OK…I’m sure most of you presume I’m referring to a dog. And, for a lot of folks out there, a four-legged companion often fits that “best friend” description. But, not for me.
Nope.
My companion, partner and best of friends is this four-wheeled fella:
The Pathfinder!
Now, I don’t mean to confuse you with Natty Bumppo and any of James Fennimore Cooper’s various novels or characters. But, like the rifle in Cooper’s novels, this Pathfinder is quite proven, completely loyal, and as reliable as they get.
Might you ask “why”??
Well, as I alluded to above…..it’s always been there for me! It also never backs down from a challenge. And, similar to Cooper’s “The Last of the Mohicans”…..this vehicle may be the only remaining ’99 Special Edition Nissan Pathfinder still burning up the pavement here in AZ. Heck, this stalwart has just celebrated a major mileage milestone and was appropriately rewarded with some bling:
Doesn’t he look good in his Sunday finest?
My ’99 Pathfinder has traveled with me through thick….
….and through thin.
Look at the open tailgate in the above photograph. Though you don’t get much of a view into the truck’s backend, you may be curious about the cargo capacity of this rig?
That is quite the load, huh? This shot clearly shows what an amazing backend the Pathfinder has….and, one that’s definitely built to take a beating and handle a whole lot of crap:
Yep.
Are you wondering what some of the other unique features on the ’99 Nissan Pathfinder are……that have made it such an ideal companion for my photo project? Well, lots of trucks offer superior ground-clearance and four-wheel drive capabilities…..and might also handle the rustic roads I’ve traveled. And, even some standard automobiles feature some of the luxuries my models have come to appreciate with my ride. But, nothing can compare with this amazing list of “extras” that differentiates my Pathfinder from everything else out there on the road:
The built-in makeup room. Wow, the gals love this when they partake in photo shoots with me and get to experience the Pathfinder. Hey, try to find that feature on a BMW or Tesla.
How ’bout a built-in towel warmer and rooftop drink holder? You don’t find a lot of vehicles on the road today that offer either of those items. The ’99 Pathfinder comes standard with both:
Pretty sweet, huh?
Well….I’m just getting started talkin’ about the uniqueness of my big, white buddy……and there is a whole lot more to come.
Here’s another feature:
Do you know that the ’99 model comes with it’s own “lost and found” department? I know that sounds crazy….but, like LA Fitness or a major shopping Mall…..Nissan doesn’t want you losing things. And, it sucks to waste time searching for missing items that fall between the seats and get caught in the cracks:
Hey, a pair of missing panties! Nice work, L&F Dept..
Also, if you’re constantly hungry…. like a lot of the famished models who work their asses off with me….the Pathfinder even has a cafeteria included in it’s standard features:
Yep. Gourmet meals at your beckon call with the ’99 Special Edition Nissan Pathfinder. No more snackin’ on crappy fast food or convenience store garbage!
What else? Hmmm….well, if you’re doing a photo shoot out near a busy highway, like Interstate 40 up near Winslow, AZ, what happens if your model isn’t wearing a whole lot and might be visible to passersby?
Is the Pathfinder capable of offering privacy protection to a vulnerable lady in such circumstances??
Hell yeah! The Pathfinder features windows that operate like two-way mirrors. The searching eyes of truckers may try to get a glimpse of what’s happening back here….but the model is completely hidden from site due to Nissan’s engineering majesty.
Trust me.
But, don’t forget that you should always place the Pathfinder BETWEEN THE MODEL AND FOLKS SPYING ON YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY…… if you intend to have the two-way mirrors actually provide any protection:
It takes a pretty enterprising person to outsmart the Lonely Road photographer.
Well, another special feature on my metallic best friend is the external, anterior rumble seat:
It’s not necessarily the most comfortable choice for your rear end, but, it’s a great place to get increased visibility. My model apprears a bit skeptical of the value of the rumble seat….. but, it truly does offer amazing views..
