CalZona Overland Expedition

[shortbus4x4]

Yeah.

[DR1665]

Man, that looks like a fantastic time.

From the looks of it, you guys are fairly well outfitted for such adventures. How much more difficult do you think this run would be with more bare-bones equipment? Any reason why four friends in a couple mostly-stock, yet capable, 4WD rigs with consumer-grade camping gear couldn't - or shouldn't - attempt this? Is it possible to explore in smaller sections?

So much of this is intriguing. I want to drop a penny in the can, read the sign on the rocks, have breakfast by frozen-over wells in the middle of the desert, and make sure the BLM knows people are using the road. In a week and a half, I'll be making my first road trip in my new rig. Phoenix to Ridgecrest, California, to volunteer at the High Desert Trails rally. 1,000 miles round trip. At least 950 of those on tarmac.

For years, I've cast glances off to the south from my 85mph leather seat on I-10, wondering how long it's been since humans set foot on those mountains over yonder. Now I'm going to be wondering how many gearheads are on the other side, having the time of their lives. Thanks for sharing!

[suntinez]

Great write-up Dave, way to go!!

[mhiscox]

Always the best day when the Duo posts up a trip report, and this one was epic. Thanks for sharing with all of us, guys. You rock. :

[adventureduo]

Man, that looks like a fantastic time.

From the looks of it, you guys are fairly well outfitted for such adventures. How much more difficult do you think this run would be with more bare-bones equipment? Any reason why four friends in a couple mostly-stock, yet capable, 4WD rigs with consumer-grade camping gear couldn't - or shouldn't - attempt this? Is it possible to explore in smaller sections?
Thanks for sharing!

Absolutely. It's not the vehicle or the gear that makes the trip. It's the person and the desire. Thank you for the kind words!

Great write-up Dave, way to go!!

Thanks for reading Linda!

Always the best day when the Duo posts up a trip report, and this one was epic. Thanks for sharing with all of us, guys. You rock. :

Much appreciated Mike, for all you do for the 'Duo!

[CA-RJ]

Great ending! Can't wait to see the movie. What do you do to top this adventure?

[Grizzley]

Dave,

The series of trip reports do a great job of capturing our adventure. Thanks for the write up and It was a pleasure traveling with the three of you along with getting to know Colin, Mike, Kelly and Goose! We look forward to seeing all of you again in the future.

Itzia&Verny

[htek]

From the looks of it, you guys are fairly well outfitted for such adventures. How much more difficult do you think this run would be with more bare-bones equipment? Any reason why four friends in a couple mostly-stock, yet capable, 4WD rigs with consumer-grade camping gear couldn't - or shouldn't - attempt this?

This question wasn't directed at me, but I feel compelled to respond. The consumer grade camping gear today is often better than the professional grade gear of decades ago. On here, it's easy to get lost with fancy gear. We ALL need to remember that gear does not make a fantastic trip. It can make life easier, no doubt. But it certainly shouldn't be a limiting factor to anyone.

[DR1665]

This question wasn't directed at me, but I feel compelled to respond. The consumer grade camping gear today is often better than the professional grade gear of decades ago. On here, it's easy to get lost with fancy gear. We ALL need to remember that gear does not make a fantastic trip. It can make life easier, no doubt. But it certainly shouldn't be a limiting factor to anyone.

Thank you for that, sir. I think we all could use the reminder now and again. Coming from the high speed end of the gearhead swimming pool, there will always be someone faster than you. It's so easy to get caught up in the gear - we all want to have the best - but "best" is relative and is independent of build lists. Gotta keep our priorities straight. If I splurge, I want to splurge on a nice bottle of Scotch or cigars or something to make an evening around a campfire special.

So yeah, thank you.

Still want to explore this route.

[adventureduo]

I agree, as a matter of fact last weekend Yoshi, Dixie and i all camped in a $30 ground tent from BIG5. We used white fuel lanterns and an old coleman stove. It was a nice change of pace actually.