SmallFrye-Travels

Garden of the Gods

2011-12-10T22:56:00.000-08:00

Photo's from the short hike around the 'Garden of the Gods' - Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Color version

Black and White version

Rock Climber sitting solo waiting for his partner to come up

Rock Climbers

Color Version

Black and White version

Death of a 4runner

2011-11-19T19:20:00.000-08:00

Coming soon

One long day in Great Basin National Park

2011-10-17T19:19:00.000-07:00

Trip report coming soon.

Bountiful to Smith Field Lakes

2011-10-01T21:07:00.001-07:00

On 10/1/11 I meet up with a good friend and his girls as well as a member from one of the automotive groups/forums that I'm a part of to make the short run back to 'Smith Field' lakes behind Farmington, Utah.

The following day I returned in the afternoon to grab a few more photos of the area

National Public Lands Day

2011-09-24T21:06:00.000-07:00

Trip report coming soon

Ouray Colorado Trip - Day 4

2011-09-04T21:05:00.000-07:00

Trip report coming soon

Ouray Colorado Trip - Day 3

2011-09-03T21:04:00.000-07:00

Trip report coming soon

Ouray Colorado Trip - Day 2

2011-09-02T21:04:00.000-07:00

Trip report coming soon

Ouray Colorado Trip - Day 1

2011-09-01T21:03:00.000-07:00

Trip report coming soon

Meet and Greet with Overland Gourment

2011-08-06T00:00:00.000-07:00

Meet up with Utah KJ (from Expeditionportal) and FLYFISHEXPERT(TheOverlandGourme) and his wife tonight as well as they were in town for a few days for the Outdoor Retailer Show for a meet and greet. We all meet up at Salt City Burger in Bountiful to grab a bite to eat before heading on out to do the trail/road (Skyline Drive) between Bountiful and Farmington and then back since the gate in Farmington Canyon are closed for road repairs.

Final destination - towers in the background

Looking on out over Morgan, Utah and yes there is still snow in August.

Silhouette

Pittsburg Lake Hike

2011-07-23T21:00:00.000-07:00

Last year at this time I made the hike up to Pittsburg Lake. This year I was accompanied by one of my co-workers and his boys and their friend.

Still a good amount of snow to come down

Heading up

Waterfall

The old cabin is still standing even after the massive amount of snow we got this year.

Waterfall close-up

A weekend in the 'City of Rocks' Idaho

2011-07-10T16:25:00.000-07:00

Needing to get away for a few days after the events of last I decided I'd head up to the 'City of Rocks' in southern Idaho for the weekend.

Box Top – North Circle Creek Trail – Indian Groove Trail – South Fork Trail

(Looking into the 'Inner City' w/ Grahams Peak in the background)

(On the trail)

(Small arch)

(Natural spring that has been tapped, the water was ice cold)

(On the trail)

(Out along Indian Groove Trail)

(Graham's Peak, unfortunately I lost the trail to the top of peak a short way there after at the base of peak)

('X' marks the spot)

(Rock climber)

Shortly after getting back to grab lunch and too relax a little bit a storm had rolled in which produced rain for about 5 minutes before stopping. However, the dark clouds loomed for a while and thundered for a bit.

Tea Kettle Trail by bike, one of the few trails in the park you can bike

(more climbers around 'Tea Kettle Rock and Bread loaves')

(The storm departs)

Came back from the bike ride and headed back out again to one of the trails in the park.

(The ' Closet')

(Climbers up on 'Bath Tub' rock)

(Attempted a night shot and it came out decent. I need to get a tri-pod if I plan to do any more night shots)

Sunday morning I was up with the sun more or less (630am) to head on out to bike one of the other trail in the park before heading back to Utah.

Geo-Watt and Stripe Rock Loop

(Looking back into the 'Inner City')

(On the trail)

(Stripe Rock)

(View map)

(The view as described above)

Arrived back home from the trip around noon on Sunday only to crash on my couch for most of the afternoon from exhaustion and sunburn. Overall, this was a great trip to great away from everything for a few days.

Montana: One Long Day - Bannack State Park

2011-05-28T21:06:00.000-07:00

“What am I thinking” crossed my mind as my alarm buzzed at 2:45 am. “Is this trip really going to be worth it?” was my second thought as I laid there thinking about the upcoming five and half hour drive up to Bannack, Montana and the surrounding area. As I pulled myself from bed I told myself “Yes, it's going to be worth it.” After packing a few things for the trip I was out the door a little before 4am to start the drive.

The weeks up to this I had been thinking were to go for Memorial Day wanting to get away for a day or two. I had thought about heading back to Dinosaur National Monument to do some hikes or head to Great Basin National Park or back the 4-Corner region for another visit. For one reason or another none of those places felt right even though those areas offer many areas to explore and get away from it all.

After a recent trip to Great Falls, Montana to deliver some construction supplies to a job site I learned of a Ghost Town located just off I-15 SW of Dillon, Montana. Bannack State Park. Since none of my other choices seem to work for me I made the decision to head north into parts unknown. With all the weird weather that we had as of late I kept careful watch to make sure all would be good for the trip. Always keeping plan B in the back of my head. With the 40-50% percent chance of rain/snow I made the decision to chance it and head on out.

At 4am you don't see many people on roads besides some truckers and those crazy souls like myself out and about. The trip up was pretty uneventful. Once out of Idaho Falls vehicle traffic died off quite a bit with the occasion car zipping on by. Once reaching the Montanan border traffic died off even more with stretches of road with you being the only soul driving on.

As I neared my turn off dark clouds loomed in the background for where my afternoon adventure would take me but for now the skies where still clear with the occasional cloud. The route back to Bannack was via a paved road for the majority of the way with just a short stretch of dirt as you entered the park.

Fortunately, it was myself and two other couples there when I arrived. By the time I left about a dozen more families had entered the park.

Bannack State Park

View from the cemetery

2nd Floor

Looking out

Salon

Old Wagon

Old International pickup

Yes, the gas tank is under the front seat

Cemetery

Back in town

Ye' old church

Barn

Old jail house

For one reason or another these stairs kind of creep me out

School and Masonic Temple

2nd Floor

Before heading out of Bannack I checked with the park staff too see if they knew if the route back to Lion City was open since I was able to find little information before leaving that morning. To my dismay the route back was still closed due to amount of snow that they have received this year.

After a quick lunch I was back on the road headed to my next destination the old town-site of Farley, Montana. As I traveled down the road my mind was racing what was the weather/roads going to be like as I entered the dark clouds looming over the interstate. Too my surprise the dirt road back to Farley was dry until you reached the mouth of the canyon as a snow storm was blowing raging. Soon enough though I reached the town-site to do a little exploring. I figured the snow would just add to it all.

