Leadville Weekend Pics and Stories

[pangaea]

I wanted to say thanks to everyone who made it out for the camping weekend. It was great to finally put faces to names and get to crawl around some of the really cool trucks that everyone brought out.

When we made it to the rendevouz point Friday night, we found that none too friendly camper had already snagged out spot. Scott and some of the others went up trail and found another camping spot for the group. The new spot was great, but it was at timberline. Made for a beautiful camping spot, but a chilly night.

Graham gave the group the first half of his Africa Slideshow before the video projector killed his battery.

Deer Creek:

[pangaea]

Saturday A.M. Josh led the group up to the snowdrift, while I took Scoot and Graham off to a little rock garden trail to shoot pics of G's truck. The group dug through the first snow drift and made it up on to Glacier Ridge in short order. The weather was perfect and visibility was incredible. We could see all the way to Mt. of the Holy Cross in the west. There were some great wildflowers up there and at the top of Radical, the group saw the resident herd of mountain goats (although they were on a Glacier and too far away to get any decent pics).

Tracy and Connie playing in the flowers:

[pangaea]

Radical Hill was still snowed in, so we went across Glacier Ridge and came down Middle Fork into the Swan to Breckenridge. We went down a steep little descent on Glacier Ridge, which pictures don't do justice. Its not dangerous at all, but at over 12,000 ft you get to find out just how little engine braking your vehicle really has.

Jonathan's 80 making the descent:

[pangaea]

Right after the descent, we had a big snow drift that was the major obstacle for the day. The drift was tricky, because there were two deep parts with a small turn in between them. Scott Brady went first with his Tacoma and discovered that you can't slow down for the little turn, as it will leave you with too little momentum for the second deeper part of the drift. He promptly sank to his frame. He was stuck enough that when we tried winching out from the front, he uprooted a rather large boulder that we were using as an anchor. Instead, we pulled him from behind, dug up a bit of the snow and had him give another go with a bit more "enthusiasm".

Trying to winch Scott forward through the drift. In the background you can see the trails of Breckenridge ski resort:

[pangaea]

After that, it was my turn. The combination of not enough ground clearance and not enough momentum meant that I got stuck as well. Another recovery and more digging and I made it through on my second try. After that everyone walked through the snow until Good Times' Dodge pick up demonstrated just how wide a full size pick up really is.

4 Runner going through the drift:

[pangaea]

The most entertaining crossing was Bill and his almost stock Pathfinder. Despite having less ground clearance than the rest of us, he blazed through the drift, spending more time on 2 wheels more than on 4. :bowdown:

Unfortunately, I didn't get any pics of it, because I was right next to the trail and I jumped back in fear of my life. Hopefully someone else got a good pic or two of his run.

Josh brought up the rear with his White Disco:

[pangaea]

After that, we headed down Middle Fork into Breckenridge. Saw some great flowers along the way, including lots of Columbines (the state flower). We had lunch at Breckenridge Brewery and then made the drive over Hoosier Pass into South Park and then over Weston Pass into the Leadville area. But I'll let someone else take over from here. Chris (Baja Taco) and I took off early and did a high speed crossing of the trail in order to secure the group's campsite for Sat night so we weren't around for that, and I was too lazy to get up for the Elbert assult Sun Morning.

[kcowyo]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v142/kcowyo/LeadvilleExPogroup.jpg

Great trip, great weekend!! :clapsmile

Thanks to Scott and Nathan for putting this together. It was great to see everyone and to meet some folks for the first time.

Personal highlights included -

- seeing the B*tchin' 110 in person
- going for a night ride in the back of durango_60's new 80 series Cruiser
- 2 of Graham's awesome slide shows at 10K+ foot elevations
- listening to 2 brothers discuss Evolution and the effects of poor gentics on the libido
- watching Bill with his Pathfinder finding his inner redneck in the snowdrift
- seeing the look on BajaTaco's face as he rode above timberline
- a great lunch in Breckenridge at the Brewery
- the look on durango_60's face when Nathan and Graham walked out of the restroom at the Brewery
- the Cruiser guys bear defense plan
- meeting Brian and Heather, who I kind of knew already
- Captain America, making me feel incredibly unhealthy
- Goodtimes dubs my camper "the Condo." Sounds cooler than "the camper" to me!
- Chuck's homemade Elk burritos. Oh, wait.....
- lunch in Leadville on Sunday at Mountain High Pizza (never did find Lupe's)
- Goodtimes bead story....bloop...bloop...bloop....barf!
- Chuck nearly running me over in camp when his leg cramped on the accelerator after his 14er hike
- camping with Goodtimes and Chuck off Cottonwood Pass Sun night. Fockers....


