The DeTour Trip Report-As told by Blackdawg

I think a better name would be skull arch.

2017-09-28 - 00025 - The De-Tour - Day 12 by turbodb, on Flickr

 

I’m biased because I grew up in that area... but the desert when it rains is one of the best things ever.

 

I was showing my co-worker that it looks like a skull

 

Man I still see the hole as the eye and it throws off the skull look for me. Though I thought of that too for a bit. Idk. Still cool.

So long as it doesn't rain too much! Its like that where Im from too which is also a high alpine desert. Just different. Can watch like 5 cells all around you moving and be sunny where you're standing haha

 

Moab is such a great place, can't wait to get back there. One day I'll run the Kokopelli too.

The view coming down the Kokopelli at Dewey bridge was interesting. I didn't know it came down that way, pretty decent view from that campsite we stayed at from above there.

Instead of doing my own trip reports, I just spend my time reading yours... Looking forward to the next chapter!

 

Yeah I love that spot. Its fun to drive too. You will have to do it next time on your way into moab perhaps and Dolores on the way out!

 

Absolutely beautiful land. Hope I get a chance to explore it for myself.

Thank you so much for sharing your travels with us.

 

Thanks for reading! Always fun to share with others.

 

Very enjoyable.
The canyon tight spots and Castle Valley are so cool.
Are those Dinosaur tracks real, or a strange formation?
The Moab idler pulleys are awesomeness as well!
Congratulations on a better success rate than before the De-Tour!

 

Oh yes very real!

So far it's been much better than the first part haha it only gets better too.

 

If I bump this thread, will it get better sooner?

 

No.

Leaving with you for two weeks.

You'll have to wait like everyone else.

 

Chapter 12: One site to Rule them ALL​

The night wasn’t bad all things considered. It was weird to be able to hear traffic from the highway down below. But still slept good. However, we were parked close to the road and lots of traffic picked up on it. It was a popular destination and lead to a lot of other trails as well so that was to be expected. Most of us tried to ignore the traffic. Dan however was up and taking in the morning sun before us all again watching some of the traffic drive by.


2017-09-29 - 00001 - The De-Tour - Day 13 by Dan, on Flickr

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The spot almost looks nice from that angle. But don’t let it fool you, this was just below..


The DeTour-2.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


We all rose and set about packing up as well as airing down again for the trails of the day. It had been pretty bumpy coming in last night.


The DeTour.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

2017-09-29 - 00005 - The De-Tour - Day 13 by Dan, on Flickr

2017-09-29 - 00006 - The De-Tour - Day 13 by Dan, on Flickr


We then stood and watch a small group of stock looking Jeeps pass by us. They started to struggle at one point in the road. One made it through and kept going and the other two decided to turn back.


2017-09-29 - 00007 - The De-Tour - Day 13 by Dan, on Flickr


“BOB!....BOOOOOBBBB!!!” screamed one of the ladies. “WE’RE TURNING BACK!!....BOOOBBBB!!”


Got a kick out of that. Soon they just left and ole Bob kept on truckin!


Inspired by Bob we took off after him preferring the road less traveled ourselves.


2017-09-29 - 00008 - The De-Tour - Day 13 by Dan, on Flickr

IMG_4073 by mike digirat, on Flickr

The DeTour-3.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

2017-09-29 - 00009 - The De-Tour - Day 13 by Dan, on Flickr

IMG_4075 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_4076 by mike digirat, on Flickr


Soon I’d caught up with Bob who gladly pulled over to let us by.


“Hey your group turned around back there” I mentioned to him thinking perhaps he hadn’t heard the screaming lady. He was an older gentleman after all..


“Oh yeah, they just think its too bumpy. But not me! Im going all the way there!” He said with a huge smile on his face.


Hell yeah man. Living retirement out the right way.


He let us by and soon we were done with the climb and in another valley of a canyon on top of the bute.


IMG_4078 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_4079 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_4081 by mike digirat, on Flickr

2017-09-29 - 00010 - The De-Tour - Day 13 by Dan, on Flickr

The DeTour-4.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

The DeTour-5.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

The DeTour-6.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

The DeTour-7.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


Mike very much enjoys its not raining but sunny!


The DeTour-8.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

The DeTour-9.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


I mean we all were. The light was great and it was hard to not stop and take photos of the orange cliffs.


The DeTour-10.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

The DeTour-11.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

2017-09-29 - 00012 - The De-Tour - Day 13 by Dan, on Flickr

2017-09-29 - 00013 - The De-Tour - Day 13 by Dan, on Flickr

The DeTour-12.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

IMG_4082 by mike digirat, on Flickr

2017-09-29 - 00014 - The De-Tour - Day 13 by Dan, on Flickr

The DeTour-13.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


At this point I let Devin take the helm to drive the rest of the way to the Bridges.


