The DeTour Trip Report-As told by Blackdawg

A lot has changed recently..not sure when it happened. I don't go there much anyways.

 

I love y'alls trip reports. Makes me miss the mountains.

 

So, I wrote my chapters about a year ago now (maybe a week after we got back) and before all of the trips I've done since the De-Tour. As I look back now at what I wrote, I find myself thinking, "holy smokes, this is crap!" The story seems a little flat to me, the photos, well, they are clearly cell phone pics. But hey, that's where I was then, and it's still kinda fun to read...and it's definitely fun to compare to Monte's version. So and

Definitely more pics in yours. Love how many you're using! I always feel like I'm making mine too long (scrolling and scrolling) if I include too many pics, but in my more recent trip reports I'm definitely using more.

And man, I'm still loving our similarities and differences in the story!

 

I am throughly enjoying this. Its the same..yet different!

 

Posted my next one for you buddy.

 

Chapter 4: Rain, Mud, Snow. Where the Hell’s the Road?​

There was no hiding though. The rain found us in the night. Several of us jumped out of our warm tents to throw gear under the the truck and close up boxes. Much to our dismay.


When morning came, it was still raining. A nice constant drizzle. For the second time we packed up the tents wet and prepared for the long day ahead of lots of dirt miles.


2017-09-21 - 00001 - The De-Tour - Day 05 by Dan, on Flickr


Not without breakfast, the classic toyota burrito for Mike!


2017-09-21 - 00002 - The De-Tour - Day 05 by Dan, on Flickr


Having been raining for at least 6 hours by now or so, the ground was saturated and the mud was very very bad. Our plan today was to top out on the Big Pryor mountain, cut down and over to an Ice cave and then over that mountain to the Wild horse refuge and then to camp. A tall order in good conditions..


Hopefully would make and we set off prepared for a muddy day.


DeTour.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr

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

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


Didn’t take long to gain a lot of elevation and we stopped right as it started to get sloppy to capture some cool clouds.


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

2017-09-21 - 00006 - The De-Tour - Day 05 by Dan, on Flickr

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

IMG_0100 by Benjamin Springli, on Flickr


The mud was getting pretty thick though. I started to think ahead of where we were going and thinking of places that could be problematic on the steep climb up..


IMG_0100 by Benjamin Springli, on Flickr

IMG_0105 by Benjamin Springli, on Flickr

IMG_0107 by Benjamin Springli, on Flickr

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

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

2017-09-21 - 00008 - The De-Tour - Day 05 by Dan, on Flickr


We continued on up the mountain and started dropping into an area I was slightly worried about but wanted to find out anyways. The hill down to the trees alone was very sloppy. Too much brakes and you’d be a goner down the hill.


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


We all made it down the steep hill though and into the trees.


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


In the trees the ground was very soft is spots and the road was narrow with a steep drop off to our left. All seemed fine though until I got to a cattle guard.


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

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


It was extraordinarily sloppy plus off camber jussssstttt enough.


“I’m not doing that” said Devin, and jumped out of Frankenstein. Regretfully I didn’t have her grab the camera for this.


I very very slowly creeped along the road watching the ground under my driver side tires squish down and looking like it wanted to give out. The whole truck didn’t want to turn up hill and to the right, which is where the road went. It felt like it was going to just slide off the road any second. It was a very tense probably 20 seconds for me. Be I made it around.


“Well, that was one of the most intense things I’ve ever done” I said over the CB. “Whos next!”


Zane was and it didn’t go well.


Zane started into the cattle guard and either due to the fact Id already gone through or his tires or line placement or any combination of the above, he immediately started to slide towards the edge.


2017-09-21 - 00009 - The De-Tour - Day 05 by Dan, on Flickr


It was painfully obvious that no one was going to get through this spot again. And for that matter. Dan and Mike both voice they did not want to even try and Ben was having serious reservations himself.


With that decision made we decided it best to turn around and go back the way we came. I knew if we did that we could run along the mountain base to get to the road that would take us to the ice cave anyways. We’d only lose out on running over the mountain.


But we still had problems.

1. I wasn’t going to turn around and drive back through that shit
   
   
2. Zane was still in peril chilling in his truck waiting for us to actually do something
   
   
3. How the hell are we supposed to turn around on a 1 lane muddy road.
   

Obviously this wasn’t the end of the world and the first one we decided to figure out was turning around.


Mike was tail gunning and started backing up with a few of us following on foot to make sure he didn’t slip off on accident.


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


Sure enough about 100 yards down the road there was a spot with plenty of room for him to turn around in.


