Belated hello... and a vehicle-choice conundrum.

[rruff]

As far as seeing stuff at night... one of the most memorable hikes I ever had was at night --
watching elk, and getting closer to them than I could've done in the daytime.
I had a flashlight, but didn't need it... because the moon was bright.

I love taking walks at night; never bring a flashlight. Starlight is enough to make out a trail, if there isn't dense forest. I can't see very well of course, but there are very few dangerous animals.

Elk can be dangerous though! I was charged by a female in town, and my wife was too on a separate occasion. Getting charged by a bull would be a whole nother level of exciting! I'd be careful about sneaking up on them.

 

[VanFan]

Afblangley makes some good points above. The driver's side mirror adjustment failed recently while driving through some wind driven torrential rain on a busy interstate (not something we often do). Having the windows to help with visibility was a good thing!

Our van is a '96 (OBDII, babies, LOL) Chevy Express 1500 low top, upfitted back in the day for luxury travel. I paid around $3K for it in 2007. The finished interior has actually been a big plus for us, too. Chief among our favorite features are the nine-way adjustable seats and the windows (views, ventilation and tons of cupholders). The upgraded exterior paint job has held up well, too. I agree that the rear a/c can be nice, but it does complicate adding roof vents or a roof top a/c unit--neither of which we have.

My husband is tall, and I don't know how he manages with the low clearance, but he says more would be nice, but it really doesn't bother him.