On The Road w/ KC ~ August 6 - ?

[kcowyo]

Greetings from beautiful downtown Moab, Utah!

Yes, I have arrived at the Mecca. Let there be no doubt that Utah is America's premier playground. Following a 700+ mile drive yesterday through Taos and Shiprock,NM I arrived very late in Moab,UT last night.

I finished up last week at the Great Sand Dunes National Park in southern Colorado. It was my first visit to the park despite having driven by it many times. The dunes are huge, the tallest in the US, some almost 800 ft tall. The rain wasn't cooperative although it made for some great low hanging clouds over the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.

At Chuck's suggestion, I took the Medano Pass 4WD road around the east and north part of the park. This soft sandy road with tons of hoopdees, would be great on a mountain bike! There are several primitive (ie: free) campsites along this road and there are at least five creek crossings. Some up to the tops of my 33' tires and 2-3 truck lengths long. Coulda' used some Shmorkle Farkle.

After the dunes, I spent a great weekend in Ursidae69, New Mexico (it's on the grid, but off the map) with my good friend Chuck. He made the mistake of taking me out in public to meet some friends for dinner and drinks. And while I may not be allowed back in Espanola anytime soon, he's got a great crew of people around him. Despite the typical good natured razzing that seems to follow a few drinks, it was obvious that they all think highly of Chuck and value him as a friend. I completely understand.

I'm hoping to spend a couple of days around Moab and then proceed north. I'm really dissapointed that all of the fires (17, at last count) in Idaho will keep me from exploring the interior of that state. I've been holding out for rain but I don't know if they'll ever get any. If I can't get into Idaho, I may opt for home for awhile, we'll see.


More pics of things I've seen -

 

[Desertdude]

Love that area :088:


BTW when we came through Idaho we drove through millions of acres of previously burned trees - it is hard to see and be inside that type of forest.

 

[flywgn]

Thanks once more, KC, for this entertaining and stimulating account. Your images, both photo and word, are exceptional.

We're still under a layer of smoke here. The "Burnt Fire" in Utah is "completely under control", but this still means that a bunch more smoke will emanate from it. Many of the fires now burning in ID are wildland fires that they will not attempt to extinguish, so nature will do its thing. What's more, many are now "complex" fires, that is, several smaller ones that have joined up to become one.

Maybe we'll get some early fall rains.

Allen R

P.S. I think your shot of the Mittens in MV is exceptional. Where is that river shot? CO? WY?

 

[Ursidae69]

Great pics of the Nambe Church and the area around Truchas. :bowdown:

 

[BajaTaco]

:clapsmile I finally got caught up on my lunch break today. Man, I love this thread. I couldn't stop laughing a couple of pages back there...

Mark, how did DMV let that plate slide through?!

KC, I am LOVIN' the pics! BTW, I shot that 110 in Silverton too. Man, whoever owns that thing should get signed on here at ExPo.

 

[GeoRoss]

Congrats on the Shiprock photos. I used to live in Farmington and the air quality in that area used to be so bad, so often that it was actually rare to have such a clear sky.

Ross

 

[kcowyo]

Thanks everyone for the comments and compliments. Good pics are easier to take when you put yourself in such beautiful places.

Flywgn, I'm not sure which picture you're referring to, but I don't have any from WY. Must be Colorado.... (Wow, I stumped Allen, that's better than stump the bartender!)

I was afraid that I would find much of Idaho burned. It happened to me in Montana too. It's cool for the first hour or two, but it gets depressing rather quickly.

I just finished the La Sal Loop. The colors are turning up high, lots of gold Aspens. Also got a tip on where the locals take a dip under some waterfalls, apparently sans swimwear. If I were a little more incorrigable (thanks for noticing Allen!) I would check it out but I think I'll opt for the high country tonight.

Re the 110, it just worked that he pulled up as I was trying to get a shot of LoDo Silverton. If he'd been driving a Kia, I'd have Photochopped it.

 

[kcowyo]

Acknowledgements

Before I wrap this trip and thread up, I thought it only appropriate to mention a few things about my faithful companion on this trip and the big reason this year has been full of so many great adventures, my 1997 Toyota T100.

The Lone Ranger had Silver, Christopher Columbus had the Nina, Pinta & Santa Maria, heck even the Fonz had his bike. Our host, Mr. Brady has referred to his Tacoma as a tool for his work, Jonathan Hanson's FJ40 has long been an invaluable member of his explorations to educate others. The Bajataco has clearly been a creative outlet as well as a capable, comfortable traveling vessel to its owner.

