Birth of My Kimberley Karavan

[Tucson T4R]

Thanks Ace. I had even better conditions at my next two stops, Point Sublime and Antelope Canyon.

http://bgarland.smugmug.com/Camping-Trips/Point-Sublime-2012/23223859_cDq2ws

http://bgarland.smugmug.com/Camping-Trips/Upper-Antelope-Canyon-2012/23224112_BxZB7z

On the dust, normally the Karavan does great keeping out the dust. It has filtered air scoop on the roof that keeps the cabin slightly pressurized so if there any small leaks in the seals the clean air is forced out instead of the dust coming in. The last time I drove into Toroweap it was spotless inside with no dust. As long as I keep the air scoop filter clean it has stayed very clean on all my trips.

Now the reason I started that last description with "normally".

When Chris and I were packing up to leave OVX on Monday to head to Toroweap I was in a rush to stay on schedule and I closed up the Karavan but left all three windows wide open. I can tell you that far over powers the little air scoop on the roof. :sombrero: When we got to Toroweap I saw what I did and dreaded opening the karavan up. With the top closed down the windows are not a direct shot into the cabin but a ton of dust still got in everywhere. I had to take a bucket of water and towel and wash out all the dust.

An embarrassing lesson learned. I won't forget to close the windows when packing up again.

 

[Ace Brown]

I have a simaler problem with windows; one of my sliding windows rattles open on washboard roads. So it's not a case of my forgetting, rather the window forgetting its supposed to stay closed.

I like the pressure/vent idea. How big is the opening on yours? Do you have to stop and close it for rain?

Tks,
Ace

 

[Tucson T4R]

No it's a cool design. The scoop is large in the front but has a small opening in the rear to let out any water. Then in the center of the scoop there is a vertical column with a hole in the back. No water gets in but there is enough air pressure generated to come down through a paper air filter on the inside of the cabin to keep the pressure up in the cabin when traveling down dusty roads.

 

[Redline]

Here are a few snaps Chris took driving into Toroweap behind me. I thought they were pretty cool.

It's always nice to see your own rig driving, generally not easy to do

 

[Tucson T4R]

It's always nice to see your own rig driving, generally not easy to do

Yes, I have thought many times about setting up my camera on a tripod with a wireless remote trigger and try shooting shots as I drove by. Since my remote would only work within about 200yds and the camera position would be fixed I bet I wouldn't have captured many keepers. Having someone else available to do the shooting is the way to go.

 

[Tucson T4R]

Pretty funny. If you go back and look at the photos of me driving into Toroweap you can see that my side windows are wide open. Bonehead. :xxrotflma:hehe:

 

[Titanpat57]

FYI...

she's gonna kill you for getting that camper dirty...



Once again, the shot's are undeniably beautiful and breathtaking..thank you for sharing!

 

[Tucson T4R]

:xxrotflma I got the big hunks out at camp before coming home. Then last weekend I spent hours detailing the inside and out before putting it back in it's carport nest until the next trip.

I did get "That look" when I told her about what happened though. :elkgrin:

Thanks for the compliment on my photos. I get a little obsessed at times but I do enjoy the hobby.

 

[djsixbillion]

Small world, eh? We met out at Toroweap the night you were there as well, beautiful spot. I was in the silver LC with an M416 trailer. Saw the Kimberley and figured you must be on this site too. Very cool camper you have there!

-Desmond

 

[Tucson T4R]

Thanks Desmond, yep I remember you guys. Nice set up. It is an awesome area to visit. I so want to go back sometime during the Monsoon to catch some thunderstorms over those canyon views. Someday. :elkgrin:

It is a small world. Maybe we'll cross paths again sometime.

 

[djsixbillion]

Absolutely. Toroweap in monsoon season sounds like a great idea for a trip...maybe next year!

 

[Every Miles A Memory]

Toroweap in monsoon season sounds like a great idea for a trip...

WOW!! That would make for a epic camping/photography/drinking get together!!

 

[Tucson T4R]

WOW!! That would make for a epic camping/photography/drinking get together!!

Either Toroweap or Point Sublime would be an awesome viewpoint for storms over the canyon. If we pull and larger adventurous group together Toroweap would be the choice since Point Sublime only has 2 approved campsites, one that is considered for a group so in total it might support 3-4 rigs.

I used the word adventurous on purpose because these summer thunderstorms, especially in the higher elevations, get very intense. You would need a serious shelter battened down to handle the high winds and intense rain if the storm cell decides to move over on top of you.

The photo ops would be mind blowing as long as you had a place to run back to and hide in when needed.

OK, Pat...Put it on your calendar for next July-August and we will pull the adventure together. It would be epic for all three of your reasons. :wings:

 

[Redline]

Either Toroweap or Point Sublime would be an awesome viewpoint for storms over the canyon. snip...

I used the word adventurous on purpose because... snip

OK, Pat...Put it on your calendar for next July-August and we will pull the adventure together. It would be epic for all three of your reasons. :wings:

I've got a set of MTZ mud tires for the Tundra/FWC that should still have lots of tread on them... or maybe I should should save my ears and the wear on the trip down and put my ******** Cepek F-C II to the mud test?

Either way, I have no problem being the third or fourth string photographer in camp with other great talents

And yes, all three pastimes sound very enjoyable.

 

[Tucson T4R]

It would be a pleasure having you on the "Monsoon Abuse Crew". I am planing to do this next summer. I hope we can pull a fun group together. As Pat said, it would be epic. :wings:

Your mud tires would be put to good use when my Karavan and 4Runner slide together down into a slime filled ditch on the side of the road.