My Journey

[YukonMontanaTannerTrapper]

tikirob.....thank you.....

tgil.....check out their recent Argentina / Chile videos. The scenery is spectacular of course.....

WFOORBUST.....that's it for Alaska right now.....possibly more this summer.....thanks.....

Greg.....so I made a good choice it would seem.....

Sierra Valley.....I've got a few from my second trip to South America which was also back in the 70's.....I'll post soon.....

Dogman1911.....thanks.....I found living in Alaska difficult cause of the long summer days and the short winter days.....I love my sunshine.....I wish you luck.....



AN UNUSUAL DAY LIVING AT LAKE MEAD.....

It started out as most days do at the lake.....the dogs played outside while I finished my last mug of steaming hot coffee.....



Then we headed out on our morning walk.....we generally start our day with a 3 mile hike.....head down to the shoreline.....and then around the lands overlooking the lake. I took notice yesterday that more campers are coming.....temperatures are rising.....



I love the way the sun reflects off the lakes surface.....it's nearly a daily event as rain and dark clouds are nearly nonexistent.....



In the afternoon a plane circled overhead.....a few minutes later the pilot landed on the lake.....



Then the plane taxied (?) for a bit.....



The waterfowl were startled.....as was I.....



And just like that the plane was airborne and out of sight.....



I thought it might be a nice day for a swim but as quickly as the plane departed, the angry, and yes violent, clouds moved in.....



In a matter of seconds the winds picked up and the National Weather Service was reporting gusts up to 70 miles per hour.....



The lakes surface was now covered in huge whitecaps.....I couldn't help but wonder about the fishermen in their small watercraft.....

 

[YukonMontanaTannerTrapper]

Earlier in the day a young kid parked too close to me.....I always enjoy my distance from other campers.....



He turned out to be a good kid living his dream.....he lost his job due to Covid-19 and moved into his 1985 Ford van 8 months ago and hit the road. He told me that he sells his plasma to help make ends.....so much turmoil in the world.....



Beyond the van sits a motorhome displaying Montana tags.....a single elderly man with a small dog that has never once spoke to me resides in it. The entire roof of his motorhome was ripped off due to the unexpected wind storm.....



As the winds moved on and we all exited our rigs, I met a woman living in this nearby motorhome. She told me that she had found the elderly Montana man covered in blood the day before and had taken him to the hospital. She now is caring for his dog and he has since been transported to a different hospital.....that can't be good.....



My friends shown in the picture below that I speak with often while on our walks, found their small sailboat laying on its side after the violent storm.....



We all pitched in and righted the ship (at least I think that is how one should say it).....



The dogs waited patiently (well not really).....



It was heart warming to see how everyone came together after the storm. The storm was almost a metaphor for the the days we've all been living through.....it was really, really nice to see people coming together as the sun was breaking out of the clouds.....



A day at the lake.....



.....like no other.....

 

[Ace Brown]

Been on a road trip myself. Stayed at KOFA for a few days then Swansea ghost town a few more. Followed in Jerry’s tire tracks for a day or two.

I’m really enjoying your early days reporting but always glad to see you come back to current events. I’ve experienced several storms like that last one. Everybody’s always helping each other. Feels good for awhile.

I was in a small sailboat that flopped over on a beach. I was tangled up in a wet sleeping bag and struggled to get out. I imagined the boat being blown out to sea with me, my young son and dog all trapped inside. Scary 30’ for sure.


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[YukonMontanaTannerTrapper]

Alan.....I saw a trip report, liked it, and next thing I saw was that you had left ? Was it the weather that caused you to move on or maybe it was just a short trip planned ? There's not much here to post about these days.....raising a puppy and healing a pulled groin slows everything down.....most days now are much like the day before.....



One of the first questions that comes to a mans mind when he gets a puppy is....."what was I thinking ?".....



We have begun to go out on a few hikes.....



Twice now we've driven the Jeep to this wash as I have a fantasy of hiking to & summiting this small mountain with my new puppy (Trapper).....



Those are nothing but dreams for now.....Trapper is easily distracted and we can't make it that far (yet).....



Tanner.....he's teaching her the skills that she will need to be a part of this team.....she's an excellent student.....





So for now we mostly just wander around various washes here and there.....and honestly.....we're all just happy when we're out wandering around.....





Blue skies overhead and good dirt below the boots.....



A home on wheels.....we really don't need much more than that.....

 

[ITTOG]

We have begun to go out on a few hikes.....
View attachment 642763

I can see in this pic that Tanner knows who the lead dog in this group is. Trapper still thinks it is Tanner.

Those are nothing but dreams for now.....Trapper is easily distracted and we can't make it that far (yet).....
View attachment 642765

Tanner is such a beautiful dog with his dark coat. I can't believe he appears to be fine with his front paws buried. Most dogs I have been around would not allow that.

