Travel vs. Truck - Nathan's Grand ExPoordition
- Thread starter Alpine Hoo Ha
- Start date
Alpine Hoo Ha
Observer
Hmm, what kind of job do you have in mind?
Alpine Hoo Ha
Observer
Reply to Jason
Jason,
Thanks for the encouragement and sentiment. I was thinking as I read your comment, that it is never too late to pursue a life style or dream of adventure and travel. Granted you will never be in the "pre-adulthood" phase of life again, and your circumstances may be really challenging. But I believe the old saying, that "where there is a will there is a way". I believe that one of the many facets of overland travel is that it can be done to accommodate just about any phase of life one may find them self in. I like this phrase from Tom Sheppard's book the Vehicle-dependent Expedition Guide, "...be it a half day in the hills, a week in the Pyrenees or a trip in the game reserves of East Africa." The point being, the destination doesn't have to be crazy. I know for me, my budget and time will probably only allow a half day or weekends in the local hills for the foreseeable future.
The whole point of my little ExPoordition is to show how despite less than ideal circumstances or limited gear/truck, one can yield a taste of "high adventure" or at least get out of town and see a few new places. I hoped to show how to use what you got and make it happen. Aside from a borrowed camera/Spot device, replacement truck parts and a fancy battery/compressor, I already had every thing I needed (just a basic camping kit, clothes, tools, food,etc).
I don't know your circumstances (job, finances, family dynamic, etc) but maybe you can take a little encouragement from a couple and their 5 kids (i think thats how many there were) we met near Aspen that were in the middle of "adult life" but still useing overlanding as a family activity whether it was a 6 week trip to hiking destinations or the "father/son time" welding up the rear bumper. Maybe even if you only get out for a week a year the time spent preparing, planning, tinkering in the garage, could be just as rewarding. As they say its the "Journey not the destination".
I don't mean to throw all these cliché's at you, but I think there is truth to them. I hope you find this a little helpful.
Jason,
Thanks for the encouragement and sentiment. I was thinking as I read your comment, that it is never too late to pursue a life style or dream of adventure and travel. Granted you will never be in the "pre-adulthood" phase of life again, and your circumstances may be really challenging. But I believe the old saying, that "where there is a will there is a way". I believe that one of the many facets of overland travel is that it can be done to accommodate just about any phase of life one may find them self in. I like this phrase from Tom Sheppard's book the Vehicle-dependent Expedition Guide, "...be it a half day in the hills, a week in the Pyrenees or a trip in the game reserves of East Africa." The point being, the destination doesn't have to be crazy. I know for me, my budget and time will probably only allow a half day or weekends in the local hills for the foreseeable future.
The whole point of my little ExPoordition is to show how despite less than ideal circumstances or limited gear/truck, one can yield a taste of "high adventure" or at least get out of town and see a few new places. I hoped to show how to use what you got and make it happen. Aside from a borrowed camera/Spot device, replacement truck parts and a fancy battery/compressor, I already had every thing I needed (just a basic camping kit, clothes, tools, food,etc).
I don't know your circumstances (job, finances, family dynamic, etc) but maybe you can take a little encouragement from a couple and their 5 kids (i think thats how many there were) we met near Aspen that were in the middle of "adult life" but still useing overlanding as a family activity whether it was a 6 week trip to hiking destinations or the "father/son time" welding up the rear bumper. Maybe even if you only get out for a week a year the time spent preparing, planning, tinkering in the garage, could be just as rewarding. As they say its the "Journey not the destination".
I don't mean to throw all these cliché's at you, but I think there is truth to them. I hope you find this a little helpful.
Attachments
jeepmedic46
Expedition Leader
Thank you Nathan for a great write up. I've always wanted to do overlanding and because of jobs and family never did it because I felt that it would be to expensive. You've shown that you can do overlanding without breaking the bank. I now can give my kids a lifetime of memories. :smiley_drive:
Alpine Hoo Ha
Observer
ExPoordition Update - A few lost and found photos.
A few times I found my self shooting on the camera's "stock" XD card instead of the CF cards I was planning on. It has not been till now that I have been able to get these photos off.
Here they are.
A few are from the first portion of the Rover Rally trip we did into the mountains near Tin Cup.
The others are from a quiet morning spent in the Wetterhorn Basin, and climbing Court House Mountain, just East of Ridgeway CO.
Overland Training's Graham and Connie Jackson in their venerable 110
Tin Cup Pass
After driving in to this area (Cimarron Rd off HWY 50) at night, I awoke to find this curious tower begging for additional exploration. It yeilded almost a whole day of discoveries: namely Wetterhorn basin where I spent a few hours soaking in the view, reading, thinking, and nibbling breakfast. I also met a few hikers whole educated me of the prime hiking in the area and the alluring views that awaited atop Court House Mountain.
One of the ways the ExPoordition was able to spend minimal food money. PB and J go along way.
A few times I found my self shooting on the camera's "stock" XD card instead of the CF cards I was planning on. It has not been till now that I have been able to get these photos off.
