It was all the trip I could have asked for Guy. It was safe, fun and I met some GREAT people down there. Its always a good feeling meeting people farther away from home that are good people, reassuring is the word I guess. The world really is full of good people, its just the bad ones get all the publicity!
By the way I used deck stain to seal the ends and it almost has a rubbery feel to it. I think its going to work great and cost less than urethanes do. Give it a try if you have some leftover stain in the garage.