Every cowboy has his horse, so I thought it fair to I tell you how my own outfit, specifically the modifications made to it, has enhanced my travels over the last year. Rather than doing a repetitive recap on this trucks' mods (you can read a slightly dated list of that here, if you're interested), I thought it might be more helpful to recap what has worked and what hasn't been worth the money.

• ARB rear Air Locker w/ ARB Compressor -(*E-lockers were never an option on T100s) Big bucks investment, used very seldom. On four distinct occaisions when travelling solo, the locker helped me recover myself. I believe the tow bill and mocking of friends would have been far more to endure than the cost of a locker. The single best investment to make to any vehicle that will see miles and miles of dirt roads.
• TRD Supercharger - Even bigger investment and requires top dollar 91 Octane gasoline. Living and travelling in 6,000ft elevations among the many mountain passes, whether towing a trailer or now with the FWC, the SC has proven to be the best performance mod of all. The ability to get out of your own way, pass slower moving vehicles, tow at legal speed limits over 11,000 ft passes, improved MPG over stock ratings and the sheer thrill of hearing that whine winding up are the reasons I am enamored with the SC. Besides, when was the last time you heard a Toyota owner complain that his rig had too much horsepower?
• Mild suspension tweaks - I'm a longtime believer that ground clearance and traction are the most important upgrades one can make to improve off road performance. The subtle mods like larger Torsion bars, adjustable air shocks, low profile bumpstops, and most recently adjustable airbags combined with 33' tires have provided me more ground clearance and more wheel travel. The custom 1 inch ball joint spacers I have waiting to install will provide additional lift and wheel travel, while keeping me in the mild lift specs I prefer.
• Four Wheel Camper - More than all of the other mods, this had the potential to be the coup de grace or the beginning of a very slippery slope. After 54 nights in the camper this year already, I would have to say this has been the best money spent yet. It has yet to limit where I can go and provides a safe harbor from the weather. It makes for a damn fine animal blind as well.
• Satellite Radio - Finding the perfect music for the area you're in can really enrich the experience. Popular western movie soundtracks really enhanced Montana. Willie, Waylon and Cash compliment Colorado very well while Coldplay, Pink Floyd and other heavy synthesizer acts set the perfect mood for Utah's slickrock trails. I still prefer heavier faster tracks for big city driving (get out of my way if you see me in the rearview and hear Linkin Park blasting) and XM has allowed me to deeper explore my relationships with Beyonce and Fergie.

Mods that I have found to either not be worth the money or effort include things like -

• Fender Flares and debadging the T. People just think its a Tundra. Call it Schmundra Farkle
• Magnaflow hi flo cat and exhaust sound good but a header may have been a more effective mod
• Safari Rack (when I had the topper) was just a place to put more stuff that I didn't need and was difficult to access.
• Window tint is great when it's hot out and a PITA to see through at night.
• GPS - I'm sure I would enjoy it if I used it more, but for me it's one more thing to update and keep an eye on. I like big colorful maps layed out so I can daydream about where I've been, where I'm going....
• CB Radio - Al & Chuck say 2M is better. Whatever, I still can't pretend that I can't hear MarkF'nStephens when he knows I have a radio on

Overall, this outfit has far exceeded my expectations and original intentions. The quality and reliability has been unequaled. It sounds silly but I also enjoy the bragging rights of having a Toyota that was actually made in Japan. For the last month and a half on the road it has been the one thing I could count on when the weather turned, the trail petered out or the restaurants were all closed. It has provided me with shelter and comfort in an extremly capable package. I think I'll keep it -

Thanks for letting me toot my own horn - :smiley_drive:

 

[bh4rnnr]

Kc, sad to see the trip comming to an end. Have enjoyed the storys and pics. Still cant get over running into you. Glad your enjoying the truck, nothing beats a strong running yota. Thanks for sharing your adventure with us:beer:

 

[articulate]

Before I wrap this trip and thread up, I thought it only appropriate to mention a few things...Every cowboy has his horse

Thanks for letting me toot my own horn - :smiley_drive:

This has been GREAT. What we need now is a thread about How to Get Rid of That Nasty Expedition Smell That Seems To Accumulate in My Truck

After that many days, you don't think you need a fridge? littlefriend
After that many dusty roads, you don't think you need a snorkel? yikes

Willie sang it best:

Well it's late so I guess I'll be going
Too much smoke what I need is some air
By the way did she ask you about me
I just wonder not that I care

 

[goodtimes]

What we need now is a thread about How to Get Rid of That Nasty Expedition Smell That Seems To Accumulate in My Truck

Yea, that corn-dog smell can be hell to get out.:xxrotflma

 

[durango_60]

OK, now it is someone elses turn to allow the rest of us to vicariously explore some fantastic parts of the country.

