My Journey
- Thread starter YukonMontanaTannerTrapper
- Start date
YukonMontanaTannerTrapper
Explorer
JD.....dogs are the best and traveling is great.....
PNWY.....no problem. I have no idea what I was thinking with that last post.....
Dan.....so, real happy to hear that you snagged one of those pups. Kristine (breeder ? I don't really see her as that) is a fine lady and loves those Goldens like no other. No doubt you're going to have a great dog and hopefully you'll continue to share pictures with us.....
Ace.....snow last night in Utah.....21 degrees this morning at 7,000'.....bring your chains.....
The goal now is to drive north but not directly north and with that in mind I headed east. Once, years back, I visited Bryce National Park and I decided that I'd like to make one more visit there so it was that we were onto Route 12, also known as the Million Dollar Highway, driving east. Amazing views as we climbed into the mountains.....
This woman monitors Condors for a non profit and she confirmed that yes indeed it was Condors that I saw on the Navajo Bridge that afternoon. She was a treasure trove of information.....
On the east side of the mountain the landscape changed quickly.....
We drove through a couple of small tunnels which I had no recollection of.....
We had stumbled onto Red Rock Canyon and this place was definitely worth a few days of exploring.....
I thought the views from the highway to be spectacular.....
To the east of the canyon is a plateau located in Dixie National Forest and we found ourselves a perfect spot to set up camp.....
The wind weathered pines along the rim were beautiful.....
Bryce Canyon National Park would have to wait a few days.....
PNWY.....no problem. I have no idea what I was thinking with that last post.....
Dan.....so, real happy to hear that you snagged one of those pups. Kristine (breeder ? I don't really see her as that) is a fine lady and loves those Goldens like no other. No doubt you're going to have a great dog and hopefully you'll continue to share pictures with us.....
Ace.....snow last night in Utah.....21 degrees this morning at 7,000'.....bring your chains.....
The goal now is to drive north but not directly north and with that in mind I headed east. Once, years back, I visited Bryce National Park and I decided that I'd like to make one more visit there so it was that we were onto Route 12, also known as the Million Dollar Highway, driving east. Amazing views as we climbed into the mountains.....
This woman monitors Condors for a non profit and she confirmed that yes indeed it was Condors that I saw on the Navajo Bridge that afternoon. She was a treasure trove of information.....
On the east side of the mountain the landscape changed quickly.....
We drove through a couple of small tunnels which I had no recollection of.....
We had stumbled onto Red Rock Canyon and this place was definitely worth a few days of exploring.....
I thought the views from the highway to be spectacular.....
To the east of the canyon is a plateau located in Dixie National Forest and we found ourselves a perfect spot to set up camp.....
The wind weathered pines along the rim were beautiful.....
Bryce Canyon National Park would have to wait a few days.....
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YukonMontanaTannerTrapper
Explorer
Arjan.....your Golden is beautiful ! Feel free to post more pictures and of your rig as well.....
We would spend a few days hiking in Red Rock Canyon and I could've stayed much longer but weather was dictating my moves and we just couldn't stay longer.....
April is without a doubt the most difficult month to travel in if your goal is to follow the good temperatures. I'm always trying to figure out how far north to go, how high into the mountains to go, and constantly watching the weather patterns. April is such a mixed bag.....
We enjoyed hiking up high but without a doubt the best hike was the Casto Canyon Trail, eleven miles roundtrip.....
We didn't cross paths with a single person on this hike which of course made it all the better. It made me wonder why I chose to go to Bryce National Park.....I know too well what that will bring.....
And just like the Casto Canyon Trail hike, not a soul close by our remote campsite. There's nothing better than letting the dogs roam free in the forest as you sit by the roaring campfire.....
We loved this place.....
We would spend a few days hiking in Red Rock Canyon and I could've stayed much longer but weather was dictating my moves and we just couldn't stay longer.....
April is without a doubt the most difficult month to travel in if your goal is to follow the good temperatures. I'm always trying to figure out how far north to go, how high into the mountains to go, and constantly watching the weather patterns. April is such a mixed bag.....
We enjoyed hiking up high but without a doubt the best hike was the Casto Canyon Trail, eleven miles roundtrip.....
We didn't cross paths with a single person on this hike which of course made it all the better. It made me wonder why I chose to go to Bryce National Park.....I know too well what that will bring.....