Did you also know that the ’99 Pathfinder has a built-in reverse osmosis system that automatically fills up your water bottle with fresh and tasty H2O? Anytime, anywhere??
The Mercedes C Class sure as shit doesn’t have that in it’s repertoire, people!
And, you know what else some of those pricey European car companies can’t offer? How about the glove compartment that comes packed with a plethora of SPF skin crème to protect your fair features from the intensity of the sun:
Sure, they all have glove compartments. But, only Nissan…..and the ’99 Pathfinder, come stocked with the goods! Just a little “extra” that I’ve come to expect with this amazing vehicle and friend.
I really don’t think I ever could have found a vehicle more reflective of my style and personality……
…. nor as “spot on” for the features that benefit me and my hobby so much!
OK….there are several other things that my best friend comes standard with that also should be mentioned. But, rather than talk too in–depth on these……why don’t I just list them in the order that they come to mind:
Extra seat-belt:
Yeah, sorry. An extra “seat belt” in the vehicle……not an extra “belt”…which surely would have come in handy for this cheeky lass who’s pants had slipped a bit low. That extra “seat belt” isn’t very handy unless you’ve got a bunch of passengers inside, seated, clamoring for a safety harness. So, I apologize for not being able to offer a remedy in the above circumstance.
Driver’s slippers:
Some Euro cars come standard with those cheesy “drivers gloves” ….to give them superior grip on their steering wheel. Well, Nissan instead provided a pair of driving slippers, in matching colors, to anyone who purchased their ’99 Special Edition:
Sooo comfy!
Sun-roof:
Some manufacturers offer something similar and may refer to it as a moon-roof.
Picnic Table Book:
Others might call it a coffee-table book….but the Nissan company’s intention was for you to read this best-seller while out on an adventure. And, it is included with the purchase of every ’99 Special Edition Pathfinder.
In fact…these fellas in the Ojito Wilderness outside of Albuquerque are reading theirs while being entertained by an aspiring participant:
Legal Hotline:
One of the more interesting options included on the ’99 Pathfinder is…. legal hotline access. Similar to “OnStar”…you can just click a button on your rearview mirror and be immediately connected to a lawyer who can settle all disputes:
….including disagreement over who was supposed to bring the underwear!
Heated Grill:
“Radiator grill”, that is! Similar, I guess, to the pricey Euro vehicles which offer heated interior seats. This unique Nissan “extra”, instead, can warm your booty if you’re outside the truck, resting on the front end, taking in a gorgeous AZ sunset as the temperature starts to fall!
Coat Rack:
A vast improvement over those stupid, little hooks above your rear windows that offered such limited height that you could barely even hang a shirt. This cool innovation means even your full-length mink will now be “good to go”.
Color BONUS:
This might have been more luck than anything else, but, when I was asked to pick the colors for my Pathfinder, I chose the Eggshell White exterior and Tan Vinyl interior. And, when I finally received my perfect companion vehicle at the dealership…..
….they even threw in some “tanlines”. Wow, winner!
Well, everyone…..that about does it for the list of why I think the ’99 Pathfinder is the best damn vehicle ever for my Lonely Road project. And, for me….Mike G.
You see, I’ve sort of got a “heart-on” for this vehicle:
I mean it really has been the perfect side-kick for my Lonely Road travels and adventures.
Think about it! The vehicle doesn’t let me down and has stood behind me and my work on nearly every shoot I’ve ever gone on:
When you have something so reliable & trustworthy teaming up with you…..you really do have yourself a special companion. And, because of the Pathfinder’s fearless nature, it’s pushed me to explore more of the gorgeous world out there……thus opening a ton of doors for me and my photography:
You see, it’s quite simple. I just can’t say enough about the amazing ’99 Pathfinder and all of it’s incredible features! It has helped make the Lonely Road come true for me and I don’t know where I’d be without this truck.
Bottom-line, people…..
….everyone needs a best friend.