AT Road Trip in progress 8/09

[Martyn]

Transferring now to an in progress report. So far my travels have take me from Truckee in Northern California down to our shop in Southern California where I picked up the Teardrop.

First day out I headed to Prescott AZ. and met up with Jeremy. We went out to a the Raven to sample some boutique beers and grab a bite to eat. As chance would have it Chris M. (Bajataco) walked in, an enjoyable evening was had by all (I think :drool.

Jeremy gave me a really nice route from Prescott to Flagstaff passing over Mingus Mountain, through Jerome and Sedona, up the switchbacks and into Flagstaff. Did a little hiking in the Sedona area and enjoyed the Red Rock.

I managed to meet up with Fergie, his daughter and his father in Flagstaff, showed them the trailer and had lunch with them. The Portal seems to attract wonderful people and Fergie and his "clan" are about as good as it gets.

Straight run on I40 through Arizona and into New Mexico. As the temperatures were in the mid 90's in Albuquerque I headed to the mountains just East of the city. Pulled off and found a forestry road and set up camp for the night.

If you want to follow the trip I'm keeping a blog at http://www.atreport.com/atblog I'll keep it updated as I get internet connections.

Can't seem to get away from the Overland Journal, it keeps creeping in to all of my pictures.

 

[Dave Bennett]

:lurk:

 

[BajaTaco]

It was really nice to see you again, Martyn. That story about the cowboy was great (and talking about Africa, and trailers, and hot springs and. . . ) Hey, I like the video element of the blog. Keep it up!

I look forward to the next blog entry. :lurk:

 

[Willman]

Nice Martyn.....Where too now?

If you are planning on stopping in Northern Utah.....I can feed ya as well as a nice hot shower...you can have my bed and i can try out this sweet trailer of yours

 

[gabepari]

Video vs. Texting

Hey Martyn, I trust you're having fun.

But, I have one question...

How is it that video taping while driving is safer than texting? Or was your imaginary friend doing the filming?

Be safe,

Gabe

 

[cruiseroutfit]

...If you are planning on stopping in Northern Utah.....I can feed ya as well as a nice hot shower...you can have my bed and i can try out this sweet trailer of yours...

And if you do make it up this direction, it would be great to put together a lunch or dinner too.



Oh, and that trailer is just simply sexy!

 

[Martyn]

Hey Martyn, I trust you're having fun.

But, I have one question...

How is it that video taping while driving is safer than texting? Or was your imaginary friend doing the filming?

Be safe,

Gabe

Gabe, it's all OK. I was texting as I was videoing, they counterbalance each other and the result is sure and steady driving.

In reality I set the camera up on a tripod up front and then all I had to do was press the start button.

I don't like the effect of shooting through the windscreen so I won't be doing in anymore.

 

[edgear]

First day out I headed to Prescott AZ. and met up with Jeremy. We went out to a the Raven to sample some boutique beers and grab a bite to eat. As chance would have it Chris M. (Bajataco) walked in, an enjoyable evening was had by all (I think :drool.

Jeremy gave me a really nice route from Prescott to Flagstaff passing over Mingus Mountain, through Jerome and Sedona, up the switchbacks and into Flagstaff. Did a little hiking in the Sedona area and enjoyed the Red Rock.

It was awesome to hang out with you, and see the Overland Teardrop again! I hope the rest of your trip goes well.
:beer:

 

[Martyn]

Still heading East. spent last night in Lebanon TN.

Updates are on the ATblog

Thought I'd share this picture with you, just how much stuff can you pack into your truck?

 

[1leglance]

Hey Martyn,
Cool to see you go through my hometown of Amarillo and hang out in Palo Duro Canyon.
I left you some info on the blog.
Keep the updates coming...and yeah you need an Iphone for road access.

 

[Martyn]

Can you call it a Teardrop Convention when it's just two trailers?

Pulled into a campsite just off the BRP at Crabtree Meadows and ended up next to a charming couple who were towing their Teardrop with a Subaru.

Full tree landscape now, rolling hills, river valleys. Trees just encapsulated with vines.

Got off the I40 at Asheville NC, pulled into a parking lot of a grocery store, and was immediately besieged by people wanting a grand tour of the trailer :sombrero:

Headed up the BRP as I drove up the mountain the temperatures dropped off to the mid 70's, I ended up sleeping with a blanket last night.

Gave the owners of the other Teardrop a copy of the latest edition of the Overland Journal, and this morning they said as soon as they got home they were going to subscribe.

I'll be updating the bloghttp://www.atreport.com/atblog this morning.

 

[ox4mag]

Martyn, I was glad to see you made it out to Palo Duro Canyon. The summer is a rough time to be out there due to the heat but the early spring and late fall are awesome in that region. If you go through there again on your way back to CA, go to the park office and ask for a map to do the Lighthouse hike. The Lighthouse is a natural formation that looks like, well, a lighthouse. It's about a 5 mile hike roundtrip (depending on where you start) but is one I used to do as a young chap. Oh, and the mountain biking out there is a blast though your old bones may not be up for that. Just kidding.

Enjoy the rest of your trip, sounds like you're having a great time on the road!

 

[Overland JK]

Martyn, it was great seeing you again at ORI in Reno before your departure.
Dan Streight and I had a great trip into Sweetwater and then down to Bishop where we met up with the rest of the group and on up to Coyote Flats. You missed a great trip, but since I have done I40 also, I know you will have a great trip and glad you did the BRP, that is just a great ride. Give me a call when you get back, we'll have lunch and I want to here more about the trip.

Take care and Safe Travels.....Walt

 

[NashvilleRunner]

Hey man you were right in my backyard! I am about 5 mins away from Lebanon, TN!

 

[Martyn]

Met up with "6 pins" and his son in Winchester to show him the Teardrop.

What a nice guy, he had coffee waiting for me!!! First one of the day tasted great.

Headed to Elkton MD, arrives around noon. I'll have very sparse internet connection for the next week.

If any of you want to get together this weekend some where close by let's make a plan.

I can be reached through out toll free number, it will transfer to my cell.