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

2017-09-21 - 00014 - The De-Tour - Day 05 by Dan, on Flickr



Oh did I mention it had started snowing? Hard?


Yeah.


With an exit possible we now returned to Zane who still was just sitting in his truck foot hard on the brake waiting for us to help.


We decided to winch him, but obviously couldn’t just pull him backwards with the hill being off camber. Ben was setup next in line behind him and started spooling out cable. Dan got a snatch block setup off a tree and I explained to Zane what we were doing.


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

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


With everything setup, I attached the line to the front of Zane’s sliders and we pulled the front of the truck back up the hill.


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

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


Zane would then slowly try and back up until the ass end or front end would start back down the hill. Then Id move the winch line to the rear of the slider or front to keep the truck from going off the edge.


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

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

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

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

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

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


Using this system, Ben and I were able to keep Zane from slipping down the hill. Dan moved the snatch block a few time to better our pull angle and soon, Zane was back on more solid ground safely.


2017-09-21 - 00011 - The De-Tour - Day 05 by Dan, on Flickr

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


Happy to have the done with we were all grateful we wouldn’t be doing that 3 more times to get everyone through that spot.


Always enjoy the moments though. Like Ben pulling me down the mountain haha


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

2017-09-21 - 00013 - The De-Tour - Day 05 by Dan, on Flickr


Now it was time for the back up party to get everyone turned back around.


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


Dan went first with us all keeping an eye on his line to keep him away from the soft edge.


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

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


“Come wheel with us they said! It’ll be fun they said!” I joked at Dan the newbie to our group and relatively new to longer trips.


Doing great so far though and rolling with the punches on his little tires.


Ben was next and quickly executed the turn around.


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

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


And last was Zane who also after a redirect was turned around with no issues.


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

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


With everyone turned around. It was now time to split up. I was going to try and cross over the whole mountain solo and meet them on the road into the Ice Cave.


Dan and Mike both did not love this option. But there wasn’t really any choice. I wasn’t about to backup through that mud hole and there was nowhere to turn around. We parted ways and wished each other luck and safe travels.


I slogged my way back to the Frankenstein while the others took off.


It wasn’t all easy for them either, they had to make it back up the steep hill they had come down. The CB chatter was up as I climbed out of the trees I could just see them climbing up the hill.


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


They all made it though and went on down the mountain with no issues.


2017-09-21 - 00016 - The De-Tour - Day 05 by Dan, on Flickr


My road though was just as sloppy as it was and not getting better. Parts of the road had huge washouts as well.


I found the whole event rather excited and care free. Devin...did not. She did not want me stopping at all for photos and was very worried we would get stuff with no one to help us. Frankenstein came through though and with really only one scare I made it to the top at the cabin where Devin and I had camped the summer before


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


The moisture was coming down hard and I couldn’t even see the top of the mountain.


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


A bit worried about my route choice, I realized that I could cut across the mountain and go down the way we had gone down the day before. I knew this spot was lower and the snow wouldn’t be falling. Plus I could move a very good pace.


Devin liked this idea, I liked this idea, I radioed Dan, Mike, and Ben via HAM and they all liked it. I would meet them at the base of the mountain at the turn off where we had camped.


This was likely a very smart choice. It had been exceptionally muddy. So much so I had wondered if Ben and zane would have made it up the climb I just had with their all terrains..


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


Likely won’t ever no but wasn’t worth the risk right now either. With little time to travel about twice as far, I put the pedal down enjoying the cushiony tires and long travel.


A while late and we were all reunited back at the base of the mountain making lunch.


2017-09-21 - 00018 - The De-Tour - Day 05 by Dan, on Flickr

IMG_3456 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_3457 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_3458 by mike digirat, on Flickr


The evidence from my muddy excursion quite prominent.


IMG_3459 by mike digirat, on Flickr


The wind was bad and rain was cold. Truck covered in mud Devin was not having it and I made us lunch.


IMG_3462 by mike digirat, on Flickr


“God damn man we could hear you way before we could see you” laughed Ben.


We had a good laugh at the whole situation glad it had still worked out and trying to remain positive even though Mother Nature was grinding us down.


None of us stayed out of the trucks for too long though and soon we were on the road to get to the Ice Cave. A few miles down we broke up over the hill to get to see down into the valley to the south.


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


“Thats the Big Horns, where we are headed tomorrow” I told everyone. It was a beautiful dramatic scene.


IMG_3464 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_0111 by Benjamin Springli, on Flickr

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

2017-09-21 - 00019 - The De-Tour - Day 05 by Dan, on Flickr

IMG_0113 by Benjamin Springli, on Flickr


The road was still very muddy though. But hey! At least it was a different color!


