So the last few years have been rough.
*note* if you're a "cheaters will always be cheaters type" tldr is don't bother reading or commenting
BACKSTORY 2019-2023 child nearly annual broken bones, lots of stress and specialist visits.
2018-2024 my wife got her associates as a medical assistant and is almost done with her bachelor's and final quarter internship while working full time and that has been hard for me. The lack of time for me and my son has really made an impact.
2019 I was injured at work and 2020 had my first surgery to try and preserve an ankle joint. That surgery ended up failing and while recovering I ended up mangling 2 fingertips in a wood jointer. 2020 I had to make the transition to a sahd on workers comp and have been since then. My lifestyle of hiking and fishing was upended because I could barely be on my feet 3 hours a day and uneven ground killed me not to mention the whole covid thing was pretty isolating.
All of 2021 was supporting her being a surrogate for a couple in City X (their egg/sperm). So, lots of trips checks and giving her injections. It was kind of proving myself to her because I was terrified when our son was born in 2017 and didn't help as much as I should have. Especially the first 3 months. Really, I didn't find out until later. We had conversations and fights at the time and id step up to do more and she would agree and tell me it was all okay. Then another fight saying I wasn't doing enough/anything and asking more and me being upset and confused. I guess at the time she was afraid to ask more, or tell me what she wanted, or her feelings, and the postpartum depression and initial feelings of abandonment didn't help.
Anyways the surrogacy went okay. I was there and supportive. Rubbing her feet and back. taking on extra load when she was tired etc. And hey I didn't pass out at delivery this time XD The end was a bit hard with 2 inductions needed and a massive 9.5lb baby and a stuck shoulder.
Then a few weeks after birth in November 2021 the nightmare began.
Out of nowhere she started hemorrhaging. She had to have an emergency D&C to stop the bleeding and scans showed a mass. Turned out the surrogate baby's placenta had some cells turn cancerous and attach to her uterus (Choriocarcinoma). 3 months later and the first 3 agent chemo failed, and her numbers were skyrocketing because it turned treatment resistant. They had to hit it with 5 types of chemo (EMACO) leaving future fertility a coin toss but more than a hysterectomy. By May 2022 the tumor marker was gone, but it was 6 months of intense monitoring and 6 months of monthly monitoring. The whole time she was in an intense spiraling depression questioning life. The meaning of all it, and how all her childhood trauma was fair. That no god would let a child live that. And questioning every decision in her life and wondering what things could have been like if she went a different direction. Feeling like she missed out on opportunities early in life. If this might be all there is (we have been together since she was 17). She said she felt like reality wasn't real and this was make believe at times.
Summer 2022 she made a new mom friend. She was pretty toxic and selfish. She used my wife for personal benefit and to go places. Yelled at her kids and treated the oldest from a prior marriage as less than (girl doesn't know her dad and when she mentioned she was part Mexican she freaked out and denied it because of how conservative and anti Mexican her new dad and his family is). Like never offered a dime, but expected food, gas, tickets, and gifts. She drove my wife nuts with that behavior. but she was desperate for a friend and loved her kids. Her friend would just talk shit about her partner pretty constantly and say my wife should be unhappy in her relationship too. Shit talking husbands behind their backs became like a mutual thing and I def hated it
Sometime 2023 she jumped into fantasy romance and fantasy smut /erotica. This progressed to an AI chat smut generator.
May 2023 monitoring was over and she was officially cancer free and had been on a health/mental health quest..
The mental health part started early in the year and she was seeing a therapist for depression and anxiety alone as well as her long list of childhood trauma. Off hand her therapist told her a few times she didn't know maybe just divorce me or something. I was super uncomfortable with this as it was completely outside her practicing scope and I didn't feel she should be providing relationship guidance, especially without me or the rest of the story. I felt a bit attacked and didn't even get the chance to give my perspective or account and felt that is pretty important after being here for a decade. A lot of negative points get omitted by her.
Summer 2023 she had some tough diagnosis for other chronic issues. Narcolepsy Dissociative Identity disorder Depression And a sleep disorder
I initially rejected this as I didn't want to accept these chronic and incurable conditions and insisted it has to be something else, that she's okay. It was taken as rejection of her.
Fall 2023 she reached out to a childhood ex bf a few states away and started an emotional affair. They kept in infrequent contact over the years and nothing ever came of it before. He has been unable to move past her or have meaningful relationships in 13 years. At first he pushed her away and rejected it, but after a month by Nov it was a thing. Texting saying I shouldn't worried because they dated before, but he ended up coming out as gay, calls in private, staying later after work. I gave it the benefit of the doubt but got burned. I found out in December the second time she wanted a private call in the car, and I checked her phone.
We started marriage counseling in Jan and I started my own therapy search as well as a condition of hers. She agreed to no longer contact the boy showed me the sent message ending it and blocked him. By Feb I found him listed in her phone as Saraa and found deleted texts and calls. In therapy she wanted to keep him as a friend and only friend and I tried this. She asked if a PO box would be okay for a birthday present, and I said no. That it crossed a line. It was also super close to Valentine's day. Next therapy I couldn't handle the anxiety and feeling physically ill when she used her phone, and we went through Jan again break off block etc.
In Feb the therapist recommended a separate space for conflict as we work on things. That too much conflict triggered her dissociative identity disorder. It was either a hotel as needed or a rv/camper. My wife was set on a camper and the only way to get a newer one was to add my credit/income to hers for a loan and I was uncomfortable on a $20k purchase. She assured me the intent of the camper was working on us and not separating/divorcing. She brought up me not having chores completely done all the time and I poured myself into it if that was making her unhappy over the years.
During this time in March I found out she got the secret PO box and had yet again resumed texting entirely deleting her logs. She had valentines gifts. birthday gifts, long distance electronic bracelets, and had an easter basket coming. Everything was put together into a box to be gotten rid of. That effort I had for chores and making everything spotless kind of died. Like there was that recognition that that obviously wasn't the problem. We lived completely separately for a few weeks until she could make a choice. We split our son and had almost zero interaction. Eventually she chose and I saw a notebook she used once in December. Basically she has started outlining a story envisioning herself as the lead character in once of her romantic fantasies and cast me and the other man as competing love interests
April and early may there was nothing. We did therapy and tackled our issues slowly. Together. Our future plans: college vs baby and the ticking clock of fertility and ifs after chemo. Etc
Last week she was going out for lilac picking and didn't text me for 2 hours and said she was at the beach. Later she showed me something in her email and I saw discord emails about a pw change and login. One bad gut feeling later and the next morning I see she deleted the discord emails and check our phone plan and her phone and see missing texts. I put in a phone record request for recent texts and text/call logs. She woke up and I said it did it and she said I was disgusting. Then admitted I was right.
She says after breaking it off she was worried he would hurt himself and just wanted to be sure he was okay and admitted to 3 texts and the discord call which i verified. Said that he was in therapy for his issues. She said she didn't want to bring it up to me because I would make it a fight and she thought she could just get away with a few texts to make sure. That she felt responsible for how much he had been hurt too.
So I did what I do with extreme anxiety and checked her work bag. I found an old journal they shared Jan to mid-march. Kind of confirmed again what was going on. Also revealed she lied to me about the trailer, or him? She couldn't get it without me and told him it was to work on separating from me easier. Yeah I kept pics in case this goes downhill because yeah, I'll gun for EVERYTHING. I'm sure that being tricked into signing a $20k contract under false pretenses for her personal benefit, secret po boxes, lying to our therapist repeatedly, secret texts, expecting gifts from the other man, career over spending time with family and a serious personality disorder on top of narcolepsy making a job hard to keep down wont do her favors at divorce/custody hearings.
So its all fresh for me again. I already have extreme anxiety and the autism doesn't help with reading/understanding people the best, although my gut intuition and pattern recognition are catching stuff fine.
WHERE I THINK I AM
Looking back, I can see that the personality disorder and narcolepsy are apparent. Dream delusion and memory issues from the narcolepsy make separating dream from reality hard as well as just recalling what happened. So whether not the "not feeling like reality is real" was a dream delusion or a full-blown dissociative episode... I can also see that messaging him was a "new" personality state. Maybe it's a manifestation of the trauma of nearly dying from cancer, maybe it's a fragment of her young identity that was created to survive her traumatic childhood resurfacing after nearly dying. But her interests and perspective massively shifted at that time and there was a clear separation between her with me and her with him. It was like this regression back to 15. Like she was molding an identity to fit his desires and interests. She took up tarot and witchy books, different music, painting, rockhounding (my interest), dried bouquets, dyed her hair and got multiple piercings. Even getting caught there was that click in her whole demeanor.
I can see how her friend may have jaded her towards me by all the shit she talked about HER husband. I can see that throwing herself into fantasy smut to cope flooded her with portrayals of unrealistic romance. That she progressed that by using an AI smut bot to hold those conversations with. Then she directly tried to process her own reality through the lens of those novels in that journal.
This "relationship" was "I love you, we can be together in 10 years". He wasn't going to leave his cushy job. Or his state. He didn't want to be a stepdad. He didn't want to support her career or have any involvement in it. She couldn't leave my state. Never saw illicit photos. No discussion of sex. It was like exactly what you think some lovestruck preteens would come up with. Like just a fantasy. No talk of bills or finances. Of moving. Of any substantial tangible entanglement.
Somehow that's easier to handle
I love her and don't want to leave her. But i desperately think she needs serious help and have told her I want her to do therapy 2x a month (on top of marriage therapy 2x).
I also think if a secret or deleted text happens again, I've got to take off the kid gloves and fight for it all. Cause well showing up at the dude's door would end in prison.
I'm sure this happening right as I fully got over last time and took a trust leap of faith on a "gay" friend that burned me will make it harder. I get the last few years have been garbage luck and I get almost dying can have profound affects though. She had been utterly loyal for 5 years (believe me I checked as we agreed to ie open book). Tying to see this with an open mind.
I get my exact expectations are muddy and part of this is just putting it into words to process for me, but I value if someone has any good input