Montana: One Long Day - Headin for Home

2011-05-28T10:57:00.001-07:00

Not wanting to head back quite yet I decided to explore up the road a little bit from Glendale to see what laid beyond and there is a lot that lays beyond.

Once more quick stop was made in Melrose at one of the local parks by Beaver-Head river to grab a little bit of grub and to relax a bit before starting the now six and half hour drive back to Bountiful, Utah.

On the way back I made two other quick stops one at an old structure that lays just off I-15 and another a bridge that for one reason or another caught my eye.

Came across this old grave that was marked by a BLM/Forest Service Marker

Bridge

There was a part of me hoping to see an old steam locomotive come across the bend bellowing smoke as it climbed.

Just outside of Malad, Idaho I ran into foul weather that would last for the remainder of the trip. Once home and unpacked it was back to bed being up for almost 22hrs. Looking back at the trip I wished I would've stayed along the way to take it all in but at the same time I wouldn't change a thing.

Thanks for sticking though my ramblings. I believe this is one of my longest write-ups in along time.

I will return to Montana another day.

Montana: One Long Day - Lion City (attempt)

2011-05-28T10:57:00.000-07:00

Earlier in the day I had learned that the route back to Lion City was still closed due to snow. My curiosity got the better the of me and I decided to continue on back to see how far I could get. A little ways past Glendale the road turns to a primitive road and starts to ascend up into the forest of the Pioneer Mountains. Route finding is not overally difficult and can be done in a vehicle with high ground clearance.

As I headed on the down the trail I was keeping in mind any open spaces where if I had to turn around I could. About 3/4's of the way back I ran into the first little bit of snow covering the trail but soon after I had too stop as the snow now covered the road that laid ahead.

After some thought I made the decision how ever stupid it may have been to continue on by foot seeing that I had only a little ways to go. Keeping to the sides of the trail along the tree line I made my way back along the trail.

Along the way I came across debris from an old structure that now laid littered along the hill side. After some exploring I continued on back a little further. However, the route became un-passable to those retarded enough like myself to continue on without the use of snowshoes or ski's. I thought to myself “I should've planned this a little better like the individual ahead of me who was wise enough to bring skies with him” (his tracks were still fresh and his vehicle was just down the way from where I parked).

I'm not sure what site this was – Hecla ??

Further down from the debris

End of the trail for me. Lion City will have to wait for another day.

I made short work of the trail back to my vehicle to change into a dry pair of socks and pants. To head back out towards home.

Heading back out

Montana: One Long Day - Glendale

2011-05-28T10:56:00.000-07:00

Along the route back to Glendale I came across this old cabin and just had to check it out. A quick little walk up the hill I was there. Too my surprise I came across a mine shaft that is still open just to east of the cabin with a single plank over it where it looked like an adventurous soul would venture. I'm adventurous but not the adventurous. As I was looking down into the mine a bird flew out from under some rubble scaring the crap out of me. I wasn't expecting that. Having my fill of that I was back on the road.

Creepy open mine shaft

Second cabin and foundation I came across on the way out.

Once arriving at Glendale I was a little disappointed to find that the reaming structures were surrounded by a bared wire fence. Drat! The only structure that is still accessible is an old 2 story house/store that has had the second floor ripped out and was being used for storage.

Glendale

Montana: One Long Day - Farlin

2011-05-28T10:55:00.000-07:00

Into the storm

Farlin, Montana

Snow storm

Watch your step

Old mine location??

Soon enough the storm passed and I was on the road again to head to the old site of Glendale, Montana just outside Melrose. Fortunately, the skies had cleared up enough to allow the sun to pier though and warm up the day.

Cedar Mesa Trip Easter Weekend 2011

2011-04-30T22:16:00.002-07:00

Stress, how do you releave it? With one word “vacation”. Needing to get away from work for a few days, the glare of a computer screen and the wintery weather of the Wasatch front. It was time to head south to make a return trip to Cedar Mesa in SE Utah for a camping trip with a few new friends and my older brother who drove up from Wellton, Arizona.

The plan was to camp somewhere around the northern end of Comb Wash and then head out from there to various sites around the Cedar Mesa area.

Thursday

The plan was to head out around 9am to head down to Cedar Mesa with the hope of meeting up with a friend and his family (Moody family) to find a place to camp. I was a little worried as we ran into construction traffic around the Spanish Fork area then again just north of I-70. To my surprise traffic though Moab wasn't to bad despite it being the Easter Jeep Safari. We ended up reaching Blanding sometime around 4pm with a quick stop to refuel and grab a few last groceries we were off to try and find Moody on Comb Wash.

As luck would have it we arrived there just shortly after Moody arrived and tailed along as we searched for an acceptable campsite. After driving around for a bit we ended camping near the north end of Comb Wash.

Friday

Who needs an alarm clock or rooster to wake you up when you have the sun. Up at 7am after a restless night. Gotta love it. After tooling around camp for a bit we headed out for our first destination to Monarch Cave but not after making a detour to check-out what we thought was a grainy which it wasn't lol.

Monarch Cave

Trail Back

View looking out from Monarch Cave

Misc. photos

After spending some time at Monarch Cave we headed back to the vehicles for lunch.

With lunch done it was time to head to out next destination - Snake House/River House ruin. I figured this would be a good site to visit since you can more or less drive right up to the ruin. Plus, it gave the Moody clan some time to rest.

When we arrived I was a little surprised to see a river rafting group there exploring the ruins only to be followed by another group 10 minutes later after this group left. I guess I kind of figured that no one would be there since the last time I visited here it was December and late in the afternoon. The solitude of that experience allow a little more time to reflect on the scene. Never the less it was still a good time.

Snake House/River House Ruin

Misc. Photos from Snake House

After leaving Snake House it was time to head back to camp to meet up with those who came into camp while we where out to join us on the next day adventure. My brother and I peeled off from the group to stop and check out the old cabin along Comb Ridge while the Moody clan headed back to camp.

Friday night the we were joined by UtahKJ (Joseph) and the Nate's. Thankfully, the wind this night was more tolerable.

Saturday

Saturday morning we had a new comer to the group Davy (mesha over on RME) and his family. The plan was to meet up with some of Moody's friends who were camping just a short way down the road from us to check out the Lower Mule Canyon ruins near where they were camping.

Mule Canyon

Lower Mule Canyon Ruins set 1

Lower Mule Canyon Ruins set 2

Small pictograph panel

The plan for the afternoon was to head over the Kane Gulch ranger station to pick up a couple of permits which would allow us to hike back to the Moon House ruins. So that was the hope. To my dismay when we reached the ranger station (around noon) we were greeted by one of those lovely suction cup clocks on the door that said “Will return 3pm”. WTH, 3pm! Lets just say I was a little irked by this since the last time I was here snow had close the trail.