Captain America putting us all to shame -
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v142/kcowyo/LeadvilleExPoCaptAmerica.jpg


Another personal highlight happened after leaving Chuck and Brian Monday morning in Buena Vista. Within 10 minutes, barely out of town, I spied a diesel performance shop and sitting in the parking lot was the Turtle Expedition III. This is the same outfit that crossed Siberia with a Four Wheel Camper, just like mine. I don't know if Gary and Monica still own this truck or not. But it was super duper cool to see it as their trucks and stories have been a huge inspiration to me over the years.

I took the long way home north, through Rocky Mountain National Park, then back west, towards Steamboat Springs. I saw a really, really bad motorcycle accident on RT 14, going around the Medicine Bow NF. A Goldwing took a switchback too wide and hit a Grand Cherokee on the front driver's side fender, slid down the side of the vehicle and tore off the front corner of the pop up camper the Jeep was towing. There was little left of the Goldwing and EMT's were on the scene, not sure what happened to the rider.

Thanks again to Nathan and Josh for prerunning, Graham for bringing the slides, Scott for letting me squeeze in at the last moment and to everyone who showed up, making this such a memorable weekend! :beer:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v142/kcowyo/LeadvilleExPocamp.jpg

[goodtimes]

Great trip everyone!

My pics are all still on my camara, and there aren't too many of 'em. I'll move them to the computer sometime today (I hope).

KC, no matter how much you liked my bead story, it still doesn't match Chucks "Alaskan Adventures" story ("that things gotta be anchored down there or something"). :smilies27

[cshontz]

The slight, and barely visible indentation on the canopy housing of the Turtle III truck is sorta my fault. I was guiding this and a group of vehicles over a narrow, wooded Pennsylvania mountain trail. The Turtle truck didn't quite fit between the trees and hours were spent getting the vehicle through as unscathed as possible. :(

Great pics! I think I visited Leadville once, which is remarkable because I've very seldom been far from the east coast. Beautiful country, and I'd love to visit again!

[Scott Brady]

Finally home :) Great trip! Pics to come.

[upcruiser]

Nice pictures guys! Keep them coming. Sorry I couldn't partake, didn't fit with my time frame, I missed you guys by 2 days. Next time though.

[OutbacKamper]

Thanks for the photos and description of the trip guys. Those of us who could not be there do appreciate it.


Another personal highlight happened after leaving Chuck and Brian Monday morning in Buena Vista. Within 10 minutes, barely out of town, I spied a diesel performance shop and sitting in the parking lot was the Turtle Expedition III. This is the same outfit that crossed Siberia with a Four Wheel Camper, just like mine. I don't know if Gary and Monica still own this truck or not. But it was super duper cool to see it as their trucks and stories have been a huge inspiration to me over the years.

I too am a big Turtle Expedition fan. The Turtle III was sold in 1997 (for $ $34,890) according to the website, but it was the Tutle IV that went to Siberia ( I think they still own that one).

Cheers
Mark

[Ursidae69]

I only spent Saturday evening through Monday morning with the group. It was great to see some of my old buddies, I miss all you guys, and to meet new people, putting faces to names. I'm glad I got the privilege to see Part II of the Africa slideshow on Saturday night. That was awesome! :clapsmile

I had already done a big hike on Saturday morning up near Great Sand Dunes National Park, so I didn’t quite finish the Elbert hike, but me and Brian got close enough I think. I’ll make it back later this summer and bag the peak.

Couple of pics below. The first is Scott and Chris about halfway up the trail with the first false summit in the background. The second picture is Brian not looking so happy to be at 13,000 feet! Third picture is a view of Mount Massive to the north.

I put together a page with pictures from my whole weekend in Colorado. I always love visiting there. Link to those pictures (http://www.chucksweb.net/Trips/2006/ColoradoJune06/ColoradoJune06.htm).

To Goodtimes and kcowyo, thanks for all the laughs Sunday night, that was fun. Sorry again K.C. for our prank on Monday morning! It’ll never happen again! Really! LMAO… :shakin: :shakin:

Until the next trip…:wavey:

[Mlachica]

Wow great pictures and funny stories :luxhello: :clapsmile

Thank you all for sharing. The scenery looks beautiful. I guess there's another destination I need to add to the "places to go" list. :camping:

[Nullifier]

Man sounds like an awesome trip guys!

[bh4rnnr]

Glad you guys had a good weekend! Looks like the weather held for you out west. Was camping with the family near Pike Peak and we had a lot of rain saturday night. Thanks for the pics.

[goodtimes]

A few random pics. I didn't take many this trip...not sure why. Might be because I was hoping the better photographers in the group would take plenty....:ylsmoke:

[BajaTaco]

This was a spectacular trip for me. Thanks so much to everyone. I met a lot of new friends on this one. I made my way into Colorado via the southwest corner, and a visit to Mesa Verde cliff dwellings. From there, I went up through Durango, Silverton and Ouray. That is a spectacular route. I met up with Jonathan and Peter in Ouray and we camped in Yankee Boy basin. Then I was off to Montrose, then across through Gunnison and Monarch pass, eventually ending up in Pine Jct. to meet my brother for lunch. From there I headed to Dillon/Montezuma to meet the rest of the group for camp. Graham put on a sweet Africa Overland slideshow for us (part 1). Some 4-wheeling above treeline the next day was incredible, and then lunch at the Brackenridge brewery. Then off across Hoosier and Weston passes with Nathan & Tracy into the Leadville area. After our original plan was adjusted due to occupied campsites, we had to scout the area and managed to meet up with Chuck. Thanks to Tracy we found a nice group campsite and all was well and we settled in for the evening. Another sweet slideshow (Africa Overland pt. 2) and some great curry chicken thanks to Connie, and I was ready to get some rest for the Elbert summit. It was really cool to see Brian (Goodtimes), Chuck, KC and Scott (pskhaat) again, all of whom came from outside of Colorado for the trip. And it was great to see Nathan and Tracy again, and finally get to meet lots of others in person.

Some pics...

[BajaTaco]

More pics... (by the way, you guys are posting up some great stuff! Keep it coming!)

[kcowyo]

KC, no matter how much you liked my bead story, it still doesn't match Chucks "Alaskan Adventures" story ("that things gotta be anchored down there or something"). :smilies27

I thought it was Reno....? Or was it Laughlin....? And I think I'm going to be sick again......:smilies27 :smilies27


To Goodtimes and kcowyo, thanks for all the laughs Sunday night, that was fun. Sorry again K.C. for our prank on Monday morning! It’ll never happen again! Really! LMAO… :shakin: :shakin:

You've now tried to run me over (twice), locked me in the "Condo" (TM Goodtimes 2006), manipulated Goodtimes into trying to blow me up, shortchanged me on the mouth watering elk burritos and made me deathly ill with that Alaska/Reno/wherever story.

I think I need a new camping buddy.....:ar15:

[Seldom Seen]

Heather and I would like to thank every one for letting us tag along. We really enjoyed getting out. With all the craziness around our homestead, these past few months, it was great to get out just for the fun of it, it gave us a chance to relax and reverse that rectal cranial inversion that has been building up.

K.C. and Perry thanks for pointing us in the direction of ExPo.

Good Times, we hope Jake didn't wear Cherokee out to much, Jake slept the entire way home and didn't wake up till we were done unpacking.

Scott and Chris, you guys are my heroes, thanks again for the compliments on the 'Runner.

gjackson, the slide show was awesome and inspirational, thanks for sharing.

On to the pix,

[Seldom Seen]

KC, sorry H and I must have talked your ear off on Sun, I don't think we let you get a word in edge wise. Thanks again for the tour of the condo and sharing some tips.

Any way I just got back from Oleg's :D

[goodtimes]

Any way I just got back from Oleg's :D

Nice. That is pretty much the #1 recommended modification to any rig, IMO. It is so nice to not have to worry constantly about the rocker panels....the trips are much less stressful, and so much more enjoyable.

Cherokee slept well for several days. Today she seems about back to normal (which means she is back to being abnormal). No sign of further injury to the bad knee...not even a little limp. She's doin good! :D

[BajaTaco]

Scott and Chris, you guys are my heroes, thanks again for the compliments on the 'Runner.

You are most definitely welcome! It's so neat that you two just happened to be camped near the group on Friday night, and we met up. That was great. It was a pleasure to meet you both (and Jake too :D ). I hope to see you guys again. Congrats on the Oleg hardware. It looks fantastic.

As a good friend of mine says, "here's to meeting good people on bad roads" :beer:

[Scott Brady]

Any way I just got back from Oleg's :D

Another first class mod to a first class truck!

Great to meet you both. I am sure this will be the first of many adventures... :archaeolo

[Scott Brady]

Thanks to Nathan from Pangaea for all of the hard work and for leading the trails this weekend.
:bowdown:

[pskhaat]

No doubt on the fantastic scouting. Thanks!

[seth_js]

Man I wish I could have made this trip. Great pictures guys.

-Seth

[pskhaat]

I'll need to get the 35mm film->digital and post up, it may take me a while. In the meantime, please keep the pics coming :-) I'm stuck in training classes and bored!!!

[Scott Brady]

On the way home, Chis and I had fun doing some photo's and cruising through Moab.

http://www.expeditionswest.com/vehicles/ewvehicles/tacoma/UT_shoot/IMG_1335.JPG

http://www.expeditionswest.com/vehicles/ewvehicles/tacoma/UT_shoot/IMG_1400.JPG

http://www.expeditionswest.com/vehicles/ewvehicles/tacoma/UT_shoot/IMG_1414.JPG

http://www.expeditionswest.com/vehicles/ewvehicles/tacoma/UT_shoot/IMG_1429.JPG

http://www.expeditionswest.com/vehicles/ewvehicles/tacoma/UT_shoot/IMG_1439.JPG

[BajaTaco]

:victory: Scott, those came out great! :victory:

[BajaTaco]

Here are some panorama pics. The first shows the summit of Mt. Elbert (highest point in Colorado at 14,433 ft., 2nd highest point in lower 48) on the left side of the pic. The second is the view looking westward from the summit.

[BajaTaco]

Speaking of the summit, Bill - did you make it up there? We saw your Pathfinder parked at the TH when we got back, but we never passed you on the trail.

[goodtimes]

Chris, sweet pictures man!!! :luxhello:

[david despain]

scott those are great pics! seeing as how those are for "work" do you make sure to wash your truck a few times a week when on your travels? it always looks so good when its composed in the perfect shot.

[Scott Brady]

scott those are great pics! seeing as how those are for "work" do you make sure to wash your truck a few times a week when on your travels? it always looks so good when its composed in the perfect shot.

Actually, the truck was dirty as hell. I think the rains knocked off just enough dust to make it look ok.

Thanks for the compliments :)

[bigreen505]

Bajataco -- see my comments on Sunday

Hi all,

Okay got some pics back, so time to post. First of all, a huge thank you to Nathan and Josh for making this happen, to everyone who came -- you are all great people and I enjoyed spending time with each of you! :bowdown:

Friday:
Got a very late start and with no CB or 2M I couldn't find the group. I explored a side trail that went off to the right of the main pass, about one mile up Deer Creek from the Webster sign. It was a pretty serious trail for a relatively novice driver in a mostly stock truck. After I decided that wasn't where the group was camping, Zoe the Wondermutt and I returned to Deer Creek and camped on the valley floor where it was beautiful, quiet, and one of the clearest nights I can remember. It was also freekin' cold, probably around 15 or so.

Saturday:
Woke up to a crystal clear Rocky Mountain morning. Within a few minutes I see Nathan cruising down the road and get directions to the group campsite and meet up with everyone. This is the first time I have been off-road with a group and I have to say it is a lot more fun than going solo. Pretty much everything that can be written about the day has been, so here are some highlights:
- First, seeing all the cool trucks, they are all top notch and each very different. Oh, so cool.
- Seeing Pskhaat, who I haven't seen in close to 15 years, yet he still looks the same, and his brother 3fzj80 who I haven't seen in six years since I left Fort Collins.
- The people on the trip were some of the nicest, sharpest, funniest and most helpful people I have run across in a long time.
- Graham's slideshow was amazing! I hope to catch an encore presentation of the first half since I missed it.

Sunday:
Well, this was one of those growth experiences -- the kind I probably should remember, but really hope to forget. My dinner for Saturday night was a packet of freeze-dried beef stroganoff. I should have been smart enough to pass, but I ate it anyway and woke up Sunday morning really wishing I had just fed it to the dogs. Also, my alarm never went off Sunday morning and I woke up about 5:30. Between the late start, packing up slowly and feeling positively horrible (as well as an irresistable photo-op in camp) I didn't hit the trail until 7:15. I remember Bajataco saying it wan't the main trail, it was the North trail that everyone was taking, though in retrospect, he probably said that the main trail is the north trail. Any case I asked some hikers for directions and either I completely confused them with my question or they were genuinely mean, but they told me to take a left when I got to the "Elbert" sign and follow the trail that goes down to the plateau. Well, being a dumba$$, I did and followed it for a few miles until it meat up with the Colorado Trail and eventually the South Elbert trail. Not realizing there was a North trail, I assumed I was in the right place and continued up the mountain. By this time I would guess that I lost at least 500' of elevation. After another hour or so of hiking I found a nice meadow that I hung out in for about an hour. At this point I could tell that I had two large blisters on each heel that had popped and I was starting to feel very sick from that darn stroganoff. I continued on and eventually realized that there was another trail and by then the rest of the group that I was trying to catch was probably off the mountain. So long story short, I went up the south trail to the summit, over the summit to the north trail and down the north trail, completing the loop. The entire trip, including my 1.5 hour stop, took about nine hours. I ran out of water about an hour from the summit and by the time I got back to the parking lot had accumulated a half dozen blisters per foot, one on my hand and a couple new friends. As many of you know, I am not currently in shape for a trek like that and it took a few days to recover. Total mileage was about 12 and total vertical (up and down) was close to 10k'.

