The DeTour Trip Report-As told by Blackdawg

Chapter 2: Out of the fire, into the frozen pan

​

We awoke the next morning after a fairly peaceful nice of drizzling rain, the sun…



Didn’t break. But at least the rain had stopped.


2017-09-19 - 00001 - The De-Tour - Day 03 by Dan , on Flickr


Temperatures were low though and we reluctantly went about packing up our wet gear.


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Around the time I seemed to have finished it started to drizzle again. Which turned to rain.


2017-09-19 - 00003 - The De-Tour - Day 03 by Dan , on Flickr


Which turned to snow quickly.


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

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

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

2017-09-19 - 00008 - The De-Tour - Day 03 by Dan , on Flickr


Needless to say, we all quickly got our shit together and got the hell out of there and all pitched in to help Mike stuff his tent into the tarp after which we hit the road to get out of the canyon. We made it to Roscoe to stop and air up the tires.


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

2017-09-19 - 00009 - The De-Tour - Day 03 by Dan , on Flickr


From here we continued with our plan to go to Red Lodge to eat lunch and where we had hoped to take the Beartooth Highway to Cooke City. But that wasn’t looking good. Either way, we jumped on highway 78 to Red lodge to get lunch and I hoped also a new battery.


But first. Lunch!


2017-09-19 - 00010 - The De-Tour - Day 03 by Dan , on Flickr


We ate some lovely tacos at Mas Taco before splitting up to find things we needed. Me to Napa to look for a battery, Mike to find Propane for the fire pite and gas for everyone else.


I pulled into Napa and went inside and asked for a yellowtop battery.


“Sorry we don’t have one, looks like the nearest ones are in Columbus or Powell” the clerk informed me.


Damn.


We had just gone through Columbus yesterday and going to Powell wasn’t really in cards...or was it?


The incoming storm that the weather man had been warning us about in the week prior to the trip was becoming relaity. They had Closed the highway due to snow fall. Which meant the only way to get to Cooke City was over Chief Joseph in Wyoming.


And Powell was on the way.


After telling the guys on the CB what was going on, Mike said,


“Well, looks like we are going to Powell.”


Everyone agreed we should just go there as some other odds and ends needed done. So off we went.


Not without some nice stops on the way. As we came over the pass out of Red Lodge the view was too good to pass up and we stopped off the highway to take it in the ominous clouds covering the mountains well.


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

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

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

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

2017-09-19 - 00011 - The De-Tour - Day 03 by Dan , on Flickr

IMG_3298 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_3300 by mike digirat, on Flickr


Few poser shots always necessary for the pavement pounding overlander group we are


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

DeTour.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

IMG_3304 by mike digirat, on Flickr


Next down the road I told the guys of another cool stop just a few miles down the road,


“There is a cool old mine down the road too. Some kind of explosion happened years ago, think like 7 people died”


Well, I was right...and very wrong.


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

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


70 people died. Not 7.


While you can’t go explore the mine as its closed its still a big mine and very cool to look at.


IMG_3312 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_3313 by mike digirat, on Flickr

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

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

2017-09-19 - 00014 - The De-Tour - Day 03 by Dan , on Flickr

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

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We did not linger too long though with plenty else to do in the day and jumped back in the trucks to get to Powell.


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


After a journey through the desert we arrived in Powell and Lead the group to the parents place where they all popped open the tents to let them dry out from the night before. Igor my trusty DD amoug them.


IMG_3314 by mike digirat, on Flickr

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IMG_3318 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_3319 by mike digirat, on Flickr


Tacos hiding everywhere..


IMG_3320 by mike digirat, on Flickr


Mike set about making a hole bigger on his swingout and Zane went about fixing his tail lights.


2017-09-19 - 00018 - The De-Tour - Day 03 by Dan , on Flickr

2017-09-19 - 00019 - The De-Tour - Day 03 by Dan , on Flickr


In this time, I had returned $200 lighter and setup in the back with the tent open and got to work swapping out the battery.


