Carrizo Plains NM Day trip 4-26-10

[Life_in_4Lo]

Thanks, it was beautiful out there- really amazing.
Perfect spot to take your Vanagon! Does it have a low-range t-case? The trail up to that spot was not hard but requires low range, it's steep.

Carrizo is a really gorgeous area

 

[teotwaki]

Thanks guys! I appreciate that you have shared your insights and your most excellent humor as well. Maybe Carrizo Plains would be a good place for a weekend exploration party. I'd have to check with the staff there to see if there are any restrictions on groups.

 

[wesel123]

Thanks guys! I appreciate that you have shared your insights and your most excellent humor as well. Maybe Carrizo Plains would be a good place for a weekend exploration party. I'd have to check with the staff there to see if there are any restrictions on groups.

Buddy you’re not the only one. I was always afraid of speaking what your saying because I LOVE this forum and did not want to be ostracized. I've gained some much knowledge from people like you that I'm here every day. I remember the day that when I went to AT's shop and spoke with Mario and he told me of this site.....but wow have things changed. I don’t feel as if I fit into this Expo group anymore, and that’s really sad because there are some wickedly cool people here and I've made a few life long friends.

Ok off my chest.....but again Jim thanks for the reality check.

On another note I was out there this past weekend too testing out the Casita mods. I’ll have to post up some pics, so this is a disclaimer that I’m not stealing your thunder bud:sombrero:

 

[teotwaki]

Buddy you’re not the only one. I was always afraid of speaking what your saying because I LOVE this forum and did not want to be ostracized. I've gained some much knowledge from people like you that I'm here every day. I remember the day that when I went to AT's shop and spoke with Mario and he told me of this site.....but wow have things changed. I don’t feel as if I fit into this Expo group anymore, and that’s really sad because there are some wickedly cool people here and I've made a few life long friends.

Ok off my chest.....but again Jim thanks for the reality check.

On another note I was out there this past weekend too testing out the Casita mods. I’ll have to post up some pics, so this is a disclaimer that I’m not stealing your thunder bud:sombrero:

I have faith in the overall goodness of human beings. I can't ascribe the anthropogenic climate change (hee-hee) in Expo to any sort of malice towards Forum members. It wouldn't make sense. Each of us has benefitted from the unselfish help of at least one supporting vendor so you know that they don't worship money at all costs. I have had other direct communications with folks who are vendors and it is tough for them to speak out publicly one way or another about Expo's direction.

The change may be akin to the military's problem with mission creep. The Portal started as a social network for Overlanders. Some enterprising folks took good ideas, commercialized them and marketed them to folks. Commercial activities force different decisions than do social activities and they aren't always mutually supportive. Certain decisions and actions guide the portal and have directly affected my social experience here. I'm not going to be running away (as some folks suggested I should) but I've removed the sticker from my truck as my own very small statement that I think things could be better. Maybe these posts have had a small positive impact with right folks?

In the end I decided to stay and I've shared some photos from my local travels. I hope that it is a better approach than going silent.

 

[Haggis]

I have faith in the overall goodness of human beings. I can't ascribe the anthropogenic climate change (hee-hee) in Expo to any sort of malice towards Forum members. It wouldn't make sense. Each of us has benefitted from the unselfish help of at least one supporting vendor so you know that they don't worship money at all costs. I have had other direct communications with folks who are vendors and it is tough for them to speak out publicly one way or another about Expo's direction.

The change may be akin to the military's problem with mission creep. The Portal started as a social network for Overlanders. Some enterprising folks took good ideas, commercialized them and marketed them to folks. Commercial activities force different decisions than do social activities and they aren't always mutually supportive. Certain decisions and actions guide the portal and have directly affected my social experience here. I'm not going to be running away (as some folks suggested I should) but I've removed the sticker from my truck as my own very small statement that I think things could be better. Maybe these posts have had a small positive impact with right folks?

In the end I decided to stay and I've shared some photos from my local travels. I hope that it is a better approach than going silent.

Well I for one hope you stay.