And just like the Casto Canyon Trail hike, not a soul close by our remote campsite. There's nothing better than letting the dogs roam free in the forest as you sit by the roaring campfire.....
We loved this place.....
YukonMontanaTannerTrapper
Explorer
Next up was Bryce Canyon National Park not more than 20 miles to the east of our campsite.....
Of course I'd been preparing myself for the crowds that are to be expected at any national park.....
Bryce Canyon National Park did not disappoint.....
I left the truck, camper, and dogs in an overflow parking lot.....
.....and then we took the Jeep to the Amphitheater Trailhead.....
I did this hike years back and loved the views from the canyon floor.....and it made me think how amazing the canyon floor of the Grand Canyon must be.....
We spent the afternoon driving in the Jeep with the dogs along the 18 mile (one way) drive, as most people do, to the southern end of the park.....
There's still plenty of snow up high.....
It seems that all national parks are the same to me....magnificent scenery, cheap hot showers ($3 at Bryce Canyon) & over crowded.....and I'm always glad to move on after a day.....I have yet one more on the radar screen.....
Of course I'd been preparing myself for the crowds that are to be expected at any national park.....
Bryce Canyon National Park did not disappoint.....
I left the truck, camper, and dogs in an overflow parking lot.....
.....and then we took the Jeep to the Amphitheater Trailhead.....
I did this hike years back and loved the views from the canyon floor.....and it made me think how amazing the canyon floor of the Grand Canyon must be.....
We spent the afternoon driving in the Jeep with the dogs along the 18 mile (one way) drive, as most people do, to the southern end of the park.....
There's still plenty of snow up high.....
It seems that all national parks are the same to me....magnificent scenery, cheap hot showers ($3 at Bryce Canyon) & over crowded.....and I'm always glad to move on after a day.....I have yet one more on the radar screen.....
Pacific Northwest yetti
Expedition Medic
The crowds are rough, depending on the parks you can sometimes balance the crowds, with the off season- however it seems now, that more often in the off season things are closed. That being said, they are National Parks for a reason and beautiful.
North Cascades National Park in Washington is beautiful, and one of the least visited national parks......cause most people are unaware of its existence.
https://www.google.com/search?q=nor...69i60j69i59.4878j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8
I believe the highway opened up, about a week ago.
North Cascades National Park in Washington is beautiful, and one of the least visited national parks......cause most people are unaware of its existence.
https://www.google.com/search?q=nor...69i60j69i59.4878j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8
I believe the highway opened up, about a week ago.
YukonMontanaTannerTrapper
Explorer
PNWY.....I have been there and yes I agree it's absolutely beautiful.....
Of course it was late afternoon as we headed out of Bryce Canyon National Park with Capitol Reef National Park our next planned destination. I should have camped nearby that night in the Dixie National Forest but I decided to move further north, continuing on the Million Dollar Highway.....the drive was spectacular.....
Late that evening we would finally find a free spot in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.....
Our free "campground" for that night was on BLM land at the entrance to the Hole in the Rock Road. This road is quite well known as it was just south of here, in the fall of 1879, that the Church of Latter Day Saints would begin construction of a pass through 1,200 foot high cliffs to create a crossing of the Colorado River.....
I can't remember the last time I've seen so many RVs crammed into one spot.....
We enjoyed a nice sunset that evening from the camper window as we looked out at the great expanse of the Grand-Staircase Escalante National Monument.....
We were up early the following day driving north for Capitol Reef National Park.....
We passed through a few interesting small towns but never stopped as foul weather was expected that evening and my goal was to find a good spot to wait out the inclement weather.....
The spot we chose was to the west of, and high above Capitol Reef National Park.....it seemed like an amazing place to hang out with killer views of the park but when the foul weather arrived with its powerful winds, life in the camper resembled what I would think life must be like in a sailboat as the camper seemed to sway for hours upon hours.....
Of course it was late afternoon as we headed out of Bryce Canyon National Park with Capitol Reef National Park our next planned destination. I should have camped nearby that night in the Dixie National Forest but I decided to move further north, continuing on the Million Dollar Highway.....the drive was spectacular.....
Late that evening we would finally find a free spot in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.....
Our free "campground" for that night was on BLM land at the entrance to the Hole in the Rock Road. This road is quite well known as it was just south of here, in the fall of 1879, that the Church of Latter Day Saints would begin construction of a pass through 1,200 foot high cliffs to create a crossing of the Colorado River.....