IMG_3321 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_3322 by mike digirat, on Flickr

2017-09-19 - 00017 - The De-Tour - Day 03 by Dan , on Flickr

IMG_3328 by mike digirat, on Flickr


Mike took an interest in Frank’s fenders while poking around.


IMG_3324 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_3323 by mike digirat, on Flickr


My dad was out of town at work for the time being, but to the evidence was clear that he was THE Ham radio guy.


IMG_3329 by mike digirat, on Flickr


Our chores done, we now had to decided what to do next. You see, originally we were supposed to be camping north of Cooke City where our friend Ben would be rolling in very late at night to join us. He wouldn’t get off work until 4-5pm and had to drive from ID. I didn’t want to believe it was snowing yet and so we packed up the tents again to set off.


Not before one of the neighbors came out and started chatting us up a storm about...I don’t even remember. But a long time.


Finally we left though and headed West to Chief Joseph Highway.


“Dang, that looks super ominous” sad Dan


“Kind of hard to believe we are going into that” I replied.


The mountains were covered in big dark clouds. But up we went.


Once at the top of Dead Indian pass however, we were pleasantly surprised that no snow had fallen and it didn’t look like any snow had fallen in the valleys below.


IMG_3336 by mike digirat, on Flickr

2017-09-19 - 00020 - The De-Tour - Day 03 by Dan , on Flickr

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

IMG_3332 by mike digirat, on Flickr

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IMG_3335 by mike digirat, on Flickr


However, far of up Sun light Basin, another destination of ours, just a hint of snow. Damn.


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


Far to the north where we were headed, there was definitely snow


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


Dead Indian pass is named after a rumored dead indian scout during the Nez Pierce’s flee.


2017-09-19 - 00023 - The De-Tour - Day 03 by Dan , on Flickr


However, the wind was howling and cold. So we did not linger long. We decided that we would go to Cooke City to see what the snow levels were like before bailing on camping there.


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

2017-09-19 - 00024 - The De-Tour - Day 03 by Dan , on Flickr


Needless to say, it was wishful thinking. There was several inches of snow down at Cooke City. Not looking good.

We decided to check the weather before totally giving up on camping there. Which was easier said than done as there was no cell service.


There was however free wifi at the chamber of commerce however. We just needed the password. After peering into the windows I thought I could just make out the sign on the desk for the password. I thought I could make out the words..but when I tried what I thought it was, “lamavalley”, and it didn’t work. I had to come up with another way.


I jumped out and grabbed the camera and zoomed in and used manual focus due to the low light and too a photo.


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


But using the built in zoom on the camera to zoom on the sign, it is obvious that it was lamarvalley.





Of course it was. The North East entrance to Yellowstone was just down the road and goes right through Lamar Valley. Should have known.


Either way! I logged in and sent Ben an Email to Ben telling him we would be camping in Sun light. I also checked the weather and it didn’t look good either with just more snow on the way. Amazingly, Ben responded quickly before we left the WiFi and acknowledged the change in plan. I looked up the weather too..up to 12’’ overnight with more falling all week. Damn.


Still, I refused to give in to Mother Nature and said,


“Lets go check out the trail head!” trying to sound optimistic thinking maybe we could do an in and out trip tomorrow.


It was obvious that everyone else knew it wasn’t going to happen...but they let me live out my dream and went up to the trailhead with me.


The road was not in good shape.


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

2017-09-19 - 00026 - The De-Tour - Day 03 by Dan , on Flickr

IMG_3337 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_3339 by mike digirat, on Flickr


Made for some cool photos though.


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


Didn’t take long to find the trailhead. But was obvious no one had been down it recently unlike the main road.


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

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


But was only about 4-6’’.


“We could do it!” I said


There was a resounding no from everyone else though. So once again, we were turned back from going where we wanted. And headed back to the highway to go to Sunlight Valley.


The clouds made for some very mysterious views. Winter was here, already.


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

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

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

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


Alas we hit the highway again to turn around and go to Sunlight Basin. By the time we got there the sun light (ha!) was fading fast. The dirt road was smooth though and easy going and as we made our way through the private land and the peaks showed themselves in their glory.


IMG_3342 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_3343 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_3344 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_3345 by mike digirat, on Flickr

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IMG_3347 by mike digirat, on Flickr

2017-09-19 - 00029 - The De-Tour - Day 03 by Dan , on Flickr

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



With the light fading fast we were desperate to get to camp.


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


Thankfully, I’d prerun this area before hand and knew the first place we could camp and it was the same place Id refered Ben too. Just had to hope that no one else was In the spot..


There was. But only in the upper area. The lower area had plenty of room for all of us plus Ben when ever he happened to make his way there.


We pulled in, setup tents and all started making dinner. I got the fire going and we all started making our way to it with our nice dinner. Sadly there was about 3’’ of snow here too. Hopefully it wouldn’t snow more..


Wishful thinking with the storm that was in the area..it started to snow.


Meh, so what. Right?


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


Then it REALLY started to snow.


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

2017-09-19 - 00031 - The De-Tour - Day 03 by Dan , on Flickr


It started coming down so hard that I couldn’t even keep the fire going. We all abandoned hope and huddled under out tents awnings to eat. In about 30 mins it dumped around 4’’. It then lightened up a bit but still came down a slower rate.


I was a little worried Ben wouldn’t find us as I had told him the turn off was only 200 yards past the large Trailhead parking lot. It was closer to a half mile though.


I walked up to the main road and with a shovel drew a few arrows and wrote a message in the dirt hoping he would see it. Mike left his APRS running as well hoping Ben would pick up the packets after coming down the pass.


With nothing else to do..I broke out the extend a broom to everyone to allow us to sweep off the 4’’ of heavy wet snow, and we hit the sack.






Around 2am, Ben’s LED bro bar blasted through the trees and the rubble of exhaust woke us up.


Mike was first out the tent to greet him followed by me.


“200 yards my ass!” he exclaimed with a grin.


“Sorry! Did you see my sign in the road?” I asked.


Of course he hadn't. It had snowed 3’’ or so since then. Ben had had a long drive to get here too as he had planned originally to drive through Yellowstone, only to get into Yellowstone and find all the roads closed. So he had to backtrack swing up north and all the way around the mountains and up the route we had come instead. Exhausted, and it being late and freezing, we didn’t mingle long and went back to bed.


Our plans in tatters, I can’t say I was upset though. We were out in the muck and in the mountains. We were going to have fun one way or another. Snow or not.

To be Continued…

Chapter 3: Everything is Finnneee!



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...-turbodb-september-2017.562116/#post-18416698

or, check out the full story with these links:

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]​

​

 

@turbodb

Im moving the post so you'll have to update your links. Sorry..

 

Yeah I try to do that plus loading time is much better as theres a lot of photos.

 

Yeah that was a crazy night. Between you and Derp finding us. It was a miricale in its own way haha

 

Great story so far! Can't wait to see the rest of it. You guys always have the best adventures.

 

This one was a fun one. One of the best I think. We have a long ways to go too.

 

Plus we need more people making posts

 

Then i don't have to do this

 

Which is lame.

 

But gotta make it happen.

 

to the next page

 

Don't post past 40..

 

Padding the post count

 

3

 

2

 

1

 

Chapter 3: Everything is Finnnnneee!​

The next morning we crawled out of bed to more snow. But the sun was slightly peaking out so it made for a pretty morning.


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

IMG_0003 by Benjamin Springli, on Flickr

IMG_0004 by Benjamin Springli, on Flickr

2017-09-20 - 00002 - The De-Tour - Day 04 by Dan , on Flickr

2017-09-20 - 00003 - The De-Tour - Day 04 by Dan , on Flickr


We passed around the sweeper broom again to get the snow off the tents before stuffing them up cold and damp. Ben quick to point out how nice it was to have a hard shell tent to avoid that.


