Sedona 7-15-06

[seth_js]

http://seth.phizz.net/adventures/sedona_and_flagstaff_7-15-06/images/the_crew_2.jpg


http://seth.phizz.net/adventures/sedona_and_flagstaff_7-15-06/images/brian.jpg


http://seth.phizz.net/adventures/sedona_and_flagstaff_7-15-06/images/scenery_4.jpg

And the rest here:

http://seth.phizz.net/adventures/sedona_and_flagstaff_7-15-06/

[datrupr]

That last shot is awesome Seth. We had a good time, we left about 5min late from our meeting point waiting for others to show up, and just north of Black Canyon City we hit a load of traffic. Apparently there was a disabled vehicle blocking the right lane. We got up to the main point of congestion and there was no vehicle blocking any lanes, and one traffic accident, other then that, why was it backed up so badly? Anyway, a fun story did arise when we were sitting in traffic. I will elaborate later. OK, traffic clears, kinda, and we start making our way again. The initial plan was to cut up through Paige Springs and do Greasy Spoon first, and then get our Red Rock Passes and run Broken Arrow. Well, traffic and getting a bit of a late start meant that we had to make a decision. We exited at McGuireville and waited a minute for Mark to catch up to us and we decided that since Brian had never run Broken Arrow, and he out of town visitors that we would skip Greasy Spoon and run just Broken Arrow. Time permitting, Mark, Seth, and I would go back and run Greasy Spoon.

Well, as usual, Broken Arrow was just great, I love running that trail as the scenery is unmatched in Arizona. We ran the trail with no issues and I hope Brian's family enjoyed the trip and was as awe inspired by the beauty as I always am whenever I go to Sedona. We tried to get Brian and Mark up the slab, but neither made it over the first obstacle, Brian I think could have made it if he had aired down a bit more, and Mark with his open diffs had no chance. Need lockers Mark? I however, can not make to much of a comment as I did not even try, and as I am running almost on racing slicks, I do not think I would have made it up either. Mark did a great job of spotting going down the staircase, with one minor faux-pas that caused me to slide off to the right and I heard a loud CRUNCH under the truck. Of course the usual expletive was shouted by us, with a "sorry Aaron" from Mark. The stair case does seem to be a bit more worn than it was when I ran the trail last year, and I am still amazed at how many full Pink Jeeps were running in 105* heat. Crazy tourists. It did look like they were having as much fun as we were though, and good for them. We also did not run into any of the "nasty" Pink Jeep drivers, they were all friendly and courteous on this fine day.

After BA we were a little short on time, and with a commitment in the valley I, like Brian had to head on out. Brian headed back into Sedona while Seth, Mark, and I made our way to the Village of Oak Creek to air up chat a bit. It was a great run again and a lot of fun. This is such a great group of people that I feel it to be a pleasure to run with them. Also, Seth did do the run almost completely in 2WD unlocked, pretty impressive and fun to watch him pick his lines. I did not take my camera, so I have no pics, but everyone else, post em up, lets see what you got! Also, Mark, did you ever get your burger?

[kcowyo]

It's a shame Sedona isn't prettier........:Wow1::Wow1::Wow1:

Amazing pics Seth! Sounds like a fun trail and get together. I imagine a trip on the trail with Aaron and Mark would be an all day, side-splitting riot.

Oh, and it's just a flesh wound right Aaron? :ylsmoke:

[datrupr]

Oh, KC, sorry, I did not post about the trail "damage". It seems, that the Trooper has won the battle agains the rocks again!:sport_box Left a little Sedona Red Rock bits on the underside (mostly the frame), but nothing compared to the gouges made on the rocks.:luxhello:

[LexusAllTerrain]

Amazing Pictures!

[crawldit]

Great stuff guys:clapsmile I can't believe I had to miss this trip for work :(

[Scenic WonderRunner]

Awesome..........guys!!!!!!!!!!!

One of my most favorite places on Earth!

