Overland planning meeting

[Brad]

When: December 8th 12:00 noon. Plan on a couple hours at least.
Where: my house in Golden, I will PM everyone who RSVP's my address.
What: We will discuss possible routes and dates
Why? Why not!! :thumb:

[Robert B]

everything always happens on the same day lol i can make it but can only stay for around 2.5 hrs then as i have some thing else to do that day at 3 pm :)

[Java]

post it!!

[Yeti]

I'm in.

[Robert B]

so my other meeting decided to meet earlier this week so i can join for how ever long it takes yay :)

[Patrolman]

I won't be able to make it since I have my daughter, but hoping that some good plans are established.

[Jeremy]

Tentatively interested. Never done any overlanding before, but I'd like to start.

Have a rough idea when you're planning on doing the trip?

[Brad]

That is part of the meeting. I would like to know from those who cannot make it what dates they are interested in, I would like to hear from all those who are serious. If you cannot attend, send me a PM of any information you would like to contribute including dates you are willing to entertain, any questions you would like answered by the planning meeting, any concerns or hypothetical scenarios you can think of, I do not want any stones unturned. :thumb:

[Jeremy]

In that case, I'm in for a definite maybe possibly. :D

[Jim]

I am a tad curious to stop in for the meeting. It's something I'd like to do, but likely not this time around. If you have space for one more to hang in the shadows, let me know. If your place is going to be packed with people and need space for those going, I'd bow out.

When the time gets closer and you see how many folks are coming - let me know yea/nea if you wish.

[Brad]

You are welcome to come Jim. Does not look like there will be too many people. ;)

[Brad]

Went to USGS, got a map for Sat. :thumb:

[Yeti]

I'm looking forward to seeing what we come up with.

[Jeremy]

Can I get some directions to the meeting place?

Though I understand if you're not comfortable giving your home address to someone that none of you have met.

[Jackie]

Be sure to post the results of your meeting! I'm sure I'm not the only one who will follow this thread living vicariously!!!

[Brad]

Can I get some directions to the meeting place?

Though I understand if you're not comfortable giving your home address to someone that none of you have met.
I PM'd you

[Java]

Been a screwy week, really looking forward to some fun this afternoon. Thanks again for setting this up, Brad!!

[Chris]

Be sure to post the results of your meeting!

x2 ^

[Java]

good meeting, no fist fights so far. looks like we're going to the Grand Canyon!!! :2thumbup:

[Jackie]

Oh, nice! I've never wheeled there, but have visited and hiked a few times. The mule ride to the bottom is fun also! Enjoy yourselves. That should make a great trip!

[Brad]

I am writing up the notes and plotting both routes discussed (roughly plotting). Please be patient, it is a lot to report.

[Yeti]

Brad - Thanks for your efforts in getting this going! I'm looking forward to see what we come up with.

[Brad]

I should add it was great meeting Jeremy and Shaun. Look forward to the next planning meeting! :thumb:

[Chris]

I clicked thinking I'd see some preliminary plans. :frown:

[Java]

it was a "rough" meeting so we sorta have pre-plans, and some things to consider...
roughly day one head towards the SW corner of CO with as much dirt as practical while still getting there before dark. we considered going via Medano Pass but it adds a lot of time and distance so we decided to leave most stuff in CO for other trips.
The next stage was the biggest dilemna, do we go to New Mexico or not- the deciding factor is the indian reservation in AZ and southern UT, we have no idea what the possibilites are for it, but there is also another road that skirts the northern edge of it in UT; so the day 2 run from CO to the Grand Canyon area is a big unknown. any input would be valuable!
the final goal is a boondocking area Brad has found on the north rim of the Grand Canyon. a link to it is coming after Brad gets some of the stuff straight, I'm not familiar with it myself so I can't say anything except that is sounds awesome.
the return from the GC is probably going to be through UT from the SW corner to Moab. We may call it a trip in Moab and head home from there, or stop at some points in CO on the return. Rattlesnake canyon near Grand Junction was one idea, but ofcourse there are a ton of options along 70.

so in a nutshell, we need to figure out the exact roads to the GC from SW CO, and from the GC to Moab. and decided on the reservation or not.

[Brad]

Thanks Paul, that is the jist of it, I am doing some plotting to get some ideas of day one plus looking into the Navajo reservation and any issues with travel through the area. Shaun is working on the alternative route excluding the Navajo reservation.

[Yeti]

Hey guys I found a book on traversing Phoenix to Utah off road, there is a chance it might cover a few of the trails in the areas we are considering traveling. If you have a Kindle, they have free down loads, by trail sections. I'm going to drop it on my Kindle and see what it looks like. Here is the link to the paper edition

http://www.amazon.com/Driving-Great-Western-Trail-Arizona/dp/1456568035/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1355089586&sr=1-2&keywords=arizona+off+road+trails

[Chris]

Are you looking at driving through the Navajo Reservation between Phoenix & the SW corner of Colorado?