Has anyone tried renting their properties out short term like airbnb for a farmstay or hipcamp etc to RVs? I'm eyeing a property but would like to be able to generate a little rental income if possible, maybe like 20/night for RV with hookup? 10 for dry camping. Has anyone tried this, is it popular at all or would I be getting like 1 guest per year? Is it worth it?

If you ask other RVers which national park is their favorite, someone is bound to mention Joshua Tree National Park in Southern California. It's a camper's paradise with wide open space and panoramic views.
Most evenings, the landscape glows at golden hour, and the sky turns from red hot at sunset to dark blue and star-filled at night. You can enjoy the remoteness of the park but also its proximity to Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley.
Take the time during your visit to enjoy the endless roads of the desert landscape, play on the rock formations, and, of course, marvel at the Joshua Trees.

Why Visit Joshua Tree National Park?

The first reason to visit Joshua Tree National Park is to see its famous and fascinating Joshua Trees. Since the Mojave desert is the only place in the world where they grow naturally, Joshua Tree National Park is the best place to see them.
These trees range between 15-40 feet tall and can live an impressive 150 years. They’re members of the Yucca family and appear as though they're from a different planet, with limbs unpredictably jetting out like they have their own minds.
Another great reason to visit Joshua Tree National Park is the warm weather and abundance of sunshine. It’s no secret that RVers love to snowbird and the Californian desert is a wonderful place to be during the spring and fall months. You’ll enjoy sunny days and clear nights, perfect for dry camping with solar panels.

When to Visit Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park is open year-round, but the best times to visit are during the spring and fall months. Park elevations range from 536 feet to 5,814 feet above sea level, so expect conditions to vary depending on where you go in the park.
Here’s more information on the seasonal weather in Joshua Tree.

Spring

Spring is a very popular time in the park because the temperatures range from the mid-60s in February to the mid-70s in April. Depending on the year, wildflower blooms can be seen in the latter part of spring at the lower elevations within the Pinto Basin.

Summer

Due to extreme desert heat (+100℉ days are the norm), the park is pretty quiet during the summer. Late in the summer, monsoon season hits Joshua Tree, which cools down the daytime temperatures but can also lead to flash flooding in valleys and ravines.

Fall

Monsoon season continues into the fall, but it soon gives way to one of the best times to visit. Temperatures from August into October fall from the upper 90s into the low 80s, and evening temperatures range from the low 70s to the low 50s, on average.

Winter

In the heart of winter, the park's average daily temperature is 60 degrees Fahrenheit, which is perfectly comfortable, but the nights get cold and often drop to freezing. Overnight temperatures in December and January average in the mid-30s.
Check the park’s website for the latest weather alerts and condition updates.

Where to Stay

Joshua Tree National Park is pretty remote and expansive. You'll want to stay a few days. Unlike other national parks, there are no lodges or resorts for overnight accommodations. There are eight developed campgrounds, however, and camping out under the stars at Joshua Tree is an unforgettable experience.
Here are a few important things to be aware of ahead of time if you plan to camp in Joshua Tree.

Reservation versus First-Come, First-Served

Four of the developed campsites require reservations. They’re larger than the first-come, first-served campgrounds, and some offer water and flush toilets. These campgrounds fill up very quickly. We recommend planning well in advance.

Reservation Required Campgrounds

Black Rock and Cottonwood are the most developed campgrounds (water, toilets, sanitation dump) and are the only campgrounds you can stay in if you have a larger rig.
Black Rock has six sites that can accommodate rigs with a total length (tow vehicle included) of 38-40 feet and seven sites up to 42 feet. Cottonwood has around twenty-five campsites that can accommodate rigs slightly longer than 35 feet.
Indian Cove and Jumbo Rocks both have a few spots for RVs up to 35 feet in total length. If you have a rig larger than 35 feet, site availability may be considerably limited.

First-come, First-served Campgrounds

These campgrounds are great options if you have a smaller rig and the good fortune of securing a site. During the popular season, these campgrounds fill every weekend and often during the week, as well.

These are primitive campgrounds, so you will need to bring (and carry out) everything you’ll need during your stay.

Staying Outside the Park

If you’re unable to find a site in the park or you’re looking for a campground with more amenities, here are a few nearby campgrounds:

TwentyNine Palms RV Resort and Cottages: About 10 minutes from the north entrance.
Sam’s Family Spa and Resort: About 45 minutes from the main visitor center.
Catalina Spa and RV Resort: About 50 minutes from the main visitor center.
Palm Springs Oasis RV Resort: About 45 minutes from the south entrance.
Indian Waters RV Resort and Cottages: About 30 minutes from the south entrance.

Invest in a Good Sam Membership and save 10% on nightly stays at Good Sam Campgrounds.

Tips for Your Camping Stay

Reservations for the reservable campgrounds can be made up to six months in advance.
Reserve using the links below or by calling 1-877-444-6777.
No campgrounds in the park offer electric RV hookups.
Generator use is restricted to 7-9 am, noon-2 pm, and 5-7 pm.
Hammocks are not permitted in campgrounds and must be hung from rocks or climbing bolts elsewhere to protect the park’s sensitive vegetation.
Backpacking is permitted in the park, but it requires more advanced planning and preparation.

How To Get Around

Nestled between I-10 and California SR 62, Joshua Tree is located in Southeastern California and is easy to access. Several towns nearby, including Palm Springs, Indio, and Twentynine Palms, make perfect supply stops before entering the park.
Indio is the last best stop on I-10 if you’re entering the park from the south. The park’s south entrance is located off Exit 168, about 30 minutes east of Indio. The park also offers a west entrance on Quail Springs Road, about 10 minutes southeast of the town of Joshua Tree. And the north entrance is just ten minutes south of Twentynine Palms on Utah Trail.
Several paved roads allow you to traverse the park, but going from site to site can require long drive times. The most frequented sites are located near the northern edge of the park, so if you’re coming from the south along I-10, you’ll be driving through the park for an hour or so before you spot your first Joshua Tree.

Places to Go

There are many places to visit in the park that offer a variety beyond the infamous trees. It’s a unique location that features the intersection of two desert ecosystems.

Cholla Cactus Garden

The Cholla Cactus Garden is its own special area and is unlike any other part of the park. Be sure to enjoy the flat, ¼-mile nature trail to get the best look at the cacti. This patch of cacti is incredible because it mostly consists of Teddybear Cholla, which is the star of the cactus world.
The Cholla Cactus Garden is so impressive, and you’ll love snapping photos of these majestic plants. Their beauty changes throughout the day depending on how the sunlight hits them. A small word of advice, look but don’t touch. Ouch!

Arch Rock

Arch Rock is a very popular rock formation located a half-mile from White Tank Campground. The loop trail is easy to follow and a perfect activity for the whole family. Of course, the Arch Rock itself is the thing people most want to see, but there's lots of space to wander around and explore the other rock formations, too.
It’s also a very popular place for night photography and stargazing. If interested, White Tank Campground is a really convenient place to stay because of its proximity to the trailhead.

