The Frankenstein Build! LT/Expo/Trail rig..and BS

I'm gonna drive up to cyclone pass on Shoni lake rd and hike to Mt Arter from there, short hike but awesome views. Probably fish too. Any of you guys are welcome to join!

 

Nope not for me. Going to billing this weekend to get my sister.

Yea maybe. Lander has a few spots I'd have tried it. But I haven't lifted a tire in a long time. Now with the front Lt who knows ha. But I'm sure I'll use it just to use it

Yea probably the only thing I'd have noticed. But ever since I regeared I can really crawl overstuff .

Oh well. I know at some point I'll need it! Especially when I go back to moab and rubi

 

I'll have to look into it. I told myself that this weekend is for wheeling and if nothing happens then I'll go fishing .

 

*sign* i wish i could say the same..

 

No brainer lets do both! I'm sure jax would love a hikin buddy I could use a few fly pointers!

 

Sorry we're planning in you build thread Monte

Went up shoshone today to hike with Jen and jax. Met up with a guy and his family in a jeep on 42's got his number. Really cool guy. He had his wife and three kids plus two dogs in a jeep lol!

 

Hell i don't care haha

Nice! sad to think i won't get to do shoshone this year..Done it every year for 3 years. Hell did it twice last year haha

 

July 10-12 2015

5x5 Goose Lake run.


THis was a small trip up to the Goose lake area above Cooke City with my good buddy Marc @SconnieHailer and a new guy named Tom whom i met through Instagram and ExpeditionPortal.

While we had all originally hoped to leave earlyish Friday afternoon..totally didn't happen. Marc met up with me in Cody around 6pm and we headed for our meeting spot with Tom who wouldn't be there until after midnight due to his wife having to work late.

Of course, sadly, I was not in Frankenstein for this trip. Installing the ARB air locker had really thrown me some fighting punches but lucky for me, i had the coolest Dad in the world. He let me take The FRV. The supercharged 4 door long bed beast of a 2nd gen tacoma. Needless to say, i was a bit out of my element. Driving the trail limo was easy but having 320+hp at my disposal to move the 6000lb beast up and down the mountain was...well...different. But mostly fun. Aside from the horrible gas mileage and paying for premium gas. I'll tell you want, no sure i ever want a scan gauge in my truck. If the FRV get 5.5mpgs going up the mountain...i don't even want to know what Frankenstein is getting..

The lighting was awesome as we drove up over Dead Indian Pass. The ribbon of perfect road going down the hill was awesome. Just repaved it too @m3bassman. Better get the car out here..

Goose Lake 2015.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr
Goose Lake 2015-2.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

Our destination was the Fantan/Sawtooth lake road we had camped on before. However...When we got to the pull out off the Beartooth highway, the gate on it was closed. A sign said that it was not open until July 15th.

This raised two issues:

1) Now we had to find a new place to camp plus some how be able to tell Tom where we where.

2) What if Goose Lake was closed too?

We scrounged up some paper, a sharpie and ductape and wrote Tom a not on the sign hoping he would see it. I then tried to write another note in the dirt with my shovel but failed haha

We then went off and found ourselves a spot, thank goodness for ORV maps!

I then ran back down and updated out note to tell tom where we were and then proceeded to try and get some cell service since The FRV had a cell boost and i could get 4 bars of service. However, nothing would go through...not sure about that @woodnick.

Marc and i stayed up late but having both worked over a full day and all the driving. We hit the sack at around 1 am.


I awoke to the sounds of Marc and Tom chatting while prepping breakfast. They where chatting about tires and i quickly gave my opinion from inside my sleeping bag still

I crawled out and got to see out camp and meet tom.

And yes, he drives a Nissan.

1 (3) by Marc Mayer, on Flickr
Goose Lake 2015-3.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr
Goose Lake 2015-4.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr
Goose Lake 2015-5.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

Not a bad place to wake up too considering we where in the pitch black and had no idea what it looked like. I love doing that. Always a pleasant surprise in the mornings.

After a nice greeting with Tom and his wife plus two dogs, we ate and then headed for Cooke City.

1 (54) by Marc Mayer, on Flickr

We stopped once again at the cool cute style waterfall as the rainfall this summer has been insane in the area so it was on full roar mode.

Goose Lake 2015-6.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr
1 (6) by Marc Mayer, on Flickr
Goose Lake 2015-7.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr
1 (51) by Marc Mayer, on Flickr

We headed to Cooke City where i choked down the fuel price and headed up Darby pass

Goose Lake 2015-8.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr
Goose Lake 2015-9.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

Then headed up to summit Fisher Peak, but The FRV threw a hissy fit. Problem with high performance i guess..threw about 10 codes. So i had to stay behind but Marc and Tom went up. They ended up not driving up there but hiking the wusses though

Goose Lake 2015-10.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr
DSC_3339-Edit-Edit (Custom) by Tommy Newpower, on Flickr
DSC_3343-Edit-Edit (Custom) by Tommy Newpower, on Flickr
DSC_3344-Edit-Edit-Edit (Custom) by Tommy Newpower, on Flickr
DSC_3345-Edit-Edit (Custom) by Tommy Newpower, on Flickr

But eventually FRV got over it and was driving fine and Marc and Tom came back to join me.