However, I did have a back up plan “Jailhouse Ruin”. The plan was to head up to Shierk Flats to park and to take the backway into the ruins since neither my brother nor myself felt like hiking 7 miles into Bullet Canyon. After paying the due for the day pass and checking out the map we headed out on the one trail we saw that we hoped would take us back to the site.

The trail weaved in and out of the wash and required a few descents down a rockie ledge or two. Shortly, after starting the trail we ran into the first set of ruins. These was kind of surpise to me since I didn't see these ruins on the maps that I have (time for some new maps). After checking out the ruins for a bit he headed back down the trail which at time was difficult to find but we were able to keep on the trail following the stacked rocks markers.

Yellow House Ruin

We continued to follow the trail till we reached something kind of unexpected. A Dead End!. We were stumped. The trail dead ended at a massive pour-off. One of which I think would be kind of cool to see it flowing. After an vain search to find the trail we headed back to the car for some lunch. I later learned that there are two different routes around this pour-off down into the canyon but fidning those routes are difficult.

By this time it was 4pm and wanting to explore a little more we opted to head down Snow Flat Road. Along the way we made a slight detour to the parking area for Moon House Ruin so we could view the ruin from across the canyon (I didn't see any harm in doing so). One day I'll make the hike back to it.

The trip down Snow Flat Road was a bit interesting. It's one of those roads that ya you could take a car down but you'd risk taking some possible damage or a flat tire due to the rocky sections of the road. Once at the end of the road it was back up Comb Wash and back to camp to relax.

Looking out towards Bear's Ears

Sunday

The original plan for Sunday was going to take us down to a ruin site just SW of Bluff but bad weather (rain) had moved in during the night. With the gloom all round usis and off and on rain showers I decided it best not to take the group to this site. For I didn't want to get us all caught in rain storm or have someone slip and injure themselves on the rocky descent down to the ruins.

So we said our goodbyes to group and headed out. Once on the other side we were meet by a heavy downpour that didn't let up till we reached Blanding only to be the heavy rain replaced by heavy fog between Blanding and Monticello. Once we outside of Monticello the rain was hit or miss all the way to Moab. Again, I was worried about traffic coming back up to to everyone heading out from the Jeep safari but it proved to be no problem and it was smooth sailing all the way home.

5-Mile Pass Camping trip

2011-04-02T22:16:00.000-07:00

Back of the beginning of April I had one of those weeks were I just needed to get out of the city and away from everything for a night. Not wanting to go to far out I headed back to the 5-Mile Pass Recreation Area for a little relaxation.

View from camp Friday night

Camp

Who needs a tent. Sleeping in the back of the 4runner isn't too bad as long as you have a pad to cover those tie down loops.

Made an attempt at some more night shots but without a tripod it was kind of fruitless.

Saturday morning

Well, that's not good.

2011-03-11T20:10:00.000-08:00

A little adventure one morning while on my way to work.

Well, this morning I ran to store to pick something up before work and rememberd that I had forgot my check book at home and decided to run home and get it. At one spot in the road near an intersection there is a storm drainage ditch/dip in the road. I slowed down to about 10-15 mph, any faster than that and you'll scrap/bottom out. Right after I pass this the drivers side front end dives and I hear this scrapping/grindding sound. I drive a little more to get my self out of the intersection and get out to see what happens.

When I get out and look I just bust out laughing (I just couldn't help myself in this stituation and the person walking out to their car probable thought I had lost my mind) as the driver's side front wheel is not partially under my 4runner. Luckily, the slider prevented it from going any further under. So I made a few calls and after an hour and half the tow truck finally comes and gets me.

While waiting for the truck a few stop and ask if I'm okay and a few I just shot the breeze with for a little bit. Heck, someone even took a photo themselves.

So now my 4runner is at the Toyota dealership (they replaced the lower control arms a few months back) and I'm in a rental Chevy Avero. I'm also talking with my insurance too see if they will cover anything. I doubt it but I'm hopefully.

Thankfully, this took place on a side road and not on the highway or out on the trail somewhere.

Well, that can't be good

Well, theres your problem.

Random Farmington Canyon Photo's

2011-03-05T20:26:00.000-08:00

Just some random photo's from the stream that flows out of Farmington Canyon.

Rattlesnake Trail Run & 5-Mile Pass Area

2011-02-12T16:13:00.000-08:00

Kind of a spur of the moment trip last weekend out to the 5-Mile Pass Recreation area to run Rattlesnake and then just tool around the area. There aren't many photo's since there was only two of us and I was leading with the only camera.

It was a great day to be out, temps were in the high 40's and blue sky's.

One of the old mine openings in the area. All the mines are covered with a rebar grate so I just zoomed in with my camera too get this shot. This was my first time seeing this mine shaft.

Outdoor Retailer Show 1/23/11

2011-01-23T20:39:00.000-08:00

Photo's from the Utah Winter Outdoor Retail Show.

MSR - Dragon Tent

MSR - Hoop Trail Tent

Nemo

Nemo tent 1

Nemo tent 2 - the little bag by the front entry is that size of the tent when it's packed up.

Easton Tent - I don't recall the the name of the tent but Easton had tent poles that were half the weight of aluminum tent poles.

JakPak - a tent, jacket and sleeping bag all roled up into one. Don't know how practical it really would be but interesting none the less.

Tough Stake - pretty cool stakes that can be used in the snow or sand only and they come in a number of different sizes.

PocketToolX - pretty nice little multi-tool that even TSA will allow you to take on a plane.

Freeline - basically a skateboard without the board.

Heavy Duty Poop - probable the funniest thing at the show next to the individual in a green full body suit. They were giving out free samples of the this stuff and it's been used at my place of work since Monday and it does do what it is advertised to do.

Primus - camp stoves.

Spot - really the only Spot/GPS booth at the entire show.

Backcan - This is a pretty neat little item. It circulates a pound of water (yes I said 1 pound) though coils in a sleeping pad. The unit is supposed to run for 8-9 hrs on a single tank of fuel.

Keen Bike

Random Lego display of a bottom of a shoe.

Special thanks to Kurt at Cruiser Outfitters for the show pass.

Pony Express Trail to Indain Springs 1/15/11

2011-01-15T16:52:00.000-08:00

On 1/15/2011 the Wasatch Cruisers put on a run to Indain Springs off from the Pony Express Trail here in Utah. This was a great excuse to escape the poor air quality of the Wasatch Front and to relieve some cabin fever. The plan for the day was to head out along the Old Pony Express route and head off to Indain Springs or at least that was the plan. The route along the main road was still covered in frozen snow but posed no problems. The trail to Indain Springs on the other hand was still covered in the snow and ice and the only tracks that were visible where from the last individaul who was out there that were now covered with a layer of snow.

