After two years of rocking a rental from work, it felt great to have the 4runner out in the desert- and actually wheel it! Back in 2002, Gemini Bridges was the first trail I ever ran in Moab. So it felt fitting to do it this year. Matt, the leader for Gemini Bridges on Thursday welcomed me as the gunner for the day. Vendor night was awesome and can’t thank everyone enough for the support of the posters. Later, Daniel buzzed us up and down Main Street in Long Cruiser. Friday I hoped in with Gary and for the 40’s only run that Tim set up. With some 20 rigs, we had an impressive line up. That night at the raffle, it seemed everyone around me one something. Saturday would find us back at the car show- something I’ve missed the past few years. Saturday night we found a spot on main street and set up the lawn chairs and watch the cars go by. Anytown USA:).
Back in Moab with some extra parts, Lee gets the 200 LC back into action just in time for Cruise Moab. After this pic, I set the camera down and lent a hand.
Ok, not before snapping this pic of Chase watching on.
My first trail ride for Cruise Moab in quite a few years. My first ever trail was Gemini Bridges. Since I actualy was going to be driving my 4runner to Moab this trip, felt it fitting to run Gemini Bridges again. Upon showing up to the trail meet up spot Matt, the leader for the day was like “oh your my gunner”. So much for an easy day on the trail (it still was).
We averaged 200 miles a day and at one point had 14 vehicles. It’s good to know that at after exploring the desert for 20 + years, there’s still places unknow.
After joining up with most of the gang outside Idaho Springs, we caravanned west to camp. Stopping first just bellow Vail Pass for an unexpected delay- Sean almost brought out the grill to make some lunch.
A little behind in posting this years Cruise Moab poster, but pretty excited with how it turned out! Dad and I started working on the design back in the fall. A few months before Cruise Moab, we managed to get this years poster printed- 8 color runs total.
It sure felt good to be back at Cruise Moab this year showing off another poster (and wheeling my 4runner). Out of an eddition of 32, I came home with only three posters.
Last weekend, I ended up taking a PTO day on Sunday (my Monday). With a three day weekend, I headed up to the cabin on Saturday to finally enjoy a night up there. After picking up the 4runner from storage and loading up a few things, I made my way up the hill. Crossing into the property, it sure felt great to be up there with the 4runner. The weather was a bit moody, but after getting settled at the cabin made my way to the pond in the upper meadows. Always love stopping there and just soaking in the view.
Back at the cabin, I got the fire going in the winter quarters and settled in for the night. Later that evening a friend from the club would join me for the rest of the night. Always good to catch up. Woke up early the next morning and enjoyed the morning light on Mt. Blue Sky before heading back to downtown. Definitely a needed visit!
A fine morning at the apartment before heading up to the cabin.
Last Thursday I was able to take a PTO day and join a friend for this years Stock Show Parade (119th annual). Though the cold temps kept the Steers away, it was a fun time watching the parade go up 17th Street from Union Station. After, we headed over to the local watering hole to warm up a bit. Some pics I got from the parade.
Seems I’ve been on a late streak with getting my yearly “Wanderin’ the West” yearly calendar out. This years calendar turned out really good. We ended up using a heavier weight paper for the inside pages.
A small spiral bound calendar measuring 12″ x 18″ when opened and hanging on the wall. being a bit lighter on the travels this year (thanks to me moving in February), this calendar has a good mix of old trips and new. Fun.
I’m selling the calendars for $20 each. This includes shipping.
Early in November My Dad and I flew out to St. Paul for a quick weekend to visit family. It’s crazy to think that this was my first time getting on a plane since covid hit. Dad and I flew in on Thursday, got to see the new West security check in, then arrived in MSP. Getting our rental through work for the weekend, I befriended the area manager. This led to a 20 plus minute tour of there operations. I was a bit jealous of things being in a garage.
After, short drive and we were at my brothers house. Picked up my nephew and brother and settled in for a fine evening. Even got to see my brothers studio. The next day was a full one with family. Dad and I went for a walk over the high bridge over the Mississippi. Theme for the day was trains. Sadly we messed up and got to Choo Choo Bobs after they closed. That evening we hit the local pub. Fun to see such a close neighborhood. A evening walk with my brother before another chill night with fam. The next day Dad and I flew back to the hustle of Denver. Upon getting home, we decide this needs to be a yearly trip. And I decided I need to get on a plane more:).
A fine sunrise from the apartment to start the days adventure to St. Paul.
crazy to think that this is the first time I’ve flown since before the pandemic. Definitely felt good to get on a plane again.
Once we landed at MSP, we headed to pick up the rental. After checking in at the Enterprise booth, I introduced myself to the area manager. After chatting a bit, he ended up showing my Dad and I around the operations for a good 20 minutes. Fun to see another airport facility. After the area manager got us into our rental and on our way.