2017-09-20 - 00001 - The De-Tour - Day 04 by Dan , on Flickr

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IMG_0007 by Benjamin Springli, on Flickr



We all gathered around to talk about our plan of action. I mentioned that Sunlight is very pretty and worth the drive. I knew we wouldn’t be able to make it up to the pass but the lower part was still nice and the clouds seemed to be breaking up.


Already here, everyone agreed to drive the lower part of Sunlight and then head out to the Pryors next.


The sunlight didn’t last though, it was over cast quickly. But still very pretty out in the cold fresh air.


DeTour-29.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr
DeTour-30.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

IMG_3349 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_3350 by mike digirat, on Flickr


The road was actually pretty clear as there had been traffic already on it. In fact it was a tad muddy.


2017-09-20 - 00009 - The De-Tour - Day 04 by Dan , on Flickr


Venice, Ben’s dog, found that out the hard way..


IMG_0013 by Benjamin Springli, on Flickr

IMG_0014 by Benjamin Springli, on Flickr


It didn’t take us long on the fairly smooth road to get to the wash out that had happened the year before. The road just disapears into the creek but is still there on the other side.


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

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

IMG_0016 by Benjamin Springli, on Flickr


Not a big deal though. I waited for everyone else to catch up so they would know where to go.


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

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

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

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

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

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


Everyone assembled, I lead the way to the bind corner up the creek.


IMG_0018 by Benjamin Springli, on Flickr

IMG_0020 by Benjamin Springli, on Flickr


Hardly an obstacle with the water level so low. But always fun to drive through a section of creek.


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

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

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

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


That was the fun part of this road though, there were many creek crossings. Some not to be messed with during the early spring, but we didn’t have that issue. Though in some ways I wished it was spring as it would at least be warmer.


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


The early heavy snowfall had caught many a young tree by surprise. Most were low hanging and after Franks antennas smacked the snow off them most were no issues. However some older trees, not so much. Nothing a few whacks with my axe couldn’t handle though.


IMG_0025 by Benjamin Springli, on Flickr

IMG_3351 by mike digirat, on Flickr


We were enjoying our winter wonderland though for the most part.


IMG_3355 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_3364 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_3370 by mike digirat, on Flickr


Not much further down the road, Devin spotted a couple of moose!


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

2017-09-20 - 00019 - The De-Tour - Day 04 by Dan , on Flickr

IMG_3372 by mike digirat, on Flickr

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IMG_3374 by mike digirat, on Flickr


That was a pretty good spot up the hill! Was great to see some wildlife up here. We continued on as it started to lightly snow again.


2017-09-20 - 00020 - The De-Tour - Day 04 by Dan , on Flickr

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We crossed our last crossing on the way in. I knew soon we would be turning around sadly.


IMG_0028 by Benjamin Springli, on Flickr

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

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

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

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

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

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

IMG_3376 by mike digirat, on Flickr


Amazingly, there was a man back here who had walked in. We had past his old pre tacoma flat bed earlier. I flipped around and asked what he was up too. Was hunting moose! I told him we had spotted two cows just down the road, but he had been tracking a large bull aparently. Wished him well and continued on.


Had to chat with Mike first too to just say how fun it was to be out even in the snow.


2017-09-20 - 00022 - The De-Tour - Day 04 by Dan , on Flickr


Soon we were making our way back out of the beautiful valley.


2017-09-20 - 00023 - The De-Tour - Day 04 by Dan , on Flickr

IMG_3377 by mike digirat, on Flickr

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

IMG_3395 by mike digirat, on Flickr

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

IMG_3399 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_3400 by mike digirat, on Flickr


We had had no drama on the simple road, which was nice considering the weather. We were getting sick of snow already though and comments of sunshine were more and more frequent on the radio. Out of the creek, woody area, we were able to pick up speed to get out of the winter wonderland.


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


Devin, ever the watchful eye for wildlife, spotted a little buck deer just off the road.


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


It didn’t take long to get out of the trees. The “young guns” up front hit the gas and enjoyed a good romp, while the “old guys” took their time Though Zane was caught in the middle of the old guys so I guess not all the young guns got to romp it out.


2017-09-20 - 00024 - The De-Tour - Day 04 by Dan , on Flickr

IMG_3401 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_3402 by mike digirat, on Flickr

 

Soon we were back at the main lot for the the trail head and I whipped in to let everyone catch up. Ben not too far behind and was soon behind me.


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

IMG_0032 by Benjamin Springli, on Flickr


Ben and I stood back to watch how Dan’s reflexes would be to see us parked in the lot.


He did and slammed on the brakes to whip into the lot.


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

IMG_0035 by Benjamin Springli, on Flickr


He let the others know over the radio as Ben and I laughed in the moment.


As he pulled up we got another good chuckle as the lineup of tires. Big to small.


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

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It wasn’t a long wait as Zane and Mike both pulled in.


IMG_0040 by Benjamin Springli, on Flickr

IMG_0044 by Benjamin Springli, on Flickr

IMG_3403 by mike digirat, on Flickr


We had a whole mountain to leave though, a valley to cross and another mountain range to drive into. As Mike reminded us before we got too far into the BS.


So we continued out of the valley, enjoying the fact the further we drove, the less snow there was the slightest hint of blue sky just beyond. Plus it was nice to see the valley in the daylight vs the dark drive in the night before.


IMG_3404 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_3405 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_3406 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_0047 by Benjamin Springli, on Flickr


The road opened up and once again the speed picked up. We stopped one last time to look back on the valley before getting to the highway.


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

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

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

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

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


And blue sky!


IMG_0048 by Benjamin Springli, on Flickr

IMG_0050 by Benjamin Springli, on Flickr

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


This was a good group photo spot we all took advantage of.


2017-09-20 - 00026 - The De-Tour - Day 04 by Dan , on Flickr

IMG_0051 by Benjamin Springli, on Flickr

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

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

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

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

IMG_3407 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_3409 by mike digirat, on Flickr


Ben’s passengers were having a great time and probably happy to be in a slightly drier area.


IMG_0055 by Benjamin Springli, on Flickr

IMG_0054 by Benjamin Springli, on Flickr

IMG_0057 by Benjamin Springli, on Flickr

IMG_0060 by Benjamin Springli, on Flickr

IMG_0061 by Benjamin Springli, on Flickr

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Lunch was approaching and I suggested stopping at the bridge over Sunlight creek that we had spent all day crossing might be a good spot. Plus it had a restroom for everyone to use.


It wasn’t far to the highway and only a few hundred yards to the lot. It was much busier than I thought it would be and it was also very windy. But the bridge over the canyon was too good to pass up looking over the edge.


2017-09-20 - 00030 - The De-Tour - Day 04 by Dan , on Flickr

IMG_3412 by mike digirat, on Flickr


We all spread out to take in the vast drop off and beautiful canyon.


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

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

IMG_3415 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_3416 by mike digirat, on Flickr

2017-09-20 - 00033 - The De-Tour - Day 04 by Dan , on Flickr


The bridge is no joke and lucky for us, you’re allowed to walk on it and get the full experience of canyon.


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

IMG_3426 by mike digirat, on Flickr

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

IMG_3418 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_3420 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_3423 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_0072 by Benjamin Springli, on Flickr


After out moments on the bridge I came back figuring we would eat. But the good ole Wyoming wind was out trying to blow over everything. Everyone wanted to wait for another place to eat. I figured maybe Bridger MT would work then out in the valley outside the mountains perhaps. With the prospect of a nice sunny lunch, everyone agreed to do this.


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


While this conversation was happening, Devin did not want to wait and had made herself her sandwich to eat in the truck. On top of that, our posse had been really attracting a crowd. Particularly a small group of Oriental tourists. They evey balled all the trucks hard even snapping some photos. A few really like Frankenstein and hovered around him look under it. But they left soon enough. We aired up our tires, a long stint of highway ahead of us and set off on the Chief Joseph Scenic Byway. One of my favorite drives.


Ironically, we caught up with the mini van full of the tourists that had been eyeing the trucks hard. Thankfully, they pulled off an let us pass waving at us very enthusiastically. Thinking it was a bit funny we just kept going up the pass to the top of Dead Indian pass.


IMG_3429 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_0073 by Benjamin Springli, on Flickr

IMG_3430 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_3431 by mike digirat, on Flickr

Its a beautiful view from the top looking down into the valleys we had just been in. Amazingly, there was still no snow up here.


We had pulled off in a nice line to let others use the main parking, when the most surprising thing happened.


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


A group of us were just hundled up bracing against the bitter wind chatting..


IMG_3433 by mike digirat, on Flickr


When the van of tourists pulled back in, finally caught up. As soon as they parked. A man and a women jumped out and ran over to Frankenstein….



To pose with him!


We all just stood there in shock for a moment that this was happening. Then quickly realized, no one would believe us without photographical evidence.


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

IMG_0078 by Benjamin Springli, on Flickr


Couldn’t make that up. She did several happy looking poses and then they just turned and walked away.


The best part was Devin was still in the front seat eating her lunch which a very surprised look on her face. wish I had gotten a photo of that!


Can’t blame em, trucks were looking gooooood


IMG_3434 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_0079 by Benjamin Springli, on Flickr

IMG_0080 by Benjamin Springli, on Flickr

IMG_0081 by Benjamin Springli, on Flickr

IMG_0082 by Benjamin Springli, on Flickr

IMG_0083 by Benjamin Springli, on Flickr

IMG_0084 by Benjamin Springli, on Flickr

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


With the wind blowing us around something fierce and our bellies starting to rumble, we hit the road down the mountain.


IMG_3435 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_3437 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_3439 by mike digirat, on Flickr

2017-09-20 - 00035 - The De-Tour - Day 04 by Dan , on Flickr

IMG_3440 by mike digirat, on Flickr

2017-09-20 - 00036 - The De-Tour - Day 04 by Dan , on Flickr

IMG_3441 by mike digirat, on Flickr


After descending the mountain, we jumped on to highway 120 north to Bridger MT. A fairly uneventful drive through some of the wyoming desert and montana farm land. The sun was back out in full force and you would have no idea we had spent the morning in fresh snow.


In Bridger we stopped and got fuel. Few of us topped off the washer fluid as well. We were all itching for lunch pretty bad by now and a quick glance at the GPS map suggested a city park should be just down the road. So we headed there and found a nice shaded table and made our sandwiches and various other edibles.


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


I also took this time to call on the phone two other memebers that would be joining us in the next few days. Glenn @Glenn_R and Mark @IDtrucks were both planning on meeting us here. In Bridger...in two days.


Obviously, that wasn’t happening


So called them both and told them we would likely meet them in Lovell or at our camp just outside Lovell. Glenn was a HAM operator and wasn’t worried at all. Mark was coming from jackson and the snow storm was hitting there as well so wasn’t sure how it would work out but was game to make it happen anyways!

With our plans once again seemingly properly adjusted to the changing weather, we wrapped up lunch and headed out to our 3rd mountain range already. The Pryor Mountains.


Soon as we hit dirt we stopped to air down, basking in the glory of the sun.


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

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

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


The Pryors didn’t look super inviting, looked like they were getting a little weather in fact. But no snow was visible..


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


Was much more inviting then where we had just come from!


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


Determined that one of the routes I’d planned would go smoothly we set off down the dusty county roads to the forest line.