Goose Lake 2015-11.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

I love this place

Goose Lake 2015-14.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

We then headed off on my favorite offshoot to summit part of Sheep mountain that overlooks down into Goose Lake Trail. We stopped for lunch on this road.

Goose Lake 2015-15.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

33s-32s-34s haha

1 (1) by Marc Mayer, on Flickr
Goose Lake 2015-16.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

Its worth noting that yes this nissan is low. But it does have a 2'' lift and 32s. Just a lower designed truck i guess. Luckily was never a major issue on this trip. He just got to use his sliders

Goose Lake 2015-17.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr
Goose Lake 2015-18.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

After lunch we continued to the summit.

Goose Lake 2015-19.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr
Goose Lake 2015-20.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr
DSC_3363-Edit-Edit (Custom) by Tommy Newpower, on Flickr
Goose Lake 2015-21.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr
1 (52) by Marc Mayer, on Flickr

This road is kinda cool because there are no switchbacks. Just goes straight up and up and up.

DSC_3369-Edit-Edit (Custom) by Tommy Newpower, on Flickr

Still a cool grave site. RIP whoever you are

1 (49) by Marc Mayer, on Flickr

and then a quick run on my mountain..and BAM

1 (48) by Marc Mayer, on Flickr
Goose Lake 2015-23.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr
Goose Lake 2015-24.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

Lovin it!

Goose Lake 2015-25.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr
DSC_3372-Edit-Edit (Custom) by Tommy Newpower, on Flickr

After spending 10 minutes up here we headed back down to go get on Goose.

Goose Lake 2015-26.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr
Goose Lake 2015-27.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr
Goose Lake 2015-29.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr
Goose Lake 2015-30.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr
1 (43) by Marc Mayer, on Flickr
Goose Lake 2015-33.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr
DSC_3395-Edit-Edit (Custom) by Tommy Newpower, on Flickr

Its worth noting that the weather was very odd on this trip. The storm cells were everywhere, but very localized. We got rained on probably 3 times but only once badly. Still, the amount of water on the trail was amazing. Was super cool.

Big rock in the way left a nice ding in Toms sliders.

Goose Lake 2015-34.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

By now the two ladies wanted to walk so they got out along with the 5 dogs and walked in front of us.

Goose Lake 2015-35.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

This place is always so magical for me. Never had a bad day up here.

Goose Lake 2015-36.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr
Goose Lake 2015-37.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

The rocks where also very fun. Tom did great too, he needed spotted a lot more then we did, but i didn't mind. We were in no rush and i don't ever give up the opportunity to spot a friend around something they aren't comfortable with.

1 (28) by Marc Mayer, on Flickr
Goose Lake 2015-38.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

eventually we made it to...idk i guess the Gatekeeper. Thats what im gonna call it now The biggest obstacle like thing on Goose and its only 1/2 mile from the camp spot. Man, the UTVs and ATVs have really dont a number on this thing.

Goose Lake 2015-39.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

I went first in the FRV

DSC_3406-Edit-Edit (Custom) by Tommy Newpower, on Flickr
DSC_3409-Edit-Edit (Custom) by Tommy Newpower, on Flickr
DSC_3414-Edit-Edit (Custom) by Tommy Newpower, on Flickr

0 problems. Big tires and long wheel base paid off!

But then it rained a bit again and Tom decided he didn't want to risk his truck down it. We had no problems with this since he had a cool ground tent so we got Marcs rig down next.

1 (24) by Marc Mayer, on Flickr
1 (38) by Marc Mayer, on Flickr
1 (22) by Marc Mayer, on Flickr

Dad? WTF was that??

1 (18) by Marc Mayer, on Flickr



Tacomas down! We set off to the camp spot to unload the trucks and come back to get Toms stuff.

But Marc found some snow..

Goose Lake 2015-40.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

After ferrying Toms stuff down, we setup camp and enjoyed one HELL of a sunset.

Goose Lake 2015-41.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr
Goose Lake 2015-42.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr
Goose Lake 2015-43.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

Seriously...love this place

Goose Lake 2015-44.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr
Goose Lake 2015-46.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr
DSC_3434-Edit-Edit (Custom) by Tommy Newpower, on Flickr
1 (36) by Marc Mayer, on Flickr
Goose Lake 2015-47.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

It was a great evening with good food and company. The best part was we realized we had 5 people there, and 5 dogs. the dogs made for a VERY entertaining night. Was quiet the wolf pack we had going on as Marc put it

I was hoping the clouds would clear for star photos but alas, it didn't happen. It cooled off immensely though down below 40º and we eventually all crawled in our cozy tents for an excellent rest.

The next morning we slowly packed up and said out good byes to the gorgeous place.

1 (13) by Marc Mayer, on Flickr
1 (12) by Marc Mayer, on Flickr

This time i alone ferried Tom and his wife and stuff to his truck then came back to get my stuff while Marc and Jen baby sat the dogs.

When i returned i packed up my stuff and this time tail gunned while Marc lead.

