Finding my way across the U.S - FL. Keys to Seattle!

[FireFinder]

Sad to say, friends, but this post closes out this chapter of my travels.

Q: What's the last the last thing you want to see in a rearview?
A: Your own vehicle

I got a chance to experience Utah before I had to head back east. First I explored Arches National Park..

hiked the Devils Garden trail..

The Dark Angel...and a big ol' rock!

It was in Arches that I really started to feel my clutch slipping.

After Arches, I had to get my mountain biking fix so I headed to Moab for a few days, camping alongside the Colorado River and riding a ton of slick rock.

Amasa Back Trail + Rockstacker..

It was off to Canyonlands National Park after crushing my hardtail on the Moab trails..

and rode a few dozen miles on the unbelievably beautiful White Rim Trail..

Capitol Reef National Park was up next..

I really needed to break out the backpacking gear and spend some time in the outback. I found this 24 mile hike through a canyon in the park so headed there..

spooky!

posted up in the canyon for the night..

big horn sheep horn..

So after Capitol Reef, I knew my clutch was about to go so I set up an appointment at the nearest dealership for the next day...

but I didn't quite make it..

I was about 100 miles away and had to get a tow. I figured I had a couple thousand more miles on the clutch but those were Florida miles, not mountain miles.

all wrapped up and running better than ever..

Unfortunately the 100 mile tow + a new clutch/flywheel installed by the dealer + having to get a way-too-expensive hotel room while the repairs were getting done wiped out my travel budget and I had to head home to formulate a new plan.

 

[FireFinder]

Before leaving Utah, I got a chance to hike the Angel's Landing trail in Zion National Park..

and say goodbye (for now) to my new Swiss friends..

Heading east with a tear in my eye, I stopped by the Grand Canyon National Park..

and spent my last night on the road camping in a Casino parking lot..

So now I'm back in Florida formulating a new plan. I've got the time for travel, but not the deniro. I've been obsessed lately with bikepacking so my next chapter may be a bikepacking adventure. Maybe I'll parachute in to meet up with my friends over at homeonthehighway.. Who knows?

Safe travels, everyone!

 

[defrag4]

Always welcome buddy, come on down!

 

[Stitebunny]

Sorry it had to end early. But at least you got in as much as you did! I would love to have even half of that trip!
I hope you start a post for your next adventures. I enjoyed following along.

 

[4x4x4doors]

Looking forward to the next chapter.

I've really enjoyed this part.

 

[mph]

Great trip report...sorry about your car but at least it didn't sound like u were to far out there...

 

[r3run33]

sorry to hear its over I have been bookmarking your sites for my trip next summer; I will be passing thru florida keys probably around early july if you want to convoy back over to the west but we want to stop at most of the sites you were at so not sure if you want to do the trip all over again. Maybe just meet us in moab??

 

[BobA]

Great trip and pic's,Thanks. Look forward to your next one.

 

[SirWilliamGoes]

great trip I enjoyed reading every post and admired every picture. One day I look to do this same type of trip and can only hope for as good of a time you had.

 

[hikingff77]

Wow, that sucks. I guess all good things come to an end, unfortunately this one was sooner rather than later. Looked like an amazing trip none the less. I love your rig, simple but totally capable. I'd have done much of the same places as you explored if I were to plan a trip, lots to see that's for sure.

Good luck on your next adventure. One question, why didn't you camp at the dealership in the tent instead of getting a room?

 

[FireFinder]

Thanks everyone! I'll be back with another chapter eventually. I've still got the travel bug pretty bad and have been obsessed with bikepacking lately. I just need to save up some $$$ and I'll be back on the road, one way or another.

sorry to hear its over I have been bookmarking your sites for my trip next summer; I will be passing thru florida keys probably around early july if you want to convoy back over to the west but we want to stop at most of the sites you were at so not sure if you want to do the trip all over again. Maybe just meet us in moab??

I might do that! Keep my updated! Definitely let me know when you'll be in FL.

Wow, that sucks. I guess all good things come to an end, unfortunately this one was sooner rather than later. Looked like an amazing trip none the less. I love your rig, simple but totally capable.

Thanks! Want to buy it??

Good luck on your next adventure. One question, why didn't you camp at the dealership in the tent instead of getting a room?

That's a good question. I guess I just didn't think about it. I really needed a shower at that point and to clear my head and get some things in order . I was pretty sure my trip was over at that point and the $150 wouldn't have made much of a difference.

 

[TacomaJack09]

Awesome report, thank you for sharing!

How do you like that RTT? I've never seen one like that before..

Thanks!

 

[FireFinder]

Awesome report, thank you for sharing!

How do you like that RTT? I've never seen one like that before..

Thanks!

This RTT is awesome. It's so comfortable and big enough for two adults. I got tons of questions about it while on the trip. It's an Overcamp made by Autohome. I picked this one up used from the classifieds section of this forum.