3rd Annual UY Mojave Road Expedition Trip Report

[Seanz0rz]

Huge thanks to Mike, Stuart, Joe, and JD for coming out! Turnout was low, but I still had a great time!

These 3 posts will cover our ~3 days in the desert. Click a picture for a bigger image.

Thursday, my Dad and I traveled to the Avi Casino. We drove into AZ to fuel up (it was virtually the same price as the Avi this time, unlike prior years), then cross back into NV to stay the night at the Avi Casino. Our room had an amazing view:
http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3697/13222709083_b84e5116df_c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/98550067@N07/13222709083/)

Dad and I met up with Mike, Stuart, and his friend Joe at the buffet which was disappointing food-wise. After a sleepless night from an air conditioner that constantly cycled on and off, we went down for breakfast buffet which was much better. Mike and Stuart filled up, and we headed out.

After hitting the trail head, we aired down and started heading up the trail. This first section does not have much in the way of interesting attractions, but is both very beautiful and ultimately a means to an end. It was fairly windy much of the weekend, so beards were sideways most of the time!
http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3766/13222687233_83ca81e5e9_c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/98550067@N07/13222687233/)

Reaching Fort Piute, we came across a group of guys driving a Super Duty Ford and a full size Dodge pick up with the biggest canvas camper I have ever seen. Think half a covered wagon on the back of pickup. They were inexperienced with the route, and were relying heavily on the guide book. I gave them some pointers and suggested some camp sites. They left a bit before us, but it wouldn't be the last we would see of them.

Fort Piute:
http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3704/13222682923_2b994b3e79_c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/98550067@N07/13222682923/)

The road dead ends here, where the old wagon road would continue on. There are several waterfalls that prevent further travel, but there is a gate far before those anyway. The pass starts about 1.5 miles south of the road we came in on, and is actually the road the serviced the underground AT&T telephone cable that has since been removed. This cable was buried deep underground to protect it from a nuclear blast, ensuring transcontinental communication would remain possible in the event of a nuclear war. The park service had it removed when they assumed control of the land. The road is no longer maintained except for volunteer work to fix the major washouts.

High point on the AT&T road crossing the Piute Range:
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7428/13222807674_45dd99c12b_c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/98550067@N07/13222807674/)

From there, we drove up to Piute Gorge outlook. This spot never ceases to amaze.
http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3675/13222792594_61cefd3a4a_c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/98550067@N07/13222792594/)

Our next stop was Indian Well. This area is covered with Indian petroglyphs and is home to a well which may be prehistoric, although it was almost definitely improved in the early 20th century.
http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3689/13222399985_cfcb01ba6f_c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/98550067@N07/13222399985/)

Lunch was spent at the old school bus. Recently, a group from Steel Soldiers put a strap around the roof, pulled it on its side, and ran their vehicles into the roof. It was up-righted by another group, but it is a bit worse off than it was. They (stupidly) posted their antics on YouTube and have received significant public shaming.
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7184/13224321464_6ddcc2f25e_c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/98550067@N07/13224321464/)

After lunch, we came upon stopped vehicles on the trail. In this section, the surrounding desert floor is about 4-5 feet higher than the road. The culprit was a badly shredded tire on the Ford we had encountered earlier.
http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3727/13224333034_95959cf816_c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/98550067@N07/13224333034/)

They had a spare tire, but no spare wheel. When we found them, another vehicle had come between us and them, an older Chevy pickup with an older couple. They were not thrilled with being stuck there, but with the walls so high, there was not much to do about the situation. The offending truck had already had its wheel removed, old tire removed and new tire on the rim, but they could not get the bead seated. They were trying the starter fluid trick, and it would seat both beads then immediately pop back off. Finally, they got one bead seated, but their on board air was not powerful enough to seat the other bead. We eventually decided to lift the tire into the desert, roll it back a few dozen yards to my truck so we could use my higher volume air to hopefully seat the other bead. We got the bead set, but the valve core would not hold air - it had been melted during the repeated attempts to get the tire on the wheel with fire. Only a few weeks ago, I purchased an extra set of valve cores and already had the removal tool. A quick swap of the core and they were good to go. I am glad we were able to assist them. I know Stuart and Mike got some pictures of the action, so look on for those.
http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3771/13224332474_4f0a252ab7_c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/98550067@N07/13224332474/)

After the trail repair, we continued on to the drop into Watson Wash and on to Rock Springs.
http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2845/13222633134_9994be2450_c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/98550067@N07/13222633134/)

From there, we visited the Burt G. Smith Homestead, Government Holes, and made it to our camp just a bit later than we had planned, due to the malfunction.