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

IMG_0116 by Benjamin Springli, on Flickr

2017-09-21 - 00020 - The De-Tour - Day 05 by Dan, on Flickr


Even the guys with the narrow wheels with fenders were starting to get covered in it.


IMG_0118 by Benjamin Springli, on Flickr

IMG_0120 by Benjamin Springli, on Flickr

IMG_3467 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_3471 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_3472 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_3473 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_3474 by mike digirat, on Flickr



The dogs I don’t think cared as much as we did..


2017-09-21 - 00022 - The De-Tour - Day 05 by Dan, on Flickr

IMG_3470 by mike digirat, on Flickr

2017-09-21 - 00021 - The De-Tour - Day 05 by Dan, on Flickr


The rain had stopped though so all was getting better! The clouds were making for some wonderful scenes.


IMG_3468 by mike digirat, on Flickr

2017-09-21 - 00023 - The De-Tour - Day 05 by Dan, on Flickr


Plus the road was mostly smooth which made for some fast traveling, which is among our favorite things to do. Who doesn’t like going fast!


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

2017-09-21 - 00024 - The De-Tour - Day 05 by Dan, on Flickr


Things were looking up. Even though we were headed back into..well this


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


At least the Big horns looked sunny! Which was promising.


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


Still we continued on towards the canyon, the wonderful colors of the badlands sparkling from the rain.


IMG_0121 by Benjamin Springli, on Flickr

IMG_3476 by mike digirat, on Flickr

2017-09-21 - 00025 - The De-Tour - Day 05 by Dan, on Flickr


Wasn’t long though before we were back in the forest and regrouped after stretching out on the BLM road. Plus I wanted to check the sign to see if anything had been closed yet.


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

IMG_0122 by Benjamin Springli, on Flickr

IMG_0127 by Benjamin Springli, on Flickr

IMG_0134 by Benjamin Springli, on Flickr

IMG_0135 by Benjamin Springli, on Flickr

IMG_3479 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_3481 by mike digirat, on Flickr


I couldn’t help but notice snow on top of the mountain..where we were planning on going..


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


We all kind of did a once over here and clean mud off of certain places...where we dared to touch.


IMG_3483 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_0136 by Benjamin Springli, on Flickr

IMG_0125 by Benjamin Springli, on Flickr

IMG_0139 by Benjamin Springli, on Flickr

IMG_0141 by Benjamin Springli, on Flickr

IMG_0142 by Benjamin Springli, on Flickr


With everything in order we looked to the canyon, a wonderful photogenic stop on the way to our destination.


IMG_0145 by Benjamin Springli, on Flickr

IMG_3484 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_3487 by mike digirat, on Flickr

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



Soon we were stopping to take in the great pillars of castle like rock.


2017-09-21 - 00026 - The De-Tour - Day 05 by Dan, on Flickr

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

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

2017-09-21 - 00029 - The De-Tour - Day 05 by Dan, on Flickr

IMG_0149 by Benjamin Springli, on Flickr

IMG_0150 by Benjamin Springli, on Flickr

IMG_0152 by Benjamin Springli, on Flickr

​

 

Its moments like this that keep us coming back to doing this over and over again.


2017-09-21 - 00027 - The De-Tour - Day 05 by Dan, on Flickr

2017-09-21 - 00030 - The De-Tour - Day 05 by Dan, on Flickr


That and all the truck porn


IMG_0162 by Benjamin Springli, on Flickr

2017-09-21 - 00028 - The De-Tour - Day 05 by Dan, on Flickr

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

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

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

IMG_3496 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_0155 by Benjamin Springli, on Flickr

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


Snow was very evident that it would be in our future. But we all kind of suppressed this thought and prepared to move forward.


IMG_0159 by Benjamin Springli, on Flickr

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

IMG_3498 by mike digirat, on Flickr

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

IMG_3501 by mike digirat, on Flickr

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


Before long though after a very annoyingly rough patch of road. The pull out for the Ice Cave surfaced and we all piled out of the trucks happy to be stretching our legs. Even though it was a very short walk.


IMG_3506 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_3508 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_3510 by mike digirat, on Flickr

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

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


This is a cave that due to how it is placed in the mountain and weather patterns has ice in it year round. Which today was no surprise but coming her when its 80º out and suddenly its 30 is pretty “cool” after just walking down some stairs.

IMG_0167 by Benjamin Springli, on Flickr

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

2017-09-21 - 00031 - The De-Tour - Day 05 by Dan, on Flickr

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

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


Its quite dark in there, it is a cave after all, but not a big one. With a flash light and photography you can see the build up of ice.