The trail wound though cedars, along the bottom of valleys and along the ridge line of the surrounding mountains. One particular hill gave myself a few others some problems as you had a approximately 90* turn and then up the hill. The first two vehicles up had to take mutiple attempts to make it up. Unfortunately, for me I had some semi-bald tires that didn't want to hook after about 5 attempts and little push from the group I made it up and over. All the vehicles that followed made it up with no problems.

Shortly after this area (about 1/2 mile) we reached a stopping point as the trail got a little narrower and wouldn't allow any jocking of vehicles if something happened. So the decision was made to stop and turn back around but not before having lunch. After we all got our fill of food and each others company we all headed back out. We the group reached the main route we all split up to go our separate ways. Some went home, some tarried to char more and others went off exploring some more.

Overall, this was a great day to get out and enjoying the surrounding area.

View from the Simpson Springs post

Group shot

The old Simpson Spring post

On the trail heading to Indain Springs

At this point the photo's have a blue tint to them as I was trying out some of the preset settings on my camera. Unfortunately, I'm still new to my camera and didn't realize that the 'Snow Mode' on the camera would add a blue tint to everything.

Live and learn I guess.

Old storage house where we stopped for lunch

Beyond were we stopped

Back out on the trail heading for home

Utah Auto Expo 2011

2011-01-14T16:49:00.000-08:00

Just some photos from the 2011 Utah Auto Expo

Scion TC

Honda CR-Z

Lexus CT200

Audi R8 Spyder

Porsche 911 Turbo

Porsche Boxster

Porsche Panamera

Bentley

Subaru Imprezza STI

Chevy Camero

Corvette Stingray Concept

Dodge Challenger - too bad it's pink

Boss 302 Mustang

Desert Race Trucks

Original Boss 302 Mustang

Ferrari

Chevy Impala SS

2nd Annual 'Freeze Your Tail Off' Overnighter @ Lucin 12/17-12/18/10

2010-12-19T19:43:00.000-08:00

So I origingally intended for the camping in the October to be my last trip of the year since I'm not much of a cold weather camper. Well, I needed to get out of the hussle and bussel of the city and enjoy some open air. So I thought what better way to join up with a bunch of friends for a camping trip in the west desert of Utah. One of my friends from back home in Missouri was able to join me for this trip and the company was welcome.

After a late start on Friday night we made it out to Wendover, Utah/Nevada to start the 20+ miles of snow covered dirt road on out to the camp.

Camp for Friday night was the Sun Tunnels out at Lucin

We all awoke to snow covered tents and vehicles in the morning.

After breakfast we head on out along the old Transcontinnal road to old town-sites of Lucin, Terrance and Kelton before heading back into town that afternoon.

Out at Lucin

Out at the cemetry in Terrance. The footings/scraps of wood left over from the over site area were all covered in snow.

Cementry at Kelton

The remained of the trip just involved more snow and slick roads. Overall, it was a great way to spend a weekend.

Night Shots 2

2010-12-12T21:27:00.000-08:00

Fiqured I'd try a few more night shots around town. The images are of the North Salt Lake/Woods Cross/Bountiful area in Utah.

Night Shot

2010-11-30T21:01:00.000-08:00

I've had my camera for a few years and never really took it off auto-mode. Well, I played with a few of the settings the other night and actually got a night shot to turn out for once.

This is looking up the Wasatch Front from the North Salt Lake area.

Amongst the clouds

2010-10-24T09:12:00.000-07:00

Well, I decided to make one final run up along Skyline Drive from Bountiful to Farmington before the weather gets too crappie and the road gets closed for the winter months.

The run was mostly uneventfully, besides a DNR check point, dropping my camera and nearly breaking it and I about got blown alway by the wind up by Franics peak (a 125lb individual + 50 + mph winds = a hard time standing)

Road into the clouds

A little cloudy up at Francis Peak, had to turn the lights on

Last trip of the year

2010-10-03T21:01:00.000-07:00

I'm not really doing a write-up on this trip since it was right in the mountains in my backyard here in Bountiful, Utah but I still wanted to share some photo's.

Just meet up with a couple of old friends from Missouri who are living out here now do a little camping up in the Wasatch Mountains. They got a little lost finding camp that night so I had to go back out and lead them in since I had went up there right after work and they came up about 830 pm.

Most of the photo's from this trip didn't really come out all that well so here are the ones that did.

View #1 from Camp

Just right of that middle outcropping is a 2 nice little switch backs that require a 2 or 3 point turn depending how you approach it. The first switchback has a rock outcropping that makes a little difficult to get up if you don't take the turn wide enough (one of friends found that out the hard way when he got stuck on it).

View #2 Looking out towards Morgan, Utah as the sun was setting

Can you spot my 4runner hiding amongst the trees?

Old Dodge truck that I'm assuming rolled over on the switch backs

No clue what this vehicle was

Sunrise Saturday morning

Spotted this little fellow, a few of its friends made a B-line for it when they heard me

Camp, I was the only one up at this time

Fire!

Similar to view #1 just in the morning

Breakfast that morning (sausage, onions, red pepper, eggs – not shown but were later added to the sausage mix and hash browns, which didn't turn out to well).

Group shot kind of

Saturday morning we did a little target practice( all spent casings and stationary targets were picked up.

Lets just say I only tried once to hit a clay pigeon the gun had a little more kick to it than I liked. Though I did decent at shooting stationary targets.

Two crappie cell phone photo's of the 2nd and 3rd ponds

Well, this was more or less my last trip of the year. My 4runner is having some issues that I need to address and I need to save some money to get it paid off (hopefully, end of January 2011) so any gas/food money for trips will be going towards that.

Overall, it was a good way to end out the year.

National Public Lands Day 2010

2010-09-20T09:14:00.000-07:00

For National Public Lands Day this year, I once again joined up with the Wasatch Cruisers to head out to Heber, Utah to help the forest service continue the fence building project they had started a while back.

This was more or less in the same area we did this last year just further back on a temporary road the forest service created.

Dinosaur National Monument and then some - Labor Day Weeked 2010 Day 3

2010-09-17T05:34:00.001-07:00

Day 3

Again, day 3 started with a 630am wake up call (I just woke up)and a chilly morning. After a quick breakfast of oatmeal, a banana and some more hot chocolate I was off for the final leg of the trip back on Brown's Park road to the highway that would eventually take up to Rocksprings, Wyoming and the interstate.

Looking back out too were I had been the previous evening

Somewhere along the way out

This cabin was on private property but clearly visible from the road

I made one side trip on the way out top try and find 'Three Corners' you know where Utah, Wyoming and Colorado meet.

Unfortunately, when you come across down signs it's kind of difficult to know where to go. So I turned around and headed back. I believe had I taken the trail on the right it would've taken me to my goal.