Keys View

Keys View is a popular lookout that offers incredible panoramic views of the park and the Coachella Valley. If beautiful scenery is your thing, make sure to visit Keys View. It’s about a 20-minute drive from the main road to the lookout via Keys View Rd.

Ryan Mountain

One of the most popular activities in the park is the hike to Ryan Mountain. This 3-mile round trip trail leads to the summit, where you’ll be treated to sweeping 360-degree views. The hike is listed as challenging by the NPS, so be sure to bring plenty of water and expect changing weather conditions.

Things to Do

The combination of the Mojave Desert and the Colorado Desert makes Joshua Tree a wonderful desert wilderness to explore. Here are some of the most popular activities in the park:

Hiking

Hiking is a great way to get off the road and experience more of the desert landscape. The National Park Service offers plenty of safety tips for hiking in Joshua Tree, and here are some of the park’s most popular trails:

Barker Dam Trail: An easy 1.1-mile trail with interpretive exhibits containing information on park history. It’s a popular place for viewing bighorn sheep from a safe distance.
Oasis of Mara Trail: A 0.5-mile trail to explore a desert oasis and learn how it’s harbored human and animal life for centuries.
Lost Horse Mine Trail: A moderate 4-mile out and back trail to explore what was once the area’s most successful gold mine.
Mastodon Peak Trail: A moderate 3-mile loop trail with an optional scramble to the top of a granite peak.
Lost Palms Oasis Trail: A challenging 7.5-mile out and back trail down a canyon to one of the park’s most remote fan palm oases.

The Park Service DOES NOT recommend attempting challenging hikes in the heat due to the elevated risk of sun exposure and dehydration.

Mountain Biking

The majority of the park’s paved roads are not suitable for road cycling. However, several backcountry roads are perfect for mountain bikes. There are even three campsites within Ryan Campground dedicated to cyclists.
Be aware that bikes are only allowed on roads open to vehicle traffic but that the main park roads do not offer bike lanes or wide shoulders. Consult the park’s website for safety tips and road recommendations before biking in Joshua Tree.

Photography

Photographers love Joshua Tree because of the variety it contains. From sunrise to sunset, photographers can find landscapes, animal inhabitants, and even human visitors to place in frame.
Commercial photography does require a permit, and if you’re interested in expanding your knowledge, the Desert Institute offers field courses in partnership with the Joshua Tree National Park Association.

Stargazing

Stars can be hard to come by in urban areas like San Diego and Los Angeles, but Joshua Tree is a different story. Designated as an International Dark Sky Park, it offers some of the best stargazing in all of Southern California.
After the sun goes down, keep your headlamp in red light mode to preserve your night vision. Your eyes will need less time to adjust when you lie down to see how many shooting stars you can count!

Rock Climbing

Rock climbing, in addition to bouldering and slacklining, is another great activity to enjoy in the park. To date, there are more than 8,000 known climbing routes, over 2,000 bouldering problems, and numerous natural rock gaps that make the perfect spot to set up a slackline.
On a busy weekend, the park may have hundreds of climbers enjoying their slice of this monzogranite mecca. So be sure to follow Leave No Trace Principles and familiarize yourself with the park’s climbing management plan before your visit.

What to Bring and How to Prepare

The desert can be dangerous, and the weather can change quickly. Check the forecast frequently and pack layers to prepare for changing conditions.
The remote location means there is no cell service in many parts of the park. Communicate your plans to loved ones or authorities ahead of time, especially if traveling alone.
Investing in a cell signal booster may improve cell reception in areas with limited service.
A quality camping cooler is a great way to keep food and beverages cold in the heat of the desert.
Bring an extra canopy tent and ensure your awning is in good condition so you can escape direct sunlight during the heat of the day.
Keep up with air conditioner maintenance to regulate the temperature inside your RV.
For the latest info on visiting Joshua Tree, visit their website: Joshua Tree National Park.

Brief History of Joshua Tree National Park

Despite its harsh desert environment, humans have inhabited the area that is now Joshua Tree for more than 5,000 years. In the modern era, the biggest threats to this natural environment were land developers and cactus poachers.
In the late 1920s, a Pasadena resident named Minerva Hoyt began voicing her concerns about the unregulated removal of cacti and other desert plants to be used in home gardens throughout Los Angeles.
In a relatively short time, her conservation efforts resulted in the formation of the Joshua Tree National Monument in 1936. The original protected area encompassed roughly 825,000 acres but was reduced by about 265,000 acres in 1950 when the Park Service excluded certain mining parcels in the eastern part of the park.
On Halloween in 1994, the Desert Protection Bill passed and Joshua Tree was elevated to national park status. The bill also added back approximately 234,000 acres of what had been lost in the 50s.
Plan your next trip to the national parks in an RV. Rent an RV, trade-In your RV, or buy a new or used RV and start traveling for less than $5 a day.
Have you been to Joshua Tree National Park? Share your tips and advice in the comments below.

My YouTube is being slammed by 4 Patirots targeting the paranoid with a solar generator. This company is using scare tactics like China is targeting our infrastructure and everything will stop working.
This solar powered generator is only 2000 watts and the “free” (not really) solar panel is only a 100 watt panel. That’s enough to power a small fridge and other appliances one at a time depending on wattage required. If you used all the power from the generator batteries and had some available sunlight a 100 watt solar panel would take all day to bring the generator back up to usable power. Source: my Rv 120 watt solar panel recharging 2 deep cycle batteries took 7 hours in full sunlight to recharge.
My takeaway from this deceptive ad is don’t buy into 4 Patroits hype and fear mongering. If you are wanting some kind of a backup system do the research. There are more reputable (my opinion) companies out there that can fulfill your needs for a lot less $$$. Ask any boondocking RV’er we have been doing it for years.

My fiancés side of the family has planned to go camping next weekend here in Florida. If you live in this state, you know it's getting hotter and hotter by the day. My fiancé and I have a toddler (3F) that will be coming with us. We are also going with his parents. My fiancé and I don't have a RV/trailer situation but my in laws do and won't let our toddler sleep in there with them even though there is a space she could sleep in. It'll be much cooler for her since there is some kind of AC in there. We've asked the last couple camping trips to be met with a no answer. I'm not thrilled to be staying in a tent with our toddler when it's going be in the 90's and humid on top of it. We went camping about 2 months ago with them and our child was so miserable to the point she was having tantrums because it was too hot and she couldn't handle it.
I honestly just don't want to go because I know we're all going to be hot and miserable. It's not going to be fun for anyone to be sweating all day and heating up. I've expressed I don't want to go to my fiancé to be told "so you're just going to let me die there alone with them?" So now I'm being dragged to go. I don't know what to do. I'm dreading this hard because the place has NO power OR water. We are bringing generators but the site wants them off around 10.. No one is listening to my concerns and they're brushing it off like it'll be fine.
TLDR: Fiancés parents are making us go camping with no power or water in a tent. We will be bringing a 3 year old. We live in Florida and it's going to be in the 90's before humidity. I've expressed I don't want to go because it'll be a miserable time for us, especially the toddler. No one seems to care about my concerns.

I need to get a power pass for my rv. My generator broke today and I can’t get it fixed before I have to leave for edc.

Round 2 of the NBA playoffs has been a blast so far, and several series have the chance to go the distance. While injuries and three-point variance remain the two most important explanatory variables for why any given series is the way it is, those are boring to talk about! There are other factors worth examining, as well.
As I did for Round 1, I’ve cherry-picked some numbers that tell an interesting story explaining the current state of each contest. These are not always the most important stats (which are well-covered pretty much everywhere), but they’re all illuminating in their own way.
[Hello, everyone! Thanks for reading! As I did for Round 1 and all my other posts, I've collected a bunch of illustrative video clips that can be found in-context here or linked throughout the article. I think they add a lot to the discussion. Enjoy!]

