I am a divorced father of two, a son (11), and daughter (9), and we live in Palo Alto, California. I own my own Franchise Consulting business, assisting people purchase the right business for themselves.

I caught MPD upon leaving Yellowstone after our second straight summer of tent camping for two weeks. We love the park, but I lost ten pounds (not an entirely bad thing) hefting gear from the car to camp site to make every meal (due to concerns with the bears, you must leave all food, utensils, stoves etc in the car).

As we were leaving the park, I found myself trailing what appeared to be a new, and beautiful Millennium bus. I had no idea what it was, but I knew then that this was the way to travel.

When I was growing up, one of ten, my parents were avid campers, and ultimately bought a Terry trailer. We went somewhere every other weekend. So, I am rather addicted to touring the country.

Once I got home, I started my research, and found the POG site. I think I know you all very well at this point after having read almost every post here.

I came very close to purchasing Bruce's 0533 back in September/October '08 (hello Bruce). What a great coach, and as you all know, he continues to improve upon a very good thing. However, it was at that time that the market crashed, and along with it my portfolio. So, I have had to put the dream to rest for the moment.

However, I still look for a great opportunity. I tend to like the interior styling/decor of Millenniums, Marathons, and the occasional Country Coach. I look for the following in a coach, purely from an practical living point of view (with two young kids, and possibly a couple of buddies);

• I need at least one pull out sofa, and could probably add another opposite the original as I realize that most coaches do not come with two.

• Also, with regard to kid sleeping accommodations, I do like the "basement" sleeping compartment, but do realize this is rare.

• I like the "booth" arrangement for dining, versus the table w/two chairs.

• I tend to gravitate to the warmer interiors, not the cream or white (as
again, I have two kids, and we all know what that means).

• I need a private toilet, as this will allow unhindered travel from front to back of the coach (again, kids need their privacy...as well as adults).

Jon, I realize that I haven't touched on any technical differences between the converters, but will certainly consider this if and when I find something that gets my attention. In addition, I don't want to start world war three between all of the current coach owning members of POG.

I don't have any "sheepherding" experience, and don't own a plane, but do own a 30 foot Grady White fishing boat. My son is addicted to fishing. We fish in SF Bay, and I love going offshore for albacore tuna, and love to view all of the sea life (whales, dolphins, and the occasional Great White sharks at the Farralon Islands).

I just went out over the 4th of July weekend solo, spent the night 80 miles offshore, caught 14 tuna, saw a pod of 50 dolphins, and also saw a whale fully launch itself straight up and out of the water. It was incredible.

As for the sad "Dooley" song, with the last child in our family of ten, we pleaded with my mom to name the last one "Tom." She agreed, but we had to promise we would never sing the song. To this day, I still don't know all of the words to that song!

Sorry for the long message, but I truly enjoy those of you who regularly post here. It is truly an incredible group, with tremendous knowledge of these magnificent machines.

Tim