I can't remember the last time I've seen so many RVs crammed into one spot.....
We enjoyed a nice sunset that evening from the camper window as we looked out at the great expanse of the Grand-Staircase Escalante National Monument.....
We were up early the following day driving north for Capitol Reef National Park.....
We passed through a few interesting small towns but never stopped as foul weather was expected that evening and my goal was to find a good spot to wait out the inclement weather.....
The spot we chose was to the west of, and high above Capitol Reef National Park.....it seemed like an amazing place to hang out with killer views of the park but when the foul weather arrived with its powerful winds, life in the camper resembled what I would think life must be like in a sailboat as the camper seemed to sway for hours upon hours.....
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YukonMontanaTannerTrapper
Explorer
We awoke to clear skies.....
.....and headed into Capitol Reef National Park for the day.....
We spent the majority of our time touring in the Jeep.....
It's a beautiful drive.....
The pictures speak for themselves.....
.....and headed into Capitol Reef National Park for the day.....
We spent the majority of our time touring in the Jeep.....
It's a beautiful drive.....
The pictures speak for themselves.....
YukonMontanaTannerTrapper
Explorer
A few more pictures of our day in Capitol Reef National Park.....
Very late that afternoon the foul weather returned and brought the strong winds with it.....
At 5:00 p.m. I decided to move north and camp along the shoreline of a lake that I was familiar with.....one day at the park was plenty for me.....
We awoke to a little bit of snow in the valley and the mountains were covered once again.....it was twenty one degrees that morning.....
Very late that afternoon the foul weather returned and brought the strong winds with it.....
At 5:00 p.m. I decided to move north and camp along the shoreline of a lake that I was familiar with.....one day at the park was plenty for me.....
We awoke to a little bit of snow in the valley and the mountains were covered once again.....it was twenty one degrees that morning.....
Jerry,
I've thoroughly enjoyed each and every segment of your Journey as well as the interest it's generated within what I regard as a smart and engaging community.
Just a technical question about flat-towing the Jeep: Is that a standard Brake Buddy system which activates the Jeep's own braking system or only a breakaway system? I'm guessing the former given the weight of the Jeep.
I hope you'll continue to drive, hike, engage, and post. It provides a fine dose of relaxation for those of us chained to desks in the Mid-Atlantic states.
Foy
I've thoroughly enjoyed each and every segment of your Journey as well as the interest it's generated within what I regard as a smart and engaging community.
Just a technical question about flat-towing the Jeep: Is that a standard Brake Buddy system which activates the Jeep's own braking system or only a breakaway system? I'm guessing the former given the weight of the Jeep.
I hope you'll continue to drive, hike, engage, and post. It provides a fine dose of relaxation for those of us chained to desks in the Mid-Atlantic states.
Foy
YukonMontanaTannerTrapper
Explorer
Foy.....when I was on the east coast last year I dropped my braking system off at my friend's shop for repairs and never saw it again. So all of my braking is done with the truck brakes and the transmission. The Fords transmission, and the same with the Allison transmission in the Chevy actually, is pretty much amazing. This truck also has a feature for steep inclines that prohibits the truck from exceeding 20 mph......
Foy, ITTOG, & 180out.....I know that pain well and miss it none. That being said, I've given up so much of a "normal life" to pursue this passion. It was just a few days ago while in Tractor Supply while purchasing propane that I saw someone purchasing a shovel and a rake.....and I wished it was me. Also would like to say.....thanks for following along guys.....I always appreciate the comments, the input, or just a simple thumbs up that says you like my stuff.....
And it was a cold morning that I awoke to at Koosharem Reservoir and the warmth of the campers furnace felt great with my hot mug of coffee as I sat at my kitchen table and began to plan my day.....
I've stayed here a few times over the years but never before did I have the entire lake to myself.....maybe it's early in the season ? The dogs and I took an early morning walk along the lakes shoreline.....I checked out the information board which was provided by the BLM staff.....interesting stuff.....
On past visits here I've been told that these mountains are a great place to find elk sheds (antlers) so I decided that I'd head up into the mountains to try my luck.....
I don't remember how many miles I walked that day.....I never found an antler but that really was just an excuse to bushwack up the side of the mountain. The views alone were worth all my efforts.....