Back into Utah

The remainder of the trip was pretty uneventful, I could've taken an alternate route to Rocksprings, Wy along the gravel but I was getting tried of gravel and I just wanted to get back to rest and clean up before heading back to work the next day.

Overall, this trip was well worth it despite my nervousness at the beginning. It was sorely needed. There so much more to do in the area that will require another trip some time in the near future.

Dinosaur National Monument and then some - Labor Day Weeked 2010 Day 2

2010-09-17T05:31:00.000-07:00

After I returned from the side trips to various overlooks I settle into camp for the night. Dinner was chicken, rice and carrots and an ice cold IBC Root Beer (yum!). I was questioning whether or not to have a fire that night because of the wind in canyon was not too to my liking but I went and ahead and made one anyways. As well as some other folks. All was well while the sun was still up but once the sun went down the wind picked up and you would have little micro burst here there that would send cinders into the air, which you would have too go stomp out. After about an hour of that I had enough and decided to put the fire out and hit the hay. It was close to 9:00 pm by this time.

One thing I like about being out away from the city is that the sky's are clear and the stars fill up the night sky. It was great.

The wind that continued to blow though out the night shaking my tent at times like someone was their moving it around. Every so often you'd hear the dog in the campsite bark echoing throughout the canyon. This started to get annoying about 1am but then to my pleasure (I hate to say this but I was tired)you'd hear the dog yelp as if the own had down something to it.

Morning came all to early for me as I was up at 630am, with my allergies going wild (just peachy). After a breakfast of oatmeal, a banana and hot chocolate I packed up camp and went on a short hike around the campground before heading out for the day.

Camp in the morning

One of the reasons why I picked this spot was because of the views from inside the canyon and river.

Steamboat Rock early morning (if you look to the right of the photo you can see two people and their dog, they were the only ones up besides myself at this time).

Rangers Cabin

After dinking around here for a bit I took a short hike along the river just too see were it went.

As I was coming up there ridge line I heard movement and much to my pleasure this is what I saw.

I believe another deer had past me when I heard the noise.

The trail continued on past the point where I saw the deer but I need to head out so back to camp I went to head on out.

First stop Whispering Cave

Being the individual that I am (meaning being skinny, I was able to shimmy back a ways between cracks of the rocks too see how far back it went. Which needless to say I couldn't get since it got narrower. Oh, well. Moving on.

Chew Ranch was the next stop on my way out of Echo Park

Playing around with the camera

Looking inside the wagon seemed to setup pretty well. Then was an area on the right were a stove was with an opening in the roof for the stack.

I'm assuming this was some sort of handbrake system but why would you need all the notches for.

The old homestead

After tooling around here for a bit it was time to head on out on Yampa Bench Road. The ranger the previous day had told me that if if the road was wet that it would nasty slick since it was clay in a lot of the areas. Fortunately, the road was dry as bone but I could easily see where it would not be a place you'd want to be in a rain storm. Nasty slick with a couple of creek crossing.

Anyhow moving on

Some where along Yampa Bench Road

First stop along the route was Castle Park

It took me a minute to see this but if you look down to the left you can see people in the above photo hiking along.

These are them zoomed in

On the way to the next overlook I came across this site

This was not something I wanted to see. I stopped to get out too see if anyone was around but there was no one. Judging by the mud on the truck I believe they came though after the last rain a little too quickly around the corner and slid off the road. The only thing keeping the truck from rolling down the hill were the trees. Otherwise it would've been gone.

How they are going to recover it is a good question since it's in the middle of an S-curve. This goes back to my previous statement where I understand what the ranger was talking about.

Since no one was around I went ahead and headed on out to the Harding Hole Overlook

After that I stopped at Wagon Wheel Point the last overlook along Yampa Bench Road (the photo's here came out kind of crappie)

There was one other stop along the ay “Bakers Cabin” but I was unable to locate it so I continued on.

Somewhere along the bench

After this point you come to the junction of Yampa Bench and country roads 14 and 95. Here there is a little signage post with maps of the area and additional information. I stop here just briefly to add some fuel to my 4runner and grab a quick snack before heading on out on Blue Mountain Road an easy gravel road with some fun corners.

An old Chevy at the junction of 96 and 16(Blue Mountain Road)that has seen better days.

Somewhere along Blue Mountain

Old Cabin along the way

I really wonder why they have to include the 3rd sentence in the sign.

Second half of Blue Mountain Road after a quick trip along pavement

One of the things that stuck me in this photo is the bowl on the right hand side of the photo. You can see were the rock surrounding has been uplifted I'm assuming from it was a caldera or some sort of impact crater (continues past the photo).

After I reached highway 40 I headed back into Naples to fill up with gas, grab a drink (energy drink #2, day 2) and some lunch. Before heading on back out.

Next up was the Island Park area and back into Dinosaur National Monument

First stop along the route was Rainbow park, I didn't stay here long as there was a group camping at the end.

Island Park Overlook was next

Then down to Ruple Ranch

Ruple Ranch

Down by the river

The huge tree that you must pass to continue on down the road

The one thing that I noticed was that there was no sign saying that you couldn't go up to the cabin to have a look around. Hopefully, I did no wrong here but I went ahead a took a look around.

Petroglyphs

Only half finished?

Weird rock formation and lizard #4

The final stop for the day or so I was hoping was the swinging bridge the crosses the Green River and campground right after. Unfortunately, once I reached the road for Crouse Canyon that lead to it there were signs noting that the bridge is was closed (repairs I believe)not to be detoured from my goals of seeing it I pressed forward I had plan out plan 'B' in case something like this happen and one I saw the sign I started planning 'C'.

Route out to Crouse Canyon

Butch Cassidy Hideout I believe, at least according to my map.

Into the canyon

Ye, old 'Bridge Closed' sign

After seeing the bridge I turned around and started to head out to Taylor Flats and the second bridge crossing

Some where along the route to Taylor Flats

Taylor Flats

Camp night two

Stony Cabin

Jarvine store and house

The Jarvines first resident

The old water wheel

Corral

Surprisingly this wagon was used from 1900 to 1970

Old Equipment

Looks a little dangerous

Blacksmith shop

Chicken Coop and Ice House

Doesn't look too comfortable

After tooling around here for a while it was starting to get dark, windy and besides all I was hungry. Beef stew, pita bread, cookies and another ice cold Root Beer was on the menu tonight. There would be no fire tonight as the wind was worse here, with taller grasses and I just didn't feel like dealing with it. So off to bed or so I thought I don't think I got more than an hour of sleep before the wind started to howl again shaking my tent like crazy and up lift the rain fly on the top of my tent.

After about half an hour of this I said screw it and packed up my gear back into 4runner tent and all and just curled up into the back seat of my 4runner not my preferred sleep arrangement but it worked and I was able to get some sleep.