2017-09-29 - 00016 - The De-Tour - Day 13 by Dan, on Flickr

2017-09-29 - 00017 - The De-Tour - Day 13 by Dan, on Flickr

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IMG_4086 by mike digirat, on Flickr


Now out of the canyon though small, we were on the butte again and it was a short drive to Gemini.


The DeTour-14.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

2017-09-29 - 00019 - The De-Tour - Day 13 by Dan, on Flickr

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It was a popular spot though and traffic was picking up. Plenty of UTVs around.


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And what I think anyone who owns a jeep would be embarrassed to also call this a...jeep..


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But hey, its not the vehicle that gets you there but that your there!


It’s a short walk to the bridges and we didn’t mind the short walk to get there in the lovely sun. Thankfully it wasn’t that hot either.


The DeTour-15.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

The DeTour-16.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


The bridge itself is cool. More like a big ass hole in the ground and a bridge. We really had fun walking around it.


IMG_4089 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_4091 by mike digirat, on Flickr

The DeTour-17.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

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IMG_4092 by mike digirat, on Flickr


Never know what you’re actually standing on out in Utah. Sometimes, its not much to nothing!


The DeTour-18.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

The DeTour-24.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

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This is the bridge. Or so it seems.


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Its actually two!


The DeTour-19.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

The view of Bull canyon is also well worth it.


IMG_4096 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_4099 by mike digirat, on Flickr

The DeTour-20.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

IMG_4103 by mike digirat, on Flickr


The bridge is quite large though! And looks right in place.


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The DeTour-21.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

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The DeTour-22.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

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It was a great place to take in the view.


The DeTour-23.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

IMG_4105 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_4106 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_4109 by mike digirat, on Flickr

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Gotta work it to get that shot!


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2017-09-29 - 00031 - The De-Tour - Day 13 by Dan, on Flickr

The DeTour-25.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


You used to be able to drive out here and on the bridges. Not sure what happened, but nothing good.


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Used to be able to repel down into the hole and walk out under the bridges. Anchor bolts were all over. But they had closed it down as well for restoration.


We turned back and walked back to the trucks to head down. Traffic was really busilling now.


IMG_4110 by mike digirat, on Flickr

The DeTour-26.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


We passed a lot of people heading to the bridges on the way out. Including old man Bob! Still goin along in his jeep!


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Was stoked to be past the bumpy stuff and headed to the Bridges without his friends. Drive on Bob!


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A few people in vehicles as we passed asked us how much further and the road conditions. Even an Australian which was cool! Dude drove a long ways to get here.


The DeTour-27.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

2017-09-29 - 00035 - The De-Tour - Day 13 by Dan, on Flickr

IMG_4113 by mike digirat, on Flickr


Even though we had just come through here, the light is always different and the photos never stop.


The DeTour-28.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

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IMG_4114 by mike digirat, on Flickr

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The DeTour-29.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

IMG_4115 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_4118 by mike digirat, on Flickr


Soon we were back on the cliffs headed down to the highway. Arches Park just on the horizon.


IMG_4117 by mike digirat, on Flickr
The DeTour-30.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

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The DeTour-31.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

The DeTour-32.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

The DeTour-33.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


We then got back on the highway and headed back into Moab to get gas. While we were there, I asked if we wanted to grab some food?


“Sure why not” was the consensus. So we pulled into the BBQ joint the Blu Pig and ate lunch. It was very tastey and Id recommend it. Mike surprised us all last minute by paying the bill too. Thanks buddy!


It was now pretty late in the afternoon and we hit the road going back towards Dewey Bridge. We of course stopped to take in the beautiful day.


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The DeTour-34.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

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IMG_4118 by mike digirat, on Flickr


Okay so we didn’t stop by choice per say..


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The DeTour-35.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


New highway is always nice though..


The DeTour-36.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


We weren’t exactly here for that though..


Thankfully it was time for them to all go home. Chatted lightly with the flagging crew as their equipment rolled by and the last of the pilot car traffic did before going on our way.


We wasted no time and started right back up the same trail we had just come down the day before. It was much more fun for us though going up than down!


The DeTour-37.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

The DeTour-39.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

IMG_4121 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_4123 by mike digirat, on Flickr


Dan had a blast during this spot having to pick a line on 31s. Of course the trail wasn’t that bad and he had no problems. But it was still a really fun time!


2017-09-29 - 00045 - The De-Tour - Day 13 by Dan, on Flickr


The light was great and the views also very nice. We were back in the dirt away from people, exactly what we had come here for.


