FIRST "EXPEDITION": Taking The Montero on It's Maiden Voyage to the Sierras

[KIRK!]

I don't know if a three-day camping trip really qualifies as an "expedition", but it was cool. We headed up to Sterling Lake in the Tahoe National Forest and the place was AMAZING! There was only one other couple on the entire lake. It's off the Cisco Grove exit off of Highway 80 between Nevada City and Truckee. The 5-6 mile trail up isn't super tough, but pretty much requires a 4x4 to make it without worry. Once you get to the end of the trail it's a walk-in campsite. There are six sites, each with a fire ring and table, vault toilets are close by. The only crappy parts are the fact that the campsites are down a VERY steep hill. I did not know the sites were walk-in until I got there and I had all of my stuff packed in as few receptacles as possible, meaning that each was fairly heavy, especially having to lug them down and then back up what has to be between a 35- and 40-degree dirt incline that is 150 yards from the trail. The other bummer is that the dirt is so fine that it becomes a cloud of dust if you even look at it. Once unloaded and set-up though, the location is incredibly beautiful. Temps were just below 70 during the day and right at 40 at night thanks to the 7000' elevation. Next time we will stay longer to make the gear lugging more worth it.

These are just a few of the shots and they don't do the place justice. I have a ton more showing more of the lake that I'll post tonight.

Paused in the shade for a beauty shot about 1/4-mile in when it was still basically a fire road.

Taking it in before we set up camp.

Saturday hiking/climbing fun.

World's handsomest adventure-dog, Colonel Phineas P. Tuckman "Tucker" at the peak.

The view back to the camp site.

"Ace From Space" intently searching for lake monsters.

Fireside table.

Not bad for a 60-second exposure on the old point-n-shoot. I was bummed I didn't bring my work camera. Next time.

Ghost?

Fake!

Great view, except for the dumb guy in the way.

 

[off-roader]

Looks like you had some fun there Kirk! How did the upgrades perform?

 

[KIRK!]

I was extremely pleased with the Montero. It easily cruised at 70-75 the whole way up, fully loaded. I kept an eye on the gauges at every stage and they never strayed from ideal. It barely noticed the rocks, gravel, dirt and grade heading up. I didn't really push it anywhere because my passengers aren't into it. I am however starting to plan a more rugged trip with my buddy and his Cherokee where I want to put it to the test.

 

[KIRK!]

Oh, and check out the crazy Honda Passport I saw before we headed up the trail. There's no way that's the Honda chassis.

 

[jeep-N-montero]

I hope all those lights on your rig do not cause an overheating issue, they block a lot of airflow to the radiator. As for the Honda, there are many solid front axle swaps out there using the original frame, not sure why you think otherwise.

 

[jeep-N-montero]

Another thing, was there any fishing involved?

 

[eurosonic]

wow awesome man!
Rig looks great so is the camping spot.
Last yea I was camping right next to it at Fordyce Lake.

Signal Peak trail is also off of the same exit. This would be a great trail for a crew of monteros. Water crossing, some mild rock and awesome view once we get up top.

 

[KIRK!]

wow awesome man!
Rig looks great so is the camping spot.
Last yea I was camping right next to it at Fordyce Lake.

Signal Peak trail is also off of the same exit. This would be a great trail for a crew of monteros. Water crossing, some mild rock and awesome view once we get up top.

Yep, right next door.

I'd be WAY into that trip idea.

 

[KIRK!]

I hope all those lights on your rig do not cause an overheating issue, they block a lot of airflow to the radiator. As for the Honda, there are many solid front axle swaps out there using the original frame, not sure why you think otherwise.

No cooling issues whatsoever with the lights there at speed or on the trail. I had minor concerns and intentionally kept my eye on the gauge often for this first trip.

Not being an expert, nor very interested at all, in Honda Passports, I would assume they were a light duty SUV and not something with a chassis capable of that extent of upgrade.

Another thing, was there any fishing involved?

Not for me - I'm not a fisherman or hunter. There were two guys on the lake in a canoe on Friday night fishing though.

 

[jeep-N-montero]

No cooling issues whatsoever with the lights there at speed or on the trail.

Not being an expert, nor very interested at all, in Honda Passports I would assume they were a light duty SUV and not something with a chassis capable of that extent of upgrade.

The Passport/Rodeo was one of the few SUV's of the 90's that were built with a real frame, they could take a lot of abuse.

 

[KIRK!]

The Passport/Rodeo was one of the few SUV's of the 90's that were built with a real frame, they could take a lot of abuse.

I had no idea. I learned my new thing for the day....back to bed I go!

 

[off-roader]

From what I can recall, lots came with a real frame...
Montero's
Montero Sports
Toyota Land Cruisers
Toyota 4runners
Isuzu Troopers
Isuzu Rodeos
to name a few.

Montero's were not only a real frame but a fully boxed frame. Not sure about the rest though.

 

[1morebike]

i had a 1997 rodeo that ran forever. i loved that thing but the rust of midwest took it away from me ( you can only weld up rust holes in the frame so many times before you really start to fear for your life) i ended up selling it (yes i showed them the frame) to some kid who just wanted a trail rig. i guess he's still beating the crap out of it.

 

[KarmannMarco]

Your truck looks awesome out on the trail. Your fabrication skills really set it aside from all the others. Looks like a wonderful location. Can't wait to move from East Tx!
I will also chime in for the Rodeo. My 95 Rodeo was bullet proof and took me anywhere I pointed it.

 

[rxinhed]

Kirk, you visited Kirkwood Lake?