A Swell Time in the Great

[Backwoods Rambler]

I've started bringing a kite so that I can enjoy windy times.

 

[upcruiser]

Wow!

Kristian, need to get your wife an account here on ExPo. With adventures like the one's you share, and photo's like hers, she'd be great to have on board this board.

Also, what sorts of things do you pack in the saddle backs on your dog? Does she handle it well? Is it cumbersome for her?

Bummr, I wrote a reply last night and apparently it didn't post. I showed her your post in an effort to persuade her to sign up but she likes to keep a low, online profile as evidenced by her neglected facebook page. She is the type who would rather read a book versus spend much time online unfortunately. What I need to do is get her to Overland Expo next year so she can meet some of the other women in the hobby that could inspire her a bit more to get on here.

Regarding the dog pack, we just got that for her and that was it's trial run. We but a waterbottle and snacks for her in there along with her leash and a collapsable dog bowl. She did great with it though it took her a while to get used to her new found width when cutting around outcroppings, bushes, etc. The idea is for her to at least be able to cary her own gear when we go hiking. Now I just need to fab up a rack to carry sleeping bags, maybe a rooftop tent....:sombrero:

 

[upcruiser]

Great shots from Alex. Looks like a fun trip. You're right though..the pics never really capture the wind. I'm not a wind fan.

That was the filthiest that the interior of the Rover got yet on a trip. And you know me and how I like to keep things clean and organized in the truck... grrrrrr. haha Wind blew dust and sand into places I didn't know I had!

 

[upcruiser]

It is funny...I agree with the Swell not becoming a National Monument. However, I hope that a place like Cedar Mesa gets more protection (another monument possibly). I base that opinion is that I think there are some many ruins, rock art, and history that needs to be protected down there.

Utah...what a wonderland...

I only saw a small portion of the region, but it was interesting to see the number of folks out and about out there, camping virtually everywhere (I can't believe how many people had tents pitched in dry washes!! Scary. There were many signs of not Treading Lightly and anything that gets that much useage and travel, seems to be in the cross hairs. What I really loved about it is that there aren't tons of rules and regulations (like Moab used to be like till the late '90's) but at the same time, I can understand the desire by many to protect alot of the area from misuse. Stupid stuff too, like trash, driving off routes, building fire rings everywhere, grafiti on petroglyphs, etc.

It will be interesting to see what comes of it, but I agree with you, that some particularly sensitive spots need some sort of protection from those that lack common sense.

 

[upcruiser]

Ahem brother....The Clan needs to get out there somewhere before to long. The walls of reality are cloing in a wee bit to close for comfort.

As usual another great trip report and awesome pictures!

But I've got a bone to pick with you, Mr. upcruiser. It was bad enough when your freaking awesome UP posts dragged us up that way, but now you're also running all over the west doing the same thing all over again.

Come to the UP...Come to Colorado...Follow us to Utah... enough with your sorcerous ways already. We'll be out that way next June, including the Swell. Happy now? Your killing my travel account.

Thanks Bud! Sorry about the bad travel influences, but at least I'm not posting awesome pictures of smoking crack and poaching wildlife or something.. Glad to hear you are making it out that way. I can relate to the travel budget thing big time, but for me at least, the money I have spent on travelling have always been my best investments when looking back on the memories and experiences. No regrets!