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

IMG_0171 by Benjamin Springli, on Flickr


There also happens to be a log book you can sign. Chris Pratt’s name was in there just a week before with Kirsten found extremely exciting! Most of us were pretty skeptical it was actually him though..


Still it was cold out and we made our way back to the trucks. Some deciding to use the restroom there.


While we were there it was time to decide what to do next.


IMG_0176 by Benjamin Springli, on Flickr


We could either turn around and get off the mountain now the way we had come. Or we could head up to the top and down the side into the wild horse refuge. The weather appeared to be holding out and just about everyone wanted to see the wild horses. Decision made we headed up the mountain.


Didn’t make it very far till we were in snow. And a lot of it. At one point I go bogged down breaking trail not really aware of how deep the snow was not really able to see out the side mud covered windows.


“Well, looks like this is it guys” I said sadly over the CB.


Ben volunteered immediately to break trail instead if I was having issues in a tone that was quite funny, jeering the “big truck” of the group for getting stuck.


This made me open my door to actually look at the snow level and I laughed. It was maybe a foot. I then realized...I was in 2wd.





So that resolved we continued on. Right up to where...well..


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

IMG_0185 by Benjamin Springli, on Flickr


There...was a road there. At one time.


It was amazing. The flat light with the thick clouds and snow made it seem like we were floating in nothing.


IMG_0180 by Benjamin Springli, on Flickr

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

2017-09-21 - 00033 - The De-Tour - Day 05 by Dan, on Flickr

IMG_3513b by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_0188 by Benjamin Springli, on Flickr

IMG_0191 by Benjamin Springli, on Flickr


While this seemed like a good point to turn around. I didn’t want too. Thankfully I had run the trail before this summer and knew that there were no steep drop offs for us to suddenly slip off of. The mountain was bald too till the tree line further down which I figured if we could make it there we would be good.


So, I set off with my GPS zoomed in all the way following my premade track and feeling out the suspension for when it hit the ditch of the road. Everyone else followed accordingly and after about 10-15 minutes we were out of the worst of it and made it to the trees.


2017-09-21 - 00034 - The De-Tour - Day 05 by Dan, on Flickr

2017-09-21 - 00035 - The De-Tour - Day 05 by Dan, on Flickr

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


Soon after that we were making our way back down the mountain to the large area that the horses usually are. However, it being covered in snow and cold, none were seen. We stopped at Pen’s Cabin to check it out and look out down far below.


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

IMG_3516 by mike digirat, on Flickr

2017-09-21 - 00036 - The De-Tour - Day 05 by

Dan, on Flickr

2017-09-21 - 00037 - The De-Tour - Day 05 by Dan, on Flickr

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

IMG_0196 by Benjamin Springli, on Flickr

IMG_3521 by mike digirat, on Flickr

2017-09-21 - 00039 - The De-Tour - Day 05 by Dan, on Flickr


With the lower elevation we were back in the mud, but also snow. Not a super fun combination.


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

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

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

IMG_3519 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_0198 by Benjamin Springli, on Flickr

IMG_0208 by Benjamin Springli, on Flickr

IMG_0209 by Benjamin Springli, on Flickr



Unless you’re a dog


IMG_0202 by Benjamin Springli, on Flickr

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

IMG_0206 by Benjamin Springli, on Flickr


We wandered around a bit more but didn’t linger long in the cold wet conditions.


IMG_3520 by mike digirat, on Flickr

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

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

IMG_0204 by Benjamin Springli, on Flickr


I knew the road ahead was a very long one. Last time it had surprised Devin and I how long this trail was. I’m sure today would be no different. We were a bit bummed we hadn’t seen any horses though, a favorite of Devin’s and something everyone else had been looking forward too.


Not long down the road though just as we got out of the snow.


Horses!


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

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

2017-09-21 - 00040 - The De-Tour - Day 05 by Dan, on Flickr

2017-09-21 - 00040b - The De-Tour - Day 05 by Dan, on Flickr

2017-09-21 - 00040c - The De-Tour - Day 05 by Dan, on Flickr

IMG_3531 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_3534 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_3535 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_3536 by mike digirat, on Flickr


Now this might not seem that cool. Horses are all over Wyoming and Montana. But these are true wild horses. A small herd but apparently one of the most genetically unique of the wild herds in the US. Was great to get to see some of them.


By now it was getting late and we were getting tired. As the campsites I’d hoped to stay in were now under a foot or more of snow and we had two more people to meet in Lovell. We had to get off the mountain.


Could help but stop when the trees broke though to get some great views.