Dinosaur National Monument and then some - Labor Day Weeked 2010 Day 1

2010-09-17T05:29:00.001-07:00

With all the trips that I've done in the past few years this one had me the most nervous/apprehensive as to if I should even go. Why, I don't know.

With in the past year I've seen a few trip reports on Dinosaur National Monument on the Utah/Colorado border and some of the surrounding areas. I had been to this area as a little kid while on vacation but we never stop into the park itself only at the visitors center (my mother had to tell me this since I had to memory of it, only after did I remember). So this past Labor Day I decided to pack up and head out of dodge to areas less visited. The original plan was to leave Friday night and camp some where once I got out but after working a full day and still needing to pack I decided against it and just to leave early in the morning. Early in the morning as in 4am. Unfortunately, for me I tend to wake up early when I have things planned the following day, so up at 3am I was (energy drink #1).

After finishing some quick last minute packing (cooler and some miscellaneous items) I was out the door on my way. Only, to get sick about 45 minutes into it (won't go into details) which made for a long drive into Vernal (energy drink #2 was consumed in Roosevelt). After, making into Vernal and filling up with gas+5 gallon jerry can. I was office to Visitor Center on the Utah side to grab a map of the area and to check the road conditions. I think I came off a little smug when the ranger was telling me about the road conditions when the area was wet and of the rocky trail on Yampa Bench Road. Only later would I understand what she meant about the wet roads (see day #2).

So after that I was headed on out to the first stop along the way “Watson, Utah” or what is left of it but not without a stop or two.

Along the “Old Bonanza Highway”

Ignatio Stage Stop/White River Crossing

The stop over would be to the old town site of “Watson, Utah” (ran into vehicle #1 on the way out here, some oil worker I'm assuming)

One of the few remaining structures at the site.

The two other remaining structures

Just past the Evacuation Creek crossing there are tow more structures. I just caught them out of the corner of my eye and had to back up to investigate some (vehicle #2 past me here).

Lizard #1

Next on stop on trip was the old mining site of “Rainbow”

After I Rainbow I continued to follow the road on over to the “Three Mile Canyon” cutoff that would eventually take me to my next stop of “Dragon”.

As luck would have it when I reached the road that lead down to “Dragon” I ended up missing the sign on the right hand side of the road and ended up 6 miles away on the Colorado border. Opps! Time to turn around.

Town site of “Dragon, Utah”

Building/Ruin #1

Building/Ruin #2 – I found it interesting that they just milled the one side of the long and smooth side for the interior of the building while leaving the bark and the unfinished edge on the outside.

This photo just kind of seems a little creepy to me

Other buildings/ruins that once were

After tooling around here for a bit and trying not to get a nail in the foot (make sure your tetanus shot is up-to-date)I headed down the canyon to explore some more. Once you reach the old cemetery you have to turn around as the road enters private property.

Building/Ruin #3

Dragon Cemetery

Lizard #2

As I was leaving the canyon I noticed a few other structures along the left hand side of the road that required some further investigation.

Old foundation – Building/Ruin #4

Building/Ruin #5

After my stop in Dragon it was time to head on up to the visitor center on the Colorado side of the park.

About two to three miles past this photo you run into a short sandy section of the road. I though I'd be smart and try to avoid the ruts in the sand created by other vehicles but low and behold I ended up sinking into the sand a but while at speed and ended up jumping my 4runner. Opps! The landing was such that it shot washer fluid out of the nozzles (never had this happen before). So I got out to check for damage only to find none. Whew! Grab a few photos before heading back out.

When I reached Colorado I stopped at the Welcome Center to check out the maps of the area over there (which they have a ton of) and to grab another energy drink (#3) since that 3am wake up was wearing on me. The ladies at the welcome center looked a little bored.

Made one other stop at the Visitor Center for a quick rest and to check in with my family before heading on in to the park.

After a brief little stop (photo above) I decided to go ahead and head into camp for the night since seeing a number of vehicles entering the park while at the visitor center.

Camp for the night would be down in Echo Park down by the Yampa River. The campground normally has a fee but at this time of the year the fee is waived. Sweet!

The road down into Echo Park that I'd eventually take.

A few shots on the way down

Once I reached the campground I did a quick drive around to a camping spot since most of the 22 sites were already full. So I quickly set up my tent to claim my spot, then headed back up the road to complete the auto tour portion of the route and to do a little hiking.

Island Park over look was the first stop. There's a hiking trail here that is a couple of miles long but due to the time of day and being tried I passed on it.

Iron Springs Bench Overlook was next

Followed by Echo Park Overlook

Can you spot the road in this picture??

Yep, there it is. That's the route down to camp.

The last stop on the trip was Harper's Corner (end of the road anyways). I'd recommend taking the short hike at the end (mile in and a mile out)to get a good view of the surrounding area. The Geology here is crazy.

Couple of random photo's.

After the hike I was worn out even more so and hungry (you can only live off from Cheez-its and granola bars for so long). So I headed back into camp for the night with a stop or two along the way.

Can you spot the face?

I don't remember the name of this cabin

I probable spent about 15 minutes or so trying to figure out how this piece of equipment worked.

Camp for the night

American Fork Canyon 8/21/10

2010-08-22T17:26:00.000-07:00

On 8/21/10 I meet up with the Wastch Cruisers at the Tribble Fork Resivor in American Fork Canyon to make the trip up to one of the members cabin up above Silver Lake. The trip would wind us mostly a 2wd drive dirt road with 4wd only being required in a spot or two up to around 10,700 ft up tight switchbacks and with a nice hill climb to the flats up above the cabin (4Low was required to make it up and back down).

Total vehicles on the trip was around 18 with 30 people in attendance. The weather was again great, cool with a nice breeze (gusty up at the 10,700 ft). Wish I could've stayed a little longer in the coolness back down in the valley it was a little toasty.

Any how on to the photo's.

Group #2 coming up the trail (click the photo to make it larger)

Both groups meeting up before making the ascent up top.

Heading back down for lunch

More from the trail 001 8/14/10

2010-08-14T17:05:00.000-07:00

Went back to the Great Western Trail on 001 with a member from ExpeditionUtah to do some additional hiking in the area. We ended hiking about 9 miles round trip which includes about 1 mile of getting lost/exploring. For a portion of the trail we ended up herding sheep as we walked up trail all the while the were dodging off the trail to the left.

About half way though we saw a trail runner but never saw them again then on the way we ran into another small group of runners just starting on the trail.

Overall, it was a great day to be out for a hike, clear and with a nice cool breeze.

Photo's:

Trail 001 - A portion of the Geat Western Trail 8/7/10

2010-08-07T22:38:00.001-07:00

On Saturday (8/7/10) I decided it was time to go a explore another part of the Great Western Trail here is Utah. The trail starts at the south end of Skyline Drive just east of Bountiul and winds it way up to a number of overlooks into Salt Lake, Davis and Morgan County. The trail starts out in the pines then wonders though a short section of aspen trees then back into the pines and finally into some grass lands.