Minnesota Timberwolves — Denver Nuggets (Tie 2-2)

41 → 69

The Wolves’ ferocious defense found success in the first two games of the series by hounding the Nuggets’ Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray each step up the court. Jokic loves to grab a rebound and take it up himself, but he had to work to get past the pressure of Naz Reid and Karl-Anthony Towns. Meanwhile, Murray could barely move around the tentacles of Jaden McDaniels and Nickeil Alexander-Walker: [video here]
The squeeze mostly worked. The Nuggets’ offense suffered, and Denver’s lack of supplementary playmakers and ballhandlers loomed large (both Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Reggie Jackson have been hobbled, and neither is a fantastic positional dribbler anyway).
In Game 3, though, the Nuggets made an important adjustment. They unshackled Orlando Aaron Gordon.
Gordon has become an incredible third banana in Denver by leaning into his strengths: dominating defensively while attacking post mismatches and lurking in the paint for dump-offs. He’s sacrificed usage for efficiency and team success. But Gordon was a whole ‘nother beast when he played for the Magic, a would-be point forward who foreshadowed the coming of Paolo Banchero.
It’s not like Gordon doesn’t do any playmaking anymore; the Nuggets love to station Gordon up high and have him initiate some action to get Jokic the ball on the move, as we talked about in the series preview. But after the Wolves’ tremendous full-court blitz in Game 2, Nuggets coach Michael Malone decided that Gordon needed to tap into his latent skills further.
It’s always fun when the stats so beautifully lay out what the eyes see. Gordon has seen a massive increase in his touches each game: 41 in Game 1, 48 in Game 2, 60 in Game 3, and 69 in Game 4, a whopping 46 of which were in the backcourt! For comparison, Minnesota’s point guard Mike Conley only had 40 backcourt touches in that contest; Murray only had 30.
Rudy Gobert has marked Gordon all series and has been excellent in almost all other respects (give or take an ugly end-of-game stretch in Game 4), but he’s the lone Wolf incapable of at least token full-court defense. Gordon is usually wide-open in the backcourt to bring the ball up. Even when the Wolves tried to pressure with McDaniels or others, Gordon easily powered through the defense. This is probably the lamest “highlight” I’ve ever clipped, but it’s important: [lame video clip here]
Think about the toll it took on the smaller Jamal Murray to do this dozens of times in Games 1 and 2. Having Gordon available to get the rock across halfcourt saved Jokic and Murray’s energy and helped the Nuggets find their offensive rhythm.
Shooting 11-for-12 in Game 4 was a nice exclamation point highlighting Gordon’s excellence over these last two games, but his gaudy field goal percentage overshadowed the important, quiet part: Gordon has broken the Wolves’ pressure. Minnesota will need to find another strategy to regain control of the series.

New York Knicks — Indiana Pacers (Tie 2-2)

44%, 46%; 31%, 37%

Injuries and recovery have been the game's name in this series more than any other. The Knicks keep dropping, while Indiana’s Tyrese Haliburton finally resembles the superstar who tore up the league to start the year despite amassing some bumps and bruises of his own.
However, other variables help explain this tie, and I wanted to highlight one in particular. In New York’s two wins, 44% and 46% of their shots were right at the rim. In their two losses, just 31% and 37% of their attempts came around the cylinder. (For context, Orlando’s 39% was the best mark in the regular season.)
Shots at the rim are the most valuable field goal attempts in the game for obvious reasons. New York was one of the league’s worst at getting to the rack in the regular season (less than a third of their field goal attempts). But Indiana’s defensive philosophy all season has been to hug the three-point line like a toddler squeezing their Teddy. The Pacers allowed the fewest three-point attempts but, conversely, gave up the most layups.
This has been a battle of weaknesses, and New York came out on top — at first. Jalen Brunson repeatedly wormed his way to the bucket. Josh Hart set up an RV in the lane for Games 1 and 2, finding particular success in classic Hart coast-to-coasts: [video here]
However, things have changed. Hart’s parking pass expired; the Pacers have done a fantastic job limiting his fast breaks over the last two games. Indiana has also altered their halfcourt coverage, switching coverages on Brunson and helping more aggressively off New York’s ancillary players to bolster the paint protection.
The Pacers switched Brunson’s primary defender from Andrew Nembhard to the longer Aaron Nesmith in Games 3 and 4, and he was far more effective on the exhausted Brunson (who tweaked his foot in Game 2). Nesmith is foul-prone (and hurt his shoulder diving for a loose ball in Game 3, yet another ailment suffered by these two teams), but he has done an excellent job of navigating the endless array of screens New York sets for their diminutive point guard.
The Pacers have also been more comfortable ignoring Hart, Precious Achiuwa, Miles McBride, and even (foolishly) Donte DiVincenzo on the perimeter if it means stymieing a Brunson drive: [video here]
Of course, the sheer workload thrust upon Brunson and Hart is another factor in the Knicks’ declining rim pressure.
Consider this: Josh Hart and Jalen Brunson have run 32.5 and 31.0 miles, respectively, in these playoffs. Third-place Max Strus, for Cleveland, has only run 26.8. When we talk about players putting a lot of mileage on their legs, we rarely mean it so literally. And in Brunson’s case, especially, it’s been a lot of ground covered while dribbling under duress.
When the wheels start falling off, getting into the paint becomes a daunting task. Settling for floaters or pointlessly swinging the ball around the perimeter becomes the path of least resistance. It’s harder to muster the energy to push in semi-transition. But if the Knicks want to return to their winning ways, they must rediscover how to attack the basket.

Boston Celtics — Cleveland Cavaliers (BOS 2-1)

13.0

Cleveland has averaged 13.0 free throws against Boston’s ferocious defense in the first three games. Charlotte’s 18.4 FTAs per game were the league’s lowest in the regular season; Cleveland averaged 20.2.
The charity stripe was always destined to be a tricky area for the Cavaliers. Boston led the league in defensive free-throw rate during the regular season; they never foul. Meanwhile, Cleveland was a below-average free-throw team, even with Jarrett Allen. (It’s worth noting that in the aggregate, we haven’t seen fewer free throws in the playoffs overall, although Boston has handed them out at an even stingier rate than usual.)
But Cleveland isn’t forcing turnovers, getting in transition, or snagging offensive rebounds. These actions generate lots of buckets in and of themselves but also typically lead to free throws at a high rate. Instead, the only points Cleveland has generated have been in the halfcourt, where they’ve been shockingly effective thanks to Mitchell’s brilliance — a 102.4 offensive rating, which would have been a top-five mark in the regular season.
But scoring in the congested mud of the halfcourt is the hardest thing to do at a high level. Against a defense as good as Boston’s, you can’t expect to survive without finding easier ways to get points, and free throws are the easiest. I don’t expect the Cavaliers to suddenly launch themselves at the rim and earn a barrage of freebies, but it would be nice to see someone besides Mitchell test the defense. Darius Garland only has two free throws in three games!
I don’t want to blame the Cavs when the real story is Boston’s defense, which has shown remarkable discipline all season. The intelligence of their collective defenders is most evident in their ability to slow offenses without fouling. Even their weakest link, Al Horford, has made a living avoiding foul trouble — he’s been in the 90th percentile or higher for foul avoidance every year since 2011. That’s wild.
Cleveland has put up a fight, but they need a whole lot to go right to win three of the next four games. Manufacturing a few freebies would be a big step in the right direction.

Oklahoma City Thunder — Dallas Mavericks (DAL 2-1)

26

If I had told you before the series started that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander would be outscoring Luka Doncic by a huge margin and Jalen Williams would have a slight edge on Kyrie Irving, you’d probably be feeling pretty good about the Thunder’s odds.
But after averaging 4.4 made baskets per game in the regular season, PJ Washington has doubled that this series, knocking in 26 of his 48 attempts (14 of which were triples). He’s driven the Mavericks to a 2-1 series lead thanks to back-to-back 29- and 27-point games.
It’s not like Washington can’t score; he dropped 43 earlier this year for Charlotte and had 32 in a two-point win over Golden State in April. But his jumper had been shaky for most of his short Dallas tenure. Oklahoma City wanted to test Washington’s nerve by leaving him wide open to further load up on Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic.
The Thunder’s typical defensive strategy is to put Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on weaker offensive players to let him play free safety in the passing lanes. He’s had the Washington assignment for much of the series and has ignored him to help in the paint. The ball has found Washington (and then the bottom of the net) every time: [video here]
While the threes punishing SGA’s roaming tendencies are massive, Washington has also had success with his floater game and some bully ball. In the scant minutes OKC’s Josh Giddey has played this series, Washington feasted: [video here]
Washington’s defense has shone since the moment he stepped onto the tarmac at DFW, but there were questions about whether his offense would translate to the playoffs. In this series, at least so far, he’s had every answer.