IMG_0210 by Benjamin Springli, on Flickr

IMG_0212 by Benjamin Springli, on Flickr

IMG_0214 by Benjamin Springli, on Flickr


Even Venice was looking tired.


IMG_0217 by Benjamin Springli, on Flickr

2017-09-21 - 00041 - The De-Tour - Day 05 by Dan, on Flickr

IMG_3544 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_3546 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_3551 by mike digirat, on Flickr


It was around here that Glenn reached out on the HAM radio. We told him where we were and I guesstimated how long it would take us to reach him in Lovell. I was pretty off though.


IMG_3548 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_0219 by Benjamin Springli, on Flickr

IMG_0222 by Benjamin Springli, on Flickr


I knew the road was going to be long to get to Lovell, but I and forgotten just how long. The road was narrow and rocky but nothing bad. But not really able to pick up speed to the steep grade. At least not for a while.


IMG_0225 by Benjamin Springli, on Flickr

IMG_0229 by Benjamin Springli, on Flickr


By now, of course the weather began to show its face again. Cold powerful wind with rain kept us in our trucks as well as the drive to just get the hell to camp.


IMG_0232 by Benjamin Springli, on Flickr

IMG_0233 by Benjamin Springli, on Flickr


Finally we got down the mountain, but not out of the “woods” yet. We had about 10 miles of road in the badlands to get through. By now the wind was up to real Wyoming standards and was driving the rain so hard it was basically horizontal. Even with the windows cracked the person on the other side of the truck would get smacked hard in the face by rain.


Kirsten was very keen to point this out to Ben..


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1hxS1JqXJQw


Despite how it seemed like it would help get rid of some of the mud on our trucks..it did not. Didn’t help we were hitting more mud along the way.


It was pitch black dark by the time we got the highway. We rolled into Lovell and topped off the gas tanks. Glenn was there to meet us excited to be on a trip.


We were a bit beaten down by the weather at his point, but his enthusiasm was refreshing for me. He had come up from Salt Lake City to join us. Another new person to the group. We told him what we had been through during fueling and introduced ourselves at the same time.


Some of the guys decided that washed off the mud now would be a great idea. I concurred as the mud around here has a high bentonite content making for some very slick mud but it also was like super glue. I swear you never fully get it off no matter what. We all piled into the car wash next and sprayed down the rigs.


2017-09-21 - 00042 - The De-Tour - Day 05 by Dan, on Flickr


After this, we gathered up and headed for camp. All of us very much ready for a hot meal. Of course the second we got off the highway to turn into the place I had hoped would suit us for camp..we got the trucks coated in mud again. It was inescapable.


The site...sucked really. But we didn’t care anymore. It had a fire ring and somehow we squeezed everyone in, built a fire, and started in on the evenings arguing and ranting.


By now, we were wondering where the hell Derp was. I turned on my phone and had a few messages from him and called him immediately.


Turns out, he had had bad weather problems as well..


Mark was coming from Jackson and the shortest route is through Yellowstone to get to the Bighorn Basin. He had hoped to get through the East Gate before it closed due to the snow storm. Alas, he did not beat the blizzard but didn’t find that out until he was basically at the East Gate already. This meant he had to backtrack all the way back to Jackson and pray the Togwotee Pass was still open and the blizzard hadn’t hit that.


I called him right as he was getting to the pass. Just on the edge of cell phone reception.


I described to him where we were going to camp though he could barely understand me. Before long, the call was dropped. I texted him the directions and once again for the second time. Someone that was joining us would be coming in super late driving through snow storms.


Hopefully he could find us..

To be Continued:

Chapter 5: Not..Again..For the love of God

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-18441179

Read the full story:

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]​

​

 

Awesome, so great to relive that from the comfort of the living room!

 

TRUTH!

 

Bump

 

TTT

 

Gonna post a new chapter

 

On page 5

 

Since you guys don't talk enough

 

Im talkin to myself.

 

really good telling of the story. I enjoyed it. thank you

 

Chapter 5: Not..Again..For the love of God..
​

Once again, it rained all night. Camp stirred a bit earlier this morning with Ben up early talking with Derp(Mark). Turns out, he got in around 5:30 am. He had used APRS to look up my call sign in town and somehow was able to use his phone to find us. Not having a RTT, the truck had been his bed. Not a great bed for a 6’ guy from my own experience..


Mark is one hell of an energetic dude though, quickly filling in the details of his crap drive that should have take 6 hours that turned into almost 12 hours of driving. Plus he hit a deer! Was rather proud of that though as the bumper had done its job and no damage was done to the truck.


“Whats that on your door? Looks like a dent..” I pointed out.


