The DeTour Trip Report - As Told by Blackdawg

[Blackdawg]

Alas, the soft sandy dirt was too muddy and soft. THe lack of a locker and in my opinion traction from the tires wouldn’t let me get up.


The DeTour-54.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

The DeTour-55.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

2017-09-27 - 00052 - The De-Tour - Day 11 by Dan, on Flickr



Not wanting to tear it up more, we opted to just winch and got Mike turned around and soon had Igor tugged up the steep climb.


2017-09-27 - 00053 - The De-Tour - Day 11 by Dan, on Flickr


Next was Dan’s turn. He had all terrains too but at least had a locker. Determined he dove into the wash.


IMG_3914 by mike digirat, on Flickr

The DeTour-56.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

IMG_3918 by mike digirat, on Flickr

The DeTour-57.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

IMG_3920 by mike digirat, on Flickr

The DeTour-58.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

IMG_3923 by mike digirat, on Flickr

The DeTour.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


So close yet so far!


Again not wanting to tear things up much and the winch right there. We hooked up Dan’s truck and a quick pull later he was up.


The DeTour-2.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

The DeTour-3.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

The DeTour-4.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

IMG_3924 by mike digirat, on Flickr

 

[Blackdawg]

This would become the debate of several campfires on why one truck made it and the others didn’t. The tires? Was it just because the first man through had better conditions? A locker didn’t seem to help? Either way. Mike was the proud guy of the moment and the rescuer of the day. Dan and I weren’t about to argue that point.


In my mind now, we were pretty close to the campsite I wanted to get too. But in reality, it was much further that anticipated...go figure


The light was fading fast now and we hit the dirt hard in hopes to beat the sunset.


The DeTour-5.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

2017-09-27 - 00056 - The De-Tour - Day 11 by Dan, on Flickr

The DeTour-6.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

The DeTour-7.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

The DeTour-8.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

2017-09-27 - 00057 - The De-Tour - Day 11 by Dan, on Flickr

The DeTour-9.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

2017-09-27 - 00058 - The De-Tour - Day 11 by Dan, on Flickr

2017-09-27 - 00059 - The De-Tour - Day 11 by Dan, on Flickr

The DeTour-10.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

 

[Blackdawg]

We were in a rush now. But didn’t mean we weren’t having fun in the rocks. Plus the sunseting light was fabulous


2017-09-27 - 00060 - The De-Tour - Day 11 by Dan, on Flickr

The DeTour-11.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

The DeTour-12.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

The DeTour-13.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

The DeTour-14.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

The DeTour-15.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

The DeTour-16.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

The DeTour-17.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

The DeTour-18.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

The DeTour-19.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

The DeTour-20.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


By now it was into dusk. Mike would have to endure for the seemingly countless time yet another arrival in the dark.


The DeTour-21.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

The DeTour-22.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


Dan decided to leave his mark though before we got there haha


The DeTour-23.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

The DeTour-24.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


It had started to rain too unforunatly. Lightly for the moment but still brought back unpleasant thoughts and made it much colder. We were missing the sunny heat again.


The DeTour-25.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


With that, we arrived at our site in the dark. Spread out and made camp quickly.


The DeTour-26.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


It had been another very good day though all in all. With almost half of the Kokopelli done in a day, we were now within spitting distance of Moab. Castle valley was just over the ridge. We spent the evening debating traction, tires, and where we would go once we got to moab. And how crazy it was how we had gone from a very planned trip to now suddenly a whole state south of where we thought we'd be. We were in Utah! HA!


And even though Mike and I had just been here in felt like. It was so different. The weather, the trail, the energy, the dynamic. It wasn’t our first time doing repeat trails, as im sure some have notice from previous reports, but still. It is always an adventure and never ever the same.


Thank goodness.

To be Continued:

Chapter 11: Moab Mod Day

Enjoying the De-Tour story? There's more - @turbodb also wrote up a version. Check out his version of this chapter here: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...db-september-2017.562116/page-3#post-18753655

Read the full story:
As told by @turbodb: [Chapter 1] [Chapter 2] [Chapter 3] [Chapter 4] [Chapter 5] [Chapter 6] [Chapter 7] [Chapter 8] [Chapter 9] [Chapter 10]

As told by @Blackdawg: [Chapter 1] [Chapter 2] [Chapter 3] [Chapter 4] [Chapter 5] [Chapter 6] [Chapter 7] [Chapter 8] [Chapter 9] [Chapter 10]​

 

[Blackdawg]

Chapter 11: Moab Mod Day​

It rained hard a few times in the night, but overall. We slept good.


Dan as usual was first up and I can imagine almost peed his pants with joy for the area in which to explore in the large swollen Moab slickrock during the early morning.


2017-09-28 - 00001 - The De-Tour - Day 12 by Dan, on Flickr

2017-09-28 - 00002 - The De-Tour - Day 12 by Dan, on Flickr

2017-09-28 - 00003 - The De-Tour - Day 12 by Dan, on Flickr

2017-09-28 - 00004 - The De-Tour - Day 12 by Dan, on Flickr

2017-09-28 - 00005 - The De-Tour - Day 12 by Dan, on Flickr

2017-09-28 - 00006 - The De-Tour - Day 12 by Dan, on Flickr


The La Sals looked a bit snowy..


2017-09-28 - 00007 - The De-Tour - Day 12 by Dan, on Flickr

2017-09-28 - 00008 - The De-Tour - Day 12 by Dan, on Flickr

2017-09-28 - 00009 - The De-Tour - Day 12 by Dan, on Flickr

2017-09-28 - 00010 - The De-Tour - Day 12 by Dan, on Flickr

2017-09-28 - 00011 - The De-Tour - Day 12 by Dan, on Flickr


Not a bad way to spend your morning really!


2017-09-28 - 00012 - The De-Tour - Day 12 by Dan, on Flickr


This is the remains of Arrowhead Arch. Im not sure when it collapsed, but Id guess within the last 5 years.


2017-09-28 - 00013 - The De-Tour - Day 12 by Dan, on Flickr

2017-09-28 - 00014 - The De-Tour - Day 12 by Dan, on Flickr


And the cool bathtub on top too!


2017-09-28 - 00015 - The De-Tour - Day 12 by Dan, on Flickr

 

[Blackdawg]

By this time. The rest of us were getting up and taking in the lovely sights as well.


IMG_3929 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_3931 by mike digirat, on Flickr

The DeTour.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

The DeTour-2.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

IMG_3932 by mike digirat, on Flickr

The DeTour-3.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


Dan came back to eat breakfast and I set off for my taste of the slickrock.


IMG_3933 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_3934 by mike digirat, on Flickr

The DeTour-4.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

The DeTour-5.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

The DeTour-6.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


Such a cool campsite.


The DeTour-7.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

The DeTour-8.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

The DeTour-9.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

The DeTour-10.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


Would have been cool if the arch was still there. Oh well.


The DeTour-11.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

The DeTour-12.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

 

[Blackdawg]

My walk around done I returned to camp. Soon after we got buzzed by what I’d assume is a tour helicopter.


2017-09-28 - 00016 - The De-Tour - Day 12 by Dan, on Flickr

The DeTour-13.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

2017-09-28 - 00017 - The De-Tour - Day 12 by Dan, on Flickr

The DeTour-14.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

2017-09-28 - 00018 - The De-Tour - Day 12 by Dan, on Flickr


Yep. Plain as day. And they seemed pretty interested in us too!


The DeTour-15.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

2017-09-28 - 00019 - The De-Tour - Day 12 by Dan, on Flickr

 

[Blackdawg]

The sun was out full blast by now and the day was warm. We were excited to keep going and take the long way into Moab. Finally. The scenery was fabulous as well with Utah showing her full colors and we couldn’t help but stop and take photos.


2017-09-28 - 00020 - The De-Tour - Day 12 by Dan, on Flickr

2017-09-28 - 00021 - The De-Tour - Day 12 by Dan, on Flickr

IMG_3944 by mike digirat, on Flickr

2017-09-28 - 00022 - The De-Tour - Day 12 by Dan, on Flickr

IMG_3936 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_3947 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_3951 by mike digirat, on Flickr

The DeTour-16.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

IMG_3943 by mike digirat, on Flickr

The DeTour-17.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

The DeTour-18.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

IMG_3937 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_3938 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_3939 by mike digirat, on Flickr


Not sure this guy has a name, but Id go for maybe “Grinning Arch”? Yeah? No?


The DeTour-19.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

The DeTour.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

2017-09-28 - 00025 - The De-Tour - Day 12 by Dan, on Flickr

 

[Blackdawg]

We were totally enjoying our time and also not regretting coming this far with only a few more days left for some warm wheeling. Was totally worth it.