Also, for comparison sake, my average mpg for the trip was 19.5.

[bigreen505]

Photos from Saturday:

http://www.williamgreenphotography.com/20060623_leadville/20060623_leadville_003.jpg

http://www.williamgreenphotography.com/20060623_leadville/20060623_leadville_005.jpg

http://www.williamgreenphotography.com/20060623_leadville/20060623_leadville_006.jpg

http://www.williamgreenphotography.com/20060623_leadville/20060623_leadville_007.jpg

http://www.williamgreenphotography.com/20060623_leadville/20060623_leadville_008.jpg

http://www.williamgreenphotography.com/20060623_leadville/20060623_leadville_009.jpg

http://www.williamgreenphotography.com/20060623_leadville/20060623_leadville_010.jpg

http://www.williamgreenphotography.com/20060623_leadville/20060623_leadville_011.jpg

http://www.williamgreenphotography.com/20060623_leadville/20060623_leadville_012.jpg

http://www.williamgreenphotography.com/20060623_leadville/20060623_leadville_014.jpg

[bigreen505]

Sunday pics:

http://www.williamgreenphotography.com/20060623_leadville/20060623_leadville_017.jpg


http://www.williamgreenphotography.com/20060623_leadville/20060623_leadville_015.jpg

http://www.williamgreenphotography.com/20060623_leadville/20060623_leadville_020.jpg

http://www.williamgreenphotography.com/20060623_leadville/20060623_leadville_022.jpg

http://www.williamgreenphotography.com/20060623_leadville/20060623_leadville_023.jpg

http://www.williamgreenphotography.com/20060623_leadville/20060623_leadville_024.jpg

http://www.williamgreenphotography.com/20060623_leadville/20060623_leadville_025.jpg

http://www.williamgreenphotography.com/20060623_leadville/20060623_leadville_026.jpg

[bigreen505]

Sunday continued:

http://www.williamgreenphotography.com/20060623_leadville/20060623_leadville_027.jpg

http://www.williamgreenphotography.com/20060623_leadville/20060623_leadville_029.jpg

http://www.williamgreenphotography.com/20060623_leadville/20060623_leadville_030.jpg

http://www.williamgreenphotography.com/20060623_leadville/20060623_leadville_031.jpg

http://www.williamgreenphotography.com/20060623_leadville/20060623_leadville_032.jpg

[bigreen505]

The most entertaining crossing was Bill and his almost stock Pathfinder. Despite having less ground clearance than the rest of us, he blazed through the drift, spending more time on 2 wheels more than on 4. :bowdown:

Unfortunately, I didn't get any pics of it, because I was right next to the trail and I jumped back in fear of my life. Hopefully someone else got a good pic or two of his run.



Scott, do you mind posting and/or sending me a copy, they looked pretty cool.

[Ursidae69]

Sunday:
Well, this was one of those growth experiences -- the kind I probably should remember, but really hope to forget. My dinner for Saturday night was a packet of freeze-dried beef stroganoff. I should have been smart enough to pass, but I ate it anyway and woke up Sunday morning really wishing I had just fed it to the dogs. Also, my alarm never went off Sunday morning and I woke up about 5:30. Between the late start, packing up slowly and feeling positively horrible (as well as an irresistable photo-op in camp) I didn't hit the trail until 7:15. I remember Bajataco saying it wan't the main trail, it was the North trail that everyone was taking, though in retrospect, he probably said that the main trail is the north trail. Any case I asked some hikers for directions and either I completely confused them with my question or they were genuinely mean, but they told me to take a left when I got to the "Elbert" sign and follow the trail that goes down to the plateau. Well, being a dumba$$, I did and followed it for a few miles until it meat up with the Colorado Trail and eventually the South Elbert trail. Not realizing there was a North trail, I assumed I was in the right place and continued up the mountain. By this time I would guess that I lost at least 500' of elevation. After another hour or so of hiking I found a nice meadow that I hung out in for about an hour. At this point I could tell that I had two large blisters on each heel that had popped and I was starting to feel very sick from that darn stroganoff. I continued on and eventually realized that there was another trail and by then the rest of the group that I was trying to catch was probably off the mountain. So long story short, I went up the south trail to the summit, over the summit to the north trail and down the north trail, completing the loop. The entire trip, including my 1.5 hour stop, took about nine hours. I ran out of water about an hour from the summit and by the time I got back to the parking lot had accumulated a half dozen blisters per foot, one on my hand and a couple new friends. As many of you know, I am not currently in shape for a trek like that and it took a few days to recover. Total mileage was about 12 and total vertical (up and down) was close to 10k'.

