students on Long Island, N.Y., Edith Kravitz has inspired fellow educators and students for many years. She eventually parlayed her creative talents into a successful public relations career as an independent consultant. Her major client was a national educational firm that relied heavily on her services for 13 years. Despite having ALS, Kravitz still utilizes her gifts in teaching and art to educate adults and children about using one’s imagination despite having the disease. A Florida denizen since 1986, Kravitz relocated to the Sunshine State because her husband Dick was offered a new job in St. Petersburg. She holds a bachelor’s degree in art education from Hofstra University and a master’s degree in art education from C.W. Post College, part of Long Island University. read moreGreatOutdoors.com: inspire, equip, connect and GO, 2008-10-27 04:40:54
Update-Through the Lens - Ben Brunt
Hi everybody! Just got home from spending 4 1/2 days with Ben and Rick. Both of them are amazing people and are becoming a well oiled machine. It was an honor to share time with these guys. I look forward to build the friendships that were created out on the trail. Words can't describe how dedicated these two guys are. It is amazing to see someone at mile 24 out of 27 and still have more energy then you, then to see him raring to go in the morning.I'm not always the greatest with words and usually enjoy using my images to communicate for me. Enjoy! I took over 1000 so i am just going to post a few now and will sort through them tomorrow. -Ben Brunt- GreatOutdoors.com: inspire, equip, connect and GO, 2008-10-27 04:40:54
Hi everybody! Just got home from spending 4 1/2 days with Ben and Rick. Both of them are amazing people and are becoming a well oiled machine. It was an honor to share time with these guys. I look forward to build the friendships that were created out on the trail. Words can't describe how dedicated these two guys are. It is amazing to see someone at mile 24 out of 27 and still have more energy then you, then to see him raring to go in the morning.I'm not always the greatest with words and usually enjoy using my images to communicate for me. Enjoy! I took over 1000 so i am just going to post a few now and will sort through them tomorrow. -Ben Brunt- GreatOutdoors.com: inspire, equip, connect and GO, 2008-10-27 04:40:54
Bill Jackson
This is a story written by Lindsey Jackson - her father, Bill, was a major inspiration for this event. This is exactly why we are doing what we are doing... Embrace today,--Ben _________________________________________________Tribute by Lindsey Jackson ALS, what a mystery that not only hurts us, it teaches us, it opens us up and puts us in a position that was never imagined. Most of the American public and world beyond is not very aware of ALS; cancer is an overpowering disease that runs ramped in everyday thoughts and consumes a lot of medical attention. Our efforts today with spreading knowledge of ALS are comforting, but the notion and the cold hearted truth and knowledge of ALS is very far from comforting. If you are diagnosed with ALS you have already began to see the debilitating effects of it on your muscles- that’s the only reason there was a concern in the first place- “hey something’s not right with my body right now”. By this point learning that you on average have 3 to 5 years of life left, and that life is going to go from once running around, working all day on your feet to many stages of digression; you are scared but hoping for a miracle! 3 to 5 years- that’s a long time. So you try nontraditional medical practices, trying to cleanse your body of those toxins that have polluted it so badly that your muscles are now saying “nope I’m not going to work for you, I’m not doing what you want or what you have been used to, I’m just going to slowly stop and go away!” And your mind is perfectly sound- if your mind was a perfectly sound instrument before? read moreGreatOutdoors.com: inspire, equip, connect and GO, 2008-10-27 04:40:54
This is a story written by Lindsey Jackson - her father, Bill, was a major inspiration for this event. This is exactly why we are doing what we are doing... Embrace today,--Ben _________________________________________________Tribute by Lindsey Jackson ALS, what a mystery that not only hurts us, it teaches us, it opens us up and puts us in a position that was never imagined. Most of the American public and world beyond is not very aware of ALS; cancer is an overpowering disease that runs ramped in everyday thoughts and consumes a lot of medical attention. Our efforts today with spreading knowledge of ALS are comforting, but the notion and the cold hearted truth and knowledge of ALS is very far from comforting. If you are diagnosed with ALS you have already began to see the debilitating effects of it on your muscles- that’s the only reason there was a concern in the first place- “hey something’s not right with my body right now”. By this point learning that you on average have 3 to 5 years of life left, and that life is going to go from once running around, working all day on your feet to many stages of digression; you are scared but hoping for a miracle! 3 to 5 years- that’s a long time. So you try nontraditional medical practices, trying to cleanse your body of those toxins that have polluted it so badly that your muscles are now saying “nope I’m not going to work for you, I’m not doing what you want or what you have been used to, I’m just going to slowly stop and go away!” And your mind is perfectly sound- if your mind was a perfectly sound instrument before? read moreGreatOutdoors.com: inspire, equip, connect and GO, 2008-10-27 04:40:54