“OH WHAT THE HELL!” exclaimed Mark.


His humor was welcome in the morning. Everything was soaked and muddy again. We were getting really sick of it.


2017-09-22 - 00001 - The De-Tour - Day 06 by Dan, on Flickr

2017-09-22 - 00002 - The De-Tour - Day 06 by Dan, on Flickr


As we packed up everything, we decided to go back towards Lovell and go to the Bighorn Canyon overlook. Figured it was right there might as well go see it as it wasn’t raining right now.


On the way there we stopped to check on a few of the guys CB radios. On top of that, Zane had to leave us. Super bummed we said our farewells to Zane and wished him luck on his new adventure, moving to Arizona.


IMG_0237 by Benjamin Springli, on Flickr


A short highway drive later, though longer than normal as well all still hadn’t aired up, and we were at Devils Canyon Overlook.


Which is...awesome.


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

2017-09-22 - 00003 - The De-Tour - Day 06 by Dan, on Flickr

2017-09-22 - 00004 - The De-Tour - Day 06 by Dan, on Flickr

2017-09-22 - 00005 - The De-Tour - Day 06 by Dan, on Flickr

2017-09-22 - 00006 - The De-Tour - Day 06 by Dan, on Flickr

IMG_3556 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_3557 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_3558 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_3561 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_0239 by Benjamin Springli, on Flickr

IMG_0252 by Benjamin Springli, on Flickr

IMG_3568 by mike digirat, on Flickr


You can’t not enjoy that view. And everyone took it all in.


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

IMG_3554 by mike digirat, on Flickr


Of course you can’t not be at a place like this an test out the accoustics. Which is exactly the reason to haul an elk bugle around with you at all times in the rig


2017-09-22 - 00007 - The De-Tour - Day 06 by Dan, on Flickr

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

IMG_0244 by Benjamin Springli, on Flickr


And then this...this is what happens when you give Derp a camera


IMG_0245 by Benjamin Springli, on Flickr

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


Not bad Mark! Haha


We wandered around taking in the views as well as got back to the trucks to air up our tires. With a bit oh highway next that was going up the very steep “Oh my God” highway as the locals say, we didn’t want to wear the tires down too much.


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

IMG_0257 by Benjamin Springli, on Flickr


Glenn’s truck was way to clean right now. But we would soon fix that!


IMG_0238 by Benjamin Springli, on Flickr


I hadn’t driven’t 14a in years. But knew it was a steep road. It was really steep! Everyone was surprised how slowly we had to drive up this steep pass. Thankfully, it was open though. In fact, there was no sign of snow really!


Riiiiggght up until we got on top and came to Hunt Mountain road. Our destination to cut across the mountain.


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

IMG_0258 by Benjamin Springli, on Flickr

2017-09-22 - 00009 - The De-Tour - Day 06 by Dan, on Flickr


Damn. More snow.


I was also pretty skeptical we would make it over this mountain road. It hit over 10,000’ and did not look like there was traffic on it. Was worth a shot though. We aired down and ate lunch, the temperature drop keeping us from pulling out the chairs.


Then things got all to familiar.


White out.


2017-09-22 - 00010 - The De-Tour - Day 06 by Dan, on Flickr


This was my view as I lead the group once again by brail and following my GPS track more than looking out the windsheild.


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


Was a bit more sketchy this time though. I knew if we got too far off we could end up sliding down a long long was. But the light was just enough we could make out old tracks from the days before. This pushed me on and thankfully, everyone in the group was happy to still follow. Though we all regretted coming this way soon.


After crossing the mountain, we started heading down hill again, the clouds broke a bit and the snow dissipated. However, no snow meant one thing.


Mud.


Holy crap so much mud.


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


None of us dared get out in the cold and sloppy goo being flung around. We also saw almost no one, except a man on a very old yellow tractor headed up the mountain..we weren’t sure why. Perhaps to get one of the sheep herder huts..


Eventually we made it down the mountain back to the highway. We had been through mud before..but this..this was a whole nother level..


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

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

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

2017-09-22 - 00011 - The De-Tour - Day 06 by Dan, on Flickr


Got the new 3rd gen all muddy though and caught up with the rest of us!

IMG_0262 by Benjamin Springli, on Flickr


Mark and I definitely had it worse due to the wide tires we used..


IMG_0263 by Benjamin Springli, on Flickr

IMG_0264 by Benjamin Springli, on Flickr

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

IMG_0274 by Benjamin Springli, on Flickr

IMG_0275 by Benjamin Springli, on Flickr

IMG_0278 by Benjamin Springli, on Flickr


Multicultural mud of Wyo/MT!