 

[YukonMontanaTannerTrapper]

ITTOG.....it's such a beautiful thing to see.....two dogs bonding for life. In my travels I often marvel at the wonderful sights that I'm so fortunate to see.....the bonding of two dogs is just as wonderful as anything I've ever seen......





Soon enough I will have completed my second month of rehabilitation of my pulled groin muscle and I'd have to say that the healing is moving along fairly well. Chet6.7 mentioned that his injury nagged him for nearly a year, and I've spoke with someone else that had a similar experience. So I'm trying as best as I can to listen to my body and go slowly and carefully along the way. I'm chomping at the bit to get back out there.....



I like to get into the Jeep with the dogs, get away from where we are camped, at least once a day, and go somewhere different to walk, and get in those miles that I so desire to achieve. I noticed the Wetlands Trailhead when we drive to the campground to fill the water jugs, and on Wednesday we had a look see.....the gated access road was perfect for me.....





At the end of the access road we encountered the Lake Vegas Wash.....





The change of scenery was nice to see.....it was peaceful here and we had the place to ourselves.....the winds have died down a bit since that violent storm passed through but they've continued to be significant & near constant.....people seem to be staying indoors.....



The weird thing about this place was the odor. As soon as you stepped into the canyon the odor was overwhelming.....and not in a good way. I would best describe it as the smell you might encounter when you walk into a hair salon or maybe if you put ten fabric softeners in the dryer at one time.....it was really, really weird.....and really, really significant.....



This water comes from Lake Las Vegas and flows into Lake Mead.....provides drinking water to tens of millions of people.....I don't even know what to think.....



And lastly.....during our down time here at Lake Mead.....healing a wounded body & finding a new best friend.....I'm spending a good bit of time working on a new rig. It's not an easy endeavor during the times of Covid-19.....it keeps my mind busy and my fear of the...........

 

[Riversdad]

No cliff hangers, tell us about the plan for the new rig.

 

[YukonMontanaTannerTrapper]

Riversdad.....I'm looking at purchasing a 2021 F550 4 x 4, Crew Cab, gasoline engine. Not sure of bed type yet. There's a lot to consider & a lot of planning with the possible build.....currently working with guys in Montana & Utah.....time will tell if I go forward. Covid-19 has had quite a negative effect on the auto industry.....





Anyone that follows this blog knows that I hate fishing.....I literally hate fishing.....

Trapper spent yesterday in surgery having a treble hook removed from the roof of her mouth and her upper lip. Unfortunately she chose the wrong stick along the lakes shoreline to play with.....someone obviously found it easier to cut their line rather than remove the hook.....



I spoke with a fisherman recently that says he's been coming here for decades.....he says it's not unusual to find waterfowl entangled in abandoned fishing line....

Looking forward to moving on.....

 

[longhorn1]

Love the early Alaska life. Great pictures. Trapper is getting big and they both seem to be bonding very well. That storm was crazy. Glad you all were fine. I could see myself scampering to drop the roof and latch it down. We have survived The Badlands 50-60mph wind gusts. JD

 

[longhorn1]

We must have posted at the same time. I would be pissed also about fish hooks being left. Poor Trapper. How long does she have to wear the "Lamp Shade"?

 

[Riversdad]

Sorry about Trapper, hope she heals well and soon.

 

[tgil]

Trapper looks A LOT like Scout did as a pup, she is going to be gorgeous! People that leave stuff behind, suck! I enjoy taking Scout fishing with me, when I can. Discarded hooks is always a concern when I do.
Curious why gasoline, over diesel, for your rig? I thought diesel was easier to find and more desired in heavier duty applications? I know nothing about it, just surprised me to read that.

 

[Ace Brown]

That expression in Trappers eyes says a lot. It’s clear she expects “dad” to make her well. So glad you could.

Sounds like you’re planning to finally get that cabin......but on wheels.


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[GregSplett]

I love fishing but hate trebble hooks. have since Bear found me. Ironicaly the only injury she ever had that required veterinarian care was when she found a foot hold trap set illegally on the Sol Duc river. I too was certain she was tangled up in fish hooks.The TRAPPER set the trap at the absolutely most used fishing hole on the river. He was even so bold as too leave his name and address on metal tags. Yes I knocked on his door. Turns out his son was the guilty party and he actually paid my vet bill without my asking. Remember fisherpersons are not the only group of people that litter.

 

[tgil]

"Remember fisherpersons are not the only group of people that litter."
Definitely not, unfortunately, where I live (and fish) they are pretty high on the list of offenders though! Like Jerry, I try to pick up after the slobs as I go.
We went to check water temp yesterday eve, at a spot I hadn't been before. The sunset was worth the drive, and Scout came home with a new chew toy!