It wasn’t a far drive from the airport to my Brothers home. After going out for dinner, I got a tour of his house. Some pictures of his painting studio in the detached barn in the back yard.
2024 has definitely been a year. With adjusting to the new apartment and budget, along with getting the 4runner back on the road, have either adjusted or missed some of my usual summer trips. This years Outlaws Run continued that theme. Originally had it planned to explore Nevada, but schedules, budget and life seemed to push the trip in a different direction. As October neared, we finally had a set of dates that worked for most, and a route that would turn out fantastic.
After loading up the 4runner on a Wednesday morning ( October Second to be exact- my 6 year Open Heart Anniversary), I headed West, happy to be driving the 4runner. Other then traffic on Floyd Hill, made good time and soon found myself looking at my beloved Henry Mountains- not only are they the last mountain range to be discovered and placed on a map of the U.S in 1871 by Major Powell, they are also home to the last free roaming Buffalo heard. As I Climbed higher into the range, my smile grew, thinking about all the fun, past adventures. Crossing Bull Creek Pass ( 10,485ft), I dropped into Camp. Friends were already well into the campfire, so I joined along.
Thursday we enjoyed the views of Capital Reef from camp that morning, then headed out. A top off of fuel in Hanksville and still further South. After the Hite Bridge crossing, we turned off on dirt. Passing the Sundance Trailhead we continued down a great 4wd road providing us with some great views of Dark Canyon. The road ended at a great lookout of the Henry Mountains and the Little Rockies. Remote camps, friends, good food, beer and a late night campfire.
Friday we set off on a quick hike to check out the views of the Colorado River and Cataract Canyon, a few thousand feet below. Then it was back on the dirt. Once back at the trailhead for the Sundance Trail, we took several roads to get east, providing some of the best drives I’ve had in a long time. Cruising through the desert with friends in remote country. Later that evening, we into another great camp below Bears Ears. With the fire going and dinner cooking, Tim sang a few songs before we another campfire.
Saturday would bring us to some new country. Ages ago, I came across an article about a place called Peavine Canyon, deep in the Dark Canyon Wilderness. Once we dropped down into the depths of Peavine, we found a lush canyon, even in a dry October. At the end of the road, Travis Corbet and I strapped on the pack and hiked the last 1.5 remaining miles to Al Scorups Cabin- “A Cattleman of the Canyons”. The reason for me wanting to do this road. The drive back out was just as wonderful. After, we headed East to Bluff, gassed up and re joined the gang in Moab. After fording a low Delores River we crawled along to camp (the dust was nothing short of amazing). Tim cooked one last big dinner before another late night around the fire.
Sunday, I woke up with the stars, quietly left camped and headed for Downtown. A needed trip with some great company. The nights around the campfire were nothing short of wonderful.
Stuck in Floyd Hill construction traffic as I start my way West.
The Henry Mountains in the distance. A good sight to see, and camp not to far off.
Starting to make the climb in the Henrys. Looking back on the San Rafael Swell.
Felt good to be driving the 4runner out in the desert again:)!
Work seems to be a constant sort of busy anymore and the Labor Day Holiday was no exception. So knowing now that the 4runner was back up and running, it was great to hope in it one Thursday (my Friday) and head to the hills.
I’ve mentioned before to my pals Dan and Nancy about wanting to ride more of the trains in Colorado. So we picked a day in September to ride the Leadville Train. I made the mistake of leaving Downtown with the 4runner during rush hour. But finally past Copper, I enjoyed the open road to Leadville and a great sunset. In town, we checked into the Delaware Hotel for the night. My room was cozy and quite. After a nice dinner we settled in.
The next morning a quick stroll around downtown then Breakfast with Dan and Nancy. Dan’s parents joined us for for the mornings ride. Though not a steam train the Leadville Railroad started out as a Narrow Gage line operated by the Denver South Park and Pacific Railroad, starting in 1884. Covering 151 miles from Denver, it crossed the divide twice before arriving in Leadville.
The day spent riding the train was wonderful. Fall temps and Aspen colors perfect. After not doing much this summer, sure felt great to be out with friends, drive the 4runner and take some pictures.
After work, I headed to pick up the 4runner from storage, then fight through I-25 rush hour traffic. Finally on the open road, I was treated to a nice sunset as I made my way to Leadville. Later that evening, meeting up with friends for the night.
Once in town, I checked into the Delaware Hotel (right off main street). Once settled into my cozy room I meet up with Dan and Nancy for dinner downstairs. After, some much needed rest.
A quick morning stroll around downtown Leadville before breakfast with Dan and Nancy then a train ride:).