For as long as I can remember, my family and I have shared a deep love for the great outdoors, particularly the enchanting allure of the forest. The allure of nature's symphony, the gentle rustling of leaves, and the melodious songs of birds never failed to captivate our senses. The verdant foliage, adorned with vibrant flowers, created a kaleidoscope of colors that danced before our eyes, while the towering trees whispered ancient secrets to those who would listen. It was a place where tranquility and serenity embraced us, soothing our souls in the embrace of nature's embrace.
Our excursions into the wilderness were often brief, day trips filled with laughter, exploration, and a shared appreciation for the natural wonders around us. But the recent addition of an RV to our family provided an opportunity to embark on a new adventure—an overnight camping trip nestled within the embrace of majestic mountains and the allure of the forest.
Excitement bubbled within us as we meticulously planned our journey. We imagined gathering around a crackling fire, its warm glow casting dancing shadows upon our faces. The scent of burning wood mingling with the crisp mountain air would create an intoxicating aroma that would forever be etched in our memories.
Finally, the day arrived, and we eagerly set off, our RV becoming our mobile sanctuary. The journey itself was a testament to the beauty of the land we traversed. Majestic peaks rose like sentinels, their snow-capped summits piercing the heavens. As we delved deeper into the heart of nature's domain, our anticipation heightened, and our hearts beat in sync with the rhythm of the forest.
Upon reaching our destination, we carefully parked our RV, a tiny fortress amidst the towering giants. The forest seemed to embrace us, its silence broken only by the distant chirping of birds bidding us welcome. The air carried a crispness that invigorated our spirits, as if it whispered tales of forgotten legends and ancient mysteries.
With each step we took, the forest welcomed us into its secret realm. Our senses were intoxicated by the sweet aroma of pine needles underfoot, mingling with the earthy scent of damp soil. Sunlight, filtered through the canopy above, created dappled patterns on the forest floor, like nature's own mesmerizing tapestry.
As the sun began to set, casting a warm golden glow over the campsite, we gathered around the fire pit. Amelia, our adventurous and nature-loving daughter, was brimming with excitement at the prospect of building a fire.
Amelia's eyes sparkled as she clasped her hands together, her voice filled with anticipation. "Dad, I can't wait to make the fire! Can I help? Please?"
A smile stretched across my face, mirroring the twinkle in her eyes. I nodded, appreciating her eagerness to participate in this age-old ritual of outdoor adventure.
"Absolutely, Amelia," I replied, my voice laced with fatherly pride. "You can gather some dry branches and twigs. Just be careful not to venture too far into the forest."
With an enthusiastic nod, Amelia seized a small, weathered basket and darted towards the beckoning trees and rustling underbrush.
"Watch out for the prickly bushes, sweetheart!" I called out, a touch of caution in my voice. "And remember, stay within sight!"
Her voice, tinged with determination, floated back to me on the gentle breeze. "Don't worry, Dad! I'll find the best branches!"
As Amelia vanished into the verdant embrace of the forest, my wife, Emma, emerged from our trusty RV. Her graceful movements belied her quiet excitement as she retrieved the carefully packed food provisions from within.
Emma's nimble fingers unwrapped the ingredients with a practiced ease, her eyes glimmering with a mix of culinary artistry and familial warmth. She hummed a gentle tune under her breath, her love for nurturing our family evident in every deliberate action.
Meanwhile, I busied myself by unloading the essential cooking equipment from the storage compartments. With the clinking of metal against metal, I extracted the gleaming grill grate and stoked the coals, preparing the stage for a delicious outdoor feast.
After a while, with a skip in her step and a glimmer of triumph in her eyes, Amelia emerged from the lush foliage, clutching a trove of dry branches and twigs within the sturdy basket. Yet, nestled in the crook of her other arm was an unexpected treasure—an enchanting discovery that had captured her young heart.
Amelia's voice bubbled with excitement as she approached, her words tumbling forth. "Dad! Look what I found! It's a small Teddy bear! Isn't it adorable?"
Curiosity sparked within me as I studied the small, weathered toy she presented. Its once vibrant colors had faded, its fur slightly disheveled, but it bore an undeniable charm. A silent narrative unfolded before my eyes, envisioning the laughter and companionship this cherished possession once brought to another child.
A mixture of caution and wonder mingled in my voice as I questioned, "Where did you find it, sweetheart? It seems someone may have lost it."
Amelia's face radiated with innocence and genuine affection for her newfound friend. "I found it near a tree, Daddy. Maybe another family played here, and the Teddy bear got left behind. Can I keep it, please?"
My instinctual protective nature rose, a desire to shield her from the potential disappointments that accompany lost treasures. Yet, a tender understanding blossomed within me. This small act of generosity and acceptance would foster her sense of empathy and compassion.
Considering her wide-eyed enthusiasm, I yielded to the warmth in my heart. "Alright, Amelia," I relented with a gentle smile. "If it brings you joy and reminds you of this beautiful adventure, then you can keep it."
Amelia's jubilant squeal filled the air, punctuating the acceptance of her request. With an affectionate hug, she embraced her newfound companion, promising it a future filled with endless tea parties and imaginary adventures.
Afer I set the fire, with a satisfying crackle, the flames sprang to life, dancing and flickering in a mesmerizing rhythm. The golden tendrils reached towards the night sky, casting a warm glow upon our faces. The radiant heat embraced us, dispelling the chill of the evening air as we gathered around the enchanting inferno.
I meticulously arranged the equipment we had brought, positioning the sturdy metal grill over the roaring fire. The scent of woodsmoke mingled with the tantalizing aroma of seasoned meat, sizzling and sputtering as it made contact with the heated grates. The tantalizing melody of crackling embers serenaded our senses, a symphony of anticipation and contentment.
My wife, her eyes sparkling with both determination and tenderness, deftly prepared the ingredients that would transform into a feast of flavors. The rhythmic symphony of chopping, the aromatic dance of herbs and spices, and the gentle sizzle of ingredients meeting the heated pan created a harmonious tableau of culinary artistry.
Amelia, wide-eyed and filled with wonder, took her place by my side, her small hands outstretched in eager anticipation. I showed her how to position the meat on the grill, carefully instructing her on the art of achieving the perfect sear. Her youthful enthusiasm ignited a sense of pride within me, as I witnessed her embracing the opportunity to contribute to our family's culinary adventure.
“We still need some firewood. I will get some until it gets darker. I will be right back!,” I told Emma and I delved deeper into the wilderness.
The air was thick with the scent of pine and earth, a symphony of nature enveloping me as I wandered amidst towering trees. My fingers brushed against dry leaves and moss-covered rocks, searching for the elusive twigs and branches necessary to further kindle our flames.
But my curiosity led me further ahead, my gaze alighting upon something beyond the ordinary. "What the hell," I murmured, my voice was like a whisper amidst the wilderness.
My my heart was quickening as I glimpsed the outline of a vehicle amidst the foliage. It stood solitary and still, like a relic from another time.
I hesitated whether or not to go closer, my instincts prickling with unease.
"Perhaps just another camper," I told myself, though doubt lingered in my mind.
I cautiously approached the abandoned camper van, each step echoing in the eerie silence of the forest. A sense of unease crept over me, intensifying with every closer stride. The van, though not ancient, bore the unmistakable marks of neglect and abandonment, standing alone like a forgotten relic amidst the wilderness.
"Hello?" My voice broke the stillness, but no reply greeted my inquiry. It was as if the very air held its breath, shrouding the scene in an unsettling silence. Abandonment hung heavy in the air, casting a pall over the once vibrant camping spot.
My eyes scanned the scene, taking in the disarray that surrounded the camper. Camping equipment lay strewn haphazardly, a jumbled testament to the hurried departure of its previous occupants. But it was the ominous black stain on the ground that drew my attention, a stark reminder of some past calamity, perhaps a fire that had ravaged this place.
As I moved closer, my gaze was drawn to a chilling sight—a massive scraping marred the side of the camper van, like a grotesque scar etched into its metal skin. It seemed almost as if some colossal force had clawed at the vehicle, leaving behind a haunting testament to its power.
The stillness of the campsite was oppressive, suffocating, as if nature itself held its breath in anticipation of some unseen threat. Not even the birds dared to break the silence with their song, lending an unsettling quality to the desolation that surrounded me.
With a shiver of apprehension, I realized that I stood on the precipice of a mystery, the unanswered questions hanging in the air like a thick fog. What had transpired in this forsaken place? And more importantly, was I truly alone in this silent wilderness?
The hairs were raising on the back of my neck and walked away from the silent sentinel of metal and glass. I retraced my steps through the labyrinth of trees, the distant echo of our footsteps mingling with the whispers of the forest. I was immediately relieved as the warmth of our camp awaited me and I was not sure if I should tell Emma that I had seen another RV deeper in the forest. I decided not to, it might ruin the warm athmosphere of our moments.
The crackling fire and the tantalizing aroma of the cooking meat wove an enchanting tapestry around us, casting a spell that encapsulated the essence of togetherness. As the minutes ticked by, we shared stories, laughter, and the warmth of familial love. The darkness around us seemed to fade away, replaced by the glow of our shared experiences and the promise of a memorable night.
In that moment, it was not just the flickering flames that illuminated our campsite, but the intangible bond we shared as a family. We were not merely three individuals gathered around a fire, but a tapestry of love, connection, and shared dreams. The crackling fire served as a beacon, illuminating the path towards a future filled with shared adventures, cherished memories, and an unbreakable bond that would withstand the tests of time.
As we reveled in the joyous harmony of food and company, the night sky glittered above, painting a breathtaking backdrop for our intimate gathering. The stars, like sparkling witnesses, bore witness to the magic that unfolded in that humble campsite.
In the symphony of crackling flames and joyful chatter, we savored the beauty of simplicity, finding solace and fulfillment in the warmth of our shared presence. It was in this tranquil moment, surrounded by the wilderness and enveloped in the embrace of our loved ones, that we realized the true essence of life's blessings—a serene respite from the world's chaos, and the unrivaled joy of being together, just the three of us.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, surrendering the world to the embrace of darkness, a palpable chill crept into the air, sending shivers down our spines. Wisps of mist curled and swirled around us, lending an ethereal quality to the night.
Feeling the temperature drop, I retrieved a thick, cozy blanket from the confines of our trusty RV. Its soft fabric, woven with memories of past adventures, held the promise of warmth and comfort. Gently draping the blanket over Emma and Amelia, I ensured their precious forms were shielded from the encroaching cold.
Amelia, her energy waning with each passing moment, fought against the drowsiness tugging at her eyelids. Her yawns, like tiny symphonies of weariness, punctuated the tranquility of the evening. Sensing her fatigue, I knelt down beside her, my voice filled with gentle concern.
"Sweetheart, it's getting late and you look tired," I whispered, my breath carrying warmth in the crisp night air. "Would you like to go to bed?"
Amelia's eyes, still sparkling with the remnants of excitement, met mine. A yawn escaped her lips, a delicate melody of exhaustion. However, her spirit remained steadfast, determined to revel in every last moment of our outdoor escapade.
"No, Daddy," she replied, her voice a soft murmur. "I'm not sleepy yet. I want to stay here and enjoy the campfire."
Her response resonated with the boundless enthusiasm of youth, and I couldn't help but smile at her unwavering spirit. In that instant, I understood that this was a rare and precious opportunity—a chance to immerse ourselves in the magic of the night, to surrender to the allure of the crackling flames and the mysteries concealed within the darkness.
Then I thought of the camper van that I had just seen and for some reason, it made me feel uneasy. Trying to ignore it, I settled myself beside Amelia, the fire's radiant glow casting enchanting shadows upon our faces. Emma, her hand tenderly clasping mine, joined us, her presence a comforting reassurance amidst the whispering night.
As we sat there, the crackling fire casting an otherworldly glow upon our little circle, a symphony of silence enveloped us. The distant chirping of nocturnal creatures mingled with the soft crackling of the firewood, creating a harmonious lullaby that serenaded us into a state of tranquil contentment.
Stars, like celestial lanterns, punctured the ink-black canvas above, their shimmering brilliance a testament to the vastness of the universe and the infinite possibilities that lay beyond our mortal reach. The fragrant scent of pine mingled with the smoky essence of the campfire, intoxicating our senses and anchoring us to this moment of fleeting serenity.
Time seemed suspended, as if the world had paused to allow us this respite from the frenetic pace of life. We basked in the warmth of the fire, our souls nourished by the shared silence and the bond forged through the simple act of being present with one another.
But amidst the tranquil symphony of nature, a rustling in the nearby underbrush shattered the stillness. The sudden disruption reverberated through the air, jolting us from our serene reverie. Emma's eyes widened, her hand instinctively tightening its grip around mine. Amelia, her youthful curiosity piqued, looked to me for reassurance.
"What was that, Daddy?" Amelia whispered, her voice barely audible above the crackling flames.
I cast a soothing smile in her direction, my attempt to allay any growing fears. "It's probably just an animal, sweetheart," I reassured her, my voice carrying a calm certainty. "Maybe a deer or a boar exploring the woods. Nothing to be worried about."