The DeTour-38.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

The DeTour-40.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

The DeTour-41.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

The DeTour-42.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

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The DeTour-43.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


I still think this little section of trail is one of the coolest little spots. Sure its not hard. But it is fun twisty and flexy. Plus the rocks are very pretty.


The DeTour-44.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

The DeTour-45.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

The DeTour-46.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

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The DeTour-47.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

The DeTour-48.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

The DeTour-49.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


We now turned off the road we had come in on and headed out what looked like towards the edge of the earth. Of course it wasn’t by a long shot. But now we were in new territory!


The DeTour-50.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

The DeTour-51.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

The DeTour-52.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

 

And it didn’t take long before we found ourselves on a steep downhill. None of the ledges were super big though after a quick walk down and the wash was damp but not muddy. Onward and downward!


The DeTour-53.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

The DeTour-54.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

The DeTour-55.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

The DeTour-56.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

IMG_4127 by mike digirat, on Flickr

The DeTour-57.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

The DeTour-58.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

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IMG_4128 by mike digirat, on Flickr

The DeTour-59.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

IMG_4130 by mike digirat, on Flickr

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IMG_4133 by mike digirat, on Flickr


Easy money. Would be more fun going up, but slick rock is very grippy so that helps a lot.


Mike decended next will no problems.


The DeTour-60.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

The DeTour-61.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

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The DeTour-62.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

The DeTour-63.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

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The DeTour-64.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

The DeTour-65.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

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The DeTour-66.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


Dan was next on the 31s, which so far haven’t been an issue.


The DeTour-67.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

IMG_4134 by mike digirat, on Flickr

The DeTour-68.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

The DeTour-69.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

The DeTour-70.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

IMG_4136 by mike digirat, on Flickr

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And still weren’t! We continued on the track winding through the desert.


The DeTour-71.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

IMG_4141 by mike digirat, on Flickr


Of course then Dan decided to leave his mark..


Coming down this a loud metal on rock sound rang out.


The DeTour-72.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

The DeTour-73.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


Was only the reciever though. Good gouge though!


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From there the road mellowed out a bit and we picked up some speed.


The DeTour-74.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

The DeTour-75.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

IMG_4144 by mike digirat, on Flickr

The DeTour-76.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


The track I had downloaded took us all around the place criss crossing roads all over. I think this was supposed to be a overlook..


The DeTour-77.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

The DeTour-78.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


The mountains looked cold. Something we did not want.


The DeTour-79.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


We even got a bit lost at one point and couldn’t find the turn off the track had pointed us at. Be we soon were back on the trail pointed in the right direction to Dome Plateau


The DeTour-80.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

The DeTour-81.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

The DeTour-82.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


We got to another steep drop off and I went off it normal as can be. But heard a metal on rock ding soon as i dropped off.


I didn’t have a belly pan skid so that was curious to hear..


IMG_4149 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_4150 by mike digirat, on Flickr


I popped out to look at what I’d hit hoping it wasn’t the driveshaft. It wasn’t, Id actually managed to ding the so called “skid” for the tcase.


The DeTour-87.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


well..I guess it did its job..sort of.


“Tagged the tcase there, watch your line!” I informed Dan and Mike over the radio..was pointless though as they both had belly skids. Still they swung a bit wider than I did to avoid too much contact.


The DeTour-83.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

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The DeTour-84.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

IMG_4151 by mike digirat, on Flickr

The DeTour-85.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

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Its was not getting late and the road was long. Camp was calling our names, the La Sal Mountains looking ever closer.


The DeTour-86.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

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IMG_4158 by mike digirat, on Flickr

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The road twisted and turn and constantly had washes to cross.


The DeTour-88.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

The DeTour-89.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

The DeTour-90.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

The DeTour-91.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

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2017-09-29 - 00060 - The De-Tour - Day 13 by Dan, on Flickr



One thing was certain, the desert crust up here was doing stellar. I don’t think I’ve ever seen it so tall and thick.


The DeTour-92.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

IMG_4164 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_4167 by mike digirat, on Flickr

The DeTour-93.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


Pretty weird brain like looking stuff.


The DeTour-94.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


The trail finally climbed the last hill up and I broke out to one hell of a view.


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“Holy crap you guys are going to love this!” I said over the radioed as Mike and Dan caught up.


Can’t think of many that wouldn’t..


The DeTour-95.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

The DeTour-96.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


They did. A lot.


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IMG_4169 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_4170 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_4171x by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_4173 by mike digirat, on Flickr


It even had a pretty cool fire pit.


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IMG_4174 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_4176 by mike digirat, on Flickr


Mike and Dan were ready to setup shop. But I could see that on the gps track I had that just a bit further was another what looked like an overlook.


I wanted to go check it up. So Mike and Dan both stayed behind to make sure we had a place if this one didn’t have camping or other people or something. I set off and quickly hit a fence and followed it to the cliff edge again.


Oh...My...God.


The DeTour-97.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

The DeTour-98.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

The DeTour-99.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


And then it got better, a short twisty rocky road and we were at the edge.


The DeTour-100.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

The DeTour-101.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


The view was incredible. The site was flat. Fire ring. No one around.


“Guys, get over here right now.” I told Mike and Dan.


“Is it reaallly better?” Mike asked.


“Just get your ass over here”


Mike and Dan made their way over here and I kept just pacing around snapping photos saying “oh my god” till there got near.


The DeTour-103.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

The DeTour-104.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


“Holy shit” I heard mike over the CB as they broke over the hill.


Yeah. It was better. We had gone from pan and scan tv to full widescreen.


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IMG_4177 by mike digirat, on Flickr

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I was smitten. I just couldn’t stop looking at it all.


IMG_4181 by mike digirat, on Flickr

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“This is awesome” said Mike


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We setup up camp and Dan and I just had to park as close to the edge as possible. I mean look at this bedroom view of Dan’s


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The DeTour-105.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

The DeTour-106.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

The DeTour-107.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

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The DeTour-109.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

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Mike wasn’t as adventurous and parked closer to the camp ring.


The DeTour-108.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


Can’t really blame him. Just don’t step too far back from the kitchen haha


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The DeTour-113.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


We were in photo heaven and could not stop as it only got better as the light faded away and brought out the many colors of Utah’s landscape.


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This is the best spot ever.


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IMG_4201 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_4202 by mike digirat, on Flickr

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IMG_4211 by mike digirat, on Flickr

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IMG_4224 by mike digirat, on Flickr



Worlds best shitter? Yes? I think so?


The DeTour-114.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

The DeTour-115.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

IMG_4207 by mike digirat, on Flickr


Soon dust was near and the moon was starting to pop out.


The DeTour-115.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

The DeTour-116.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

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IMG_4208 by mike digirat, on Flickr

The DeTour-117.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

2017-09-29 - 00086 - The De-Tour - Day 13 by Dan, on Flickr

IMG_4225 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_4226 by mike digirat, on Flickr

2017-09-29 - 00087 - The De-Tour - Day 13 by Dan, on Flickr

IMG_4228 by mike digirat, on Flickr


Then the light go really good.


2017-09-29 - 00088 - The De-Tour - Day 13 by Dan, on Flickr

The DeTour-118.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

IMG_4230 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_4231 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_4234 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_4235 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_4237 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_4233x by mike digirat, on Flickr

The DeTour-119.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

The DeTour-120.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


When the sun finally set. It was then the Moons turn to light up the valley.


The DeTour-121.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

IMG_4238 by mike digirat, on Flickr

The DeTour-122.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


As the light faded away finally to nothing. We all just sat around the fire completely satisfied with the day and the best campsite I think any of us had ever been too.


The DeTour-123.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


Dome Plateau had not disappointed us. We knew that tomorrow was going to be our last full day of adventure too. This place seemed like a great pinnacle moment. We knew our time together and time away from the complexities of normal life was coming to a close.


But quite frankly, we didn’t much give a damn as we enjoyed the view of the night and each other's company.


The DeTour.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

To be Continued:

Chapter 13: Full circle

Enjoying the De-Tour story? There's more - @turbodb also wrote up a version. Check out his version of this chapter here: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...d-and-adventures.484602/page-66#post-18986654

Read the full story:
As told by @turbodb: [Chapter 1] [Chapter 2] [Chapter 3] [Chapter 4] [Chapter 5] [Chapter 6] [Chapter 7] [Chapter 8] [Chapter 9] [Chapter 10] [Chapter 11] [Chapter 12] [Chapter 13]

As told by @Blackdawg: [Chapter 1] [Chapter 2] [Chapter 3] [Chapter 4] [Chapter 5] [Chapter 6] [Chapter 7] [Chapter 8] [Chapter 9] [Chapter 10] [Chapter 11] [Chapter 12] [Chapter 13]​

 

Welcome back. I've been patiently waiting to continue on with your story, and definitely was not disappointed. That campsite looked amazing.

 

So good. Love your version of the day. Definitely a special one!

 

haha thanks for hangin in there. Been a busy month or so. Most of it spent offroading. So fear not. 3 weeks of more of this in the works.

I still think its one of the best campsites ever period. Only thing that would make it 100% perfect is if the highway wasn't there.

Thanks man. It was a super good one. I loved your details though.

 

Another awesome chapter!!