Micro adventures of the NW rockies

[MT6bt]

Today was a fun day! Went up hwy 33 and saw some pretty awesome landscapes. Pretty amazing all the different ecosystems in such a small area. Started out in the cozy town of Ojai. Wish I would've taken some pictures of it but was having some trouble with my phone at the time. It was a neat little town with very kind people.

The pups enjoying every bit of clean, fresh air this part of the state has to offer!

The beginning of this drive starts low inside a valley, high clearances beware!
Eventually after several miles and thousands of vertical, you pop out on top, with multiple opportunities to view the vistas and the road you've driven up thus far. Which I'm sure would make any biker/sports car adrenaline junky drool over

On the other side of the pass, the ecosystem quickly changes, very reminiscent to the bbad lands of south dakota.

Signs at the junction point heading towards frazier park were quite unnerving, warning of impassible roads, chain requirements, flash floods, etc...but i decided to throw caution to the wind and give it a go.

Fortunately It appeared that I missed the flash floods by a short time. crews cleared the debris from the road, and it was easy driving all the way to Frazier park.

Up for tomorrow? Hmm...I think ill see what sequoia has to offer.
Cheers!

 

[MT6bt]

Ya I'm heading back to Montana for the holidays should be in az around the 5th or so

Well ill keep you in mind if I head that way. Where you located?

 

[MT6bt]

Well sequoia has a lot less sequoias than I had anticipated. But it is still beautiful nonetheless!

Travelled up a very windy pass parallel to the kern river that had massive granite boulders. Makes me wonder what kind of torrential river this once was before it was dammed.

Well here's the reservoir. Looks like there's been quite a drought lately.
Going to make this a quick update as I heard word there's some giant sequoias north of johnsondale. Going to spend Christmas up there, I think.
Merry Christmas all!

 

[TheViking]

Merry Christmas to you and your K9 companions too!

 

[MT6bt]

Merry Christmas to you and your K9 companions too!

Thanks viking. Merry Christmas to you too. Was beginning to wonder if anyone is even reading my blog!

 

[TheViking]

I really enjoy the updates keep me encouraged not to give up on building a overland rig I want to travel the US, Canada, and maybe some of Mexico with. Also use it as a base camp when hunting but I have a few years to go and some mouths to feed so please keep it coming.

 

[98dango]

Merry Christmas from Trinda Frank and I. Hope to see you if you make it to Benson Az.

 

[MT6bt]

Merry Christmas from Trinda Frank and I. Hope to see you if you make it to Benson Az.

Thanks buddy. Hope to make it over there. I'd love to hunt for some fire opals and other rare gems that are prevalent in AZ BUt haven't looked into it just yet. Will do as soon as I make some time though!

 

[MT6bt]

I really enjoy the updates keep me encouraged not to give up on building a overland rig I want to travel the US, Canada, and maybe some of Mexico with. Also use it as a base camp when hunting but I have a few years to go and some mouths to feed so please keep it coming.

Thanks, I appreciate the feedback. I'm having a great time so far. Nowhere near as built up as I prefer $$ wise or with my rig but figured I should just dive in and hope for the best while the opportunity presents itself.

 

[MT6bt]

My intentions yesterday was to head north through kernville, johnsondale, and end up in camp Nelson to visit the 100 giants, then make my way back down FR22S05 Towards pearsonville...BUT...

Road closures put an abrupt end to that!
So I headed back down the road that skirts along the kern river and found a nice camp spot by the river.

This tiny pine tree grows some incredibly disproportionate cones!

The pups don't know what to think of it.

Heading back down the road the next day I came across one of the biggest manzanita bushes i've ever seen. Characterized by their strikingly burgundy bark which contrasts its delicate green foliage.

I remember my grandfather used to harvest this wood to make furniture and other interesting crafts from.

En route to my 3 day excursion into death valley with a few fellow expo members, I came upon this.
Never even heard of this place but it is quite amazing!

Had to soak up such an interesting place with a bike ride. The 30mph winds didn't keep me from enjoying it!

 

[98dango]

The best thing an Overlander can do is go with the flow.

 

[MT6bt]

The spires poking out from the setting horizon. Not a bad way to end an awesome Christmas!

 

[MT6bt]

The best thing an Overlander can do is go with the flow.

 

[stioc]

Very cool! Trona is actually where they used to film (still do?) StarTrek types of movies. Last time I stayed there about 6mos ago I saw lots of reflecting eyes in those pinnacles/hills at night, it was kinda cool. My best guess is they're foxes and such.

Doesn't look it due to the long exposure but this was taken at around 9pm:

Page 67 of my build thread has that trip if you're looking for ideas where to go around there.

 

[TheViking]

Very cool! Trona is actually where they used to film (still do?) StarTrek types of movies. Last time I stayed there about 6mos ago I saw lots of reflecting eyes in those pinnacles/hills at night, it was kinda cool. My best guess is they're foxes and such.

Doesn't look it due to the long exposure but this was taken at around 9pm:

Page 67 of my build thread has that trip if you're looking for ideas where to go around there.

Got a link to your thread?