Yet, as the rustling persisted, growing louder and more distinct, even I couldn't help but feel a flicker of unease gnawing at the edges of my composure. The sound seemed to possess an undeniable weight, suggesting a presence larger and more formidable than initially anticipated.
Emma's eyes darted nervously between the surrounding trees, her senses attuned to the slightest movement. "Are you sure, dear?" she asked, her voice tinged with apprehension. "It sounds quite... substantial."
Instinctively, I rose to my feet, my protective instincts surging within me. "Stay here," I instructed, my voice firm but laden with an undercurrent of caution. "I'll go check it out. It's probably just passing through."
With cautious steps, I ventured toward the origin of the enigmatic rustling, my ears straining to decipher its source. I thought about the camper van. Was it possible that they could see our fire and wanted some company? That sounded ridiculous. Or could they have been in trouble? I should have checked that vehicle out.
Each crackle of twigs underfoot seemed to amplify in the stillness of the night, magnifying my senses. As I neared the treeline, anticipation mingled with a lingering sense of trepidation.
And then, as suddenly as it had begun, the rustling ceased, leaving an eerie silence in its wake. The once vibrant symphony of nature now seemed muted, as if holding its breath in anticipation. I scanned the darkness, searching for any signs of movement, my heart thudding against my chest.
Slowly, I retraced my steps back to the warmth and safety of our campfire haven, my senses on high alert. Returning to my family, I wore a reassuring smile, hoping to convey a sense of calm despite the lingering mystery.
"It's alright," I assured them, my voice infused with a newfound conviction. "Whatever it was, it must have moved along. We're safe here."
Relief washed over their faces, their tense postures gradually easing. We settled back into our makeshift sanctuary, the familiarity of the crackling fire offering a comforting embrace. Our senses remained heightened, vigilant for any lingering signs of the unseen visitor.
Just as a semblance of calm began to settle over our campsite, an otherworldly roar pierced the night air, tearing through the fabric of serenity. The sound, far from the natural symphony we had grown accustomed to, possessed a menacing quality that resonated deep within our souls. Its metallic timbre reverberated through the darkness, sending icy tendrils of fear snaking down our spines.
Amelia's eyes widened in terror, her small frame trembling with the weight of the unknown. Emma's expression mirrored the trepidation etched across our faces. This was no ordinary sound—a realization that hung heavy in the air.
"That... that doesn't sound like a deer or a boar," Emma stammered, her voice quivering with a mix of disbelief and dread. "What could it possibly be?"
Before we could ponder further, the deafening roar reverberated through the night once more, closer this time. Its proximity shattered any illusions of safety that had momentarily settled over us. The air seemed to thicken, charged with an electric sense of urgency. Our instincts kicked into overdrive, urging us to abandon our belongings and seek shelter.
"Leave everything!" I shouted, my voice laced with urgency. "We have to get to the RV now!"
Without a moment's hesitation, we sprang into action. Emma snatched Amelia's hand, her grip tight and resolute, while I scooped up our precious daughter into my arms.
“My bear,” she screamed and picked up her new toy, her tiny hands clung to the worn bear with an intensity that belied her tender age.
The campfire, once a symbol of warmth and tranquility, was abandoned in an instant as we sprinted toward the sanctuary of the RV.
The world around us blurred into a frenzy of motion as our legs carried us with desperate urgency. Fear propelled us forward, fueling our determination to reach safety. With each pounding heartbeat, the roar grew louder, its ominous resonance seemingly at our heels, a predator closing in on its prey.
Finally, we reached the welcoming embrace of the RV, its sturdy frame offering a semblance of refuge from the unknown terror that lurked beyond. I swiftly deposited Amelia onto the seat, her wide eyes reflecting the same mixture of fear and relief that mirrored our own.
As I fumbled with the keys, my hands trembling with a cocktail of adrenaline and anxiety, I spared a glance back at the abandoned campsite. The darkness swallowed our belongings, the remnants of our interrupted evening left behind as a haunting reminder of the inexplicable menace that had disrupted our peaceful retreat.
With a trembling hand, I inserted the key into the ignition, the engine roaring to life in harmony with the echoes of the unknown creature outside. The RV became our fortress, its metal walls shielding us from the terrors that lurked beyond.
As we peeled away from the once idyllic campsite, the wailing roar echoed in the distance. Our hearts raced in unison, our breaths coming in jagged gasps as we sought solace in the sanctuary of the rolling vehicle.
With a trembling hand gripping the steering wheel, I pressed my foot down harder on the gas pedal, urging the RV to accelerate. The vehicle responded with a surge of power, propelling us forward with a newfound urgency. The engine roared in unison with the thundering beat of my heart, creating a symphony of adrenaline-fueled chaos.
As the wheels churned beneath us, the surrounding trees became a blur of green and brown, their branches reaching out like ghostly specters in our wake. The world outside the windows shifted in a dizzying dance, a kaleidoscope of fleeting glimpses and fleeting shadows.
The headlights sliced through the darkness, casting elongated shadows that flickered and danced upon the passing foliage. Each passing plant and tree seemed to contort and twist in the ethereal glow, their distorted forms morphing into grotesque silhouettes of their former selves.
A heavy silence settled within the RV, broken only by the hum of the engine and the rhythmic whoosh of the rushing wind. Our breaths remained caught in our chests, suspended in a shared state of shock and disbelief. The weight of what we had witnessed hung in the air, a chilling reminder that the boundaries of our world were not as fixed as we had once believed.
The scene we had left behind in the forest haunted our thoughts—a glimpse into a realm far removed from our own, something demonic, something that defied explanation. The image of that otherworldly roar and the malevolent presence it implied lingered like a scar etched into our memories, forever imprinted upon our souls.
Minutes stretched into agonizing hours as we raced along the winding road, each passing second feeling like an eternity. Our collective relief remained just out of reach, overshadowed by the lingering unease that clung to us like a specter. The distance between the forest and the main road seemed interminable, every curve and bend in the road prolonging our escape.
Finally, the familiar sight of the main road materialized before us, a beacon of respite in the darkness. As the RV merged onto its paved embrace, a collective sigh of relief cascaded through the cabin. The weight that had burdened our shoulders began to lift, replaced by a renewed sense of safety and security.
Yet, despite the relief that washed over us, the memory of the demonic encounter refused to dissipate as we were heading home. We knew that what we had witnessed in the depths of the forest would forever remain a haunting enigma, a testament to the boundless mysteries that lurk on the fringes of our understanding.
With weary bodies and restless minds, we arrived back at the familiar sanctuary of our home. The weight of the night's harrowing encounter clung to us like a heavy shroud, making the simple act of finding solace in sleep an arduous task. We all slept in the same bed that night. Tossing and turning beneath the covers, we battled against the remnants of fear that lingered within the recesses of our thoughts.
Morning finally broke through the darkness, casting its tentative rays of light upon our weary faces. The sun's gentle warmth filtered through the curtains, offering a glimmer of respite from the lingering shadows of the night. We emerged from our sleep-deprived haze, grateful for the sanctuary that our home provided.
Gathering around the breakfast table, our shared silence spoke volumes. We sought solace in the simple act of breaking bread together, a familiar routine that offered a semblance of normalcy amidst the lingering unease. No words were spoken of the night's horrors; instead, we focused on the mundane tasks of the morning, the clinking of cutlery and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee serving as a comforting backdrop to our collective attempt at healing.
As the day unfolded, we busied ourselves with the routine tasks, finding solace in the familiar rhythms. Dusting shelves, tending to neglected plants, and tidying up the remnants of the night's chaos became acts of therapy, a means of grounding ourselves in the reassuring normalcy of domesticity.
The weight of exhaustion settled upon our shoulders, and we allowed ourselves moments of respite as the day wore on. Sunday, a day of rest, offered a reprieve. We retreated to the cozy corners of our home, seeking solace in the embrace of soft couches and plush pillows.
As the hours slipped away, a quiet calm enveloped our home. The once-turbulent waves of fear and uncertainty settled into a gentle ebb and flow. Laughter and conversation, began to permeate the air, intermingling with the familiar sounds of a household in motion.
As the evening sun began to dip below the horizon, casting a warm glow through the living room window, we settled down in front of the TV, seeking solace in laughter and lightheartedness.
I reached for the remote control, ready to immerse ourselves in the comedic world of a streaming service, when something caught our attention. The TV screen flickered to life, displaying the urgent and captivating headlines of the news. A mixture of curiosity and a tinge of apprehension filled the room, prompting me to pause and leave the news channel playing.
The news anchor's voice echoed through the room, delivering the shocking report of a missing family. My wife leaned forward, her eyes fixed on the TV, her voice trembling with concern. Amelia, her eyes wide with curiosity, leaned closer to the TV, her Teddy bear still clutched tightly in her arms as she was listening to the newsreader.
“This is a breaking news update on a harrowing incident that has shaken the community to its core. The Hudson family, who embarked on a seemingly routine hiking trip into the serene depths of the nearby forest several weeks ago, has tragically met a devastating fate. Today, authorities have confirmed the discovery and identification of their camper van and remains, a discovery that has left investigators, medical examiners, and locals alike in a state of shock and disbelief. The process of identifying the bodies was nothing short of a nightmare for the dedicated team of forensic experts. The unimaginable horror that unfolded in those woods rendered their task exceptionally challenging. Their bodies, torn apart by an unknown and unimaginable force, presented investigators with an enigma that defied explanation. Their positions were grotesquely twisted, their injuries inexplicable and mind-boggling. According to the investigators, an unknown force seriously damaged their RV as well. Medical examiners, renowned for their expertise, were left dumbfounded as they grappled with the mysterious circumstances surrounding this tragic event. The sheer brutality of their demise left them searching for answers that seemed to lie just beyond their reach. The bite marks, enormous in size and ferocity, left on the bodies only added to the perplexity of the situation. Astonishingly, DNA testing revealed that these bite marks belonged to an unidentified creature, sending shockwaves of fear and disbelief through the community. The repercussions of this shocking revelation have reverberated throughout the town, leaving residents on edge and gripped by a pervasive sense of fear and uncertainty. The once serene forest, a place of solace and tranquility, now holds untold horrors that have shattered the peace and shattered the lives of the Hudson family. Authorities advise everyone not to go into the forest until they find out what happened and what killed the family.”
As the newsreader went on we all stopped eating our popocorn.
“In light of these disturbing developments, it is my duty to advise against venturing into the forest at this time. The safety and security that once accompanied our tranquil natural surroundings have been shattered, replaced by an aura of uncertainty and fear. Folks, we cannot ignore the evidence before us, the evidence that points to an unknown and terrifying presence within those woods. I understand the allure of nature's embrace, the desire to explore, to seek solace, and to reconnect with the world around us. However, in this moment, I implore you to prioritize your safety and exercise caution. The risk is simply too great, and the consequences too dire to ignore. I urge you to remain vigilant, to report any suspicious activities or unusual occurrences to the authorities immediately. Your eyes and ears are our greatest assets in keeping our town safe. Together, we can overcome this darkness and restore a sense of security to our beloved community. In the coming days and weeks, we will keep you updated on the progress of our investigations,” the country sheriff said to the reporter.
"According to the ancient tales of our indigenous tribes," the newsreader's voice reverberated with a solemn tone, "the depths of this forest are said to be haunted by a sinister entity known as the Black Beast." As the words hung heavy in the air, the camera panned over the tranquil landscape, capturing the rustic charm of a small Indian village nestled amidst the wilderness. Suddenly, the screen flickered to life, revealing the weathered visage of an elderly Indian man, his eyes bearing the weight of centuries-old wisdom.
"The Black Beast," the elder's voice resonated with a mixture of reverence and dread, "has cast its shadow over these lands for generations." His weathered hands gestured emphatically as he spoke, as if summoning forth the very essence of the creature from the depths of memory. "It is a creature of terror, a specter that prowls the heart of the forest, its presence a harbinger of doom."
The camera zoomed in, capturing every line etched upon the elder's face, each wrinkle a testament to the trials endured under the watchful gaze of the Black Beast. "We know not how it selects its victims," he continued, his voice trembling with a mixture of fear and resignation, "nor why it chooses to spare some while condemning others to a fate worse than death."
The picture went back to the studio again.
“As you have heard, these are just local legends of course. We will continue to bring you updates on this developing story as more information becomes available. Our hearts go out to the Hudson family and all those affected by this unimaginable tragedy. Please stay tuned for further updates as we strive to unravel the mysteries that lie hidden within the depths of our world,” the newsreader said and they showed some photos of the Hudson family.
The images on the screen showed their smiling faces, frozen in time. The thought that the camper van I saw in the forest was the crime scene of a brutal and unexplained murder not far from our camp, sent chills down on my spine. This was something I kept to myself. But we all thought about the same thing: the next ones could have been us.