Fantastic storytelling, I'm glad I was able to meet up with you for a small piece of it. Now go get a job you slacker...:violent-smiley-031:

 

[bigreen505]

This has been GREAT. What we need now is a thread about How to Get Rid of That Nasty Expedition Smell That Seems To Accumulate in My Truck

This expedition has been brought to you by the makers of Febreeze. :jump:
Seriously, you should contact them about selling your story.

K.C. I can't thank you enough for sharing your journey, thoughts, revelations and beautiful pictures with us. They were truly inspiring. I'm sorry we were never able to join up, my ability to get somewhere always seemed to lag behind you being there by about a week.

 

[blupaddler]

THANKS!

:bowdown: :bowdown: :bowdown: :bowdown: :bowdown:

 

[kcowyo]

Epilogue

"I've been everywhere, man
Crossed the deserts bare, man
I've breathed the mountain air, man
Of travel, I've had my share, man
I've been everywhere"
- The Man in Black

And so I find this journey has reached its end of sorts.

The final trip route resembles a spastic figure 8 through the Rocky Mountains. Starting in Wyoming, north to Montana & Idaho, back south through Wyoming into Colorado and New Mexico, then north through Arizona, Utah and home to Wyoming. It's a lot like a Mobius strip, which is both really cool and really appropriate.

I have returned home after making new friends, seeing new places and having an authentic experience. I am comfortable here right now but I'm sure I'll be back in the saddle soon. Some things can't be denied. Call it the rhythm of the road.

Trip Stats -
total days travelled - 40
total miles travelled - 6,317
total nights camped - 37
total states visited - 7 (MT, ID, WY, CO, NM, AZ, UT)
total hot hitchhikers seen - *sigh* 2
total ExPo members encountered - 4 (+ 2 wives + 2 kids)
mechanical problems - 0

Here's a list of other highlights -

Best campsite - Hungry Horse Resevoir, MT - Murray Bay, spot #1
* Runner up - Lake Koocanusa, MT - Peck Gulch campground
Most miles in the dirt - Day 2, 100 miles from Ennis, MT to Modina, MT
* Runner up - Day 3, 74 miles from Shoup, ID to Alta, MT
Best Visitors Center - Great Sand Dunes National Park
* CO photographer Darren has a photo on display at the center
Favorite Meal - Dinner at Gabrielle's with Chuck. Fresh guacamole made at the table, awesome!
* Runner up - Grilled fish tacos with tequila avacado sauce at Mammy's Kitchen & Whiskey Bar - Lake City, CO
Most scenic 4WD trail - Cinnamon Pass, CO
* Runner up - Valley of the Gods, UT
Best Bumpersticker - "Can't see the forest for the fees", seen in Taos, NM
Most miles in one day - 684, Day 37 - 9/11
Coolest rig seen - bh4rnnr, AKA Perry Loughridge's 87 4Runner
*Runner up 1963 Right Hand Drive Landrover SIIA
*Honorable mention - this little German RV
Funniest book read on trip - The Lost Continent by Bill Bryson
Dumbest moment - well, passing up the two cute hitchhikers comes immediately to mind...
*Runner Up - finding a new use for the Oh ******** bar in Chuck's Tacoma
Best coffee and wi-fi cafe - Red Rock Bakery - Moab,UT
Worst place to camp - Fish Creek campground, Glacier Nat'l Park. Stacked in like cordwood, too many generators, no views, $18 a night
Biggest dissapointment - (tie) 1.Not getting to explore Idaho's interior and
2. not getting to meet Flywgn and his family
Best new beer I tried - Henry Weinhardt's Blue Boar Pale Ale
Random camp fact - you can & can't camp too close to the outhouse
Favorite Lunch - Having lunch with Mr. & Mrs. articulate in the back of my camper on Elk Ridge while it rained
Best live music act I saw - Freekbass at Aurorafest in Polebridge, MT
Best question I was asked - when meeting durango_60's wife, upon her seeing my convict-like facial hair, "Are you here for the big biker thing?"
Most expensive gas (91 Octane) - $3.50 in Lake City, CO
Old and Busted - Corndogs
New Hotness - Wasabi Horseradish. On everything.
Best quote read in the nastiest place - "The injustice of travel is having to chose to stay or go." Written on the wall in an outhouse
Best advice I was given - Peggy in Polebridge, "Never be satisfied with the answers. Keep asking questions."
*Runner up - Our own Jonathan Hanson, "I've never found on a trip that I've taken too many notes."

And that's how it all went down folks. Back to the unreal world - :wavey: