Recent long road trip

[AHTOXA]

A few weeks ago the GF and I returned from a pretty fantastic road trip. We spent most of the time in NM, CO and UT and the trip was centered around hiking, offroading, MTD and camping. The only exception to the camping was a couple of nights in Moab while we (mostly I) were MTBing around there. It was a lot more convenient with a hotel room after heavy days of riding.

So anyhow, I figured I'd throw some shots from that trip here. I still have to sort and edit most of them, but these were first-pass pieces.

At the first campsite, somewhere in the mountains of NM, southeast of ABQ. It was a remote site at about 9k feet.

DSC_6015-2 by anthony zanegin, on Flickr

The views from it were great
DSC_6026 by anthony zanegin, on Flickr

[AHTOXA]

Same site
DSC_6030 by anthony zanegin, on Flickr

On the way to Silverton, CO. Up the mountain passes.
DSC_6063 by anthony zanegin, on Flickr

Of course, the views were great once again.
DSC_6069 by anthony zanegin, on Flickr

[AHTOXA]

DSC_6071 by anthony zanegin, on Flickr


Outside of Silverton we hiked the Ice Lakes trail. It's a strenuous high-elevation trail, peaking at a little over 12k feet. The hike was rough, but there were cool views. Found an abandoned small mine up there, too, but haven't got those pics processed yet.

Before we started the hike
DSC_6075 by anthony zanegin, on Flickr


Debby checking out the falls early on in the hike.
DSC_6099 by anthony zanegin, on Flickr

[AHTOXA]

Movin' on up!
DSC_6109 by anthony zanegin, on Flickr

Jacky boy enjoying it just as much as we were. The end of the treeline is getting closer.
DSC_6126 by anthony zanegin, on Flickr

Debby during the hike
DSC_6160 by anthony zanegin, on Flickr

[AHTOXA]

Campsite at the base of the mountains we hiked to the Ice Lakes trail. It was rather chilly that night at around 25, but so, so beautiful, quite and serene.
DSC_6175 by anthony zanegin, on Flickr

Next day, outside of Ouray, I took the truck up Yankee Buy Basin. It's not really a hard core wheeling trail, but it was fun. Spots were snow-covered still and the weather was fantastic. Truck had no issues getting through, obviously.
DSC_6192 by anthony zanegin, on Flickr

The real offroading would have been here - Imogene pass. I didn't dare take it.
DSC_6204 by anthony zanegin, on Flickr

[AHTOXA]

Just a slab
DSC_6217 by anthony zanegin, on Flickr

Around Gemini Bridges in Moab.
DSC_6246 by anthony zanegin, on Flickr


I've got plenty more pics, especially of Moab and MTB and I might throw those up later.

[AHTOXA]

A few overall trip notes.

The truck did a fantastic job. I've asked it to wheel at high elevation at around 10k feet. I've asked it to tackle paved passes at around 11k feet and it handled everything with aplomb. With all of the gear, supplies, water, bikes, racks and all that shit I ballpark somewhere around 500lbs in the bed. Not a lot of weight for a half ton, of course, but none the less.

After a few hundred miles bouncing off road, there are still no creaks or squeaks or rattles - solid and quiet as it should be. Although I must say that the offroad shocks that are factory-supplied with the FX4 package aren't really all that great. I'm sure they are marginally better than regular 4WD shocks they use, but the key word here is marginally. I'd like to see a set of Bilsteins under there at some point.

But as for the trip - it was fantastic. I wish I didn't have to return home so soon - would have loved to spend a few weeks out in the mountains. The weather was very, very good, there were hardly any people at the sites yet given the chilly temps up at elevation, so it was quiet overall.

The amount of country that we have to explore is amazing. I knew what I was heading into, but the experience has left me humbled and awed.

[potownrob]

A LOT OF COLOR FRINGING AND OTHER ABBERATIONS. PLEASE RE-EDIT AND RESUBMIT PHOTOS. all kidding aside, beautiful pics and looks like you had a great time. weird seeing desert/desertish mountains like that. look forward to SS meat '18/'19

[watkins]

I'd like to see a set of Bilsteins under there at some point.

Mmmmmm Bilsteins


That looks like it was a blast. Some day Id love the opportunity to spend some time exploring like that, but Amanda and I lack time to take off, and theres really not much around here that isnt repetitive scenery.

[AHTOXA]

I'd like to see a set of Bilsteins under there at some point.

Mmmmmm Bilsteins


That looks like it was a blast. Some day Id love the opportunity to spend some time exploring like that, but Amanda and I lack time to take off, and theres really not much around here that isnt repetitive scenery.

This might sound corny, but make time now to do stuff you want. Don't wait. There will never be a good time. There will always be some reason why it's not the best time.

[watkins]

If only it were that simple. Due to Amanda technically being a teacher and being employed in a school district, she doesnt get vacation time aside from the school breaks. This includes the summer, because of the program she runs. Unless she calls out sick each day we're gone it doesnt work out so well.

Thats not to say that we dont do anything. Aside from last year, we make a point of taking a tropical break every February vacation and make several long weekend trips around New England.

[potownrob]

seriously considering going to TCL northeast meat up in NH in the end of July. ever been to one of those shindigs, watkins??

[potownrob]

seriously considering going to TCL northeast meat up in NH in the end of July. ever been to one of those shindigs, watkins??

this event never happened, btw, and we didn't even have covid to blame for it. eye forget the details, not that anyone cares, but eye believe a bunch of people backed out at the last minute. eye was pissed, but what can you do...

[SamuelRichards]

The photos are just awesome, inspired by your trip, I look forward to the warmth to go on a trip, I really love the mountains, forest and camping in tents and while good weather has not yet waited there is time to play free online games on a modern gaming site https://kevin.games/ where a large selection of free online games is presented, the gaming library consists of both your favorite hits and less popular ones.

[potownrob]

The photos are just awesome, inspired by your trip, I look forward to the warmth to go on a trip, I really love the mountains, forest and camping in tents.

ewe wood off inn joyed the WV SS meats back inn the day