The windmill was pumping hard, and a very large bird of prey (maybe a hawk or falcon?) had nested near it in the trees. It was investigating us, but figured we were not much of a threat all the way down on the ground:
http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3753/13222287635_e2c1b43fee_c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/98550067@N07/13222287635/)

We camped in the corral at Thomas Place as we took refuge from the wind. It was in the low 40's Friday night, but the camp site was amazing!

Looking East at the rising sunset shadow and moon:
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7179/13222437233_155ee642a2_c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/98550067@N07/13222437233/)

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3676/13222424993_cbd871c05f_c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/98550067@N07/13222424993/)

[Seanz0rz]

JD joined us late Friday at camp and we all enjoyed what warmth the fire provided.

After enduring a pretty cold and windy night in a flappy tent, we packed up and headed off to Death Valley Mine. Started in 1906, it was operated on and off through the 50's or 60's, maybe as late as the 70's. Officially, it was a gold mine, but most of the product was silver. There is more information at this link: http://deathvalleyjim.com/2013/01/11/death-valley-mine-mojave-national-preserve/

The shafts are inaccessible, but there are many artifacts, mostly from the mid-century period of operation. While not the biggest or most interesting mine in the area, it has preserved much of the related artifacts that are often lost at mine sites, especially living quarters and some unique equipment.
http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2810/13222177405_e158c9f40c_c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/98550067@N07/13222177405/)

From DV Mine, we headed through Cima to the Mojave Cross. I have talked about this in past reports, and I still find it a good part of our history and how we deal with balancing religious freedom and the need to memorialize those who have fallen to protect those freedoms. Sunrise Rock is an amazing spot regardless.
http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3823/13222154155_81d998dfac_c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/98550067@N07/13222154155/)

After enduring the nearly 10 miles of seemingly endless whoops, we arrived at Marl Springs. It was certainly a source of water for the Native Americans who created and traveled on the Mojave road. Later, it would be an army outpost, host citizen operated bases to help travelers on the wagon road, and became a base of cattle operations until the Desert Protection act ended ranching in the area. It was also home to a 2 stamp mill serving near by mining operations. There were also several arrastas, possibly dating from the 1860's with one surviving today.
http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3687/13224188573_f222fba344_c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/98550067@N07/13224188573/)

After enjoying lunch at Marl Springs, we headed towards the Mail Box and frog shrine. We signed our names in the book, and I even found previous entries of mine in there from 2012!
http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3752/13224034365_244bf12ee0_c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/98550067@N07/13224034365/)

Continuing on, we diverted from the Mojave Road proper to see the Lava Tubes. The beams of light were not as intense as in the past, but they are still a sight to see.
http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3671/13222312493_b4eb95a0e1_c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/98550067@N07/13222312493/)

From there, we went to check out the abandoned Aiken Mine. Once entering the mine from the west, we came upon several people who were shooting at the weight station. They lowered their firearms and allowed us to pass to the upper parts of the mine, and left soon after, leaving both spent and unspent rounds on the ground and the weigh station a bit worse off.
http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3745/13222092565_597afcfd9b_c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/98550067@N07/13222092565/)

We backtracked a bit and took a road I have never taken. The brush was extremely tight, and the way was hard to find in some spots, but we were rewarded with a drive on the side of a cinder cone as we dropped down into the wash we would camp in. We got to camp early, which was fortunate because we saw several groups come up the wash and turn around when they saw the spot taken.
http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3723/13224047755_6781fc89b7_c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/98550067@N07/13224047755/)

The wind was pretty fierce in the late afternoon, but by evening, the wind had died down and we enjoyed the more relaxed atmosphere.

[Seanz0rz]

Sunday morning JD decided he had had enough of our shenanigans, so he left for home when we set off for our last day. We crossed Seventeen Mile Point and headed to Paymaster Mine Road. Our destination was the Brannigan mine, but near the top of the road there was a gate and several jeeps that had camped up there. Realizing our defeat, we turned around and headed towards Paymaster. I attempted to hike to the top of the South side of the canyon, but only made it 2/3 before deciding I was too tired to continue on. The others hiked up to the top, then up the North side to the open shafts there.
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7241/13222221703_a5e37d826b_c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/98550067@N07/13222221703/)

We continued on towards Soda Lake where we deposited our rocks at Traveler's Monument, then headed for the soft blow sand and Shaw Pass.
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7321/13222168513_ca06cfa871_c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/98550067@N07/13222168513/)

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3747/13224067395_ccdf703747_c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/98550067@N07/13224067395/)

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2884/13224224433_53e585ab60_c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/98550067@N07/13224224433/)

We really enjoyed the sandy floodplain, and it was generally the easiest driving we had all trip.