Update-Out of Maine and Through New Hampshire
Out of Maine and through New Hampshire: Ben was very excited to cross over the Maine/New Hampshire State line. The last 4 days of Maine were very difficult for Ben. His last 4 days consisted of 32, 26, 20, and 31 mile days on a very wet, sloshy, and flooded AT trail. The rain just kept coming. Ben’s days were long, ranging from 14-16 hours a day because of the absolutely flooded terrain. REMARKABLY, Ben’s feet stayed extra dry and blister free despite the flooded terrain and waist deep, icy cold river crossings, thanks to the unbelievably awesome DryMax Trail Running socks provided by Bob and Gus back in sunny Paso Robles, California. Ben was and is continuing to be, “Tough as nails out there” His trail name, Krazy Turtle, suits him perfectly. Finally, on a 31 mile day, we crossed into New Hampshire and met our web guru, Ben Brunt. Ben and Rick quickly gelled together to form the perfect 2 man team. Ben Brunt was able to help crew for Ben Davis for 4 ½ days and The 2175forALS Team grew tremendously as a result of his dedicated work towards our effort in raising awareness for ALS. Ben Brunt designed this wonderful website and he also has taken some of the most creative pictures that we will be posting soon! The next 3 consisted of 22, 26, 27, and today (10/07) 26 miles. On the 22 mile day, Ben and Rick met Ben atop Wildcat Mountain at 4,300 Feet via a very scenic gondola ride up to the top. The views were stunning with distant views of snow. Ben was very happy to see the 2 team members Rick and Ben B. Ben was able to look at the next day’s section, perhaps the most challenging section of the entire AT, The Presidential range, including Mount Washington, the highest mountain on the AT. Rick was able to pace Ben the last 4 miles of his 22 mile journey. The weather was starting to clear up and things were looking up. read moreGreatOutdoors.com: inspire, equip, connect and GO, 2008-10-27 04:40:54
Out of Maine and through New Hampshire: Ben was very excited to cross over the Maine/New Hampshire State line. The last 4 days of Maine were very difficult for Ben. His last 4 days consisted of 32, 26, 20, and 31 mile days on a very wet, sloshy, and flooded AT trail. The rain just kept coming. Ben’s days were long, ranging from 14-16 hours a day because of the absolutely flooded terrain. REMARKABLY, Ben’s feet stayed extra dry and blister free despite the flooded terrain and waist deep, icy cold river crossings, thanks to the unbelievably awesome DryMax Trail Running socks provided by Bob and Gus back in sunny Paso Robles, California. Ben was and is continuing to be, “Tough as nails out there” His trail name, Krazy Turtle, suits him perfectly. Finally, on a 31 mile day, we crossed into New Hampshire and met our web guru, Ben Brunt. Ben and Rick quickly gelled together to form the perfect 2 man team. Ben Brunt was able to help crew for Ben Davis for 4 ½ days and The 2175forALS Team grew tremendously as a result of his dedicated work towards our effort in raising awareness for ALS. Ben Brunt designed this wonderful website and he also has taken some of the most creative pictures that we will be posting soon! The next 3 consisted of 22, 26, 27, and today (10/07) 26 miles. On the 22 mile day, Ben and Rick met Ben atop Wildcat Mountain at 4,300 Feet via a very scenic gondola ride up to the top. The views were stunning with distant views of snow. Ben was very happy to see the 2 team members Rick and Ben B. Ben was able to look at the next day’s section, perhaps the most challenging section of the entire AT, The Presidential range, including Mount Washington, the highest mountain on the AT. Rick was able to pace Ben the last 4 miles of his 22 mile journey. The weather was starting to clear up and things were looking up. read moreGreatOutdoors.com: inspire, equip, connect and GO, 2008-10-27 04:40:54
Dee Chiplock
Oct. 20th: Today, as Ben and Rick makes tracks through New York, we highlight the story of Dee Chiplock. Thank you for the inspiration! This article first appeared on the ALS Association webpage. To view the original article page, please click here. Speaking Up is Second Nature to Michigan Mom with ALS by Gary Wosk, ALSA Staff Writer Speaking up about ALS comes as naturally to Dee Chiplock of Saginaw, Michigan as taking center stage on TV’s “American Idol” and belting out a tune. The cadence and lyrics may vary, but the message spoken by Chiplock is always the same: more needs to be done to find a cure for ALS and improve patient care. Chiplock, the 25th person in her family to contract ALS, and the longest survivor, eschews luxuriating under the sun on some Caribbean or South Pacific island, doing lunch at the Eiffel Tower or taking a majestic Alaskan cruise. Her outspokenness, which has earned her the reputation as “black sheep” of the family, rivals that of the late sportscaster Howard Cossell, who also “told it like it was,” however, her long dormant sense of humor has emerged to balance out the scales. This 40-year-old ALS foot soldier constantly sets her sights on more important destinations such as fulfilling a wish to return to Washington D.C., where she met with key legislators last May during The ALS Association’s National ALS Advocacy Day and Public Policy Conference. It is in this forum that Chiplock sees herself flourishing in as an ALS advocate. She believes her mission is to re-tell her family’s story of ALS — a disease that has come calling on three generations — as many times as possible in order to raise public awareness, and increase the likelihood of funding for research and improved patient services. read moreGreatOutdoors.com: inspire, equip, connect and GO, 2008-10-27 04:40:54
