ExPoordition Update: Days 3- – Aspen Paradise, Flash Floods, Dino Land + CO Hi Land
I consider this 3rd day to be the real beginning of the ExPoordition as this is all new country to me. Plus it is where the real back country travel has truly begun.
With Paul May of Equipt Expedition Outfitters (equipt1.com) navigating and leading the way, Scott Brady in front of me in a Defender 110 Dormobile, we headed south of Salt Lake a few miles then hard left into the Wasatch. We viewed Brighton and Solitude ski areas, before joining a dirt connector down the East slop down to Heber.
South of Heber we aired down and picked up a series of ATV infested roads that followed a spine like ridge for what seemed like 50 miles. We viewed the gradually changing landscape from two sides looking right or left to valleys below and mountains beyond. With evening drawing near we made camp in a stand of Aspens, knee deep in grass overlooking the Southern horizon.
Day 4:
Lush grass and green began to give way to a long shallow white walled canyon eventually leading to Nine Mile Canyon. The weather cooperated adding much inspiring variety (and a little anxiety – as I enjoyed flash flood running, with a bicycle type lightning rod attached on top of my truck) with pouring rain and nearby lighting.
After outrunning the summer storm, we picked up the pavement to roll us into Dinosaur National Monument. A choice camp site awaited us atop a steady 30min low gear climb to a 2000' vertical vista looking East into Colorado.
Day 5:
More highway was necessary to make up time en route to Leadville. We arrived just North of Aspen CO, and began a stunning climb of remarkable Colorado high land vistas to camp close to 11,000 feet. By coincidence great minds were thinking alike and we were joined by an ExPo family of 6 ( I think, I counted 4 kids) just in time to be pounded by a severe level lightning storm that passed just a quarter mile East of our position.
My hat is off to Brock (JBS portal handle) his wife, and awsome kids for keeping the spirit of family adventure alive as they tour the Western states on a 6 week vacation. All of them stuff comfortable enough into a beautifully built 4th Gen 4Runner and Adventure Trailer. It was an unexpected privilege t make their acquaintance.
Breakfast in Aspen. Photos on Independence Pass and now Yerbe Matte Lattes and posting in Leadville.
The next few days will include covering the Land Rover National Ralley and Leadville area exploring. I have acquired local knowledge of some hot springs 30min South of here...
More pictures will be added later as the coffee shop is closing.