Also, for comparison sake, my average mpg for the trip was 19.5.


Holy crap man, you still summitted after all that! :smileeek:

I feel like a big baby for not hitting the summit now after reading what you went through! Glad you made it and survived. :bowdown:

[Scott Brady]

Here, you can see the dust kicking up from the full throttle launch:
http://www.expeditionswest.com/adventures/2006/Colorado/images/IMG_1106.JPG

Bill hits the first bank of snow and goes airborn (DS tire is in the air)
http://www.expeditionswest.com/adventures/2006/Colorado/images/IMG_1107.JPG

Here he lands and keeps the throttle down, pushing a huge wall of snow. Then I run for cover...
http://www.expeditionswest.com/adventures/2006/Colorado/images/IMG_1108.JPG

:victory: Too much fun

[p1michaud]

Absolutely amzing pictures and stories. Sounds like you guys had a blast, met some new friends and put your vehicles to good use. I'd say that you can't top a trip like that. :D


...Then I run for cover...

Too bad no one had any pics of the look on your face as you are scrambling to get out of the way!

Cheers :beer:,
P

[Scott Brady]

Too bad no one had any pics of the look on your face as you are scrambling to get out of the way!


Actually, it was pretty funny. K.C. yelled "damn Scott, you move pretty quick for a big guy" :)

[BajaTaco]

Bill! Holy cow! I can't believe you went through all of that and did the full loop with that many blisters, nausea, and not enough water. You are one tuff dude. Yea, what I had said was that when at the trailhead, if you look at the billboard sign showing the trail, you would see the colorado trail skirting the base and then they show the eastern trail going up to the summit (as the only trail). But someone had etched in the north trail with some sharp implement - showing it climbing the north flank to the summit. Dang, sorry to hear you missed that, but I'm sure you are stonger for it now.

AND, I have always been curious about your photography. You have contributed some quality discussion in the photo forum, and I was always curious - and now I know. You are a great photographer! NICE pics!! :bowdown: I was also impressed with your Pathfinder. How many miles did you say were on it? 300 and something thousand? Too cool.

Anyway, great to meet you and glad you survived the Elbert hike. :beer:

GT - thanks for the compliment on the pics ;)

[BajaTaco]

Another shot from Moab along the Colorado river...

http://www.bajataco.com/feature/co06014.jpg

[kcowyo]

Wow Bill! Your photos are awesome! Phenominal colors and clarity! :bowdown:

Can't believe your ordeal in hiking Mt. Elbert; taking the super long hike on a sour belly, with blister-mania and running out of water.... What a day! :smilies27


Too bad no one had any pics of the look on your face as you are scrambling to get out of the way!

I doubt anyone got a pic as myself, durango_60 and Josh were the last three in line with the best view of Scott. In Scott's first pic you can see durango_60 and I placing bets whether Bill would need a tug out from Goodtimes. I can't imagine anyone expected Bill to put on a show like he did, blasting through that drift.

I think Bill was especially motivated by durango_60's pre-drift pep talk -

"Bill, this is the time to find your inner redneck. Git 'r done!"

And with that he was off, driving his Pathy like he stole it! In fairness to others who were on hand taking pictures and helping with shoveling and extraction duties, Mr. Brady was not the only near casualty. As I recall, Bill also nearly took out Nathan, (who moves surprisingly quick for a Land Rover owner), Goodtimes and GT's dog Cherokee.

Actually, had fellow dog owner Bill, not slowed down to avoid hitting Cherokee, he may have taken out our hosts. And I don't think anyone who saw it would call that exaggerating.

I'm loving all the pics from Scott, Chris, Brian, etc. Like GT said, I didn't take a lot of photos because I was counting on the more knowledgeable and talented photographers in the group to document the weekend. I'm still not sure how BajaTaco always gets that little something extra special (lighting, colors, etc. ) in his photos. I may have to tag along on more trips with him to learn his secret - :bowdown:

[bigreen505]

Thanks guys, and thanks Scott for the pics!

As Pskhaat can attest, I have a lot of experience pushing a little Honda through big snow drifts and snow banks. You won't get stuck until you take your foot off the gas. When you sink, it is over.

When I got to the edge of the bank I grabbed the e-brake to spin the tail around and keep it on the trail. Sorry for the scare.:smilies27

I have a few more pics, but nothing super exciting. So if I didn't post a pic of your truck or if you want a print shoot me an e-mail.

KC, I have a couple pics of the truck, but nothing through the drift.

Bill

[upcruiser]

Again, great shots guys. I hope this becomes an annual outing as I'd love to join up next summer.

[SinCity4r]

:Wow1: Wow guys, amazing pictures!

[bigreen505]

I was also impressed with your Pathfinder. How many miles did you say were on it? 300 and something thousand? Too cool.


Oh, sorry, I missed that part. 324,550 as of this evening. Nothing major has been replaced. One cracked manifold and one bearing in the transmission (according to a TSB it was a design problem and the bearing never got enough oil), those were both around 200,000. More recently I replaced pads and rotors and suspension bushings.

Bill

[BajaTaco]

Oh, sorry, I missed that part. 324,550 as of this evening. Nothing major has been replaced. One cracked manifold and one bearing in the transmission (according to a TSB it was a design problem and the bearing never got enough oil), those were both around 200,000. More recently I replaced pads and rotors and suspension bushings.

Bill

That is fantastic. Nice to hear from someone who has gone the distance!

[gjackson]

Sorry I'm a week late, but here are some of my pics from last weekend. Including what should be legendary awning stakes, and some pics of the trash we picked up from an adjoining campsite. It was really disgusting and had obviously been used for a graduation party. Connie won the award for the nastiest garbage find, a pair of underwear. ('eeeew gross!', not 'wow! sleazy!')

Thanks to all who attended for the great time!!

cheers

[Colorado Ron]

Wish I could have made it. You guys picked the one weekend I was out of town on business ALL YEAR!:rolleyes:

[bh4rnnr]

Sorry I'm a week late, but here are some of my pics from last weekend. Including what should be legendary awning stakes, and some pics of the trash we picked up from an adjoining campsite. It was really disgusting and had obviously been used for a graduation party. Connie won the award for the nastiest garbage find, a pair of underwear. ('eeeew gross!', not 'wow! sleazy!')

Thanks to all who attended for the great time!!

cheers

Nice pics, and thanks for picking up the trash!

[pskhaat]

Finally got a few pics developed. I am very displeased with my developer, the color in these photos is quite washed out and scratchy (though granted these should have been on tripods). On other annoying note, I can't get the [ i m g ] tags to take....argh!


Wife Packed for Armegeddon:
http://xepoch.com/mud/Leadville/resize.cgi/640/480/0875896-R1-041-19.jpg


All Ready To Roll:
http://xepoch.com/mud/Leadville/resize.cgi/640/480/0875896-R1-043-20.jpg


First Night's Camp:
http://xepoch.com/mud/Leadville/resize.cgi/640/480/0875896-R1-047-22.jpg






A trail I really want to take:
http://xepoch.com/mud/Leadville/resize.cgi/640/4800/0876203-R1-009-3.jpg


Captain America:
http://xepoch.com/mud/Leadville/resize.cgi/640/480/0876203-R1-015-6.jpg


Mountain Goats:
http://xepoch.com/mud/Leadville/resize.cgi/640/480/0876203-R1-017-7.jpg


Mr BT Watching for the Latecomers:
http://xepoch.com/mud/Leadville/resize.cgi/640/4800/0876203-R1-021-9.jpg

[articulate]

I love that one with Senor Taco watching the crew drive into the frame. SWEET.

And not to make fun of you, but I laughed at the first photo with the hardcore rig, expedition-ready dalmation, hardcore kid backpack, and the sissy-style stroller. :p

[pskhaat]

Its the CGI script...
Hmmm, looks like the forum software doesn't like the `?' character in it's image references. The CGI simply does a resize and converts to PNG format. Let me reprogram here...okay....done.

[pskhaat]

I laughed at the first photo with the hardcore rig, expedition-ready dalmation, hardcore kid backpack, and the sissy-style stroller.

Oh, never fear, take a look at what's atop the Cruiser in the back, a secondary stroller just in case one wasn't enough to travel with. This my friends is why I need extra-heavy suspension in my vehicles :costumed-smiley-007

[Scott Brady]

This my friends is why I need extra-heavy suspension in my vehicles :costumed-smiley-007

:hehe:

Great pictures Scott. That trip was a blast!

[Willman]

:drool:

What a great trip!!! Boy...I can not wait to move to Utah to join in all the fun!!! Keep the great stories and pictures coming!!

:lurk:

[bigreen505]

Thanks Scott, great pics! I was up there this past weekend and the whole valley is blooming with purple daisys and loads of colorful flowers.

[david despain]

And not to make fun of you, but I laughed at the first photo with the hardcore rig, expedition-ready dalmation, hardcore kid backpack, and the sissy-style stroller. :p

:D spoken like a man with no kids haha you will understand one day my friend.

[BajaTaco]

LOL! Armageddon... :D

GREAT pics Scott! Very cool, thanks for sharing. It was good to see you on that trip.

[Scott Brady]

Nathan put together a cool expo page: (http://www.pangaea-expeditions.com/galleries/expocolorado/index.html)

http://www.pangaea-expeditions.com/images/expo06/expo25.jpg

You might want to check out the January Off-Road too :)

[kcowyo]

Sunday pics:

http://www.williamgreenphotography.com/20060623_leadville/20060623_leadville_017.jpg



Hey Bill - I never asked, because for once I didn't feel like being rude, but what was up with the dumptruck?

[bigreen505]

K.C. -- if you are asking why I took the picture it is because I shoot a lot of lifestyle stock photography and I liked the juxtapostion of the little toy truck and the big built Cruiser. It just appealed to my generally warped sense of humor, and it also seems a little out of place.

If you are asking why it is there, I'm guessing that Scott found it in the truck and tossed it on the ground to get it out of the way, but you would have to ask him. It is also possible he takes it along to play with and make "vroom vroom" noises while us pokey people are holding up the line taking pictures.

[pskhaat]

That's called Bue-Geen Dump Tuk. One of Cole's favorite. When he was young, that's how he pronounced and named the ``blue-green dump truck'' toy.

That dump truck has probably seen more off-road trails than 98% of the built trucks out there :) It has climbed the dunes in Colorado, scaled 14k' foot mountains, rock crawled in Moab and repeatedly fallen 100s of feet from varying fins, camped in slot canyons, seen the Pacific and the Gulf of Mexico, endured endless AZ summer sun and monsoons and a bit of cholrinated pool submersion. I think it may have travelled in Yellowstone and the Tetons, Craters of the Moon, and Sun Valley too.



http://xepoch.com/mud/camping/resize.cgi/480/320/DSC01214.JPG

[kcowyo]

That's right, forgot it was Scott who brought it.

I thought Bill did. I remembered seeing it in camp and thinking, "That's odd, a dump truck and no wee ones." But I get the humor of the bue-geen-dump-tuk with the Cruiser.

Which still begs the question, why did Scott bring the dump tuk while mini-him was at home? Vroom-Vroom?

[BajaTaco]

Check out the latest (Jan 07) issue of Off-Road. This trip is on page 84. :jumping:

[BajaTaco]

I just added a trip gallery (http://www.bajataco.com/continental_divide_06/index.htm) to bajataco.com. A lot of the photos you may have already seen, but there are some new ones in there too, along with commentary/captions.

[kcowyo]

Great pics BT! - (surprise, surprise....:bowdown: )

I don't think I'd seen this one before (http://www.bajataco.com/continental_divide_06/L_co06005.jpg) but it's a perfect shot of Silverton, especially the "townie" on the sidewalk and Handlebars is a must-stop-and-eat in Silverton. Between the Breckenridge Brewery, High Mountain Pies in Leadville and the Moab Brewery, you did some good eatin' on that trip!

Scott did a great write up in Off Road this month. Who says Toyotas and Land Rovers can't coexist peacefully and look good doing it at the same time?

[BajaTaco]

Thanks KC!

Yes, the food on this trip was quite good. That was so fun when we ate outside at High Mtn Pies. I couldn't believe the size of that calzone that GT had. Remember the grumpy locals who were grumbling about us taking "their" table? :p

[Mlachica]

Beautiful pictures BT. :Wow1:

Another destination I have to add to the 'must list'

[goodtimes]

Nice job d00d!

And you aren't the only one who couldn't believe that the calzone was, literally, a large pizza folded in half! What a great place (despite the grumpy locals)!

[pskhaat]

CO = grumpy locals

Gonna run out and grab the mag today.

[Ursidae69]

Read the article at Borders yesterday. Nice work there guys and good photo at the peak. Now I'm really bummed that me and Brian didn't do that last 1500 ft. Oh well. Next time. :o