Decided to get a 2.5" lift for my FJ Cruiser before heading out west this year. The OME lift is supposed to actually give better on road handling as well as off road, and there is plenty of on road between here and there. :) New Goodyear MTR's with Kevlar sidewalls will give some piece of mind in the back country. New battery in the Chaser trailer, too, so I think I'm about set.

The trip will also be my first real test of the 70-200mm VR II on my D700 and I'm looking forward to trying out that combination and get some 'tighter' landscape shots than I've been able to in the past. Would like to have gotten a 105mm VR macro, too, but the budget wouldn't allow it, but I still have my 60mm macro which is a great lens, I'll just have to get closer to things. Just hope I can afford the gas out and back.

As much moisture as they've had in Death Valley and southern Utah there should be some great flowers by the time I get there - assuming the snow melts where I'll be. Should be able to get some good mountain backgrounds with all the snow pack too. Getting more amped about the trip by the day.