Lunch was consumed under the bridge, then we continued on to Afton Canyon.
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7330/13224400114_fd72c20254_c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/98550067@N07/13224400114/)
http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3753/13224402704_7d729958ef_c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/98550067@N07/13224402704/)

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7344/13224074095_1833b8f667_c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/98550067@N07/13224074095/)


We made it to Afton Canyon Campground, aired up and set off for the highway. We made it down to Barstow, said our good byes, and went our separate ways.


We had a great trip. Thanks so much for coming out and driving all that way. I am really looking forward to the other pictures!

Until next year!

[toyotech]

Looks like a lot of fun. Too bad I wasn't ready for this trip or heard bout it sooner. Glad you guys had the means to fix the tire issue. I have never been a fan of fire to sit the bead. I been lucky and air was all I ever needed

[Seanz0rz]

When I did my airsoft mod, I only popped one bead, so I know my compressor is capable of reseating one bead, I'm not sure about both. They tried the ratchet strap trick too, with no luck. I think the biggest problem was the tires, they are the Milspec hummer tires.

[paddlenbike]

Thanks for taking the time for the write up, sounds like a successful trip.

[Seanz0rz]

Great trip! Y'all were missed.

[paddlenbike]

To add insult to injury, the 4Runner is sitting in the garage with a full tank of fuel and packed with some new gear I bought for this trip. :-(

[DHC6twinotter]

Sounds awesome! Great pics too! Wish I were there.

[Seanz0rz]

Ken, let me know if you're interested in the future.

We sure did miss you on the trip, Dan. Did you ever happen to check to see if my spare keys are floating around your truck or stuff?

[Marc P]

Great pics and adventure Sean! Let me know when your next trip there will be...I will do my best to make it

[Seanz0rz]

Count on one in March. Maybe first weekend next year. Also a trip in Nov. but that will be a bit more of the unexpected and harder trails.

[4x4mike]

Thanks again for a fun and safe trip Sean. I've been a little busy the past few days but have a couple pictures but together.

After a 10 hour day in 4Runner we ended up at the Avi Casino. We got there just after Sean and enjoyed dinner him him and his dad. After walking around the casino I turned in for the night. After breakfast and fueling up we hit the trail and arrived around 9 am. Here is the GPS track and info for Day 1: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/463106693

Now for some Day 1 pictures.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Y_TbswooU3c/UyevTF9z9CI/AAAAAAAA_Y4/H2hcMrySA84/s800/DSC_3719.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QfFrQWRGgxQ/UyevcVeiicI/AAAAAAAA_Y4/xuzRwhJ8jk8/s800/DSC_3723.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mP1eS3FUvL0/UyevgJyLJMI/AAAAAAAA_Y4/lpFU-SehP2k/s800/DSC_3724.JPG

Where we came from.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BN-s0GwvmsQ/UyevuxeTYbI/AAAAAAAA_Y4/G7FaoM7mU_g/s800/DSC_3728.JPG

Our group, Sean, Sturart and Joe, and me.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-x-2tyVNqxqw/Uyev12dQrEI/AAAAAAAA_Y4/PDaz65QH4uE/s800/DSC_3732.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gpc1MuissYQ/UyewLEeV1JI/AAAAAAAA_Y4/Fq_0qsNaBKw/s800/DSC_3739.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VMt2VHfuh1s/UyewTsppy_I/AAAAAAAA_Y4/T8rfCCpyx6s/s800/DSC_3741.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rOldeiqqrKM/UyewWyifRFI/AAAAAAAA_Y4/WbXSM3fkGlE/s800/DSC_3742.JPG

[4x4mike]

More of Day 1

Top of the Piute Gorge Trail
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Bp02XDVVwGQ/Uyewp6Fzq9I/AAAAAAAA_Y4/sA5RjvVm_wY/s800/DSC_3752.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ROksgriX_Gw/UyewsdxVc0I/AAAAAAAA_Y4/HB1rGqvnnMw/s800/DSC_3754.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-L6DcczecD3g/Uyew734YtLI/AAAAAAAA_Y4/kYSG_tSTgF4/s800/DSC_3760.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-n91BFCvfuUw/Uyew_Tp5reI/AAAAAAAA_Y4/zZaM67-RhtU/s800/DSC_3761.JPG

School bus
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-y43AYUyjebw/UyexTJGz5KI/AAAAAAAA_Y4/7TcwlQ64R5g/s800/DSC_3768.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-M6tdysn47Yc/UyexPV4Tp7I/AAAAAAAA_Y4/yZTNAaxOVRs/s800/DSC_3767.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-H9gO5lmVY3Q/UyexuIzk0jI/AAAAAAAA_Y4/5hNg0QeoQ8s/s800/DSC_3777.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nZn7H9Gp2HE/Uyexxq9B0oI/AAAAAAAA_Y4/yiaoHd8Ttbg/s800/DSC_3778.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bgw_QFILn1M/Uyex4ZwY4GI/AAAAAAABBMY/S05WqXbQYLM/s800/DSC_3780.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-N1SWhNDr_ko/UyeyGK33ChI/AAAAAAAA_Y4/oPG9eLbrHt0/s800/DSC_3784.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--jtJAwq-SLc/UyeyJCHnT1I/AAAAAAAA_Y4/uHd3FeyPx0M/s800/DSC_3785.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WlbYtWiMqUQ/UyeyL_-r0lI/AAAAAAAA_Y4/WRWVPCFaKCw/s800/DSC_3786.JPG

Penny Can tree
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eOWlF9WW6lI/UyeyZzhVraI/AAAAAAAA_Y4/O4fKp9YFzIU/s800/DSC_3790.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FbNvl7CQdwg/UyeydH9a0TI/AAAAAAAA_Y4/t5348Falok4/s800/DSC_3794.JPG

[4x4mike]

Day 1 continued
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qWybdm1-ZxE/UyeyyWD7cbI/AAAAAAAA_Y4/cBK-dcS9FlU/s800/DSC_3802.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aUgYdnLpnT8/Uyey9FMUtiI/AAAAAAAA_Y4/04IP4vct9FA/s800/DSC_3806.JPG

Pretty cool guys that had the tire mishap.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aHuJb-q8InY/UyezDGqrxwI/AAAAAAAA_Y4/oaDj9VusEuc/s800/DSC_3809.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TyUEjfXmjic/UyezNAnWjEI/AAAAAAAA_Y4/JxiwywU2YJs/s800/DSC_3813.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-h4Ff1r3sz3U/UyezToPPcqI/AAAAAAAA_Y4/q2P_NkHAKbo/s800/DSC_3817.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3FN8oXq-1p8/UyezhlWCoRI/AAAAAAAA_Y4/xGLXUhdRnMw/s800/DSC_3823.JPG

Not a lot of wildlife on the trip but we did see a few beetles
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uFS8ikK08Is/UyezqVN0jlI/AAAAAAAA_Y4/JsKKSTRv6QQ/s800/DSC_3826.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tDyY_q8WCWw/Uyez2e2LtqI/AAAAAAAA_Y4/wxW2CuhP3T0/s800/DSC_3831.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LgbKvagF6Cs/Uyez_RRUI9I/AAAAAAAA_Y4/Yr0rKLX6PlM/s800/DSC_3834.JPG

Gov't hole
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KYerSsbsRu4/Uye0YXL3bjI/AAAAAAAA_Y4/fWl8c3F9fq8/s800/DSC_3841.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-R09Az5AzqxI/Uye0L8vElVI/AAAAAAAA_Y4/21GKQ-19Wss/s800/DSC_3838.JPG

Another beetle
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rqfxF2Y7Gvs/Uye0e4xMUmI/AAAAAAAA_Y4/7ZaV5_MfZ3M/s800/DSC_3844.JPG

Camp for Day 1

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IVyrE6oJy5E/Uye1L7CxcAI/AAAAAAAA_Y4/xQu6FjnsH8o/s800/DSC_3854.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iS3Ocy8uGnU/Uye1PW86siI/AAAAAAAA_Y4/vRQReSDuoY0/s800/DSC_3855.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cCjhyVgcTr4/Uye1VXWxtmI/AAAAAAAA_Y4/LM5BuilsMfw/s800/DSC_3861.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7yhQcFfRmXg/Uye1i9itg7I/AAAAAAAA_Y4/CqofZnjo-Qc/s800/DSC_3865.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-crX5o3QnRnQ/Uye1_blW_QI/AAAAAAAA_Y4/XxGwV4ZmY4Y/s800/DSC_3879.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4a0tLsKCNLE/Uye2JDfN7zI/AAAAAAAA_Y4/d3wH1drfS80/s800/DSC_3884.JPG

[4x4mike]

Day2

Garmin track: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/463106660

DV Mine
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zoiFpke6mB4/Uye2XgH1bOI/AAAAAAAA_Y4/slhRwss1S4I/s800/DSC_3891.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ukwMkjzyPoM/Uye2abumAwI/AAAAAAAA_Y4/3KYX-4oGVYE/s800/DSC_3892.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Syt5TInP5XU/Uye2f-kTRCI/AAAAAAAA_Y4/5u1fYqQkoZE/s800/DSC_3894.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AKQpD_E0LY8/Uye3DxMxlSI/AAAAAAAA_Y4/BBbn2TVftXY/s800/DSC_3907.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LV0EFgKzaC8/Uye3NKhFtRI/AAAAAAAA_Y4/9kv6MmgBvXk/s800/DSC_3910.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4K0KeXLZMkY/Uye3QCPaLYI/AAAAAAAA_Y4/G78dE-_77Gg/s800/DSC_3911.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ziHZRhqNALM/Uye3wxS52GI/AAAAAAAA_Y4/smZ0nug9Tl8/s800/DSC_3919.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dzud_m5f6p4/Uye33r4jubI/AAAAAAAA_Y4/fa4YAvXUR3I/s800/DSC_3921.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bhiBOCaNYf8/Uye3-J_jq7I/AAAAAAAA_Y4/TnhohiU5C-A/s800/DSC_3924.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rJxmCE57-B4/Uye4HjKvY5I/AAAAAAAA_Y4/PekelNZsv6Y/s800/DSC_3928.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Cjmx9q8NIaA/Uye4TUfieDI/AAAAAAAA_Y4/RF6UTyWSBRI/s800/DSC_3932.JPG

Mojave Cross
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Va0eq5qBCuM/Uye4YzziBzI/AAAAAAAA_Y4/yWLcUKBqW1I/s800/DSC_3938.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QBLlEm4A4kM/Uye4hnEBOZI/AAAAAAAA_Y4/oaU3FUUAziw/s800/DSC_3941.JPG

JD was brewing coffee and cooking dinner while on the trail. Yep, that's a coffee maker and a crock pot.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2btjIrr2GqU/Uye4oFWU8aI/AAAAAAAA_Y4/PphzOigQXEY/s800/DSC_3944.JPG

Even with a little spillage he says it's still worth it.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-61EqL_TA2jY/Uye4ruePNhI/AAAAAAAA_Y4/lPe74-AvznY/s800/DSC_3945.JPG

Lots and lots of whoops
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tCl-w9IZ-rE/Uye4xjE6QlI/AAAAAAAA_Y4/IntUnoiebGY/s800/DSC_3951.JPG

To me this guy has the right idea.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZuoEzui-dLw/Uye44NBUp5I/AAAAAAAA_Y4/xTqtxGwyRz8/s800/DSC_3955.JPG

Looking back at where we came from
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-h3eclmIr2Uk/Uye47rLKL5I/AAAAAAAA_Y4/CPqXTC2erWE/s800/DSC_3959.JPG

Mailbox
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1emBGTwLdn8/Uye5T-QN4RI/AAAAAAAA_Y4/A6t67OtnmXE/s800/DSC_3970.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uurS3h9fZis/Uye5gC8O9II/AAAAAAAA_Y4/RMw8BywNoyE/s800/DSC_3976.JPG

UY Sticker
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-G8lHS9a-lq0/Uye5lXE4C7I/AAAAAAAA_Y4/Bpbk4CzKaQE/s800/DSC_3979.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yGByzs8E5xI/Uye5oYKBwOI/AAAAAAAA_Y4/2YFg4fRRAUo/s800/DSC_3980.JPG

Froggies
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Zb-i-SMQw44/Uye52aO4cQI/AAAAAAAA_Y4/8pmeLHEr3mE/s800/DSC_3984.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wGC2r1h0710/Uye6IMW-TPI/AAAAAAAA_Y4/62TPPAMmKA4/s800/DSC_3990.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hHxyKb670ls/Uye6cDZJziI/AAAAAAAA_Y4/9LlKSfFTkhU/s800/DSC_4000.JPG

[4x4mike]

Going down
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2lCRT_v6hBM/Uye6xp1tA2I/AAAAAAAA_Y4/pPtiI5FiECE/s800/DSC_4009.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Qt6bRD8z8C4/Uye609GWmgI/AAAAAAAA_Y4/b0jhW3Npb2I/s800/DSC_4010.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wIgAUy0DaB4/Uye64GgKisI/AAAAAAAA_Y4/u9M0jCCjz-g/s800/DSC_4011.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TqE-7nOliTs/Uye7Izkd1tI/AAAAAAAA_Y4/FOeOClIlFsM/s800/DSC_4020.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jhEVcZhRNmI/Uye7SbznalI/AAAAAAAA_Y4/hV66-JBwuoA/s800/DSC_4022.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9_NwLtx7k24/Uye7tGd_GRI/AAAAAAAA_Y4/YwN4z-w7iio/s800/DSC_4043.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LD0ZiUphSV8/Uye71F_epBI/AAAAAAAA_Y4/MD1gWGeyJiY/s800/DSC_4045.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ftwb6Ku3aqA/Uye74Z0sf6I/AAAAAAAA_Y4/Dc0gNG2Lnwk/s800/DSC_4046.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nn5x62H6G7U/Uye8ZfPBmVI/AAAAAAAA_Y4/NP1ew4f0gko/s800/DSC_4061.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-b4l39ePQQGM/Uye8gCBjcuI/AAAAAAAA_Y4/oiCc18N-Rb4/s800/DSC_4063.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-H2EIt7TaxRE/Uye83Z03-3I/AAAAAAAA_Y4/jqirOEuNV8I/s800/DSC_4071.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jI4txoVwPbo/Uye9AErGBXI/AAAAAAAA_Y4/uU10RsyAFmk/s800/DSC_4074.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MaZ21vSR2ug/Uye9NfJgj2I/AAAAAAAA_Y4/_iu74jDEgm4/s800/DSC_4076.JPG

Camp for Day 2
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wKK7wm844JU/Uye-E0dXuAI/AAAAAAAA_Y4/IEt9A6YJScE/s800/DSC_4093.JPG

[4x4mike]

Fun at camp

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-I98domqCWCg/Uye-OOZiJGI/AAAAAAAA_Y4/5Yjrnvq53wE/s800/DSC_4096.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fCmfmnKV-J4/Uye-QwWPQKI/AAAAAAAA_Y4/ARvmkqPQKDA/s800/DSC_4097.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lf5-CanSADE/Uye-UBbljCI/AAAAAAAA_Y4/7hqex-qHEzU/s800/DSC_4098.JPG

JD able to relax while we make dinner. A plus to wheeling with a crock pot.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EV_nYVClSgc/Uye-WjkbeXI/AAAAAAAA_Y4/RMwvyLbiRJE/s800/DSC_4101.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1nQEDMrBv78/Uye-mge3dcI/AAAAAAAA_Y4/YdzD-4cT8h8/s800/DSC_4106.JPG

Bright moon both nights.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sVfGc3_KL0A/Uye-tttAwvI/AAAAAAAA_Y4/luK-rQArW7E/s800/DSC_4116.JPG

Stuart having more fun at camp
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-t_xTz_mPHXE/Uye-0b-TklI/AAAAAAAA_Y4/1zNun3nX6uc/s800/DSC_4118.JPG

[4x4mike]

Day 3

Garmin track: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/463106641

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rRvNRXqW8Uw/Uye_BcPKeCI/AAAAAAAA_Y4/NPMxZ-k9FOA/s800/DSC_4123.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_YIsSoyE3Vg/Uye_KhgFfkI/AAAAAAAA_Y4/0WXFxSLfLW8/s800/DSC_4127.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-S_s2ttXYVpU/Uye_VC0JFPI/AAAAAAAA_Y4/aUT_KsLhris/s800/DSC_4131.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-flw5zGJzKCs/Uye_bxj-3SI/AAAAAAAA_Y4/UAH5OXsfbJw/s800/DSC_4133.JPG