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

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


Soon we bailed off the main road on onto some service road and then bailed off onto the first forest service roads and immediately started climbing.


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

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

The Pryors are interesting low key mountains. Nothing is super cool looking from afar, but there are numerous large canyons around the provide some great views.


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


Plus they go up and up! Which is always fun.


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

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

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

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


From up high things just look cool. Power of irrigation showing here.


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

IMG_3442 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_3443 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_3444 by mike digirat, on Flickr


Still had higher to go and then actually head back down to our campsite at the base of the mountain. I was hoping no one would be there it being hunting season and all and close to rifle season. Would have to wait and see though and continued up the mountain!

2017-09-20 - 00041 - The De-Tour - Day 04 by Dan, on Flickr

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

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

DeTour-102.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

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


We topped out on this trail and continued along for a while before turning south down hill.


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


Not before stopping at a spot I knew from scouting the summer before to check out. One of the canyons we were driving along and it was a nice scenic simple stop.


2017-09-20 - 00043 - The De-Tour - Day 04 by Dan, on Flickr

IMG_3445 by mike digirat, on Flickr

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


We had to get our photos in.


2017-09-20 - 00045 - The De-Tour - Day 04 by Dan, on Flickr

IMG_3447 by mike digirat, on Flickr

2017-09-20 - 00046 - The De-Tour - Day 04 by Dan, on Flickr

IMG_0086 by Benjamin Springli, on Flickr

2017-09-20 - 00047 - The De-Tour - Day 04 by Dan, on Flickr



I pointed out a lot of the area Devin and I had been exploring all year as she was still new to the area and you can see just about everything from where we were


2017-09-20 - 00049 - The De-Tour - Day 04 by Dan, on Flickr

2017-09-20 - 00048 - The De-Tour - Day 04 by Dan, on Flickr

IMG_0088 by Benjamin Springli, on Flickr

IMG_0090 by Benjamin Springli, on Flickr

IMG_0092 by Benjamin Springli, on Flickr


Dogs always enjoy a pitstop.


IMG_0094 by Benjamin Springli, on Flickr

IMG_0096 by Benjamin Springli, on Flickr


But camp was calling and amazingly we were on schedule to get there before dark. A huge plus for Mike especially. So down we went.


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

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


The dirt turned red near the bottom giving a lot of us Moab vibes.

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

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

DeTour-110.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


Soon we were at the base of the mountain again running along the bottom to get to the campsite I knew of. Enjoying the bumpy hilly section to stretch out the trucks legs.


DeTour-111.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

DeTour-112.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


Unless your in the “old guy” group. Then you put put a long


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


We hit another flat wide open section and really opened up the taps. Then turned back into the mountain for a short while. Besides almost launching Frankenstein off a hidden oversized whoop which brought hilarious reactions over the radio from onlookers.. The last part of the day had been uneventful in the best way. And to top it off, our campsite was totally open. Which was shaded and hopefully be mostly wind free.


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


We all picked a spot and opened the tents and took in the cool spot


IMG_3449 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_3451 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_3453 by mike digirat, on Flickr

2017-09-20 - 00052 - The De-Tour - Day 04 by Dan, on Flickr

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

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

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

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



Soon we were all in our chairs enjoying the snow free site, though still quite chilly.


2017-09-20 - 00054 - The De-Tour - Day 04 by Dan, on Flickr


“Well, looks like everything is gonna be fine!” I said with an excited grin.


We laughed into night around the fire excited for the next day with hopes of sun and clear skies tomorrow. The Ice cave was on the agenda for tomorrow as well as wild horses and two mountain top peaks.


The weather just had to hold out…

To Be Continued….


Chapter 4: Rain, Mud, Snow. Where the hell’s the road?

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...-turbodb-september-2017.562116/#post-18416698

or, check out the full story with these links:

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]​

​

 

Wtf.

60,000 character limit..

then hit the 150 images limit.

God damn it Bob..haha