The DeTour-2.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

The DeTour-3.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

2017-09-28 - 00023 - The De-Tour - Day 12 by Dan, on Flickr

IMG_3940 by mike digirat, on Flickr

2017-09-28 - 00024 - The De-Tour - Day 12 by Dan, on Flickr

IMG_3941 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_3942 by mike digirat, on Flickr

The DeTour-4.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

2017-09-28 - 00026 - The De-Tour - Day 12 by Dan, on Flickr

IMG_3952 by mike digirat, on Flickr



This next section is one of my favorites. Im not sure why, but the cliffs are great to look at and the road is very just simple fun to drive.


The DeTour-5.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

The DeTour-6.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

IMG_3953 by mike digirat, on Flickr

2017-09-28 - 00027 - The De-Tour - Day 12 by Dan, on Flickr

2017-09-28 - 00027 - The De-Tour - Day 12 by Dan, on Flickr

2017-09-28 - 00028 - The De-Tour - Day 12 by Dan, on Flickr

IMG_3954 by mike digirat, on Flickr

 

[Blackdawg]

I mean come on. Thats some cool cliffs!


IMG_3956 by mike digirat, on Flickr

The DeTour-7.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

2017-09-28 - 00029 - The De-Tour - Day 12 by Dan, on Flickr

The DeTour-8.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

IMG_3957 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_3959 by mike digirat, on Flickr


Three people, three cameras, three different photos.


The DeTour-9.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

2017-09-28 - 00030 - The De-Tour - Day 12 by Dan, on Flickr

IMG_3960 by mike digirat, on Flickr


Always fun to see how someone else sees the world.


IMG_3961 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_3962 by mike digirat, on Flickr


We were stopping too much really. But who cares? We literally had no agenda. None. So we just enjoyed it. And loved it.


The DeTour-10.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

2017-09-28 - 00031 - The De-Tour - Day 12 by Dan, on Flickr

IMG_3964 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_3965 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_3966 by mike digirat, on Flickr

2017-09-28 - 00032 - The De-Tour - Day 12 by Dan, on Flickr

2017-09-28 - 00033 - The De-Tour - Day 12 by Dan, on Flickr

 

[Blackdawg]

And soon, Dewey’s bridge was in sight.


The DeTour-11.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

2017-09-28 - 00035 - The De-Tour - Day 12 by Dan, on Flickr

The DeTour-12.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

IMG_3970 by mike digirat, on Flickr

The DeTour-13.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

The DeTour-14.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

The DeTour-15.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

2017-09-28 - 00036 - The De-Tour - Day 12 by Dan, on Flickr

2017-09-28 - 00037 - The De-Tour - Day 12 by Dan, on Flickr

IMG_3971 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_3973 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_3974 by mike digirat, on Flickr

2017-09-28 - 00038 - The De-Tour - Day 12 by Dan, on Flickr


Without missing a beat we set off down a fun section of road with plenty of opportunities to stretch the trucks legs out.


IMG_3976 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_3977 by mike digirat, on Flickr

The DeTour-16.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

2017-09-28 - 00039 - The De-Tour - Day 12 by Dan, on Flickr

The DeTour-17.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

 

[Blackdawg]

Dan’s first largish ledge!


The DeTour-18.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

The DeTour-19.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


Igor looking gooooooodd


The DeTour-20.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

2017-09-28 - 00033 - The De-Tour - Day 12 by Dan, on Flickr


The Red Head is so damn photogenic it hurts.


2017-09-28 - 00032 - The De-Tour - Day 12 by Dan, on Flickr

The DeTour-21.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


Our posing over for the day...so far..we enjoyed our decent down to the highway.


The DeTour-22.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

The DeTour-23.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


We pulled off to stop at the bridge as is always necessary to do in this area. It's a cool spot….plus a restroom!


The DeTour-24.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

2017-09-28 - 00040 - The De-Tour - Day 12 by Dan, on Flickr

2017-09-28 - 00041 - The De-Tour - Day 12 by Dan, on Flickr


Shame this thing burned right after it was restored..


2017-09-28 - 00042 - The De-Tour - Day 12 by Dan, on Flickr


Our route! Well sort of..we would be skipping Rose garden hill and Top of the world.


The DeTour-25.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

 

[Blackdawg]

Instead, we got on the highway for a very brief stint to get to Onion Creek.


2017-09-28 - 00043 - The De-Tour - Day 12 by Dan, on Flickr

The DeTour-26.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

2017-09-28 - 00044 - The De-Tour - Day 12 by Dan, on Flickr

IMG_3979 by mike digirat, on Flickr

2017-09-28 - 00045 - The De-Tour - Day 12 by Dan, on Flickr

2017-09-28 - 00046 - The De-Tour - Day 12 by Dan, on Flickr

IMG_3980 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_3981 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_3984 by mike digirat, on Flickr

2017-09-28 - 00047 - The De-Tour - Day 12 by Dan, on Flickr

IMG_3985 by mike digirat, on Flickr

 

[Blackdawg]

Back on dirt we headed up Onion Creek to get to Thompson Canyon. A very well groomed road, but still fun as there are about 25 or so creek crossing that are always entertaining.


The DeTour-27.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

The DeTour-28.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

2017-09-28 - 00048 - The De-Tour - Day 12 by Dan, on Flickr

The DeTour-29.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

2017-09-28 - 00049 - The De-Tour - Day 12 by Dan, on Flickr

2017-09-28 - 00050 - The De-Tour - Day 12 by Dan, on Flickr

IMG_3986 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_3987 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_3988 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_3992 by mike digirat, on Flickr


And just like that, we are in a tight rocky canyon.


The DeTour-30.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

2017-09-28 - 00051 - The De-Tour - Day 12 by Dan, on Flickr

The DeTour-31.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

2017-09-28 - 00052 - The De-Tour - Day 12 by Dan, on Flickr

The DeTour-32.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

The DeTour-33.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

IMG_3993 by mike digirat, on Flickr

2017-09-28 - 00053 - The De-Tour - Day 12 by Dan, on Flickr

2017-09-28 - 00054 - The De-Tour - Day 12 by Dan, on Flickr

IMG_3996 by mike digirat, on Flickr

 

[Blackdawg]

What's not to like about this?


The DeTour-34.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

IMG_3998x by mike digirat, on Flickr

2017-09-28 - 00055 - The De-Tour - Day 12 by Dan, on Flickr


Nothing, it is awesome! As you can tell by the smiles.


The DeTour-35.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

The DeTour-36.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

IMG_4003x by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_4005 by mike digirat, on Flickr


The going was slow here, but we pushed out taking photos as we went. Was hard not too really.


IMG_4006x by mike digirat, on Flickr

The DeTour-37.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

2017-09-28 - 00057 - The De-Tour - Day 12 by Dan, on Flickr

IMG_4008 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_4009 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_4011 by mike digirat, on Flickr

The DeTour-38.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


Erosion is a beautifully powerful force.


The DeTour-39.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

IMG_4012 by mike digirat, on Flickr

 

[Blackdawg]

Sadly the canyon doesn’t last forever and opens back up as we start to gain some elevation again. Not that that was a bad thing as more colors of the desert presented themselves.


The DeTour-40.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

The DeTour-41.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

2017-09-28 - 00058 - The De-Tour - Day 12 by Dan, on Flickr

2017-09-28 - 00059 - The De-Tour - Day 12 by Dan, on Flickr

IMG_4015 by mike digirat, on Flickr

2017-09-28 - 00060 - The De-Tour - Day 12 by Dan, on Flickr

IMG_4017 by mike digirat, on Flickr

2017-09-28 - 00061 - The De-Tour - Day 12 by Dan, on Flickr


Sadly, the weather wasn’t perfect in every way, but by now, we were used to it. Its the west after all. The rain rolled in once we got into the open flats making for a dramatic landscape.


The DeTour-42.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

2017-09-28 - 00062 - The De-Tour - Day 12 by Dan, on Flickr

2017-09-28 - 00062 - The De-Tour - Day 12 by Dan, on Flickr

IMG_4020 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_4021 by mike digirat, on Flickr

2017-09-28 - 00063 - The De-Tour - Day 12 by Dan, on Flickr

2017-09-28 - 00064 - The De-Tour - Day 12 by Dan, on Flickr

IMG_4022 by mike digirat, on Flickr

The DeTour-43.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

2017-09-28 - 00065 - The De-Tour - Day 12 by Dan, on Flickr

IMG_4023 by mike digirat, on Flickr