While we were climbing a hill that goes along the boulder/scree field i noticed they had left one of the straps loose on their RTT so i raidioed Marc to let him know.

He replied promptly and thanked me. But he must have been doing something else at the same time as he got a tad distracted...and got the passenger side tires off the trail.

"WHOA WHOA WHOA WHOA!!!" i yelled over the CB and thankfully Marc stopped instantly as i know he felt the truck start to slide.

Well.....this isn't familiar to me at all...

Goose Lake 2015-48.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr
Goose Lake 2015-49.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

It wasn't a horrible situation, but wasn't great. Truck could easily slide down and roll with the loose scree rock. The biggest issue was we had nothing in front to winch off of. Luckily Marc spyed a large boulder to use and he wrapped a strap around it. THen ran another strap to get closer to the truck. I got the snatch block out and we ran his winch line back to his slider to keep the ass end of the truck from slipping.

Sadly, i have no photos of any of this. We needed Ben there

All in all, it all worked out and the truck was fine as was Marc, Jen and the puppy Jax.

We packed up the gear and moved up to the big obstacle again. Marc and I had no issues getting up it again.

1 (34) by Marc Mayer, on Flickr
1 (33) by Marc Mayer, on Flickr
https://farm1.staticflickr.com
[url=https://flic.kr/p/v5nj9k][img]https://farm1.staticflickr.com/525/19083770643_050fd18519_h.jpgDSC_3441-Edit-Edit (Custom) by Tommy Newpower, on Flickr
DSC_3446-Edit-Edit (Custom) by Tommy Newpower, on Flickr
[/535/19653056256_cc4bd6c637_h.jpg[/img][/url]1 (10) by Marc Mayer, on Flickr
1 (31) by Marc Mayer, on Flickr
1 (9) by Marc Mayer, on Flickr
DSC_3472-Edit-Edit (Custom) by Tommy Newpower, on Flickr

And we headed down the trail.

Goose Lake 2015-50.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr
1 (30) by Marc Mayer, on Flickr
Goose Lake 2015-51.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr
1 (29) by Marc Mayer, on Flickr
DSC_3479-Edit-Edit (Custom) by Tommy Newpower, on Flickr
DSC_3480-Edit-Edit (Custom) by Tommy Newpower, on Flickr

Group photo

Goose Lake 2015-53.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

At this spot Marc and Tom went right on the easier side. I, having had to take the easier side on the way up due to UTVs, took the hard side. Because....well..duh.

1 (27) by Marc Mayer, on Flickr
DSC_3488-Edit-Edit (Custom) by Tommy Newpower, on Flickr
DSC_3492-Edit-Edit (Custom) by Tommy Newpower, on Flickr
DSC_3501-Edit-Edit (Custom) by Tommy Newpower, on Flickr

Stuffin 34s!

DSC_3508-Edit-Edit (Custom) by Tommy Newpower, on Flickr
DSC_3512-Edit-Edit (Custom) by Tommy Newpower, on Flickr

Then we just putted along, enjoying the view and ride.

1 (25) by Marc Mayer, on Flickr
1 (21) by Marc Mayer, on Flickr
1 (53) by Marc Mayer, on Flickr
Goose Lake 2015-54.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr
Goose Lake 2015-55.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

And we had to let the wolf pack out for a bit to play in the water...well..my labs anyways. Marcs still hasn't really learned to swim

Goose Lake 2015-56.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

We then got out of the trail, headed down Lulu Pass road and aired up just before the highway. We said our goodbyes and headed home, well at least Marc and I did. Tom headed into the park i believe as he had more days off then we did.

Hope you all enjoyed that!

Next write up will be on the ARB install.

 

Nice report

 

...still going through this thread

I like your spring pack. Is that the stock overload leaf at the bottom? I'd like to build something similar.

 

Dang, Flickr photos are blocked on the computer I'm on...

 

Nice photos buddy

Yea you should. All new blacktop on the switch backs. Well that side anyways.

It was super cool up there this time...well...always is..but the weather certainly made some cool situations.

haha there is a LOT

That is my Wheelers Leaf pack and AAL only at the time. They come with the overload spring. Still run it too.

well...that sucks. Come back later!

 

Oh I will!

Haven't read a trip report by you yet that I haven't enjoyed reading

 

Looks like a sweet trip! Like every one you post up haha

 

thanks man i appreciate that. Makes it all the more worth the effort to do them.

haha well..the areas i go too make it hard to not have a good trip

 

I'm jealous of the amount of water you see on these trips. Lots of dust out here hahaha. I need to get out and go camping soon

 

Well..this was not normal for here either really. Its been odd. Super wet summer for us. Which i find super odd because ID and WA and parts of MT are dry dry dry...but we are getting rain almost daily still. Totally not normal.

 

I meant the lakes but rain too. Yeah we've had an unusually wet year. So much rain in a short period that freeways and parts of the city flooded!

Theres actually only 2 natural lakes in AZ. One of them usually dries up over the summer

 

ohhhh...wow. 2?

shit..haha

Tons up here. Little glacier holes everywhere.

 

Yep 2 haha every other one is man made. There are a few good ones but still nothing like what you're posting. Still tons of places to explore