At one point the trail split offs in two one goes up the mountain and the other goes down into a basin but has a no trespassing sign posted. So I opted to head up the mountain but turned back about a 1/2 mile in as the trail started to get a little more overgrown with grasses. It could still be seen but it was kind of difficult.

Figured the total hike was maybe about 4 miles (2 in and 2 out), maximum elevation that my GPS showed was about 9039 ft.

Trail Head about 7:48 am

The road that you must go down to get to the trail head

A little overexposed but still looks kind of cool

Playing around with the camera

The trail in which I would ultimately end up hiking up

Still some snow on the back side of mountain in the distance

The trail I just came down (middle of the photo). After I took the photo I continued on for a little until the trail started to get a little over grown as noted above. I didn't really take any photo's on the return journey.

I didn't see another person on the trail till I was coming back towards the start of the trail and a saw a number of deer (2 fawns, 5 doe's and 1 five point buck) from the time I hit the gravel road till I made it to the Great Western Trail sign.

Over all the trail wasn't too bad of a hike and weather was great besides a nice cool breeze. I'm wanting to go back up there and find out how much further the trail goes.

Cruiser Outfitters Customer BBQ 8/6/10

2010-08-07T22:37:00.000-07:00

Cruiser Outfitters had there yearly Customer Appreciation BBQ on Aug. 8, 2010 for all his customers. This event is more a less a bunch of cruiser heads getting together for a good time and some good food. Then you have the random misfits like myself who doesn't even own a Landcruiser thrown into the mix but that's okay their were others like me there.

These are just some of my favorite photo's from the event, about 70 vehicles came.

Another Land Cruiser that is in the process of being restored a right hand drive FJ 45 pickup.

Got to love the stickie note with the kph to mph conversion on it.

A very clean FJ62

The only FJ 55 there also known as the Iron Pig.

The oldest Landcruiser there a 1962 FJ 25 that is currently being restored

My favorite Cruiser there a FJ 45LV/Troop Carrier. If I owned a Land Cruiser this would be it. The next thing about the this cruiser is that it has about 1000 mile range before filling up due a 60 gal fuel capacity and it's a disiel at that.

Bio Diesel Cruiser very cool

Enjoying some BBQ

Gathering together for the crowd favorites awards

Pittsburg Lake 7/23/10

2010-07-25T17:29:00.000-07:00

Since Friday July 23 was a state holiday (Pioneer Day) here in Utah I had the day off work (2nd three day weekend in two weeks), I decided to do the hike up to Pittsburgs Lake in American Fork Canyon (has some mining history behind). After seeing a few trip reports or two it seemed like it would be worth the visit. After getting lost I made it to the trail head around 11 am to start the steep mile and half hike to the lake.

The trail can just be barely seen to the right of the photo.

The trail that leads up to the lake is steep and rocky for the first half of the trail.

Nearing the lake

Ye, olde raft and yes she still floats

Last remaining structure at Pittsburg Lake from its mining days

I wonder how much longer this structure will remain standing with the left side slowly giving away.

Inside the old structure

Piers are the only thing that remain of this structure.

Remains of the old Pacific Mine

Bryce Canyon 7-16 to 7-17-10

2010-07-18T18:03:00.000-07:00

This last weekend (July 16-17) I headed on down to Bryce Canyon to meet up with my singles ward (LDS/Mormon thing)for a couple of days. They had been in the area for a couple of days already camping at Pine Lake just north of the canyon and exploring the surrounding area. The last time I was in Bryce Canyon was over 12 years ago on a family vacation when we took a mule ride in the canyon. So this was a good chance to get back down there and explore the area.

So the plan was to hit up one of the longer trails in the area, you know one of those 8 mile hikes with the hope that some other people would want to come along before it go to hot out (wanted to hit up the trail around 830am). Well, that didn't pan out so well. The previous day the group did a short hike (just a little over three miles) in the area and no one really wanted to do it again. Something about the the trail being to long and too hot (then again they did about 1 in the afternoon).

Wanting to be a team player (I get some guff for this sometimes it seems) I hung around camp till about 1030 am (2 hrs. later than I wanted, then again I was on Mormon standard time) and was able to get two other people to come along. One of the leaders and his wife to do the same hike they did the previous day. After making some lunch to take with us we were off.

The trail itself consisted of Sunset Point/Rim trail, Queen Gardens trail and a portion of the Navajo loop. The up portion of the trail was packed with tourist most from other countries (its kind of fun to guess where they are from) but once you started down on the trail the traffic died off, with an occasionally group here and there. The weather in the canyon it self wasn't too bad, yes it was a little hot but when the wind came up it bought with it a nice breeze.

Having not been the in this portion of the canyon before I was kind of surprised how vivid some of the colors where especially for being mid-day and I could only imagine what it would be like at sunrise or sunset. Hopefully, my photo's can show some of this.

Bryce Canyon

The dork behind the camera

Well, after having explored that portion of the canyon and eating lunch it was back to camp. For a short break before heading off to Powell Point. Again, I tried to wrestle up some people to come along (those who were at camp)but with no takers I was off by myself.

Powell Point Area:

Playing around with my camera settings

Pine Lake (sorry, crappie panoramic)

Saturday there was nothing really plan it was more or less break-up camp and head from. Well, for most. For me it was off to Red Canyon. In all the visit that my family had taken to the area this was an area that we never stop at. So I wanted to explore it. After a quick rest stop at the visitor center and a quick look at the map I decided to hit up Losee Canyon about a 3 mile hike one way that meets up with two other trails at it's end.

Finding the trail itself was pretty straight forward just head down a gravel road for about 2 miles till you come to the turn off for the parking area. The trail was pretty marked/worn due to foot/mountain bike and horse use. In the bottom of the canyon is a wash/creek bed that you cross about a half dozen times along the way, some of which does get a little hard to tell where the trail is at times. For being a 3 mile long trail the elevation was too bad and there is plenty of shade to stop under to cool down.

Again I was on this trail about 1030 am.
As I neared the end of the trail I could hear the boom of thunder off in the distance and the clouds that were looming over head had started to get darker and larger. Since I was near the end I decided to finish the hike then take a quick break to cool down (explored the horse corral a bit) then make a B-line back to my car. I didn't really feel like get stuck in the canyon in the case of a flash flood.

Right as I start back I on the trail I heard the sound of tumbling rocks to my left, just to look over to see some rocks and dust coming down. I couldn't see want cause it and the only other people on the trail was a group on a horse back tour that I past at the beginning of the trail. Not wanting to stay around I picked up the pace a little more. However, about quarter of a mile down the trail I hear the sound again. So I picked up a large pointed stick that stayed with the rest of the time (no knife on me and I don't own a gun). Fortunately, I didn't hear that sound again for the rest of the way but the sky was getting darker.