IMG_0272 by Benjamin Springli, on Flickr



Dan noticed he had been hearing a sound and after some quick investigation it turned out he had lost a bolt on his bed rack mounts.


DeTour.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, on Flickr


Of course the bolt had fallen under the bed liner but Mike had a spare bolt handy that fit the bill perfectly. Dan set about fixing it while the rest of us marveled at the sloppy shit show our trucks were now as well as checked out the large earth movers parked by us.


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

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

IMG_0282 by Benjamin Springli, on Flickr

2017-09-22 - 00015 - The De-Tour - Day 06 by Dan, on Flickr

IMG_0283 by Benjamin Springli, on Flickr

IMG_0270 by Benjamin Springli, on Flickr

IMG_0271 by Benjamin Springli, on Flickr


Bed rack fixed and the weather seemingly acting like it’s gonna not suck. We set off down the next trail. Which had its fun big puddles in it from the rain. We all hit them hard in hopes of washing off some of the mud.


Our trail came out on Red Grade road and when we did. It’s like the weather Gods looked down on us..took pity..and smiled..smiled warm beautiful sun! Hell even blue sky!


The temperature back up we stopped off at one of the old dams on the creek.


2017-09-22 - 00017 - The De-Tour - Day 06 by Dan, on Flickr

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

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

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

2017-09-22 - 00019 - The De-Tour - Day 06 by Dan, on Flickr

IMG_0285 by Benjamin Springli, on Flickr

IMG_0287 by Benjamin Springli, on Flickr


This Damn helped back up the creek for the Tie Flume operation done up here years ago.

Needless to say, was a cool piece of history we all like.


IMG_3570 by mike digirat, on Flickr

2017-09-22 - 00020 - The De-Tour - Day 06 by Dan, on Flickr

2017-09-22 - 00021 - The De-Tour - Day 06 by Dan, on Flickr

IMG_3571 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_3574 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_3577 by mike digirat, on Flickr


We were all in a much better mood suddenly. The prospect of us getting to camp before dark and not in the rain or snow was extremely uplifting. We got back in the trucks to head to our next trail, Woodchuck pass.


IMG_0292 by Benjamin Springli, on Flickr

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


Mud flaps..they do help..


2017-09-22 - 00018 - The De-Tour - Day 06 by Dan, on Flickr


Back on Red Grade road. Ben almost had a new hood ornament..


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TcMeC5s6II0


Thankfully the Elk turned off and didn’t decide to try and play frogger with Ben!


Shortly after this we turned off of Red Grade and got our first water crossing in a while. Which again we tried to used more as a car wash..didn’t really help though..


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


Really didn’t help Derp who’s washer bottle was not functioning so he had been using a water bottle You can see him refilling it to dunk the windshield again in the background.


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


The sun was out in full force and the smiles were too from us. The snow finally seemed beatiful to us rather than a threat.


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

2017-09-22 - 00022 - The De-Tour - Day 06 by Dan, on Flickr

IMG_3578 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_3579 by mike digirat, on Flickr


The trail wasn’t even that muddy. Or maybe our reference for “muddy road” was just way off now.


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

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

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

IMG_0293 by Benjamin Springli, on Flickr

IMG_3582 by mike digirat, on Flickr


Either way. We were really having fun. It finally sort of felt like “normal” with us stopping for photos and to chat very frequently.


IMG_0297 by Benjamin Springli, on Flickr

IMG_0298 by Benjamin Springli, on Flickr

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

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

IMG_3583 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_0299 by Benjamin Springli, on Flickr

IMG_0301 by Benjamin Springli, on Flickr


Devin decided to take out her frustrastion with how muddy Frankenstein was buy trying to clean him off..with a few snowballs. Others also tried to help but it was futile.


IMG_0304 by Benjamin Springli, on Flickr

IMG_0305 by Benjamin Springli, on Flickr

IMG_3592 by mike digirat, on Flickr

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

IMG_3586 by mike digirat, on Flickr

 

We were happy though, as were the pups!

IMG_0307 by Benjamin Springli, on Flickr

2017-09-22 - 00026 - The De-Tour - Day 06 by Dan, on Flickr

IMG_0308 by Benjamin Springli, on Flickr

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

2017-09-22 - 00023 - The De-Tour - Day 06 by Dan, on Flickr

2017-09-22 - 00024 - The De-Tour - Day 06 by Dan, on Flickr

IMG_3588 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_3591 by mike digirat, on Flickr


SUN! BATHE IN ITS GLORY!


IMG_0311 by Benjamin Springli, on Flickr

IMG_3584 by mike digirat, on Flickr


Not far from camp, we just got back to enjoying the rocky trail and beautiful scenery.