Here they are.
A few are from the first portion of the Rover Rally trip we did into the mountains near Tin Cup.
The others are from a quiet morning spent in the Wetterhorn Basin, and climbing Court House Mountain, just East of Ridgeway CO.
Overland Training's Graham and Connie Jackson in their venerable 110
Tin Cup Pass
After driving in to this area (Cimarron Rd off HWY 50) at night, I awoke to find this curious tower begging for additional exploration. It yeilded almost a whole day of discoveries: namely Wetterhorn basin where I spent a few hours soaking in the view, reading, thinking, and nibbling breakfast. I also met a few hikers whole educated me of the prime hiking in the area and the alluring views that awaited atop Court House Mountain.
One of the ways the ExPoordition was able to spend minimal food money. PB and J go along way.
Alpine Hoo Ha
Observer
ExPoordition Update - A few lost and found photos Part II
North Eastern view from Court House Mountain. Chimney Rock is in the foreground.
"Road to the top"
Cute fuzzy woodland creature or shameless begging rodent... I like to think he was interested in me and my company, not the Probar I was holding in my hand.
Since I mentioned Probar here is the website (www.theprobar.com) and my recommendation. The rep at the Outdoor Retailer show gave me several samples and I'm sold. They are a delightful change to when the ol' Clif Bar needs a little break.
The view looking East from highway 550. Court House Mt. is the blockly citadel farthest to the right on the ridge.
North Eastern view from Court House Mountain. Chimney Rock is in the foreground.
"Road to the top"
Cute fuzzy woodland creature or shameless begging rodent... I like to think he was interested in me and my company, not the Probar I was holding in my hand.
Since I mentioned Probar here is the website (www.theprobar.com) and my recommendation. The rep at the Outdoor Retailer show gave me several samples and I'm sold. They are a delightful change to when the ol' Clif Bar needs a little break.
The view looking East from highway 550. Court House Mt. is the blockly citadel farthest to the right on the ridge.
jrose609
Explorer
Nathan
Thank you for the note. I guess the secret is to (sorry Nike fans) Just Do It! I am going to have to just load up the kids and wife and take the Land Rover on a trek. I live in Boise, and I know there are lots of places to go around here. I grew up in a little town on the Snake River east of Boise, and we used to load up gasoline cans on the motorcycles and cruise out in the desert as far as possible. We would have a sleeping bag, tent, and a boat load of slim jims and cheese whiz and take off for the desert. Used to do that in high school, and I have some very fond memories.
My Discovery is in the shop. My final touches on the 300tdi install are underway. When I get the rig out of the shop, we'll just have to load up and go on a few two or three day trips until I get a few miles on the 300 tdi to test dependability.
You said a few things which rang true. Preparation is half the fun. Getting ready to go camping is almost as much fun. The kids really get into the planning. All the planning, preparation, and camping make for fond memories.
Thank you again! Perhaps I will learn to take photos which are half as artistic as your photos are. Great job, and great write-up!
Jason
Thank you for the note. I guess the secret is to (sorry Nike fans) Just Do It! I am going to have to just load up the kids and wife and take the Land Rover on a trek. I live in Boise, and I know there are lots of places to go around here. I grew up in a little town on the Snake River east of Boise, and we used to load up gasoline cans on the motorcycles and cruise out in the desert as far as possible. We would have a sleeping bag, tent, and a boat load of slim jims and cheese whiz and take off for the desert. Used to do that in high school, and I have some very fond memories.
My Discovery is in the shop. My final touches on the 300tdi install are underway. When I get the rig out of the shop, we'll just have to load up and go on a few two or three day trips until I get a few miles on the 300 tdi to test dependability.
You said a few things which rang true. Preparation is half the fun. Getting ready to go camping is almost as much fun. The kids really get into the planning. All the planning, preparation, and camping make for fond memories.
Thank you again! Perhaps I will learn to take photos which are half as artistic as your photos are. Great job, and great write-up!
Jason
Scott Brady
Founder
Silver City in SW Idaho. Easy drive from Boise. You can come in from the north, camp near Silver City and then drop off to the west. A great, three-day route!
Let me know if you need the track or info
jrose609
Explorer
Scott, that would be great. Do you have general-area waypoints on a route you've taken? I know a lot of that area is private property. I'd be interested in a route I could take without trespassing
Thank you!
Jason
PS-Scott, are you still planning a 300tdi in your Disco?
RHINO
Expedition Leader
the main route to silver city is well marked and has a nice sign on the highway just outside Murphy, but there are a couple real neat side trips to make. i'll see if i can find some notes from one of my visits. silver city is awesome.
oh and alpine, congrats on such an awesome trip. i understand about the low times when your by yourself, its part of the journey, take it all in, cherish it.
oh and alpine, congrats on such an awesome trip. i understand about the low times when your by yourself, its part of the journey, take it all in, cherish it.