I’m 22. My life has felt pretty out of my control for a while. We were involved in a gang shooting around a year and half ago. Because of this we had to flee our apartment and my husband had us move in with family instead of getting another apartment because he wanted to save money for a house. We are now building a house and living in an rv that is constantly having something break down so we don’t have running water, AC, or power. This week my grandma died, my husband had to work 90 hours because he is an entrepreneur as well, we got a rat infestation in our rv meaning I have to disinfectant everything and throw most of our food out. The rv generator also turned off so all of our groceries spoiled.
On top of that my best friend has ghosted me completely for no reason. I’ve tried so hard to be positive with all of it but I’m struggling. I feel so alone and my life has felt so unstable for so long. I’ve moved between houses and rv’s probably 20 times now or more. My entire pregnancy has been so stressful. I feel alone and isolated.
I frequently feel suicidal, and I’m asking the doctor for a mood enhancer to help deal. I’ve been on anti depressants before and they made better for a little bit and then made my health a lot worse. I guess I’m not really look for advice just somewhere to put this. I’ve already told my husband multiple times that I feel this way and my parents know. I just don’t know how to make my life more stable, and I feel like so much has happened. I don’t know how to process it all.

I, a 26-year-old male, have recently begun to generate income from my RV repair business after years of being in debt. My 26-year-old girlfriend of four year is asking for my assistance with her debt now that I have made a few thousand dollars. I have explained to her that I will help her once I have saved up enough money to purchase projects that will generate income. Just yesterday, I sold another project and earned $3,000 after putting in 25 hours of work and conducting extensive research. When she learned about this, the topic of money arose once again. I reiterated that I would assist her once I have saved up enough money to purchase one or two projects. However, she believes that since she accompanies me to pick up the projects and supports me throughout the process, she deserves at least 10% of my earnings. For context, she earned around $60,000 from her main job last year, while I earned $29,000 plus an additional $6,000 in per diem for food. Apart from accompanying me, she did not contribute to the projects in any way. Towards the end of our conversation, she expressed feeling neglected as I achieve success. She compared our situation to that of women in the 1940s, where men earned all the money while women stayed at home doing household chores without receiving anything in return. We share tasks more or less equally, with her doing slightly more than me, but I handle yard work and repairs. I appreciate her efforts, but I have yet to clear my own debts. I am willing to help her when I am able, but I believe that withdrawing money from my account to pay off debts that are not mine would hinder my progress. I am seeking some advice on this matter.
I proposed that she help me so that we could divide the money equally, or even consider finding a side project that she likes to increase her income. However, she insists that she cannot do so as she is already working 40 hours a week. I am inclined to believe that she is mistaken, but I am seeking the opinions of others to determine if I am the one at fault. Additionally, I am unsure of how to approach the conversation with her to fix all of this .
Any insight is appreciated

AITAH for leaving my girlfriend in debt while i finally am making some money

EDC Las Vegas won’t let me post but anyone doing RV camping without the power add on, how do you power your trailers if it says no generators???

Forward:
This league I wanted to innovate within the cast-on-crit (CoC) archetype by crafting a "league start-able" and scalable build. League start friendliness required diverging from conventional CoC standards, such as cyclone and spell-crit. Below is a synopsis of the configuration I used, and I hope it provides someone inspiration for innovation.
If you just want to see circles, here you go: Poison Reap Vortex - Day 4
Disclaimers:

This build is a 'poe.ninja sleeper' as the site does not account for the relevant configs.
I tried to maintain realistic configs on any pob posted, but things slip through.
I focus on the league start and first few days of this build, as it is what feels relevant to the objective of this post. The current, end-game iteration of the build uses quite a few outrageous items.
This build is unique to me, but may not be unique to the space.

The Attack Set-up:
The minimum requirements for CoC are simply an attack skill that hits, crits, and has good trigger uptime.
The configuration I settled on used:

Rage Vortex of Beserking (RV) + Ambush + Diamond Flask
Blood Rage scaling
'Hits cannot be evaded' sword or two accuracy clusters w/ masteries

RV was the obvious choice as ragestorm snapshots the Ambush exert, has a high hit rate from the '250% more frequency' line, and has uptime dependent on rage sustain. Varying Blood Rage's lvl and quality allowed for fine tuning of the attack speed to reach the CoC breakpoints.
Obviously a unique weapon/shield or crafted weapon with 'hits cannot be evaded' solves hit chance. Otherwise, using two accuracy clusters with the masteries '+acc per level' and 'more accuracy at close range' provided 100% hit chance.
Rage Sustain:
There are certainly many ways to generate rage for higher uptime on RV. I settled on the following combo, for reasons I'll touch on later:

Rotblood Promise w/ Temporal Chains (TC) toggling
Chains of Emancipation (CoE)

Toggling TC off while under 25 rage triggers CoE's rage gain. In hideout, I could get RV to be up for ~40s. In reality, I would often have to re-Ambush + RV as I would miss the rage trigger.
I did see that heiros have been using the new Mana-rage helmet on a similar set-up with great success.
The Spell Set-up:
All spells benefit from being cast quickly in a CoC set-up, both crit or non-crit. However, with the removal of the 'mana reduction flask craft' I didn't want to figure out mana costs. Thus, I settled on:

Reap on Pathfinder leveraging Master Surgeon

Poison was the obvious league start scaling vector as Reap is a phys hit and blood charges provide a 'more damage' multiplier. Humerously, this was the first time Cruelty was the right choice. Pathfinder also allowed for easy poison damage scaling early and classic Pathfinder defenses.
Was it League start-able?
Unrealized to me at the time, Rotblood Promise is a Ritual unique and CoE is a Heist-quest unique. I had just looked at poe.ninja prices and saw they were cheap in 3.23.
I'm in the boat of people who recognize that the build you level with through the campaign is not necessarily your league start build. So for me, it was league start friendly as I could get it running on Day 2. I leveled with poisonous concoction and transitioned the moment I got both the ring and belt. I made a poe.ninja account on Day 3.
Here are the pobs for my pre-league template plan and a Day 3 poe.ninja pull:

The build let me get all four voidstones and dip into T17 within week 1. I primarily farmed guardian rotations and did meta-crafting during this time. This helped me fund a few weapon crafts and some outrageously priced gear.
Scaling:
After my league start goals, there were obvious scaling vectors for this build:

Poison
new Unholy Might
Woke Spell Cascade (easy overlaps at 1.0-2.4 m)
CDR Breakpoints
Spell Crit
Low Life

In regards to CDR Breakpoints, I used three sources:

Balance of Terror (20-25% CDR if you've cast TC)
Woke CoC (I didn't pay attention to the CoC DD meta... I wasn't prepared for the prices)
eldritch implicit on boots (5%) until using the '+3 to crit gems' mastery

Coincidentally, triggering TC activates the Balance of Terror. This was a happy accident.
Where are we now?
While not the focus of this post, the following is my current iteration of the build:

Week 6 PoB w/ some FAQs in notes: https://pobb.in/u90Gde8aFvdU
Uber Cortex w/ slams: Reap Vortex
you can view Bog_Boy on poe.ninja if you want to see progression.

Note: Blood Rage is tuned for having onslaught and 50 rage. I have corrected automating Immortal Call. There are many improvements still to be made to the current build. Currently, I'm just pushing the dps number to see where it can get, but will probably reel it back soon.
Conclusion:
Path of Exile has a number of archetypes that people say must be played a certain way. Pre-league I asked a few streamers and their communities if they had any advice for the spell choice in a 'CoC Build with 100% melee crit and negligible spell-crit.' Consistently, the answer was "don't." However, shoutout to Jungroan for his consistent pursual of something different, as his build videos motivated me to look at things differently.
Hopefully this post gets someone excited to find a different way to league start and scale CoC, CwC, or innovate on any of the other archetypes in the game. I already have a few different ideas in mind for next league...
What atypical approaches have you taken in the game? Do you also recognize PoB as the real game, and PoE as the simulation?
TL;DR: spin-to-win adjacent

Currently playing a nomadic run on a mp server. Since i can't tow motorcycles with my RV i am debating to pick trailer generator or regular trailer.
With trailer generator i got quick generator to connect and lights to use while on the wilderness. With regular trailer....well, more loot space.
So i am asking for cool ideas or suggestions. Thank you

I haven't bought a generator yet for... well... lots of things. As I put together my list of needs I know I want to be able to charge my 100amp Battle Born battery for my RV (trailer). Is it as simple as using a regular battery charger plugged into the generator and what size generator, maybe while making coffee and running the refrigerator, is more than enough to do it all? I am interested in 2-fuels gas or propane. And other projects include other charging, table saw (construction tools), and lead batteries as well.

Lesharo rv generator

Generator information and support