Tbh on the "mixing it too wet" thing, you actually do want it a little wet if you're using sanded grout on a wide joint, otherwise it'll be too stiff to pack in. Not trying to argue with your uncle, just a different kind of job where the rule flips.

Man I missed that article but I bet that spreadsheet was a goldmine. I started keeping a log a few years back and it really helps you spot patterns, like which neighborhoods have the same old wiring problems over and over.

Yeah man, you're totally right. It's scary how fast that can sneak up on you, I've heard stories about guys who got way too comfortable and paid the price for it. Nothing wrong with using both tools to keep things safe, right?

I mean, did you wash the sand at all before you mixed it or just dump it straight in?

Good grief, that "faint game trail on an old map" bit really got me. I can't believe people still rely on those decade-old topo maps with all the faded markings. They're practically worthless once the snow melts and the terrain shifts. That boulder field near Cloud Cap has swallowed more than a few hikers who thought they were being clever. I'm honestly just glad you made it back in one piece, sounds like it could have gone a lot worse.