By the time I made it back to my car it started to rain with some more thunder to be heard. So after a quick break I was off again headed for home.

Losee Canyon

The trail

Sheep Herders Canyon & Skyline Drive 7-5-10

2010-07-05T17:33:00.001-07:00

On Monday July 5th I meet up with a number of members from the Utah FJ Cruiser club and a member from the Wasatch Cruisers too run Sheep Herders Canyon. Sheep Herders Canon (that's what I've been told it's called)is that last little stretch of Skyline Drive here in Davis Country here in Utah.

The trail in and of it self really isn't all that difficult and can be run in a stock 4-wheel drive vehicle . It ultimately ends up in a clearing with access to a hiking/mountain biking/horse trail and to a ATV/dirt bike trail. The later of which I'll hike at another time.

The attraction to this trail is the great views of Davis and Morgan Countries that are divided by the mountain range. We had stop at few locations along to the way to let those with kids play in the wildflowers and to take in the mountain air and views. Are lunch stop would take us down into the clearing and into the shade of the evergreens.

Once everyone had their fell at lunch, we headed back on out to run the remainder of Skyline Drive between Bountiful and Farmington and then on up to Francis Peak. Along, the way two members or group peeled off to head home to take care of family matters. The rest of the group made a brief stop up at Francis Peak before continuing north with the hopes of hitting up once of the retention ponds toward s the end of the trail.

Along the way we were greeted by snow pack roads (ya, snow on the roads in July but what do you expect at 9000 ft). The first of which required you to hug the snow patch as half the road was still under snow. This section added to pucker factor of the trail due to the fact the slick snow would kick the rear of your vehicle towards the edge of road (which in turn you would've rolled down a nice little cliff).

Once we all got our nerve back a little we headed down on the trail towards the pond. Unfortunately, we were denied at the last section of the trail. As three-quarters of the trail was still under snow with just enough clearance for an ATV without driving half way on the snow pack. Again, with a ledge on the opposite side of the trail, not to mention the three point turn that is required right before heading down.

So after some discussion we decided that it was far enough and that we should turn back (well kind of). I wasn't about to lead anyone down a trail I wasn't comfortable with. So how do you turn back on a single track road with a mountain on one side, a ledge on another and the road blocked ahead. Well, you back up of course. This in of it self was no easy task especially with the number of vehicles we had but it was accomplished.

After these little fail attempted we all decided to call it a day we had been on the trail since about 1015 am and 4pm was fast approaching. Once past the pucker factor spot the group split up and everyone went their separate ways (kind of most stayed in the group). I ended up staying behind and just poking around taking some photo's off an overlook.

Despite being denied at the end of trail it was a great day with great group of people.

Now on too the photo's if you've made it past my rambling.

The lone 4runner amongst so many Cruisers:

Pit stop for the kiddies:

Down to Sheep Herders Canyon

I took this photo a few days prior to run towards dusk, just beyond the trail it leeds down to the said clearing and trail.

Headin back out on Skyline Drive towards Farmington:

Up at Francis Peak

The trail that rides along the east side of globes reminds me a little bit of the trails in Ouray. Narrow with a drop off to one side.

This was the spot that had some pucker factor to it. The photo's don't do it any justice.

This is what we were trying to reach

Trail blocked, time to backup

The group heading out

Ended up sticking around and taking some photo's

Same photo just didn't use as many photo's were I created the panoramic.

Camping Trip 6/18/10

2010-06-22T20:57:00.000-07:00

Last Friday night I meet up with an old friend from back home in Missouri to take his 6 and 4 year daugther on their first camping trip. Their original plan was to camp up in Little Cottonwood but due to his son being sick they didn't do so, they ended up deciding to go with me.

We meet up around 5:45pm to head up to Skyline Drive here in Bountiful with the hope of finding an open camping spot at the top. I kind of already knew where we were going to camp and hoped the spot wouldn't be taken.

Fortunately, for us the spot was still open and just in time. About 10 minutes later a few vehicles passed by us looking for a camping spot, which would be the case for the next few hours.

My friend and his two daughters (they remind me of my nephews with the way they act).

Dinner that was nothing more than chilly dogs and chips. The later which would haunt us though out the night and into the morning if you know what I mean.

The weather was perfect. It wasn't too cold where you needed a jacket and it wasn't too hot, with just a slight breeze. Clear sky and a starlite night awaited us.

One of the reasons why I picked the spot I did was that it provided some great views of the sunset and of the sunrise.

Unfortunately, for us and the rest of those around us around midnight a small group of cars made their way up looking for a place to camp. All the while honking their horns and using some foul lanuage. I got a kick out of it when the last driver got out of his vehicle said a few foul words towards the car leading him, all the while complaining that he kept bottoming out and dragging his car.

All I could think of was "what did you expect coming up here at midnight on a rutted dirt road".

I ended up staying up till about 1am just kind of watching over the site just to make sure those yahoo's weren't going to try anything funny. I found out later that the group camped next to us and some words with them about 3am.

The following morning provided us with a nice sunrise but some very tried campers.

After a nice breakfast of blue berry pancakes and bacon we packed up camp and headed on a little hike that would take us to just about 9000' too an overlook that would give us an excellent view of the surrounding areas.

Morning fire

This was one of the snow packs we had to cross, with me being the dork that I am.

We got a little side tracked trying to follow the trail as it split off into two different directions. The path we took ended taking us though some brush and onto another snow pack, which wasn't a total lost as it did provide some fun. We ended finding the trail again about 50 yards down from where we were.

My friend and his oldest daughter are making their way up the trail. You can see to the left of the photo the trail and the snow pack we ended up crossing.

At this point the trail became harder too see but there is a trail here. It just doesn't show up very well in the photo.

Just some random fungi growing on the rocks at the top, thought it looked kind of cool.

My friend daughters up top. The wind up there was kind of nuts. I can only imagion what it would be like during a storm.

The easiest way down the snow pack that we crossed (shown up in another photo)was to kind of dig your heels in and side down the pack. My friend decided towards the end to slide the pack instead.

Overall, the trip was great and you couldn't have asked for better weather. It did however wore us all out. On the way back down the mountain I get a call from my friend saying that his girls are out cold (meaning the feel asleep very quick once getting back in the car). As for me I was pretty drained for the rest of the day due to the lack of sleep and the hike. Lets just say the next day in church I feel asleep more times than I could count.

Would I do it all over again. Heck ya!

Storm Photos 2

2010-06-21T20:30:00.000-07:00

These photo's were taken a few days after the Storm Photo's post. The previous day I was in the same area and you couldn't see more than 20 ft in front of you. Due to the low lying clouds and blowing snow.