Great PICS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i156/ScenicWonderRunner/BrokenArrowChickenPoint03.jpg

[articulate]

Special thanks to Aaron for telling the virtual world how I screwed up spotting him down. :p

I've got to brag a little. MAN! I was so pleased with how well the truck performed on the trail. I don't have any plating underneath, and I didn't need it. The sliders have long since paid their dues and they keep doing so. My Jeep has a standard transmission, and I really liked how mush easier it is to keep control of my speed with the automatic transmission of the Frontier.

If I had at least a limited-slip rear differential I'm confident I could have made my way up the infamous slab.

Here's to Seth for redneckin' it in 2WD! :beer:


I imagine a trip on the trail with Aaron and Mark would be an all day, side-splitting riot.
We ought to test that theory sometime.

[seth_js]

If I had at least a limited-slip rear differential I'm confident I could have made my way up the infamous slab.

Definitely... you had the right line, just had one front and one rear tire spinning.

By the way, the tent and swing-out look awesome.

[Scenic WonderRunner]

Mark...........

What you are saying about your automatic transmission...............is exactly what I've been trying to tell the guys with the questions of "standard or automatic".........!

Now just where was I when this Broken Arrow trip was planned>?!!!!!!:elkgrin:


Is this the "entrance" to the "slab".........?!!!

http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i156/ScenicWonderRunner/BrokenArrowNothingButSky02.jpg

[articulate]

Mark...........

What you are saying about your automatic transmission...............is exactly what I've been trying to tell the guys with the questions of "standard or automatic".........!

Now just where was I when this Broken Arrow trip was planned>?!!!!!!:elkgrin:


Is this the "entrance" to the "slab".........?!!!


Sorta. It's the big black streak behind the wonderrunner going up the hill. Right about where the dude holding the camera is standing in your picture. Looks like this when going down:
http://www.markdstephens.com/greasy_arrow/images/broken_arrow_slab.jpg

And like this when going up:
http://www.markdstephens.com/sycamore_wilderness_broken_arrow/6_broken_arrow_rover.jpg

Yee haw!
Flat-nen them hills!
Straight-nen them curves!
Someday the mountain might get 'em,
but the law never will!

:beer:

[datrupr]

Mark, I am just ribbin ya a little bit. It was not all spotters error, I am sure somehow in there the driver may have made a bit of a mistake as well. We'll have to check the replay. Oh, wait. We didn't video it. Bummer, I guess it was all the spotters fault. And, I forgot to add, that the Nissan is sooooooo cool, and I am glad I got to see it in person. Have you added you next mod we discussed yet?

What was discussed:
http://www.thehardwarehut.com/images/door_accessories/door_stops/del-sds375u3.jpg


And what I was thinking:
http://www.usdoorware.com/images/products/flush_bumper_178_195x218.jpg


**photos courtesy of www.thehardwarehut.com

[Brian McVickers]

Hey guys!
Thanks for a great trip to Sedona and Broken Aarow, What a cool and scenic trail! My family had a blast and thought you all were great!!

It was fun watching Mark learn the turning radius of the Nissan and Aaron was great at leading the way. Seth, cool to see you again at the end of the day and fun to watch you pick your 2wd lines!

I want to try the slab again! I've only had my truck on that steep of an angle a couple times before and it's always a rush to be staring straight up at nothing bu blue sky:Wow1: From what Seth said, I may have been able to make it with lower tire pressur and a line a few inches over to the right. I was running about 24lb of pressure and should have gone below 20 for that.
Let's do it again!:victory:

[ShottsCruisers]

I want to try the slab again! I've only had my truck on that steep of an angle a couple times before and it's always a rush to be staring straight up at nothing bu blue sky:Wow1: From what Seth said, I may have been able to make it with lower tire pressur and a line a few inches over to the right. I was running about 24lb of pressure and should have gone below 20 for that.
Let's do it again!:victory:

Don't feel bad about that slab. Myself and many others have driven straight up the first time, then take 2-4 times the next. That line is the key which is the challenge.

Glad you-all had fun!

[crawler#976]

...are we talking about this spot on the trail?

[ShottsCruisers]

...are we talking about this spot on the trail?

I think he was.

http://shottscruisers.smugmug.com/photos/64982573-O.jpg

[datrupr]

Yup, that is the spot.

[crawler#976]

yup...it's pretty fun for sure!

[Brian McVickers]

Wow,
Looks like nothing in the pictures compared to the feeling you get while pulling up to it in person!:smilies27

[articulate]

Wow,
Looks like nothing in the pictures compared to the feeling you get while pulling up to it in person!:smilies27
Yeah! It feels like Rolling forward onto 3 wheels while going downhill.....but up. ;)

Shotts wins the prize for the photo that aptly conveys the idea that it's one hairy trip. :sunny:

[articulate]

Here we go boys! Apologies for the delay.......

http://www.markdstephens.com/random/broken_1.jpg

Might want to keep your kids away from this punk:
http://www.markdstephens.com/random/ledge_1.jpg

http://www.markdstephens.com/random/devils_4.jpg

http://www.markdstephens.com/random/devils_2.jpg

http://www.markdstephens.com/random/frontier.jpg

http://www.markdstephens.com/random/devils_3.jpg

I'm really pleased with that one of Aaron coming down the stairs (in "Da Trupr").

and just for fun:
http://www.markdstephens.com/random/pink.jpg

Mark

[Brian McVickers]

Very sweet
Great pics as always mark
Cool to see DaTrupr on such an angle,
and who wouldn't want to see the back end of a pink jeep!:wavey:

Looking at that pic of the slab, I should have given it one more try.
Can't wait till next time!

[Scenic WonderRunner]

Mark.........!

Awesome Pics!

Thanks for sharing!

Do you use a Wide Open Aperture.........to get that depth?

The "Devils Slide" is starting to look a bit "Over Used".........!

I have to get back there!

Maybe this Fall....after Colorado!

I just love the Broken Arrow Trail............one of my Favorites!......:rockon:


CAUTION!............Beware of Angry Female Pink Jeep Drivers!!!!....hehe:088:


.....hehe.....don'tcha just luv these new smilies!:elkgrin:

[seth_js]

*****'n pics Mark... as usual.

[seth_js]

Very sweet
Great pics as always mark
Cool to see DaTrupr on such an angle,
and who wouldn't want to see the back end of a pink jeep!:wavey:

Looking at that pic of the slab, I should have given it one more try.
Can't wait till next time!

Brian... see the groove in front of your right driver tire? You needed to get on the inside of that, you were on top of it. That with maybe a little less pressure in the tires and you were money. Even once you get up it, you still can't see in front of you, so you feel like you're gonna drive off the edge. :p

[Brian McVickers]

Good call Seth
I see the groove you mentioned

[datrupr]

Great pics as usual Mark. Thanks for the cool shots. With your permission I would like to steal those shots and put them in my photo album. Now, where are your pics Brian? Since I did not bring my camera on this trip I need to reminisce through everybody else's photos.

[seth_js]

With your permission I would like to steal those shots and put them in my photo album.

x2

[articulate]

Have at it, boys. You want bigger ones?

:friday:

(the new smilies are kickin' some ***!)

[Brian McVickers]

Pics to come!:wings:

[seth_js]

Have at it, boys. You want bigger ones?

Sure!

[articulate]

And, I forgot to add, that the Nissan is sooooooo cool, and I am glad I got to see it in person. Have you added you next mod we discussed yet?

What was discussed:
http://www.thehardwarehut.com/images/door_accessories/door_stops/del-sds375u3.jpg


And what I was thinking:
http://www.usdoorware.com/images/products/flush_bumper_178_195x218.jpg


**photos courtesy of www.thehardwarehut.com
:smiley_drive:

I am going to the Depot tonight. Once I get a door stop and mount the bull skull to the grill, we'll be saying, "With a door stop and a bull skull, a stock Frontier can pretty much run anything in Baja."

I think I peed in my pants a little when I first read that about the fridge. Now I can't stop using that line.

[Ursidae69]

http://www.markdstephens.com/random/devils_3.jpg
Mark

Hey Mark, I really like the look of Aaron's trooper coming down that hill. Can you tell me the details on how you composed that shot? Aperture, shutter speed, focal length, etc? I'm trying to improve my shot composition and I like what you did there. Thanks. :D

[Brian McVickers]

Ok, finally some of my pics,:sombrero:


http://www.expeditionportal.com/images/albums/userpics/10006/normal_IMG_2556.JPG

http://www.expeditionportal.com/images/albums/userpics/10006/normal_IMG_2562.JPG

http://www.expeditionportal.com/images/albums/userpics/10006/normal_IMG_2573.JPG

http://www.expeditionportal.com/images/albums/userpics/10006/normal_IMG_2579.JPG

[seth_js]

http://www.expeditionportal.com/images/albums/userpics/10006/normal_IMG_2556.JPG

Ha ha, Mark looks like he's striking a pose. Vogue!

And what am I doing with my left hand? That's a little inappropriate.

[datrupr]

Ha ha, Mark looks like he's striking a pose. Vogue!

And what am I doing with my left hand? That's a little inappropriate.


LMAO!!!!!!!:xxrotflma

That's OK Seth, I look pissed off for some reason.

[articulate]

Hey Mark, I really like the look of Aaron's trooper coming down that hill. Can you tell me the details on how you composed that shot? Aperture, shutter speed, focal length, etc? I'm trying to improve my shot composition and I like what you did there. Thanks. :D
Thanks, I'm glad you like it....and I appreciate you saying so.

- 19mm focal length
- ISO 100 Fuji Provia film
- f/16 aperture
- 1/90 shutter

Camera settings are set for the classic "sunny 16" rule.

A wide angle lens is REALLY fun for off roading shots.

:rockon:

Cheers,
Mark

[articulate]

Ha ha, Mark looks like he's striking a pose. Vogue!

And what am I doing with my left hand? That's a little inappropriate.

LMAO!!!!!!!

That's OK Seth, I look pissed off for some reason.

MAN! who took that shot? Makin' us all look like fools. Or, instead, showing theworld what fools we are.

[articulate]

Ok, finally some of my pics,:sombrero:


http://www.expeditionportal.com/images/albums/userpics/10006/normal_IMG_2556.JPG


Oh yeah....how many pairs of Keens do you count in this photo? Do I see three?

[datrupr]

Yeah, didn't I make a comment on the way up to Submarine Rock that I was the only guy nowadays that didn't have a pair of Keens?


And also, we may have looked like fools in that picture, but at least we weren't the fool in that other Taco that stacked rocks on the "Staircase".:(

[Scenic WonderRunner]

I'm glad you guys cleared all this up!

Because for a minute there..........I was beginning to think the Broken Arrow trail was being infiltrated by the Russian Mafia.....!..........:shakin:................ :sombrero:




.

[articulate]

I'm glad you guys cleared all this up!

Because for a minute there..........I was beginning to think the Broken Arrow trail was being infiltrated by the Russian Mafia.....!..........:shakin:................ :sombrero:




.
The russian mafia doesn't have that much sex appeal, dude.
http://www.expeditionportal.com/images/albums/userpics/10006/normal_IMG_2556.JPG

[Scenic WonderRunner]

Mark.........

OK Then!

So now what I am thinking is...........

Not only must we have a "Trail Rating"..............

But we most certainly must have a "Sexy on the Trail".........Rating!.....hehe.......;) ........:o .......:friday: .......:sombrero: :sombrero: :sombrero:........ :shakin: