Travel vs. Truck - Nathan's Grand ExPoordition

[Scott Brady]

I do not want this to digress into a gun discussion (I can pull the posts out to the gun section if it does), but marksmanship, gun handling, and cleaning is a craft. The art of craft is lost on the modern man. Not even 100 years ago it was an essential craft to survival, protection and the collection of food. The gun was a tool, as was many other things.

It is still a tool, one that I am proud to be proficient with. I hope to become even more proficient with more craft as my years progress, from something as romantic as a tango with my highschool sweetheart (my wife) to building my own cabin, or renewing my skill in horsemanship. All of which I hope comes at the cost to my WPM on a keyboard. . .

 

[Chas Stricker]

Well stated Scott.

 

[CSG]

Just a great thread all around. I traveled similarly in my youth back in the 70's and into the early 80's. Then I got married to a non-outdoorsy woman and the rigs became ever more complicated. After the last trip with the wife and kids I said, enough. Bought a camper van for my own use and am now on the hunt for a used Land Cruiser and go back to basics. Traveling and living on the cheap is its own reward on many levels.

I was taken with your comments about being occasionally lonely and not having someone to share the moment with. Sounds like me on my past solo travels. I've never been fortunate to find another good traveling companion since I lost my old one about ten years ago to an intentional self-inflicted gunshot. I wish my wife was more adventurous but she isn't . My kids have potential so we'll see if they want to try something with their ol' dad next summer when school's out. But they're a bit spoiled too having only traveled in a self-contained truck camper and then two fifth wheels. They've never slept outside under the stars. Maybe one day.

 

[AmericaOverland]

Wow, Dayum... This could take me a while. The type of trip you're doing is what I would be doing. Even my first trips would have to be day trips, as I don't even have a fraction of the gear. But I'm working on it, SLOWLY.

Stephanie

 

[daverami]

Great trip and write up. Something everyone should do is some kind of solo trip like that. Good for the soul, mind and gets you inspired!

Thanks for sharing. My wife and I are headed to the White Rim and beyond in April. A first for me. Thanks for the pics and some ideas on side trips.

 

[Poorboyota26]

Just read the whole thing.

Pure and simple: great pictures, great read, great country.

Your route is one I have been wanting to travel for a couple of years now. Thank you for giving me the itch...again. It's been a few months since the 4 runner has seen the road less traveled and I think it's time to "get a little mud on the tires" so to speak.

Thank you!!!

 

[wcdu]

I think of carrying a firearm just like I do using my seatbelt.

"Better to have it and not need it then to need it and not have it."

I would give credit but I have no idea who said that first.

Steve

 

[TangoBlue]

I think of carrying a firearm just like I do using my seatbelt.

"Better to have it and not need it then to need it and not have it."

I would give credit but I have no idea who said that first.

Steve

The guy who put a snorkel on his truck... and all those who say "why."

 

[boellis87]

I personally carry a sidearm for peace of mind.

I think Thomas Jefferson had it pretty much nailed here:

"As to the species of exercise, I advise the gun. While this gives [only] moderate exercise to the body, it gives boldness, enterprise, and independence to the mind. Games played with the ball and others of that nature, are too violent for the body and stamp no character on the mind. Let your gun, therefore, be the constant companion to your walks."

(This quote shouldn't imply that I'm not a fan of sports)

It's easy for me to look at all these awesome pictures sitting at the computer after we know he's back safe and sound and forget that he was totally alone for much of the trip...and what that's really like. I'm much more at ease heading off into the woods, alone, near or far from home, when I know that my ability to defend myself has increased many-fold. For me, it's like having a friend along, much like I feel about my truck. I have my CCW, but I pray I never have to use my handgun to defend myself from another human being. One of the main reasons I have it is that I will soon be able to carry in national parks.

Hopefully I'm not steering the thread too much toward the firearm topic, but I definitely see the handgun as just another tool to take on a solo trip like this. I might think twice about exploring on foot if I didn't have mine along.

Awesome trip thread and great pics. I'm really hoping to head west this summer for my first trip of this kind. Thanks for the write-up.

 

[canadianjk]

thanks so much for the great write up and photos, I always dream about a trip that direction but have always had excuses. Seeing how it can be done on a budget opened my eyes ( and others I am sure) to what is out there to explore for everyone no matter the situation.

 

[mjmcdowell]

Solo expeditions, firearms...

Feel free to move this post. I also feel more "comfortable" when out and about in the remote places when armed, that being said I am planning a 20 day (+/-) a few days this summer by myself up in Canada (Quebec) to the James Bay region....... Canada....... will have to leave my beloved SxS 12 ga. Coach gun home here in NYS, alas it will take some getting used to....... maybe a machete in my recovery gear will make me feel better, time will tell. stay safe, mjmcdowell

 

[KEENO]

Temporarily importing (Legally) a Shotgun/Rifle into Canada really has never been much of a problem, I've done it many times into the Arctic & N. Labrador for 'white bear' concerns. Less than $50 USD and a some time spent with a ballpoint pen in hand.

Details here: http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/pub/bsf5044-eng.html#P010

Fill out this declaration (CAFC 909): http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/cfp-pcaf/form-formulaire/num-nom/909-eng.htm

KEENO

PS: I hope Nathan's trip is going well....:coffeedrink:

 

[Scott Brady]

I think Nathan did a great job with this trip, especially never having any photo training or even practice time. It is a great lesson for all of us - just go!

 

[Jeep]

I think Nathan did a great job with this trip, especially never having any photo training or even practice time. It is a great lesson for all of us - just go!

Absolutely, it's been a while since I've read a 14 page post...twice. Good job.

 

[Ford Prefect]

Holy Hanna did this thread ever turn into a big gun thread! Nothing but guns guns guns for the last few pages! yikes.

Wow, Dayum... This could take me a while. The type of trip you're doing is what I would be doing. Even my first trips would have to be day trips, as I don't even have a fraction of the gear.

I wonder what type of gear you have. As stated early on many of the places this thread has taken us can be traveled in a two wheel drive car, and many more in a two wheel drive SUV or truck.

Heck if you have a 4x4 of any sort then I say find the roads and get out there. All you need is a little money and a sleeping bag. If you have an SUV you can take out the rear seats and poof perfect sleeping area. I am 6'5 and I manage (somewhat) in the back of my jeep Grand Cherokee.

I have been on most of these roads, and I can tell you that it is a great trip!

Nathan, I am very impressed that you did Chinaman's with your truck, I never would have thought to take my smaller jeep (My grand) on that trail, but I have taken my CJ-7 on it a few times, and it is a wonderful trip.

Having lived in the Keystone and Aspen areas I can tell you that I miss it there, and yes Colorado girls are a wonderful addition to life.

Thanks a lot for sharing your trip!

Brian