Oct. 20th: Today, as Ben and Rick makes tracks through New York, we highlight the story of Dee Chiplock. Thank you for the inspiration! This article first appeared on the ALS Association webpage. To view the original article page, please click here. Speaking Up is Second Nature to Michigan Mom with ALS by Gary Wosk, ALSA Staff Writer Speaking up about ALS comes as naturally to Dee Chiplock of Saginaw, Michigan as taking center stage on TV’s “American Idol” and belting out a tune. The cadence and lyrics may vary, but the message spoken by Chiplock is always the same: more needs to be done to find a cure for ALS and improve patient care. Chiplock, the 25th person in her family to contract ALS, and the longest survivor, eschews luxuriating under the sun on some Caribbean or South Pacific island, doing lunch at the Eiffel Tower or taking a majestic Alaskan cruise. Her outspokenness, which has earned her the reputation as “black sheep” of the family, rivals that of the late sportscaster Howard Cossell, who also “told it like it was,” however, her long dormant sense of humor has emerged to balance out the scales. This 40-year-old ALS foot soldier constantly sets her sights on more important destinations such as fulfilling a wish to return to Washington D.C., where she met with key legislators last May during The ALS Association’s National ALS Advocacy Day and Public Policy Conference. It is in this forum that Chiplock sees herself flourishing in as an ALS advocate. She believes her mission is to re-tell her family’s story of ALS — a disease that has come calling on three generations — as many times as possible in order to raise public awareness, and increase the likelihood of funding for research and improved patient services. read moreGreatOutdoors.com: inspire, equip, connect and GO, 2008-10-27 04:40:54
Nancy Bucci , Deb, and Rinky visit the boys!
Rick and Ben were so excited to meet Nancy Bucci, Deb, and Rinky at the end of Ben's 32 mile day yesterday. They brought the boys home made soup that tasted "oh so yummy", jalepeno bread, cookies, fresh apples, and much needed money for gas. "We had such a blast hanging out with the girls" The girls were there to cheer Ben on as he finished another epic day. Ben's last 4 days have been unreal. 32, 33, 40, and 32 miles. Ben has kicked it up a notch and seeing these 3 wonderful people at the end of yesterdays 32 mile day was such great inspiration for him to continue on with his journey. Rick and Ben were able to visit with Nancy, who has had ALS since May, and will be participating in a national ALS study that could change the way ALS is treated. Nancy is excited to be a pioneer in ALS research! Such warm people have been involved with this project and we are so thankful for that. Today, Ben heads out to Lee, MA on a 29 mile journey. The boys slept inside of a church last night and are still recieving blessing after blessing. Life is amazing and we are so happy that so many people have gotten involved thus far!The 2175 for ALS crewBe Well GreatOutdoors.com: inspire, equip, connect and GO, 2008-10-27 04:40:54
Rick and Ben were so excited to meet Nancy Bucci, Deb, and Rinky at the end of Ben's 32 mile day yesterday. They brought the boys home made soup that tasted "oh so yummy", jalepeno bread, cookies, fresh apples, and much needed money for gas. "We had such a blast hanging out with the girls" The girls were there to cheer Ben on as he finished another epic day. Ben's last 4 days have been unreal. 32, 33, 40, and 32 miles. Ben has kicked it up a notch and seeing these 3 wonderful people at the end of yesterdays 32 mile day was such great inspiration for him to continue on with his journey. Rick and Ben were able to visit with Nancy, who has had ALS since May, and will be participating in a national ALS study that could change the way ALS is treated. Nancy is excited to be a pioneer in ALS research! Such warm people have been involved with this project and we are so thankful for that. Today, Ben heads out to Lee, MA on a 29 mile journey. The boys slept inside of a church last night and are still recieving blessing after blessing. Life is amazing and we are so happy that so many people have gotten involved thus far!The 2175 for ALS crewBe Well GreatOutdoors.com: inspire, equip, connect and GO, 2008-10-27 04:40:54
Update-Trail Mail # 1: Andover, Maine
10/01/2008 Trail Mail: Andover, Maine Today we picked up the trail mail in Andover, Maine and we were very happy to have received 3 very large boxes from 2 of our wonderful sponsors Altrec.com / GreatOutdoors.com and Blue Ridge Mountain Sports. The boxes were full of valuable rain, hiking, and camping gear. We also received shoes and clothing from The North Face, Patagonia, La Sportiva and Mountain Hard Wear. Last, we received an entire box full of freeze dried food. All of these items were much needed. Ben will be able to stay drier than before with the new rain gear we received. Ben Davis and the entire staff at the 2175forALS Project would like to extend a very gracious “Thank You” to Altrec.com / GreatOutdoors.com and Blue Ridge Mountain Sports. It is because of wonderful sponsors like yourselves that our trek across The Appalachian Trail in order to raise funds and awareness for ALS has been possible. We simply would not be able to be doing this without your support! It only takes a small spark to start a roaring fire. Fine supporters like you are the fuel to our red hot flame now burning passionately for ALS awareness. -Ben Davis and the 2175forALS crew- GreatOutdoors.com: inspire, equip, connect and GO, 2008-10-27 04:40:54
10/01/2008 Trail Mail: Andover, Maine Today we picked up the trail mail in Andover, Maine and we were very happy to have received 3 very large boxes from 2 of our wonderful sponsors Altrec.com / GreatOutdoors.com and Blue Ridge Mountain Sports. The boxes were full of valuable rain, hiking, and camping gear. We also received shoes and clothing from The North Face, Patagonia, La Sportiva and Mountain Hard Wear. Last, we received an entire box full of freeze dried food. All of these items were much needed. Ben will be able to stay drier than before with the new rain gear we received. Ben Davis and the entire staff at the 2175forALS Project would like to extend a very gracious “Thank You” to Altrec.com / GreatOutdoors.com and Blue Ridge Mountain Sports. It is because of wonderful sponsors like yourselves that our trek across The Appalachian Trail in order to raise funds and awareness for ALS has been possible. We simply would not be able to be doing this without your support! It only takes a small spark to start a roaring fire. Fine supporters like you are the fuel to our red hot flame now burning passionately for ALS awareness. -Ben Davis and the 2175forALS crew- GreatOutdoors.com: inspire, equip, connect and GO, 2008-10-27 04:40:54
Rich Brooks
Today, October 21st, we focus on the writer, Rich Brooks and his perspective on living with ALS. Thank you for the food for thought, it will carry us all through the day. This article first appeared in the ALS Association’s “Stories of Courage” series and can be accessed by clicking here. Florida Journalist Parodies Family Life and ALS in Weekly Column By Stephanie Dufner, ALSA Communications Coordinator For more than eight years, Floridians in the Southwest region of the state have enjoyed the blithe humor of columnist Rich Brooks. Brooks, whose column appears each Saturday in the Sarasota Herald-Tribune, often writes about the comical aspects of domestic relations and living with ALS. “The topics that resonate with readers are those about family life and dealing with ALS,” agrees Brooks, a Sunshine State resident for almost 20 years. “I also write about topics that are important to me such as community issues, disability rights and stem cell research.” In one of his more recent pieces, Brooks discussed the Christmas “toys” he received from his family. “I didn’t get any toys of the ‘Pogo Stick’ definition; these toys came from the hardware store,” he writes in his January 7 column. Brooks goes on to illustrate his plans to get his two teenage sons, Noah, 19, a student at the University of Florida and Nathaniel, 15, a freshman in high school, to use these gadgets to trim the weeds around his house, pressure wash the driveway and clean the family van using an industrial-capacity vacuum. read moreGreatOutdoors.com: inspire, equip, connect and GO, 2008-10-27 04:40:54
Today, October 21st, we focus on the writer, Rich Brooks and his perspective on living with ALS. Thank you for the food for thought, it will carry us all through the day. This article first appeared in the ALS Association’s “Stories of Courage” series and can be accessed by clicking here. Florida Journalist Parodies Family Life and ALS in Weekly Column By Stephanie Dufner, ALSA Communications Coordinator For more than eight years, Floridians in the Southwest region of the state have enjoyed the blithe humor of columnist Rich Brooks. Brooks, whose column appears each Saturday in the Sarasota Herald-Tribune, often writes about the comical aspects of domestic relations and living with ALS. “The topics that resonate with readers are those about family life and dealing with ALS,” agrees Brooks, a Sunshine State resident for almost 20 years. “I also write about topics that are important to me such as community issues, disability rights and stem cell research.” In one of his more recent pieces, Brooks discussed the Christmas “toys” he received from his family. “I didn’t get any toys of the ‘Pogo Stick’ definition; these toys came from the hardware store,” he writes in his January 7 column. Brooks goes on to illustrate his plans to get his two teenage sons, Noah, 19, a student at the University of Florida and Nathaniel, 15, a freshman in high school, to use these gadgets to trim the weeds around his house, pressure wash the driveway and clean the family van using an industrial-capacity vacuum. read moreGreatOutdoors.com: inspire, equip, connect and GO, 2008-10-27 04:40:54