XXXpedition
Explorer
i'm looking forward to this one!
in europe and even more in africa your way of setting up a rig-expedition-equipment combo is fairly common like those guys: (the truck is from south africa)
in europe and even more in africa your way of setting up a rig-expedition-equipment combo is fairly common like those guys: (the truck is from south africa)
Nathan,
sorry I am just catching up on your trip. Internet access has been really sporadic for me (to say the least) so I have not been able to follow. You have amazing pictures and looking at them makes it somehow easier to understand why so many Americans love their country...
I just wanted to say that I totally agree with your previous statement.
I am also absolutely unable to travel alone...to me it has to be done with friends/partner or family to be fully appreciated.
Alpine Hoo Ha
Observer
ExPoordition Update - Montrose to Moab... and...
My Journeys have led me to Montrose. It is here I have benefitted from the extreme generosity of Liz Isely, vice president of Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage. I met Liz in Ridgeway with her friend Cher. They took such an interested in my story and little ExPoordition, that Liz offered to give me a whole shopping cart full of organic and natural food from a newly opened store in Montrose.
I offer my deepest thanks to her for this kindness.
From Montrose I drove to Moab via the Eastern Manti La Sal Mountains. It was here on the Eastern slope that I experienced extreme frustration with the failure of my map (or my late night navigating skills) to get anywhere I wanted. The next days things worked out a bit better and I explored La Sal pass which routed just South of Moab.
What was a smooth, wide, graded road to the top of La Sal Pass, turned to a barely marked and somewhat suspicious two track, making me wonder if the previous days bad navigating was going to haunt me in these fickly La Sals.
It was here from "The Island in the Sky" that I began the most exceptional leg of my journey! The White Rim Trail!
My Journeys have led me to Montrose. It is here I have benefitted from the extreme generosity of Liz Isely, vice president of Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage. I met Liz in Ridgeway with her friend Cher. They took such an interested in my story and little ExPoordition, that Liz offered to give me a whole shopping cart full of organic and natural food from a newly opened store in Montrose.
I offer my deepest thanks to her for this kindness.
From Montrose I drove to Moab via the Eastern Manti La Sal Mountains. It was here on the Eastern slope that I experienced extreme frustration with the failure of my map (or my late night navigating skills) to get anywhere I wanted. The next days things worked out a bit better and I explored La Sal pass which routed just South of Moab.
What was a smooth, wide, graded road to the top of La Sal Pass, turned to a barely marked and somewhat suspicious two track, making me wonder if the previous days bad navigating was going to haunt me in these fickly La Sals.
It was here from "The Island in the Sky" that I began the most exceptional leg of my journey! The White Rim Trail!
Nathan,
It was great meeting you. Thanks again to you and Paul and Scott for generously sharing your campsite with us. After some hiking in the Maroon Bells, we returned to that excellent spot again the next night. We just got back and even on the drive home figured we could do it for another 6 weeks. What a beautiful area. Great pics and report!
broc
Alpine Hoo Ha
Observer
ExPoordition Update - The White Rim Trail Part I
Having seen pictures of the White Rim in Patagonia catalogs and climbing magazines, I was thrilled to learn its proxcimity and accesibility to my trip from Scott. He had suggested some routing for me to explore in Utah, with the White Rim Trail potentialy being the crown jewel of his recommendations.
Well he was right. As I drove the first few miles of the trail this place made me feel giddly, like the night before Christmas, or a day of skiing as a kid.
The tour started with me checking my hand gun at "the door" so-to-speak, with the Canyonlands Rangers. While I initially resisted the truth that I was indeed in possesion of a fire arm, I had to be honest and disclose my arsonal.
"Is a leatherman considered a weapon?" I asked?
"No" they said.
"What about my .45?" I asked hoping for the same answer.
"Please wait here" they said.
30 minutes, 30 dollars, 2 mags of 12, and 1 hand gun later, I was allowed entrance to the White Rim, armed only with a leatherman, a shovel, and chapstick.
Perminate Resident
Mineral Bottom boat launch. I the sight and feel of this river was wonderful refreshment.
The White of the White Rim
Welcome to Mars
Having seen pictures of the White Rim in Patagonia catalogs and climbing magazines, I was thrilled to learn its proxcimity and accesibility to my trip from Scott. He had suggested some routing for me to explore in Utah, with the White Rim Trail potentialy being the crown jewel of his recommendations.
Well he was right. As I drove the first few miles of the trail this place made me feel giddly, like the night before Christmas, or a day of skiing as a kid.
The tour started with me checking my hand gun at "the door" so-to-speak, with the Canyonlands Rangers. While I initially resisted the truth that I was indeed in possesion of a fire arm, I had to be honest and disclose my arsonal.
"Is a leatherman considered a weapon?" I asked?
"No" they said.
"What about my .45?" I asked hoping for the same answer.
"Please wait here" they said.
30 minutes, 30 dollars, 2 mags of 12, and 1 hand gun later, I was allowed entrance to the White Rim, armed only with a leatherman, a shovel, and chapstick.
Perminate Resident
Mineral Bottom boat launch. I the sight and feel of this river was wonderful refreshment.
The White of the White Rim
Welcome to Mars