I did find deer skulls and skeletons.....four in total which told me that there must be at least one resident mountain lion here.....a little unsettling when you're bushwacking alone on the side of a mountain.....
The nights snow melted with the suns heat throughout the day.....
After two nights at Koosharem Reservoir I departed and continued north. Somewhere along the highway we stopped for lunch along a beautiful unnamed lake.....
Foy, ITTOG, & 180out.....I know that pain well and miss it none. That being said, I've given up so much of a "normal life" to pursue this passion. It was just a few days ago while in Tractor Supply while purchasing propane that I saw someone purchasing a shovel and a rake.....and I wished it was me. Also would like to say.....thanks for following along guys.....I always appreciate the comments, the input, or just a simple thumbs up that says you like my stuff.....
And it was a cold morning that I awoke to at Koosharem Reservoir and the warmth of the campers furnace felt great with my hot mug of coffee as I sat at my kitchen table and began to plan my day.....
I've stayed here a few times over the years but never before did I have the entire lake to myself.....maybe it's early in the season ? The dogs and I took an early morning walk along the lakes shoreline.....I checked out the information board which was provided by the BLM staff.....interesting stuff.....
On past visits here I've been told that these mountains are a great place to find elk sheds (antlers) so I decided that I'd head up into the mountains to try my luck.....
I don't remember how many miles I walked that day.....I never found an antler but that really was just an excuse to bushwack up the side of the mountain. The views alone were worth all my efforts.....
I did find deer skulls and skeletons.....four in total which told me that there must be at least one resident mountain lion here.....a little unsettling when you're bushwacking alone on the side of a mountain.....
The nights snow melted with the suns heat throughout the day.....
After two nights at Koosharem Reservoir I departed and continued north. Somewhere along the highway we stopped for lunch along a beautiful unnamed lake.....
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YukonMontanaTannerTrapper
Explorer
From here the plan was to go Walmart shopping in Richfield, Utah but the trucks GPS had different plans for us and before I realized the errors of its ways I was ten miles north of Richfield so rather than backtrack I continued north and finally made my Walmart stop in Ephraim, Utah.....
Now Ephraim turned out to be one of those idyllic small towns that you happen across occasionally in your travels. I loved this quaint small town.....
If you've seen the movie Pleasantville then you'd know exactly what Ephraim seemed like to me.....
This log cabin on Main Street would be so perfect on one hundred acres in Montana.....now that would get me off these highways.....
I felt bad for this guy selling gourmet hot dogs from his minivan.....no way to spend a mans retirement I think.....
The Malt Shop in Ephraim was the best ! I can't remember how long it's been since I've had a butterscotch shake but damn that thing was soooo good !!!!!! My mouth waters at the thought of another.....
It truly was a step back in time to hang out here.....I left a hefty tip on the way out the door.....I just loved it.....
I visited the Happy Camper to check out the camping supplies but it turned out to be a second hand clothing store.....
I stayed a night at the small Walmart on the north end of town.....slept like I was in the wilderness.....no stereos vibrating and no horns honking and nobody doing donuts in the parking lot at 2 a.m. Yep.....this was Pleasantville for sure.....
After a stop at the national forest office I had a new destination and north we went.....
Now Ephraim turned out to be one of those idyllic small towns that you happen across occasionally in your travels. I loved this quaint small town.....
If you've seen the movie Pleasantville then you'd know exactly what Ephraim seemed like to me.....
This log cabin on Main Street would be so perfect on one hundred acres in Montana.....now that would get me off these highways.....
I felt bad for this guy selling gourmet hot dogs from his minivan.....no way to spend a mans retirement I think.....
The Malt Shop in Ephraim was the best ! I can't remember how long it's been since I've had a butterscotch shake but damn that thing was soooo good !!!!!! My mouth waters at the thought of another.....
It truly was a step back in time to hang out here.....I left a hefty tip on the way out the door.....I just loved it.....
I visited the Happy Camper to check out the camping supplies but it turned out to be a second hand clothing store.....
I stayed a night at the small Walmart on the north end of town.....slept like I was in the wilderness.....no stereos vibrating and no horns honking and nobody doing donuts in the parking lot at 2 a.m. Yep.....this was Pleasantville for sure.....
After a stop at the national forest office I had a new destination and north we went.....