proper4wd
Expedition Leader
Had this week off to enjoy before starting my new job so I took the opportunity to go to Moab for a few days. Left on Tuesday morning, got into town around 3:30. Provisioned up then camped just up 128 at Goose Island. The camp host, Hunter, was a very cool guy who has a nicely done Jeep LJ. We talked rigs and trails for a while; he warned me that things might be snowy! They were, which was great. I grew up wheeling in the snow all over New England.
This was in the northeast corner of the La Sals at a little over 8000ft:
The trails only had some patchy snow, and none below 6400ft or so. I looped around a few easy roads then up Rosegarden Hill. No photos of that, I was way too busy driving! That hill is pretty nasty. Made it unassisted in the big Ford though, only maneuvering to change lines a few times. It did take probably 30 minutes though.
From there I followed the "back way" over to Top of the World. I love this trail... since I first came here in Oct 2010. Once again the Ford conquered it all no problem. I actually kept on picking the hardest lines because she was just chugging on up. Didnt take many pictures of that either because I was having too much fun
Obligatory "Top of The World Photo":
Made camp right at the overlook for the night. I knew it would be cold. I didn't care... being in such a beautiful spot is worthwhile.
It was essentially a full moon. So bright out at night that you could see clear across the valley and easily get around with no light.
To give an idea of the moonlight, this was taken on a tripod with a ~8 second exposure time. The beautiful La Sals:
It was the most silent place I have ever been in my entire life. It was awesome
Spent the morning taking my time completing the trail loop. Took a few action shots.
I was going to venture on and hit some more trails but on the way down I was hearing that familiar "broken parts" sound I know too well from my Land Rover days. Investigation revealed the passenger side u-joint split a couple caps and was falling apart. Called it quits and headed home... Thrilled to go back next time!
This was in the northeast corner of the La Sals at a little over 8000ft:
The trails only had some patchy snow, and none below 6400ft or so. I looped around a few easy roads then up Rosegarden Hill. No photos of that, I was way too busy driving! That hill is pretty nasty. Made it unassisted in the big Ford though, only maneuvering to change lines a few times. It did take probably 30 minutes though.
From there I followed the "back way" over to Top of the World. I love this trail... since I first came here in Oct 2010. Once again the Ford conquered it all no problem. I actually kept on picking the hardest lines because she was just chugging on up. Didnt take many pictures of that either because I was having too much fun
Obligatory "Top of The World Photo":
Made camp right at the overlook for the night. I knew it would be cold. I didn't care... being in such a beautiful spot is worthwhile.
It was essentially a full moon. So bright out at night that you could see clear across the valley and easily get around with no light.
To give an idea of the moonlight, this was taken on a tripod with a ~8 second exposure time. The beautiful La Sals:
It was the most silent place I have ever been in my entire life. It was awesome
Spent the morning taking my time completing the trail loop. Took a few action shots.
I was going to venture on and hit some more trails but on the way down I was hearing that familiar "broken parts" sound I know too well from my Land Rover days. Investigation revealed the passenger side u-joint split a couple caps and was falling apart. Called it quits and headed home... Thrilled to go back next time!