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

2017-09-22 - 00025 - The De-Tour - Day 06 by Dan, on Flickr

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

DeTour-22.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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2017-09-22 - 00031 - The De-Tour - Day 06 by Dan, on Flickr

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

IMG_0314 by Benjamin Springli, on Flickr

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

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

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


It wasn’t long before we had stopped again though. The snowy peaks in the back was the area we were headed into tomorrow. Should be interesting. Figure that out when we get there. For now, it was just nice to be out in the sun doing what we love.


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

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

IMG_0315 by Benjamin Springli, on Flickr

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

2017-09-22 - 00027 - The De-Tour - Day 06 by Dan, on Flickr

IMG_3596 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_3597 by mike digirat, on Flickr


Derp always bring the humor on.


2017-09-22 - 00028 - The De-Tour - Day 06 by Dan, on Flickr

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

IMG_0318 by Benjamin Springli, on Flickr

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

2017-09-22 - 00029 - The De-Tour - Day 06 by Dan, on Flickr


Not a bad view.


IMG_3600 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_3603 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_0319 by Benjamin Springli, on Flickr

IMG_0320 by Benjamin Springli, on Flickr

IMG_3601 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_3602 by mike digirat, on Flickr

IMG_3606 by mike digirat, on Flickr


The goal was to get to camp before dark though. And we didn’t linger too long, at least not with Mike reminding us about it!


IMG_0328 by Benjamin Springli, on Flickr

IMG_3608 by mike digirat, on Flickr


It was just too nice out with the sunlight finally making it worth taking photos constantly.


IMG_0329 by Benjamin Springli, on Flickr

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


From here we did a mad dash to camp. I was just hoping that the rifle hunters hadn’t moved into to the good spot on the creek we were headed too.


We had fun on the trail down to the creek, one of my favorites from my childhood.


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

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

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

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


It didn’t take us long to break out into the lovely meadow of Moran Creek.


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

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

2017-09-22 - 00035 - The De-Tour - Day 06 by Dan, on Flickr

IMG_3610 by mike digirat, on Flickr


Sadly the spot I wanted was taken. But there was plenty of room on the other side of the creek so we crossed over to setup camp. I sprinted across trying to get photos of folks going through the multiple water crossings.


2017-09-22 - 00038 - The De-Tour - Day 06 by Dan, on Flickr

2017-09-22 - 00039 - The De-Tour - Day 06 by Dan, 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

DeTour-52.jpg by Monte Nickles Photos, 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


Everyone across we went about setting up camp. Only the 2nd time so far before it was dark.


2017-09-22 - 00040 - The De-Tour - Day 06 by Dan, on Flickr

IMG_0335 by Benjamin Springli, on Flickr


Devin refused to even touch the truck Frankenstein was so muddy. So it was my job to set up everything and get the mud off of stuff haha


IMG_0338 by Benjamin Springli, on Flickr

IMG_0339 by Benjamin Springli, on Flickr


Camp setup we now could get to real buissness...which I’m not sure what we would call that but most just bull shitting!


IMG_0341 by Benjamin Springli, on Flickr

IMG_0344 by Benjamin Springli, on Flickr

IMG_0348 by Benjamin Springli, on Flickr


And here is the famous “meme” photo of me...probably telling off Derp about something not improtant at all..



“Actually…”


IMG_0351 by Benjamin Springli, on Flickr

IMG_0352 by Benjamin Springli, on Flickr

IMG_0353 by Benjamin Springli, on Flickr


Things were so nice Ben volunteered that if the sun was nice tomorrow he would make us all breakfast even! Bold words. But the clouds did start moving in quickly.


IMG_0354 by Benjamin Springli, on Flickr

IMG_0356 by Benjamin Springli, on Flickr


Fog rolling in we go the fire going good and all huddled around it for the rest of the evening happy as ever with how the day had gone compared to the last few.


IMG_0357 by Benjamin Springli, on Flickr

IMG_0360 by Benjamin Springli, on Flickr

2017-09-22 - 00045 - The De-Tour - Day 06 by Dan, on Flickr


But even with the fire, at 8500 feet, it was cold. Soon it was just a few of us left. And of course it started to snow again. I made the rounds with the broom and swept off everyones RTT before hitting the sack myself. Praying for the sun to come out again tomorrow..

To be Continued..


Chapter 6: Not..again..For the love of God..

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-18461434

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]​

 

Thanks! Beat me to page 5 haha

LOTS more to go. Only on day 6..was a 15 day trip..haha

 

Damn now that's mud