Exploring the back roads of the Grand Canyon, Part II
We woke up and Twin Point and decided to head off and do some exploring. The rain continued and it caused just enough alert in the back of my mind to remember countless times mired in mud with hours of work to get out. I was not looking to add another to the list.
Thankfully even though most of us had migrated to All Terrains over the years, we weren't disappointed. The mud was watery enough to keep from packing in and turning the tires into racing slicks.
Slow, but consistent progress.
Kevin checked the crossing with his muck boots. This crossing dropped off just beyond that point to an unknown depth. We decided to turn around since the mud here was different and slick as snot.
Fender flares have an amazing ability to keep a truck clean. Jon did not have any. :-)
There was even a little fender flare carnage. I guess it wasn't made to have an extra 50lbs in mud hanging onto it.
The preferred method to explore muddy remote terrain. Of course.
The old (new) Mt Trumble Schoolhouse. It was rebuilt by volunteers after the original burnt down.
Taggart was having a blast.
We were all discussing how bad the mud would be on the way down the road from Mt Trumble. We were very happily surprised. It was all rock and sand, no mud.
I love Ocotillo's. They grow in the strangest of places and add a little green to otherwise barren landscape.
Now this was a great fire pit locale!
Hiking down tot he water.
This lava formation was directly beneath the firepit I posted above.
The formation is amazing. Similar to the Devil's post pile in California.
Very cool.
Finally made it down. Actually, it was a pretty quick and easy hike.
Sitting in the river enjoying a brew. All is right in the world. All is numb as well since the water is COLD.
More amazing formations across the river.
Yes, not a bad campsite.
Rock leveled campsite.
The next morning we headed out for higher ground!
Some tourists getting a very nice and very expensive ride to their awaiting rafts.
Yes. Yes, is all I can think of. This picture makes me want to live right here. In this very canyon. Not 30 minutes from the river and in an amazing little valley all it's own.
After a lot of low range climbing along a seldom used road we made it from 2500 up to 6000 feet in elevation.
We decided to head into Fredonia to gas up and head east towards some of the higher elevation, but also more busy parts of the North Rim.
It's a nice transition to be back in the pines!
Once again, not a bad camp.
The next morning we headed to pavement, aired up and started the drive home.
We had to stop at Lee's Ferry. Why, just because it's a great spot.
Some rafters and fisherman heading downriver.
It was another great trip and this one served to remind me that many more trips are "needed" to find all of the good secret spots of the North Rim.
Thankfully even though most of us had migrated to All Terrains over the years, we weren't disappointed. The mud was watery enough to keep from packing in and turning the tires into racing slicks.
Slow, but consistent progress.
Kevin checked the crossing with his muck boots. This crossing dropped off just beyond that point to an unknown depth. We decided to turn around since the mud here was different and slick as snot.
Fender flares have an amazing ability to keep a truck clean. Jon did not have any. :-)
There was even a little fender flare carnage. I guess it wasn't made to have an extra 50lbs in mud hanging onto it.
The preferred method to explore muddy remote terrain. Of course.
The old (new) Mt Trumble Schoolhouse. It was rebuilt by volunteers after the original burnt down.
Taggart was having a blast.
We were all discussing how bad the mud would be on the way down the road from Mt Trumble. We were very happily surprised. It was all rock and sand, no mud.
I love Ocotillo's. They grow in the strangest of places and add a little green to otherwise barren landscape.
Now this was a great fire pit locale!
Hiking down tot he water.
This lava formation was directly beneath the firepit I posted above.
The formation is amazing. Similar to the Devil's post pile in California.
Very cool.
Finally made it down. Actually, it was a pretty quick and easy hike.
Sitting in the river enjoying a brew. All is right in the world. All is numb as well since the water is COLD.
More amazing formations across the river.
Yes, not a bad campsite.
Rock leveled campsite.
The next morning we headed out for higher ground!
Some tourists getting a very nice and very expensive ride to their awaiting rafts.
Yes. Yes, is all I can think of. This picture makes me want to live right here. In this very canyon. Not 30 minutes from the river and in an amazing little valley all it's own.
After a lot of low range climbing along a seldom used road we made it from 2500 up to 6000 feet in elevation.
We decided to head into Fredonia to gas up and head east towards some of the higher elevation, but also more busy parts of the North Rim.
It's a nice transition to be back in the pines!
Once again, not a bad camp.
The next morning we headed to pavement, aired up and started the drive home.
We had to stop at Lee's Ferry. Why, just because it's a great spot.
Some rafters and fisherman heading downriver.
It was another great trip and this one served to remind me that many more trips are "needed" to find all of the good secret spots of the North Rim.
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