Paymaker 3
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1gCSWXJCJHM/Uye_ezIXZXI/AAAAAAAA_Y4/wyrRHZsE5Y8/s800/DSC_4134.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-m0hBCHvB9dw/Uye_wPl6kII/AAAAAAAA_Y4/LJ0azK9_v_w/s800/DSC_4140.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gMy_ReCPg4Q/Uye_6Vr9LxI/AAAAAAAA_Y4/lO_6GvRdkeo/s800/DSC_4143.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tId6Pj3GNAc/UyfAA7mavvI/AAAAAAAA_Y4/IHZSUNhqSJM/s800/DSC_4145.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5WacUatCwPw/UyfAMsMnuFI/AAAAAAAA_Y4/phpNu45wlx8/s800/DSC_4149.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9JTNJAthWpM/UyfAjVsrhjI/AAAAAAAA_Y4/raCiQ5Yav5I/s800/DSC_4169.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4Fll7qLXtKs/UyfAwMIQdwI/AAAAAAAA_Y4/SURakmGsUrA/s800/DSC_4178.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4xY_3N4pRxc/UyfBHUXgvmI/AAAAAAAA_Y4/IRNnOU0XIBU/s800/DSC_4186.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iurjWyLX5bo/UyfBKWFhcjI/AAAAAAAA_Y4/7JlJ3zQQH8Q/s800/DSC_4187.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DtCEAs8qHRY/UyfBTa5NgBI/AAAAAAAA_Y4/Bg3I-9dE_fQ/s800/DSC_4190.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jZtiq93iX8c/UyfDD4VKg4I/AAAAAAAA_Y4/po9BxmrQrR0/s800/DSC_4224.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cZAvp1fdwfg/UyfDrdKWzyI/AAAAAAAA_Y4/jIFa4vqd0ug/s800/DSC_4240.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YMp9mkBv_E8/UyfD1xD5OeI/AAAAAAAA_Y4/AYwfEEBYa0c/s800/DSC_4245.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AGDQJsGzQuE/UyfECQgI5LI/AAAAAAAA_Y4/URNbIKWs0NQ/s800/DSC_4250.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GY-ZBu-Bewk/UyfETmKC67I/AAAAAAAA_Y4/Wt4Zvk1uJos/s800/DSC_4256.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-z7i6OG-r9z0/UyfEXbRPAXI/AAAAAAAA_Y4/m3DcCuiYUDI/s800/DSC_4257.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YclPBPlKQwc/UyfEg6DfDVI/AAAAAAAA_Y4/lqt0h5go13U/s800/DSC_4261.JPG

[toyotech]

I never tired setting two beads but with my tire install experience. I might be able to lol. Military tires is a different story lol

[4x4mike]

Tire wash
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1xCmcrgmI30/UyfEu1SRLMI/AAAAAAAA_Y4/JZHR-00D31o/s800/DSC_4267.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-V99yOdRts2s/UyfE136BLeI/AAAAAAAA_Y4/XQPJVhJWBIo/s800/DSC_4269.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7pYdVdROzK8/UyfE_HrPAxI/AAAAAAAA_Y4/v4pT_rImzcs/s800/DSC_4275.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3_HD1qG2jyw/UyfFQMyWVDI/AAAAAAAA_Y4/Y3nmeG_qOo8/s800/DSC_4285.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uy-qeI-ASwI/UyfFbb4pPsI/AAAAAAAA_Y4/nvgCPLKVgQY/s800/DSC_4290.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jQLK7jP_Te4/UyfFggaYouI/AAAAAAAA_Y4/gxFReltII4g/s800/DSC_4294.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6cYDvZYrlSQ/UyfFo8ioC4I/AAAAAAAA_Y4/DWpmHmN0OlA/s800/DSC_4297.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CkWnq1IoPCs/UyfFzRbLEFI/AAAAAAAA_Y4/69ZRuVobAMc/s800/DSC_4300.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QmKDH3orpX8/UyfF403i8BI/AAAAAAAA_Y4/E9ZYAc4Y2eQ/s800/DSC_4302.JPG

[4x4mike]

Last few from my cell phone.

The Avi
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wOaPMi4qrgY/UyijeC2GqrI/AAAAAAAA_Y4/E_uQQwgWHFA/s800/20140313_192823.jpg

Good fun in the Avi parking lot
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-79E9JRZjQOw/UyijiUVPz8I/AAAAAAAA_Y4/AwuJrAaNBIc/s800/20140313_202922.jpg

The kids didn't make it but I brought along a Jake and the Neverland Pirate kite. It was so windy at the end of Day 1 the kite could fly itself. I tied it off on a fence post but it had fallen by bedtime.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-giYIh5dgRkY/UyijD34RlJI/AAAAAAAA_Y4/BcwmK0ULjXE/s800/20140314_181252.jpg

Things have been quite somber as my Grandmother passed away while on the drive home. Not like I wanted to drive any more this weekend but I made a trip towards the bay to clear my head a bit more. Hitched up the trailer and drove another 100 miles. Once out of town I got a check engine light and assumed it was a dirty MAF. Somehow thinking this could happen I threw a Toyota air filter in the back when I loaded the trailer. Side of the road food stop, MAF swap (spare) and filter change and I was back in business.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wlhiZa6Ckp8/Uyii7iY472I/AAAAAAABBMg/X4ycgAuYr-E/s800/20140317_154734.jpg

[Seanz0rz]

Thanks for the new avatar, Mike! Those were some great pictures you posted! I am looking at cameras now and dreaming!

So sorry to hear about your grandmother. Thoughts and prayers for you and your family. Sounds like she got to live a good life and much longer than most could ever hope for.

[troyboy162]

Going down


https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ROksgriX_Gw/UyewsdxVc0I/AAAAAAAA8p0/81utPckj6tM/s800/DSC_3754.JPG


Nice I loved that spot when I first saw it! The trail into the horizon just looks like so much fun
http://i723.photobucket.com/albums/ww234/troyboy162/Mojave%20Road%2020120401/IMG_0250.jpg

[paddlenbike]

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-9JTNJAthWpM/UyfAjVsrhjI/AAAAAAAA9Os/KOReQe0XAaA/s800/DSC_4169.JPG


Those amber lights appear to provide excellent visibility, way more-so than my factory DRL's. I would like to replace my headlight DRLs with LEDs, but I think the spotty LEDs that are factory on almost everything now look terrible. I think Hyundai makes the best looking DRLs, with homogenous lighting all the way across.
http://stwot.motortrend.com/files/2012/03/2013-Hyundai-Santa-Fe-headlight-closeup-1024x640.jpg

Someday I will replicate it and make that my DRL.

[Seanz0rz]

Ken, that was originally their intent, as DRLs. I wired them through the parking lights, and they are pretty darn bright. I think I may wire my parking lights to the alternator signal so they are effectively DRL's, but I'm not sure exactly how to do that.

[Seanz0rz]

So, Mike, Stuart, Joe. How did you really like the trip? Be honest. Anything you thought wasn't worth the time to stop and see? Stuff that you wanted to see more of? You won't hurt my feelings.

The feedback helps me plan other trips. I know everyone likes different things, but it's always good to hear back from everyone about it. I am already working on next year's trip.

Also, Ken, that picture was taken with my strobes on. Mike just happened to catch it with both on at the same time, lucky shot!

[4x4mike]

Strobes. Does that mean you got the photo album? Or do you just remember where I took that picture? I'll shoot you a PM later this morning.

[Seanz0rz]

Both. Seems if I send the album to others, they can't access it. Picasa sharing rules I guess.

[4x4mike]

I'd like to see what you shot. I have my permissions set to limited to those with link for that album.

[Seanz0rz]

I forgot to add the link to the first post: http://www.flickr.com/photos/98550067@N07/sets/72157642494187835/

That should work for you. They are public.

On your album, Dad was getting a 505 error or something. not sure wtf that is.

[4x4mike]

Were you able to see them? I sent you an invite through Picasa. Perhaps the path gets severed when the email is forwarded. I sent you a different album through PM, let me know if that link works as it is just a link and not shared through Picasa.

[DHC6twinotter]

Once again, awesome pictures! Mike, what lens do you have and are you using a filter?


Tire wash
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-jQLK7jP_Te4/UyfFggaYouI/AAAAAAAA9ak/uqBUoaiGn-A/s800/DSC_4294.JPG


Is that creek deeper than last year? I don't remember my non-lifted 4Runner being that low in the water, but maybe it was.

Sean, thanks for reminding me about the keys. I looked through my stuff and haven't seen any keys.

[Seanz0rz]

Thanks Dan!

Yes, it seemed to be a little bit deeper than last year. I managed to nearly fill the air box with water and soaked my air filter. Guess I have a leak somewhere in the intake tract between snorkel and airbox. I will investigate soon.

Mike, the link you sent me in the pm works.

[4x4mike]

Once again, awesome pictures! Mike, what lens do you have and are you using a filter?



I've got this lens: http://imaging.nikon.com/lineup/lens/zoom/normalzoom/af-s_dx_18-200mmf_35-56g_ed_vr2/index.htm

With a Sunpak polarizing filter.

[Seanz0rz]

I'm looking at the mirrorless, probably one of the Sony NEX cameras.