Barb and I drove that a year or two ago and it's quite desolate and downright depressing to see how we have limited "their land" to a virtual wasteland.

[Yeti]

Are you looking at driving through the Navajo Reservation between Phoenix & the SW corner of Colorado?

Barb and I drove that a year or two ago and it's quite desolate and downright depressing to see how we have limited "their land" to a virtual wasteland.

We are considering entering the reservation from NM and then heading towards the North Rim of the Grand Canyon from there. Any insight would be much appreciated. Our alternate route is through Southern Utah in them down to the North Rim.

[Chris]

Never done that route, sorry.

[Jackie]

Barb and I drove that a year or two ago and it's quite desolate and downright depressing to see how we have limited "their land" to a virtual wasteland.

X2 if you are referring to the Painted Dessert area. I almost cried when we drove through there 25 years ago for our first visit to the Grand Canyon. We were on pavement the whole way, but it was depressing as hell. We haven't been back through there since, so I can't say...

[Chris]

That's exactly it Jackie, we headed out from the Painted Desert to Cortez. I'll guess it hasn't changed at all in the last 25 years.

[Java]

we kinda figured it might suck, but also figured it was worth looking into. my only experience with reservations is from south florida, and they're fun; they have alligator shows, rodeos, casinos, hotels and an insane flea market with lots of fireworks. I'm guessing this one is different. Id vote for passing on it, take option 2 via southern Utah.

[Jackie]

Paul, it might be different off the beaten path. Maybe you could discover some wonderful things out there.

What I remember were government housing buildings with all the windows and doors broken or taken off, litter like you can't believe all over the roadside and a few people selling jewelry here and there. Very dirty. Very poor and very different from the way you and I live. A ranger at the Grand Canyon told me not to feel sorry for them because it is the way they choose to live. They do not want the windows and doors that the gov't installs for them. They believe all the litter (beer bottles mostly, as I recall) will go back in the earth in a good way. They see no problem with their way of life. Crews can go in and clean it up - but they will just trash it again.

[Java]

***

[Chris]

I'd feel more threatened in NYC than any reservation Paul! ;)

[Rick]

I'd feel more threatened in NYC than any reservation Paul!X2!! growing up in Flagstaff,Az. I have traveled across the res. with no problems,just watch out for all the wild dogs crossing the highway. I hit several as they pop out of the ditches into the road.

[Brad]

We are still way too early in planning to write off that route. I used to live in Gallup NM with my dad every summer for 3 years. I never came across a violent Native American. Ever. All of them were very nice, all chose to live the way they do. Most leave the reservation to find better work. I can get into a long spiel about this but I feel I have gotten my point across. I entertain this route because I have already searched several satallite maps and found multiple routes through the area. The only reason I have not posted more on the routes is I was very sick yesterday and am recovering. I will have more very soon.

[Java]

I'd feel more threatened in NYC than any reservation Paul! ;)

lol! you may be right, I have no experience with the reservations. I guess I'll wait for some more info...

[Chris]

I agree 100% with Brad. There is violence on reservations just as there is anywhere else but I wouldn't avoid an area because of the Indian people. I've had friends that grew up on a reservation and their way of life deserves more respect than much of the white population. I'll end with that.

Hope you're feeling better Brad!

[Java]

***

[Yeti]

I will add that the firearm topic was brought up as a legal issue, not as a need to carry them. They may or may not be allowed on the reservations. I know many people that like to carry a firearm in their vehicle while in the backcountry. I'm one of them, it has nothing to do with being on a reservation or not.

[Rick]

They may or may not be allowed on the reservations. I wouldn't advise it

[Chris]

Understood Shaun, I carry on all roads trips myself. I view it like I do having a winch, carry one and you won't need it.

[Java]

sorry about that, I started to comment before but work kicked in... that was some stupid phrasing on my part, I just re-read it and it did have a bad tone to it, especially depending on how you read the word "anywhere". I figured it's better to delete stupid than defend it; sorry sorry sorry, I didnt' mean it the way it sounded. at all. I have a stupid mouth that has paid dividends my entire life.

[Rick]

I have a stupid mouth that has paid dividends my entire life.Yeah, I can relate!!:D

[Brad]

I found this blog report of the area we are heading to, I am searching for the camp spot on the north rim.
http://suntothenorth.blogspot.com/2012/04/rizona-utah-with-my-expedition-trailer.html

[Brad]

I have plotted the Route A and am just about finished. Will have more info up very soon. Really exciting stuff. Of course to the planning committee this route will be negotiable. Will also need to have another planning meeting soon with resources we have culminated. I am thinking Early January? What do you guys think?

[Robert B]

Brad i am brand new to planning a trip this far and seeing as it seems your house is the place to meet you should probly just pick a day somewhere in early Jan :) and i hope to have something useful to bring for info etc

[Java]

http://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/directions_n_rim.htm

[Yeti]

I'm good for a second meeting any weekend in Jan except Jan 26/27.

[Yeti]

Brad - Have you considered asking for trip planning advice on the Expedition Portal?

[Brad]

I have had my hands full with the holidays and relatives. Plan on getting back to planning and doing my part next week. How does the 12th look for the next meeting?

[Brad]

It had occurred to me Shaun, I go by the same handle on there, been reading up on a few threads. They gave me the idea for sublime point on the north rim.

[Yeti]

I'm good for the 12th.

Do we have any info on crossing Navajo land yet? I have some ideas for the Utah route but wanted to wait and see if that was an option before putting the planning time in.

[Funrover]

I found this blog report of the area we are heading to, I am searching for the camp spot on the north rim.
http://suntothenorth.blogspot.com/2012/04/rizona-utah-with-my-expedition-trailer.html


Great find!!!

[Brad]

No Shaun, I am going to start digging this weekend and early next week.

[Chris]

I don't know if it will help but there's a 99¢ Boondocking app.

[Chris]

I found this blog report of the area we are heading to, I am searching for the camp spot on the north rim.
http://suntothenorth.blogspot.com/2012/04/rizona-utah-with-my-expedition-trailer.html

Teotwaki is active on the 4Runner forums if you'd like to contact him personally.

[Yeti]

The Bronco game is on the 12th, we might want to reconsider the date for our next meeting?

[Brad]

I don't know if it will help but there's a 99¢ Boondocking app.

Whats it called?

[Chris]

Whats it called?

boondocking :D

[Java]

clever name. :P I'm working solo the 12th, can't do it that day, actually that whole weekend is tight for me.

[Brad]

Nice.

So here is the deal. After a lot of work changes on my end I don't feel I am going to be able to actually go on this in June. I am happy to continue the planning process for those who are serious, and for my own benefit of a later trip. Jenn and I agree we want to do more Colorado long weekend trips which will allow us to bring our dogs and explore areas we have yet to visit (trail Paul showed us on the western slope, ouray, black bear pass/Ophir pass, crystal).

Let me know what you all think.

[ExplorerTom]

You guys see this:
http://www.backcountrydiscoveryroutes.com/COBDR

the route was done on motorcycles, but they say the route is suitable for 4wds.

[Yeti]

Brad - no problem. I'm not sure if I was going to be able to get the days of anyway. I would be up for some weekend or maybe weekend plus a couple of days trips, if you would like some company.

[Brad]

Absolutely, my trips are almost always posted on here. Unless my fam wants to just get away on our own.

[Java]

Congratulations on the new job!!! :thumb: Congratulations to VW too, good move hiring you! I probably wasn't going to make this trip anyway, my wife says if we're going to spend that much time sitting down (driving) we're doing it on in beach chairs with umbrella drinks.

For sure this year I want to do two things: the Umcompaghre plateau / McGinnis canyons as a trip; and the North Sand Hills combined with State Forest State Park.

[Jeremy]

Shame about not being able to do the big trip, but in the end I may not have been able to go anyway. I'm certainly in for a few weekend trips!

[Brad]

Congratulations on the new job!!! :thumb: Congratulations to VW too, good move hiring you! I probably wasn't going to make this trip anyway, my wife says if we're going to spend that much time sitting down (driving) we're doing it on in beach chairs with umbrella drinks.

For sure this year I want to do two things: the Umcompaghre plateau / McGinnis canyons as a trip; and the North Sand Hills combined with State Forest State Park.

Lets try and plan at least one trip together. How is the trailer build coming? Need help?

[Java]

Absolutely!! :thumb: The trailer is coming along slowly, it's not a priority and we've had a lot of life things come up that want my money first. I've bought 2 Ravine Jeep wheels, 2 33x12.50 Firestone ATs, a large cargo carrier and a light kit. I still need to buy the axle, suspension and steel for the frame. I've decided on the simplest design possible, just a basic flatbed trailer, and my goal is to have it done by the end of April.

[Brad]

Let me know if you need a hand! I available most weekends and evenings.

[Java]

Thanks, I will do that! I need to possibly buy a better welder first, my little HF one has proven to be a great tacker, but that's about it. I want to be able to burn deeper for both the trailer and my tube doors, and I'm actually going to build the trailer frame as a bolt together and back it up with welds, just so I'm not forcing everyone on I-70 to trust my chitty welds. I'm seriously considering tacking everything at home and buying a day a club workshop to finish it...

[Brad]

That's a great idea!