You know when I first came to this site there was much more good natured banter and humor, now so many people take themselves, their views, and their gear way to seriously. The ExPo of the past seemed much more focused on the journey and the experience more than what brand of stuff is attached to one's truck. Now there seems to be so much one-upmanship and rancor. The ExPo seemed to starify itself over the last couple of years. What once was a diverse set of vagabonds that shared their experiences and thoughts pretty openly, became like a bad high school drama. Folks, including many long time members, partitioned themselves off from the "masses" and set themselves apart for some reason. But you know what? I've made some damn good friends on this site, experienced some great trips with the family or with ExPo friends and I've discover new places that I want to go. So I'll hang around, meet up with old friends and new ones, try and add useful tidbits when I can, spread some humor here and there, and try to keep the spirit of the old ExPo hanging on. Just because the site belongs to someone else, doesn't mean that we have nothing invested in it's future.

 

[7wt]

Well said Mark.

 

[jtpaintball70]

That brand looks familiar. I miss NM even though I just got up here to CO. I spent 8 years or so living in Socorro and another 6 in Deming, so I know that area pretty well. I love the pictures

 

[teotwaki]

That brand looks familiar. I miss NM even though I just got up here to CO. I spent 8 years or so living in Socorro and another 6 in Deming, so I know that area pretty well. I love the pictures

Sorry about the confusion that the title is causing. NM stands for National Monument and this one is in California. The "other" place is Carizozo in New Mexico.

PS: Love the San Juan Mountains In Crawlerado!!

 

[jtpaintball70]

Sorry about the confusion that the title is causing. NM stands for National Monument and this one is in California. The "other" place is Carizozo in New Mexico.

PS: Love the San Juan Mountains In Crawlerado!!

What's funny is there are parts of Carizozo New Mex that look a lot like that. I've been on a couple ranches up there with roads like that

 

[Dave Bennett]

Well I for one hope you stay.

You know when I first came to this site there was much more good natured banter and humor, now so many people take themselves, their views, and their gear way to seriously. The ExPo of the past seemed much more focused on the journey and the experience more than what brand of stuff is attached to one's truck. Now there seems to be so much one-upmanship and rancor. The ExPo seemed to starify itself over the last couple of years. What once was a diverse set of vagabonds that shared their experiences and thoughts pretty openly, became like a bad high school drama. Folks, including many long time members, partitioned themselves off from the "masses" and set themselves apart for some reason. But you know what? I've made some damn good friends on this site, experienced some great trips with the family or with ExPo friends and I've discover new places that I want to go. So I'll hang around, meet up with old friends and new ones, try and add useful tidbits when I can, spread some humor here and there, and try to keep the spirit of the old ExPo hanging on. Just because the site belongs to someone else, doesn't mean that we have nothing invested in it's future.

X2 and very well said my friend.

 

[chimivee]

Thanks, it was beautiful out there- really amazing.
Perfect spot to take your Vanagon! Does it have a low-range t-case? The trail up to that spot was not hard but requires low range, it's steep.

Carrizo is a really gorgeous area

No low-range transfer case per se... But as a Syncro, it has the extra granny gear that'll crawl up some pretty steep stuff. Technically it's AWD. Many, like mine, also come from the factory with a rear locker. The combo makes it a surprisingly capable rig off road... and of course, there's all the camper amenities inside!

Indeed, Carrizo is on my ever-growing to-go list.

 

[Viggen]

Great pictures and report. I showed them to my girlfriend and we decided that we must get out there at some point in time. Texas has some great wild flower areas too like their protected blue bonnets.

As for your affirmations, I guess I can agree with certain aspects of it and disagree with others. Granted, I am not an "OG" member and can not comment on the ways of old but like with any successful forum, they take on a life of their own. Used to own numerous VW's and VWVortex is used as a hub of owners, business vendors, clubs, and the inevitable **********. I came here looking for trip ideas, trip information and vehicle modification and to drool over other peoples rigs. It is a great place.

I harbor no ill will (nor am I insinuating that you are) towards any one on the board. It is a respectful place, unlike numerous other automotive forums I belong to, full of great ideas and information. Please dont leave the forum and please continue to hang around and share your trips. That is why I am here in the first place. I spend most of my time in the trips section looking at posts such as yours making plans for future trips that I hope to take some day.

There are always going to be people who capitalize on certain ideas and concepts but that is capitalism at work. If you dont like them, you just ignore them and move along your own line. Those of us who know what it is all about realize that you dont need a $6000 trailer, solar panels, expedition clothing, etc... The same goes with cycling. I race and there are always people who feel that they need to buy Zipp's (google is your friend if you have no idea) right away to be "fast" or "belong."

As long as people, true to the idea and concept, the ones who can spot camping spots to their exact point in an unnamed state, the ones who are Camel Trophy junkies (guilty as charged and have watched every single one on YouTube) and dream of recreating their own someday, this is the place for them. Regardless of someones attempt at commercialization. As Haggis said, continue to create posts that you would like to see and guide the forum to where you want it to go. True power is at the ballot and from involvement. As soon as I start taking trips, time permitting, I will be creating posts that I believe would live up to your vision. Until then, keep posting and I, along with others, will keep reading and dream of recreating it.

 

[EMrider]

I understand the points made about this site becomming overly PC or 'moving away from its roots' or something to that effect, in recent years. But I don't have any personal experiences of that sort.

Any large activity-focused message board of this sort must be run by someone on a full time basis. Nothing is free, and valuable sources of information, entertainment or social networking around a common activity have ongoing maintenance and support costs. With a membership of 12k or more, keeping this forum running smoothly must take a lot of time and money. I appreciate the efforts to make this site available, and fully expect it to be operated as someone's or some group's full time source of income. That is basically the trade-off for having this site remain "free" to all.

Your points are well articulated and I'm sure quite valid. I'm just trying to point out there is another side. This site is available because it is someone's business and they make the rules. If those rules become too heavy handed, members will go elsewhere. I'm quite PC averse and an outbreak of that sentiment would definately reduce my interest in the forum.

I've also read many (all?) of your trip reports and appreciate them very much. You frequent some of my favorite areas for exploring.
R

 

[Scott Brady]

Jim,

I appreciate your feedback, and I am sorry the forum has fallen short of your expectations. As the forum continues to grow, there will certainly be challenges and we will continue to work to improve things. Thanks for posting your adventure - if you would ever like a replacement sticker, let us know

 

[teotwaki]

I understand the points made about this site becomming overly PC or 'moving away from its roots' or something to that effect, in recent years. But I don't have any personal experiences of that sort.

Any large activity-focused message board of this sort must be run by someone on a full time basis. Nothing is free, and valuable sources of information, entertainment or social networking around a common activity have ongoing maintenance and support costs. With a membership of 12k or more, keeping this forum running smoothly must take a lot of time and money. I appreciate the efforts to make this site available, and fully expect it to be operated as someone's or some group's full time source of income. That is basically the trade-off for having this site remain "free" to all.

Your points are well articulated and I'm sure quite valid. I'm just trying to point out there is another side. This site is available because it is someone's business and they make the rules. If those rules become too heavy handed, members will go elsewhere. I'm quite PC averse and an outbreak of that sentiment would definately reduce my interest in the forum.

I've also read many (all?) of your trip reports and appreciate them very much. You frequent some of my favorite areas for exploring.
R

Thank you for the honest words. I've been quite cognizant of the flip side of the coin and I agree that a "free" forum absolutely has real costs that must be somehow paid. In the early days of dial up bulletin board systems you could have a sole owner sysop (system operator) do whatever he wanted to do just because he could. But he might lose the following too. I'd wager that the sheer size of this forum and the popularity of the topic would give it the momentum to wheel through even some major policy gaffes. You also have some complexity from the subtle influences of the supporting vendors and the direct interaction of the unpaid moderators.

I've also spent a fair bit of hard earned dollars with the vendors and hopefully have not been an overly demanding customer just because I support them. :elkgrin: I would hope that they will be concerned that the sentiments in this thread are really shared by other customers like me and that the dollars can easily go elsewhere. It is a direct feedback loop; the forum is free because vendors support it with some of the dollars earned from people like me who frequent the "free" forum. Sort of gives me a miniscule vote in how things are run. :coffeedrink: