AdventureTaco - turbodb's build and adventures

Haha, I can still read the bottom line of the eye chart

 

I have the same bulbs

 

Hey, don’t make fun of cataracts (or boomers). I’ve been wearing glasses for over 50 years and was having trouble with night driving; diagnosed with cataracts in both eyes. The surgery allows the doctor to correct your vision and now I can drive, watch TV etc without glasses. And if I lose my sunglasses (these things happen when you get old) I can just buy another pair in a convenience store instead of spending $300.

 

Funny story (to me, anyway). My dad was due to have the lens replacement and had agreed with my mom to do the cheaper one that just solves for distance vision (not sure why doing the reading and distance would cost more, seems like the same work has to be done). When he went in he opted for the double without letting my mom know. Turns out he also needed new hearing aids as well, so she told him he'd just have to wait. So, he could see great but couldn't hear anything for several months. Some funny conversations with him during that time, he's not great at reading lips.

 

Well, we’re way off topic now but as it was explained to me, the only way to correct for both distance and near is to do one eye for near, and one for far. My doctor told me that most people can adapt to make this effective, but that depth perception would be affected. Since I ride bikes, motor and pedal, and have had terrible distance vision since childhood, I asked for the best distance (6’ and more) vision in each eye with corresponding good depth perception, and now have to use reading glasses for the first time in my life. But I think it was a great tradeoff. Now, back to @turbodb and his adventures.

 

Gear Roundup - What I Take With Me On Trips (2020 edition)
December 31, 2020.

What a CRAZY year! Still, we've been able to get out quite a bit, and as usual, what we take with us has changed slightly. Taken with the Rig Reviews, this series of posts give a good sense of what's working and what's not with the setup. So, without further ado, let's dig into what's on and in the truck at the end of 2020!

Additions for 2020 are marked in red.
Items we no longer take are struck through.

The Truck Itself
Obviously we can't adventure without the actual vehicle. To see how it's outfitted, check out the Truck Details Build Page (2020) and the relevant links there to the various mods that were part of this year's configuration.

From previous years, the following were new or significantly changed:

1. Suspension - I added limit straps to the front suspension. I can't reiterate how much of a difference this has made to the setup. I go on and on about it in this rig review.
2. Electrical - I added solar power to the truck, for peace of mind when we're not moving (base camp), it's hot out, and the fridge is working hard.
3. Lighting - I significantly upgraded the forward-facing lights. With higher wattage halogen headlights and HIDs installed in the Hellas, there's now a ton of light!
4. Sound - I put in new speakers, but the real improvement was sound deadening the cab. Boy, what a difference!

In all, the truck performed very well - doing nearly everything I asked of it. Maintenance this year seemed low, with the largest expense being a new set of tires. I wonder if that will continue?

Sleeping Gear
We made a big change in 2019 with the addition of the Exped MegaMat Duo 10 LW and it continues to be one of our favorite things on the truck. I can't recommend it highly enough; it really does make the entire trip better (because of the great sleep we get).

1. Two heavyweight down comforters, twin size. We like comforters for two reasons - first, they are so much more comfortable and cozy than a sleeping bag - great for a good night sleep. And second, they compress better when the tent is folded up. Two allow us to control temperatures easily.
2. One bottom sheet, fitted to the Exped MegaMat Duo mattress. With a sheet and comforters, it's like sleeping in a bed. I know I'm really talking this up, so I recommend you read my rig review about it here.
3. Two full-size pillows. There's no better pillow than your home pillow, and we've put two of our older ones in the tent permanently.
4. Ear plugs. On windy nights, or if you're near the highway, soft foam (designed for sleeping) ear plugs can be a lifesaver. I always keep a few pair in one of the tent pockets.
5. A warm (polartec) cap. I like to sleep with the doors and windows open whenever I can - even when it's cold. A cap keeps the breeze off my head, and keeps me a lot toastier through those cold nights.

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Clothing and Footwear
Clothing hasn't changed much from last year - and while it varies a bit each trip, it is more consistent than one might think. There are likely a couple reasons for this - first, the weather is unpredictable, so I always like to have both long-and-short pieces of clothing; second, I never end up changing clothes all that often on a trip - getting dirty is just part of the adventure. So, that said, here's what I bring:

1. A clean pair of underwear for every day.
2. A clean pair of socks for every day. I'll tend bring a 75/25 combo of crew/ankle socks depending on what I expect my pants/shorts situation to be, since I much prefer taller socks with pants and shorter socks with shorts.
3. A pair of running sneakers - my primary shoe in dry conditions.
4. A pair of Keen waterproof hiking boots - my primary shoe in wet conditions.
5. A pair of Muck Boots - a great alternative for really muddy forays out of the truck.
6. One pair of pants per week of trip, plus one extra.
7. One pair of shorts per week of trip, plus one extra.
8. Two short-sleeve shirts per week of trip, plus one extra.
9. Two long-sleeve shirts per week of trip, plus one extra.
10. Two sweatshirts (with hoods).
11. One pair of sweatpants - usually only used to layer if it gets cold, or to wear in bed at night if it's freezing.
12. One waterproof, hooded, rain jacket.
13. One down puffy.
14. Weather dependent: One pair of gortex ski gloves.
15. Sunglasses.
16. A baseball hat.
17. A fabric (not leather) belt - this turns out to be important, as you're often bending over and because I always tend to lose weight on longer trips.
18. Two reusable grocery bags - one of which I use for dirty clothes, and the other to store my shoes in when I go in the tent.

With everything above, it's easy to adapt to the weather in almost any conditions. There are enough warm clothes to layer up when it gets cold. The one change I've made for 2020 here is that I'm back to storing my clothes in a backpack, rather than a cardboard box. This may have to do with the fact that @mrs.turbodb was on a lot more trips this year, and it was easier to keep our clothes separate in the backpacks.

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Toiletries
Not much to say here - this stuff doesn't take up much room and I just slip most of it into my clothes bag.

1. Electric Philips Sonicare Toothbrush (and charger as necessary) and toothpaste.
2. Toilet paper - 2 rolls. I've found that a single roll is enough for all but the longest trips, but this is something you want to have a backup of, in case you lose the first roll, or it gets wet...
3. Baby wipes. Go for unscented, and make sure they are resealable. I like to take two packs per trip - one to keep in the cab, and the other in the kitchen box. Use them sparingly for washing hands and every day for "showering" the spots that get stinky.
4. Deodorant
5. Electric shaver (two-week trips only) - while I probably only end up using this once per two-week trip, it's amazing how nice it can feel to get a week's worth of itchy facial hair growth trimmed down.
6. I've also started bringing two washcloths - one which I saturate with water for washing my face, and a second for washing dusty areas like my legs after hiking.

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Electronics
Not much change on the electronics this year. Mostly, this is camera equipment and other items necessary to support my style of photography.

1. In a camera bag (which came with the camera, so use any bag you prefer).
   1. Canon 80D DSLR - used to shoot most (99% now) photos on a MicroSD card.
   2. Canon EF-S 18-135mm IS USM Lens - my primary lens.
   3. Canon EF-S 10-18mm IS STM Lens - used for wide angle shots.
   4. Extra Canon Battery LP-E6N (80D) and charger.
2. A small, 175W Inverter - for charging camera batteries an my laptop.
3. MeFOTO Roadtrip S Tripod - used primarily for sunrise photos, the occasional sunset, and the even more occasional selfie.
4. A selection of USB cables (microUSB, USB C, mini USB, and lightning).
5. My laptop - for offloading photos and image processing.

Food on trips
No trip has exactly the same food - but I do follow a pattern, so it makes sense to explain that pattern and then I'll share some sample food items.

Generally, I plan to eat out (fast food) any meals that are on the way to the location of the trip; I eat out of the truck for the "on-trail" adventure; on the way home, I plan to eat out again. So, if I have an 8 hour freeway drive before hitting the trail, I might eat a single fast food meal each direction . If I've got 24-hours of "getting there," I could end up eating three meals before breaking into any of the food I packed, and then stopping for fast food three more times on the way home.

Using this methodology, I can generally expect two weeks of on-trail food (for one person; one weeks for 2 people, etc.). The real limiting factor is that you don't want to have food longer than a couple weeks without freezing, and fresh food (veggies, etc.) don't last longer than a couple weeks without rotting.

Eating Out of the Truck
When I'm eating out of the truck, I separate food into two classes: cooled and un-cooled. Cooled food must all fit in the ARB 50qt fridge, which I keep at 33-35ºF during the day (truck running) and 37-39ºF when in camp with the truck off; un-cooled food goes into a small-size military medical case.

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As far as meals go, I like to pre-prepare as much as possible at home - largely to reduce prep and cleanup when on-trail. My goal, generally, is to have - at most - a single plate and single pan to clean after dinner, a single bowl at breakfast, and perhaps a knife at lunch!

I also repeat meals and ingredients (across meals to reduce the number of different packs of things to buy/pack). Breakfast and lunch may be identical every day or alternate between two options. Dinners repeat every 3-4 days.

With that background, here are some sample meals. Ingredients are coded as such: (PP) - pre-prepped | (O) - optional, may have a limited supply if on-trail for an extended time | Cooled | Un-cooled.

Breakfast

• Breakfast cereal - Cheerios, milk, strawberries (O), blueberries (O). Note: fruit lasts up to 1 week.
• Breakfast sandwich - outdoor roll, spicy sausage, 2 eggs, butter. Note: butter is to cook eggs.

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Lunch

• Lunch 1 - sliced sandwich bread, peanut butter, jelly, apple, chips, cookies.
• Lunch 2 - sliced sandwich bread, deli meat, lettuce (PP), avocado, mayo (O), mustard (O), apple, chips, cookies. Note: mayo and mustard from packets.
• Lunch 2 - sliced sandwich bread, tuna (pre-mixed with mayo, green onions, and pickle), apple, chips, cookies.

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Dinner

• Tacos - ground beef with taco seasoning (PP - cooked), flour tortillas, sliced cheddar cheese, cabbage (PP), avocado.
• Cheeseburger - elongated ground beef patty (PP - raw), outdoor roll, sliced cheddar cheese, lettuce (PP), avocado, mayo (O), mustard (O), pickle, chips. Note: mayo and mustard from packets; try to eat raw meat in first 5 days.
• Steak - marinated skirt steak (PP - raw), mashed potatoes (PP - cooked), cauliflower; try to eat raw meat in first 5 days.
• Pasta - tomato or pesto pasta sauce, cheese ravioli, cauliflower.
• Hot dogs - spicy sausage, outdoor roll, ketchup (O), mustard (O), chips (O). Note: ketchup and mustard from packets.
• Rotisserie chicken - chicken from safeway (PP - all meat removed from bones), green beans (O), broccoli (O).

Dessert and Snacks

• Homemade chocolate chip cookies (PP)
• Hershey's Nuggets - I've stopped taking these just to be a bit healthier. Weird.
• Granola Bars
• Chips

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Kitchen Gear
All the kitchen gear is stored in a single, aluminum, medium-size, military medical case. This makes it relatively easy to get to, and of course protects it from the elements. The case contains:

1. A propane Coleman Camp Stove/Grill. This makes it equally easy to heat up a pan or grill a burger, and folds down relatively small. The only think I don't really like about it is that the burners are either on or off - though they look adjustable, they aren't really.
2. Two 1lb cylinders of propane. This seems to be enough to last for a couple weeks, and having a backup means that when one runs out, I can start looking for another if I think I'll run out before the end of the trip.
3. A plastic cutting board. I generally don't use this all that much (I opt to cut on a disposable paper plate), but it's nice to have just in case.
4. Plastic bowls - one per person, but a minimum of two. Used for breakfast cereal or scrambled eggs.
5. Plastic plates - one per person, but a minimum of two. I sometimes use these for cutting items, but more often I use them for simply supporting a paper plate that I eat off of.
6. Paper plates - usually about 50 of the cheapest ones I can find. We have a stack at home and I make sure there are a bunch in the case before a trip - these are my primary prep/eating surface since clean-up is easy (fire or trash).
7. One stainless steel mixing bowl. Used primarily for doing dishes, when there are dishes to do.
8. Utensils stored in a plastic container:
   1. Two (one per person, min of two) - forks, spoons
   2. One (only) - butter knife, spatula, serving spoon, small tongs, small sharp kitchen knife (love this knife, it's always sharp)
9. Paper towels - one roll per week.
10. Baby wipes. Go for unscented, and make sure they are resealable. Use them sparingly for washing hands.
11. Aluminum foil - a full box, which you can use to make hobo meals (meals you cook in the camp fire, by double wrapping them with foil).
12. A small container of dish soap and a sponge for washing dishes. Stored in a small watertight lock-and-lock box so that everything doesn't get wet and soapy. (Note: these lock-and-locks are great - we use the other sizes for storing food in the fridge.)
13. Fire starting implements - at least one box of wooden matches and a cheap lighter.
14. 10 quart-size Ziplock plastic freezer bags. A box of sandwich bags.
15. A bit of clothesline rope. Never used, but good to have just in case we need to hang or tie something.
16. A 10" stainless steel skillet.
17. A 2 qt steel sauce pan. This is better than the skillet I used to take, and also allows heating up of things like soup.

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First Aid
I've been super lucky and never had to use my first aid kits for anything except minor cuts and scrapes, but I always take two kits with me - one for minor stuff, and one that can help in a more serious event. Of course, they both contain some of the basic items, since one kit or the other may be quicker to grab at any given time. The kit's contain the following:

Minor stuff; kit kept in kitchen container:

• assortment of band-aids (sizes and shapes)
• burn cream
• sterile eye pads
• sterile gauze (different sizes and shapes)
• medical tape
• scissors
• CPR mouth shield
• two ice packs
• IB Profin (Advil)
• UTI pills (cranberry concentrate)

Trauma kit, kept in cab of truck:

• flexible splint
• clothing scissors
• large sterile pads (various large sizes and shapes)
• non-latex rubber gloves
• idoine cleaning pads
• medical tape
• band-aids (various sizes and shapes)
• tourniquet

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Basic Tools
These are tools that I think should go on every trip, no matter how short. Of course, a break down may mean the adventure is "over", but with them, you can get yourself out of a lot of situations, and back to civilization.

• Tire related
  • 20-foot compressed air hose with ARB tire inflator - I've added a longer hose to the ARB inflator for convenience.
  • Full size spare tire (255/85 R16 Cooper ST Maxx) on matching wheel (16" 4Runner 5-spoke) - Having a total replacement for a wheel/tire is good practice when in remote areas. Of course, along with tires, I also use the following on every trip:
  • Tire pressure gauge - get the cheapest you can IMO. It's just checking pressure and you mostly want to make sure all tires are the same and around a certain PSI.
  • Tire deflators - these things are cheap and work way better than the tools that unscrew the valve stem. You can even install them and then air down while driving.
  • Tire plug kit, to fit many small punctures. I didn't use the plug kit this year, but I've used it several times over the years. All the kits are basically the same as long as you get the tools. So get the cheapest one you can.
• 48" Hi-Lift Jack - with a lifted truck, the stock bottle jack is no longer tall enough, so I now carry a Hi-Lift. No point in bringing a spare tire, if you don't have a jack that allows you to change it!
• Fuel
  • 10 gallons extra fuel - in 5-gallon Scepter (military issue, plastic) jerry cans. I've only ever needed 5 gallons for myself, but it's nice to have extra and I've definitely shared with others who had thirstier trucks.
  • Cap opening wrench - necessary to open the Scepter jerry cans at a different altitude than they were previously closed.
  • To transfer fuel from the jerry cans to the tank, I bring and use a fuel siphon. Make sure to get a 10' siphon, so you can leave the fuel cans in the bed or on your rear bumper when you transfer fuel.
• Small Fiskars hatchet - useful for splitting smaller firewood, clearing small down-fall, and as a hammer.
• 20' of 3/8" rope - something I carry in the truck at all times, and always have.
• A folding 10" Japanese pull saw - this is way more convenient for cutting small trees out of the way than the hatchet or chainsaw. I've used it well over 100 times and it's still as sharp as ever.
• Two small (500lb) ratchet straps - these straps can be used for securing loads and for temporary repairs, holding pieces of your vehicle in place so you can limp to repair.
• A pair of rubberized gloves - I get mine at Harbor Freight, but any gloves will do and they look cheaper on amazon if you buy several pair. These are a necessity when changing tires, working on the truck, chopping wood, or using the chainsaw - allowing for better grip than bare hands.

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• This tool roll, which conveniently holds 95% of the tools I need to fix anything that breaks on the trail in an organized fashion. I've tried other rolls, and they just don't have the right set of pockets, where this one does. Into the tool roll, put:
  • Several 3/8" sockets in the following sizes (set): 10mm, 12mm, 13mm, 14mm, 17mm, 19mm, 21mm, 22mm, 24mm
  • 3/8" Spark plug socket (5/8" or 16mm)
  • 3/8” socket extensions - 3-, 6-, 10-inch lengths
  • 3/8" ratchet (socket set) - do yourself a favor that I didn't , and get a flex head for access to more bolts.
  • Several crescent + box end wrenches in the following sizes: 8mm, 10mm, 12mm, 13mm, 14mm, 17mm, 19mm, 21mm, 22mm
  • Set of metric Allen/hex key's ranging up to 10mm
  • 10mm flare nut wrench for working with brake lines
  • Wire cutters
  • Needle nose pliers
  • Channellock pliers
  • Adjustable wrenches - 4.5-inch, 8-inch, 10-inch. I've found these to be quite valuable for holding a nut when tightening a bolt, or for hex head sizes I don't have a dedicated wrench/socket for (usually aftermarket parts).
  • Several screw drivers: Flat screw driver, Philips screw driver, Long flat screw driver.
  • A retractable razor utility knife
  • Reusable zip ties
  • Some wire
  • Some electrical tape

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Basic Recovery Gear
Much of the equipment in the basic tool set and OSK can be used as part of a recovery - but in addition to those items, I always have the following with me in the truck. Every one of these items has been used on one trip or another, though none of them are used very often. I'd bring all of these things, even if I wasn't bringing the full OSK.

• Traction boards. I have a set of USActionTrax that were kindly donated after I got stuck several times. I have yet to use them, but they seem great. MaxTrax and Tred Pros also seem good. I'm not sure I'd go for the extremely cheap ones.
• Full-size, long fiberglass handle digging shovel - I feel like this is something often overlooked, or where people decide that a little folding shovel will be good enough. I however prefer a tool that is comfortable to use and moves a good amount of material. This year alone, I used it in mud, snow, and sand.
• 30-foot tow strap, rated at 30,000 lbs.
• 8-foot tree saver, rated at 30,000 lbs.
• Smittybuilt snatch block
• 4, 7/8-inch pin shackles - 2 rated at 4.75 ton, and 2 rated at 6.5 ton

I of course also have a Warn M8000-S winch hidden in the front bumper of the truck, but it's usually the last tool I turn to - I've found that most situations don't require a winch to escape.

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OSK (Oh Shit Kit) - More Tools and Spare Parts
My OSK is what changed the most this year. I carry much less than I have in the past, because my approach has changed.

I used to approach the OSK as something that would keep a trip going, no matter what went wrong on the trail. Now, I'm approaching it as "what I needed in order to fix the worst problems, and limp back to civilization." In fact, I've come to the realization that I'm fine ending a trip and paying to fix something in town, rather than proactively carry a truck full of spare parts. But I don't want to end up completely stranded somewhere, if possible.

As an example - I no longer carry a spare CV axle. If mine breaks, I'll limp into town and call it a trip. However, I do now carry an alternator - because if that goes out in the middle of nowhere, I wouldn't even be able to limp myself back to civilization.

This has allowed an enormous amount of consolidation. I now carry an OSK comprised of two DeWalt T-stack cases (Deep Box, Clear Organizer) which contain all of my items.

The OSK containers I use are a 5 gallon bucket (for fluids) and an aluminum, medium-size, military medical case.

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Fluids

• 5 qt Pennzoil Platinum Full Synthetic engine oil - this isn't enough for a full oil change, but it is enough to refill a lot of lost oil, and is likely enough to limp back to town for more oil.
• 1 qt Lucas 80W-90 gear oil - similar to the motor oil, this is enough to refill a leak, but not fully fill a diff. Use it to limp back.
• WD-40 PTFE Dry Lube - This is the WD-40 that I now use as my go-to variant since it's a dry lube and so doesn't attract the dust and dirt so common on the trail.
• MAF cleaner - I've had problems with my MAF a couple of times, so this is now a staple in my kit.
• Throttle Body cleaner - I've never (that I know) had a specific problem with the TB, but this is a good all-purpose cleaner as well, so it is part of the kit.
• Brake fluid - brakes are a key component of a working rig. If a leak happens somewhere, I want to be able to refill any lost fluid - at least enough to limp back to civilization.

Parts

• Spare AC idler pulley (88440-04040) - these seem to go out all the time, and having a trail spare will relieve you of the dreadful squealing.
• Assortment of spare fuses.
• Spare alternator (Denso 210-0461 105A Remanufactured Alternator)
• Jumper cables - mostly to help others since I have dual batteries.
• Spare rear u-joint (04371-60070)
• 1 Spare CV axle - I personally carry an aftermarket CV that I was loaned by a buddy, but you can also carry an OEM one as well, if you don't want to perform a second replacement upon your return from a trip.
• Spare Lower Ball Joints - one Left w/bolts (43340-39585), one Right w/bolts (43330-39815) - I carry and use only OEM lower ball joints, as they are known to be of higher quality than any available aftermarket joints.
• Spare center bearing (37230-35130), often incorrectly called carrier bearing.

Tools

• 24" long, ½" drive, breaker bar
• 35mm socket - for removal of the CV axle nut.
• Socket adapter and reducer set (1/2->3/8; 3/8->1/4; 3/8->1/2; 1/4->3/8)
• Pry bars - useful when changing a CV axle.
• 3lb deadblow mallet
• Multimeter - electrical gremlins can be hard to diagnose even with a meter, but they are impossible to figure out without one.
• Assortment of bolts, washers, and nuts ranging from M6 to M14, varying lengths
• Blue (242) Loctite
• Bailing wire
• ½" drive, 10-150 ft-lb torque wrench
• SAE & metric, 6-point, deep & shallow, 3/8" and 1/2" drive impact socket set - most of these sockets duplicate what's in my basic tool kit size-wise, but having deep sockets in a more complete kit is a lifesaver for certain applications. I find myself using this kit more than I imagined.

Water
I bring 5 gallons in a Scepter (military issue, plastic) jerry can. I generally expect to use ½-1 gallon/day per person. Fill up in town (fuel stations) when running low.

Though water is stored in the jerry can, that's not a convenient way to drink it, or use it for washing. For those activities, we use

• Two Camelback water bottles - these are useful for drinking out of, and stay sealed up when driving.
• Camelback Rogue Hydration Pack - this can store enough water for a longer hike and is also useful for washing dishes - water flow can be started by suction and then continues via siphon at a high enough rate to wash, but low enough rate to not waste too much water.

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Miscellaneous
There are a few things that don't fit well in other categories, so I'll list them here:

• A small flashlight. I used to carry a big 3-D cell Maglight, but have since realized that a little 3-AAA light is plenty and a lot easier to pack.
• An LED headlamp. For hands-free light options. Pick your favorite
• A Trasharoo for all our garbage. We don't generally make much trash on a trip, but any we do (and any we find in camp from previous adventurers) goes into the bag and is forgotten until we get home.
• Low camp chair - I like this model of chair because it's a more reclined position which is comfortable for me when lounging around the fire or reading. I should note that it's not better when eating.
• Several 18-inch long 2x6 boards - for leveling the truck in camp. I'm back to using rocks for leveling.
• A 2' x 3' astroturf rug/door mat - for the bottom of the RTT ladder, to keep from getting muddy on those rainy nights. And, for laying on if I have to work on the truck while on the dusty trail. Get whatever old mat you can find for free - that's how I got mine!

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Only on Some Trips
There isn't much that I only bring on certain trips, since a bed that isn't full means that things have a tendency to slide around. But, there are a few things that only come along when I think I'll need them.

Chainsaw

• Chainsaw - I decided that if I need a chainsaw, I want it to work, so I purchased a Stihl MS-261 professional saw with a 20" bar. This wasn't a cheap purchase, but it's never let me down...and I know other saws that can't say the same.
• Chainsaw sharpener - spend the extra and get this one; it's amazing how well it works.
• Chainsaw fuel - 1 gallon of pre-mixed fuel/oil mix in a fuel rotopax. This seems to be more than I ever need on a single trip.
• Chainsaw bar oil - 1 qt of Stihl bar oil. Like the fuel, if I need more than this, I should likely find another route around the dead-fall.

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And that's what I've got. I think I've managed to list pretty much everything, but I'm sure there are things that you may feel that I'm missing. I'd love to hear any feedback or suggestions!

 

Dan I would just like to thank you for your awesome build and adventure thread!

I have been laid up with a hand injury for a few days and I’ve spent at least six or seven hours reading your postings… Your effort to share your knowledge and enjoyable aventures is muchly appreciated from an old taco owner up in Canada

 

OSRAM headlights - I've had OSRAM bulbs on my 2nd gen as a replacement for the OEM ones that were getting to be a little on the yellow side of the house. My disappointment, and why I won't buy them again, is the longevity of them. I don't remember exactly how long they lasted, but I remember being very disappointed in how quickly they burned out. It was somewhere between 1 and 2 years.

I see you have the Tire Plug kit in two different pics. I assume this is either a recycled pic or an oversight. I don't see a need to carry two plug kits.

It's kind of nice to see a well used Amazon value brand recovery strap. At least I think TGL is one of those value brands, cause I've never seen/heard of them outside of being a cheap option on Amazon. When I decided that my tow strap needed to be replaced with a recovery strap, I opted for this one for $28 (at the time):

3'' x 30ft Tow Recovery Strap by Stay There, Lab Tested 30000lb Break Strength with Reinforced Loops Built for Off-Roading, mud, Snow and Other Emergency Towing (Yellow)

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B082KL5JC1/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 I have yet to use it, but hope that it works as expected if it is ever needed. Thing is much beefier than the previous tow strap that I carried. Seeing you use the TGL gives me more faith in the one I purchased.

Nice plug on the recovery boards being donated

Oh, and I think I asked here a few months back about Tripods. This one has turned out to be awesome! https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07WRXQDM3/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1 I'd highly recommend it for anyone who wants a quality tripod without spending a small fortune.

 

A lot of times, a higher wattage bulb’s filament is much thinner than the 55/60. As a result, they tend to break more often. Especially in off road applications. Not always but the chances of failure are higher.

I used to run a higher wattage bulb in the motorcycle and if I got a year, I considered myself lucky.

 

I think TW should be paying you for what you do up on here!!!!

 

A Tough Year at Alaska Hill - Mojave 2020 #1

With just over a week to explore the Mojave National Preserve, our spirits were high as we headed south out of the gloomy Pacific Northwest towards a forecast full of sun and warmer - during the day - temps.

We'd made a similar pilgrimage last year and had a great time, an unexpected snow storm making for a unique - if a bit chilly - experience. And so, after 20 hours of driving - and only a couple hours sleep at Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge - we arrived at the north east corner of the Preserve: the Clark Mountains. This would be the starting point of out clockwise-ish jaunt - some of the places familiar, others never-before visited. But our first order of business was airing down.

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As we passed through the Ivanpah Solar Power Plant - it was strangely idle on this sunny day.​

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The perfect spot to air down. For 8 days.​

Our climb into the Clark Mountains was quick and easy - temps a little cooler than we'd expected, but nothing compared to the 10" of snow we'd encountered on our previous visit. Behind us, views into the Ivanpah Valley reminded us why it was that we enjoyed this spot in the world.

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It was brunch time - for us anyway - when we reached the saddle where the enormous pit of the Colosseum Mine ate into the mountain. Unlike our previous visit, the gate was now closed - and locked - likely a result of all the extra traffic in the area during 2020, and the additional liability that the owners felt as a result. A bit bummed that we couldn't drive down to the water, @mrs.turbodb prepped a couple quick bowls of cereal, and we headed to the edge of the mine to peer down into the pit.

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A relatively new mine as far as gold recovery in the Mojave Preserve is concerned, over $100 million was blasted out of this pit during the late 1980s and early 1990s. After mining ceased, the owners were required to mitigate some of the damage they had inflicted to the land. They graded and recontoured the waste-rock piles and stockpiles, revegetated certain areas, covered the tailings dam with waste rock to minimize erosion, and treated fresh rock surfaces to give them the appearance of desert varnish. This reclamation cost more than $30 million - a good fraction of the mine's gains. (Hiking the Mojave Desert)

Given that we'd visited the mine previously, we didn't spend all that long before heading off in a new direction - towards Clark Mountain - the unknown pulling us further from civilization.

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A roundabout road wandered through the lower reaches of this, the highest summit in the preserve. Through pinyon pine forests, we eventually found ourselves at the old Curtis Cabin, its remote location affording it some protection from the crowds.

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Inside, it was in sparse - but reasonable - condition, with a grill and propane stove amongst the amenities available to residents. I never really find myself wanting to stay in any of these cabins, but it's always comforting to find one that's lovingly cared for by someone, and respected by those who stumble upon it in their adventures.

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Make sure to clock in and out, ya hear!​

Frank Curtis, lived here for 27 years, nestled in amongst the folds of Clark Mountain. With little outside contact, there's no record of how much he mined from the nearby shaft - its headframe now collapsed after decades of harsh winters - but one thing is for certain, he had a great view every day he went to work.

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From the cabin, we continued down the rough wash, its bottom alternating between sand and boulders, making our way towards a couple of old holding ponds and the mill of the Colosseum Mine. Where quite a bit of work had clearly gone into the reclamation of the pit and tailings, these ponds seemed to be an afterthought, and I'm a little surprised the mill foundation was left on-site, even if the wooden superstructure has been removed.

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Holding ponds, the water extremely salty - anything attempting to grow, soon covered in crystals.​

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Mill foundation, where more than $100 million in gold was concentrated.​

Nearby, the Green Cabin was our next stop - albeit a short one - along the Yates Well Road to Alaska Hill. Along the main route, this cabin has obviously seen better days, those who've happened by, seemingly less respectful than those who stumble on more remote cabins in the area.

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And with that, we made a beeline for Alaska Hill. This was our true destination for the day - a four mile loop hike through several old mines and their ruins - something I'd been looking forward to since we were turned around by snow on the same hike a year before. Things would be different this time - snow was nowhere to be found; the sky alternating between bright blue and white puffy clouds!

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There was one bummer however: the lack of sleep over the last two days, coupled with the copious mileage we'd travelled had @mrs.turbodb completely exhausted. As such - as I set out from the rock house ruins by our parking spot - I found myself hiking solo, only the handheld ham radio to keep me company.

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Unlike most hikes - which follow at least some semblance of a trail, no matter how lightly travelled it is in modern times - the hike through Alaska Hill is mostly cross-country. Armed only with a set of interesting points and a general description of the route, a big part of the fun of a trek like this - for me - is finding my own way, knowing that no one else has done it exactly the same way. Seeing things that others have seen, but different. And so, I started up the wash, excited for the unknown.

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Quickly, the wash got steeper. Even with only four miles of total length, I ended up gaining more than 1500 feet of elevation, much of it in the first mile or so of the hike. The ease of hiking was not improved by the "terrain" either - piles of mine tailings like sand dunes - my feet slipping half a step down for every step up!

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The tailings of the Monitor Mine weren't the only sign of the activity that'd taken place here. One of the most successful silver mines in the area, old rock walls and tools dotted the wash, making for interesting distractions to the strenuous clambering.

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Eventually, I found myself some three-quarters of a mile from where I started, the Tacoma visible in the distance. In just over half an hour, I'd reached the terminus of our hike the year before - the cabin of the Beatrice Mine. 2020 had not been good to the cabin, which had all four walls and a roof, the last time we'd ventured this direction. Now, just one short year later, one of the walls had fallen down completely, and what was left of the roof wasn't far behind. What a year. :frown:

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Now able to explore the area without 10" of snow covering everything up, I continued up the wash - or rather, back down into it - past no fewer than 15 old mine shafts and tailings piles from the Beatrice No. 1 and No. 2 mines, as well as the Monitor, which continued to work its way up toward the ridgeline. Poking along, my attention was pulled in multiple directions. Up-and-around - the stunning views only getting better as I climbed higher; but also down - colorful rocks liberated from the hillsides, still beckoning passers-by, as they lay - uncovered - on the ground.

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There's a path through there, just waiting to be discovered.​

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The view north, towards the Mesquite Mountains.​

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Blue anyone?​

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How about green?​

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Holy blue, green and purple, Batman!​

A few hundred vertical feet further, and I reached the top of the wash I'd been climbing - the entirety of the hike now below me, though only a third of the overall distance complete. My next task was traversing the ridge to the adjacent wash, where more mines and ultimately a trail back to the truck, awaited.

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One wash over - the ore chute of the Alley Mine, cut into the steep hillside.​

Navigating between rocks, chollo cactus, and creosote, the horizontal movement was a welcome change from the 45º incline I'd been hiking to this point, and I made good time - stopping only to admire the dried flower of a dwarf agave, a large collapsed mine shaft I found in the hillside, and a juniper tree full of berries.

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Soon, I was at the base of the Alley Mine's chute. I'd lost elevation on the traverse - an unfortunate happenstance, as I'd have to regain that elevation to check out the entirety of the mine - but with so much to explore, I was happy to see it any way I could.

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Ore chute. Not as straight-down-the-hill as it looked from a distance. This sinuous contraption of boards and corrugated iron dropped ore 180 feet from the mine's high workings down the rocky mountain side.​

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Fuel barrels, everywhere.​

From the bottom of the ore chute, I climbed again - to an old rock cabin at the top of an adjacent claim - the Lizzie Bullock No 2. As with the Beatrice, this cabin has seen better days - much of what was once the front room, now collapsed. Still, the middle wall and cold storage room built into the mountain were in great shape, adding intrigue to a place that would have offered a restful place to soak in the views of the canyon and Mesquite Valley.

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By this point, I'd been hiking for a couple hours and it was nearing 3:00pm - only 90 minutes or so until the sun set on this, one of the shortest days of the year. I radioed back to @mrs.turbodb that I'd reached my last mine and was headed back - her voice loud and clear as she responded to let me know that she'd finally figured out how to work the Kenwood D710G ham radio in the truck.

And so, I headed down the mountain, looking back one final time at the workings as I hustled along.

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Even with nearly two miles back to the Tacoma, I wasn't worried that I'd run out of light - the hiking down was much easier than up, and this wash had a road in it that we probably could have driven - had we known that was an option! Within 45 minutes I found myself cresting a short saddle between the two canyons, a hole in the hillside and metal grate over a shaft distracting me before my final descent to the trailhead.

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Alaska Hill is covered in shafts. One of the most densely populated areas I've visited.​

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Of all the shafts in the area, this is the only one that's been covered - as far as I can tell.​

As I reached the truck, @mrs.turbodb and I filled each other in on the highlights of our afternoons - each of us happy to have made the choices we'd made as far as the hike was concerned. And then - with the sun setting - we set about finding camp for the night. I'd wanted to make our way back toward the Colosseum Mine a bit - just so we were closer to our destination the following day - and so the fact that it was very breezy here in Alaska Hill made it an easy decision to look for something a little more sheltered.

We headed back towards Clark Mountain, the sun setting to our west - the bright yellows and oranges wowing us as we raced the waning light.

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I'm sure we knew it at the time - our race to find camp before dark was a futile one. At some point we admitted that to ourselves, and I was soon back out of the truck, now capturing pinks and purples as the sun dropped further below the horizon.

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Still only about 5:15pm, we ended up exploring two or three possible places to camp before settling on one that optimized shelter-from-the-wind over views. It would mean no hope of sunrise in the morning, but after only three hours of sleep in the last two days, we both needed the rest - we'd have plenty of chances to wake up to something spectacular on the rest of the trip!

A quick dinner of tacorritos with guacamole and copious amounts of water and we called it a night - climbing into bed well before 7:30pm, and falling asleep only a few minutes later. The wind would stop by midnight, and I think we both slept reasonably well - even as the temps dropped into the high 20°Fs overnight - our down comforters and Exped MegaMat keeping us well insulated from the elements.

It'd been a great first day in the Preserve, and things had mostly gone to plan. Fortunately for us, that wouldn't be the case the following day... but that's another story.

 

Thanks again for sharing! Your composition of photos is always so engaging.

That Ivanpah Solar Power Plant is so cool -- I flew over it several year ago and had no idea what it was. I had to look it up and geek out on the tech.

 

Glad you're enjoying! Hope the hand heals up - that's gotta suck being out of commission like that.

The lifespan of the OSRAMS is my main concern as well. Given that my original bulbs lasted 20 years (though, at admittedly low light levels), it's the one thing that has me concerned. On the other hand, they are cheap(-ish) and I bought a second set just in case, so I could just chalk it up to the cost of doing business.

I mean, I spend way more on a tank of fuel than both headlights...and goodness knows I put a lot of tanks of fuel into this dang thing.

The TGL straps have been great for the few times I've had to use them. I'm sure they aren't as good as quality kinetic ropes, but given the rarity with which they are pulled out...well worth it, I think.

LOL, wouldn't that be something. Nah, it's nice not being beholden to someone and being able to do/write what I want. The TW mindset of "trying to get along, and share knowledge" is SOOOO good in my mind (esp. compared to Social Media these days) that I'm more than happy to contribute all I can.

It's definitely a pretty neat site, especially when it's turned on. Not very efficient though, and cost taxpayers a lot of (lost) money. Should have just put in a solar farm, really.

 

Solar is not very efficient with regard to space/kwh. However, it is an impressive site, especially from the air and the idea you can melt salt to run a turbine is also pretty cool (not exactly, but you get the idea). Kinda sucks when it cools down though. It only produces enough power for something like 150k homes and it takes land that was previously "reserved" for the desert tortoise.

 

Yeah, I get that solar isn't "efficient" from a space perspective, but my understanding is that the nearby (smaller) solar farms actually net more electricty for a lower operating cost than the Ivanpah plant does. Still, they definitely don't have the bad-ass look that says, "I am your sun mother!"

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CSP like Ivanpah costs more per kW*hr than PV but CSP facilities can store energy as heat for electricity production through the night. Presently battery storage for PVs is not practical for such long delayed delivery. Since at the moment the grid isn’t yet dominated by renewables the storage issue is secondary to most renewable goals so the cheeper PV solar is winning in the marketplace as utilities rush to up their renewables percentage at the lowest cost. As renewables approach 100% then CSP may become more attractive once the additional cost of storage for PV becomes more important. Of course battery and alternative storage technologies aren’t standing still either so CSP’s storage advantage might become moot by then.

The other disadvantage to CSP is that you can’t scale it down very well and thus if you do it at all it means a very large capital investment. PV can be more easily installed over time on a smaller scale.

Lastly, as an entirely self interested perspective while Ivanpah is pretty awesome I really hope it is the last thing like it built anywhere I visit regularly. The view shed impact is vastly more egregious than a PV field. Since Ivanpah is next to Primm no great loss but I’m glad the solar installations in the Fremont Valley north of Mojave are all PV. A CSP there would be visible from such a huge, huge area.

 

Humor me. What are CSP & PV?

 

Concentrated Solar and Photo Voltaic (solar panels).

 

Convergence of Canyons in the New York Mountains - Mojave #2

Even sheltered in the pinyon pines, the wind rocked the tent for hours - though in our sleep-deprived state, we barely noticed. Things calmed down significantly after midnight - enough that I removed my earplugs and continued to snooze soundly until my alarm went off at 5:45am.

If that seems early, let me explain. This trip - the winter solstice occurring smack in the middle - was one of very short days. With sunrise at 6:30am, and sunset at 4:30pm, our days would be full as we tried to fit in everything we wanted to do. Oh, and of course, I always love to capture that first colorful light over the horizon.

Given our sheltered site, the horizon was out of the question this morning - but that didn't mean I couldn't climb to higher ground and capture the sun as it reached into the little canyon in which we'd huddled through the night.

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As I hopped around enjoying the long morning rays as they pierced the 28°F air, @mrs.turbodb whipped up breakfast - our cereal bowls cold enough to turn water into slush as soon as it hit the surface. We ate quickly and got the tent stowed - with a bit of frost still on the fly - before heading out of camp a little after 7:00am.

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Retracing our way out of the Clark Mountains, we passed the Ivanpah Power Plant - its acres of mirrors still not harnessing any of the sun's energy, a big miss in our book - before crossing I-15 to enter the main body of the Mojave National Preserve via Nipton Rd. and the Ivanpah Valley.

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We wouldn't see much pavement on this trip, and a gravel road would have been a much more pleasant drive than the few paved miles of Ivanpah Rd. that would deliver us to the New York Mountains. With disintegrating pavement that made us thankful for our aired down tires, we were glad to see the pavement ends sign as we crossed the tracks of the Union Pacific Railroad.

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The New York Mountains are some of our favorite in the preserve. 25 miles long and reaching a height of 7,532 feet, they are the second highest in the preserve and receive more moisture than most places in the Mojave Desert. As a result, some of the thickest forests of pinyon pine, live oak, and juniper thrive in this rocky range, granite boulder fields and balanced rocks adding intrigue to any hike in the area. Of course, we are far from the first to discover the pull of this place - many miners before us leaving their mark, adding to the thrill of exploration even more.

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Ultimately, we'd explore three (!) of the New York Mountains' canyons this day, but we started out with one that we'd been looking forward to for some time - Live Oak Canyon. A two-mile trek from the trailhead at the wilderness boundary, we parked the Tacoma and set out up the old mining road towards the gem of this canyon - the remains of the Live Oak Mine.

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Hiking here was easy - relatively - given that the route was obvious: follow the old mining road to its end at the Live Oak Camp. Sure, there were some steep sections, and we quickly shed layers as we pushed on - but our anticipation proved warranted as we arrived at our destination. There - smack in the middle of the road - an old photogenic pickup greeted us, a good indicator of what was to come.

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We spent a good 45 minutes or more poking around the small site. An old bulldozer - used to grade the road, a cabin - its 55-gallon drum stove the only thing remaining inside, and the well-preserved ore bin complex giving us plenty to admire as we cooled down from the trek.

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When we come across relics like this, we often wonder: why were these left behind? Didn’t they have value in their day? Never knowing the whole story, these questions will always be mysteries!​

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The highlight though, was the ore bin complex. From below, it looks like many that we've seen at various mines over the years - but from above, old narrow-gauge rails still curve elegantly across a trestle bridge, ending in mid-air - where material would drop down a chute and into the bin.

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While the construction of this delightful structure was completed nearly a century ago - much of the timber weathered to deep oranges and black from the desert sun - it's clear that without the attention of more recent caretakers, it might no longer be so enjoyable for the rest of us. Within - I'd say - the last 5 years or so, someone spent a good amount of time on site, shoring up the rigging, expertly mating new with old. The joinery alone is worth inspection, true craftsmanship at work.

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Skillful scarf joints, a respectful nod to the original craftsmanship of the structure.​

The mine road we'd been following ended at the Live Oak Mine, no reason for it to continue further up the canyon - but we weren't quite done with our exploration. Less than a quarter mile beyond the end of the road and hidden behind a wooden door, we found a manmade tunnel that housed a distinctive spring - the slow dripping of water, audible, as we knelt down to peer inside the small opening.

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Energized by our first canyon in the New York Mountains, we headed back the way we'd come - the downhill direction much less demanding than the experience coming up. From Live Oak Canyon, we didn't even make it back to the truck before taking a fork in the road - and wash - to an adjacent canyon, Keystone Canyon.

We were immediately greeted with the vestiges of those before us, a concrete water tank once likely used for livestock, now dry along the side of the wash.

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Keystone Canyon too, like Live Oak before it, consisted of an old mining road that wound its way in and out of the wash as it climbed higher into the mountains - oak trees becoming the dominant species - as the pine and juniper faded away - their fruit plentiful for the local wildlife to enjoy.

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Initially gradual, the grade of the road increased consistently until it'd be hard to picture a vehicle ever making the journey. Rounding the final bend before the Queen Mine, we found ourselves climbing through fields of boulders toward the tailings pile that marked the end of the road.

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There, we checked out the old mine shaft - some nasty looking water keeping us outside rather than venturing in - as well as the concrete footings of the old mill used to extract the fluorite, chalcopyrite, and pyrite that were worked here.

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Out of the relative warmth of the mountain, temps were cool enough to freeze the water before it could reach the wash.​

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As we turned to leave, we were once again reminded that old mine workings aren't the only reason we like to embark on these hikes. Now high up in the canyon, the views to the east through the Ivanpah Valley to the Castle Mountains were tremendous and we lingered a moment to soak them in despite the grumbling in our tummies after a second reasonably strenuous climb.

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Hungry, we wasted no time getting back to the truck where @mrs.turbodb whipped up a couple of tuna sandwiches to go along with the chips and pear that we'd brought along for lunch. Our chairs setup in the sun and sheltered from the breeze that was once again starting to pick up, lunch hit the spot as we discussed our plan for the rest of the day.

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A beautiful wash in which to eat lunch.​

Our plan had been to drive from Keystone Canyon on the west side of the New York Mountains, to Carruthers Canyon on the south where we planned to camp for the night. However, in reading Hiking the Mojave Desert, @mrs.turbodb had discovered that there was one more canyon on the east side worth exploring: Sagamore Canyon.

Given that it was only a little after noon, and the description of what we could see, I quickly agreed that it would be a nice addition to our trip and we mapped out a route in Backcountry Navigator XE that we hoped would go through. The route included a section of road that we weren't sure was passable, but we figured was worth a try and would provide entertainment if nothing else:

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Obviously, we hoped to not park "at the bottom," which would add another couple miles to the on-foot portion of our Sagamore Canyon exploration. And so, with good line choice and our trusty rig, we made our way up this infrequently travelled road - getting a little flexy, but otherwise navigating the roads with relative ease - and only a little nail biting in the passenger seat.

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Looks like nothing, but we were getting a little flexy.​

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Nearly 2:00pm when we disembarked the truck for the short hike into the canyon, we enjoyed the views from the toppled water tank before setting out towards one of the most well-preserved mining camps in the entire preserve.

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For us - having navigated the road further than most - Tin Camp was a mere six-tenths of a mile up the wash from where we'd parked. And, with the wash reasonably flat and gravelly at this point, we covered the distance in no time - Tin Camp's construction clearly influencing its current name.

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Originally known as the New York Mine, Tin Camp was a small mine with modest production. And - as with many mines of the time - its history is best summed up by the phrase, "Early successes paved the way for future...failures."

As we explored the camp, vestiges of caretakers before us were apparent on the walls - even their writings and attempts at maintenance now in the distant past - none of the work less than 30 years old.

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Welcome... sort of.​

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Tin Camp is now spartan, a few sticks of wood and instructions about using the barrel stove for heat, written on the wall.​

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The Ballroom.​

From what was the bunk house, we continued across the wash to a strange building made of welded sheet metal - once perhaps a workshop used to maintain equipment in this harsh environment. Of particular interest - besides the construction - was the level to which the stairs of the building reached down into the wash. Apparently a good amount of water has lowered the height of the wash floor a couple feet since the stairs were poured.

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Watch your step.​

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When we'd set out to explore Sagamore Canyon, Tin Camp had been the main attraction - after all, how could we pass up a group of such well-maintained structures. But, having reached the camp relatively quickly, we decided that continuing another half mile or so to the Alpha Lode Mine was easily in our wheelhouse - especially given that the wash was still mostly flat and easily navigable.

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Historic irony. Often, the only part of a house standing after a fire: the chimney.​

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Tailings and ore chute of the Alpha Lode Mine.​

Having now explored more of the canyon than we'd planned, it was time for a pow-wow. The obvious choice was to head back down to the Tacoma, and make our way to Carruthers Canyon - our original plan. But - at least when we are involved - smart money is rarely on the obvious choice, especially when the alternative is exploring something unknown or unplanned.

So, with the option to continue up-canyon another mile - in order to reach a ridge that formed the divide between Sagamore, Keystone, and Carruthers Canyons - we made the decision to ditch our plans for Carruthers Canyon entirely and continue on!

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It was - we both agree - one of the best decisions we made all trip! In fact, we'd hoped to reach this same spot via Carruthers Canyon, but I'm not sure we'd have been able to do so - and definitely not as quickly as we were able to from Sagamore. Not that the mile was an easy one - far from it - the wash quickly narrowing, becoming steeper, and overgrown before we bailed up the side of the ridge in order to reach the divide.

But the views. Staggering.

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Keystone (left), Sagamore (center), Carruthers (right) Canyons from a single viewpoint.​

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Keystone Canyon.​

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Carruthers Canyon.​

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Carruthers Canyon.​

Our decision to explore - of course and as usual - had side effects. Notably, it took us quite a bit longer to navigate that last mile to the top than we'd expected, and by the time we were there, the sun was already setting over the highest peaks of the New York Mountains to our west. It was only 3:52pm in the afternoon, but we needed to make tracks if we were going to make it back to the truck before dark.

We stopped only twice on the way down - once to snap a quick photo of one of the coolest rock inclusions we've come across - and the second time to capture the moon as it rose up into the evening sky.

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Back at the Tacoma one hour later - and 20 minutes after sunset - our faces were covered in the big grins of a good time, the detour to Sagamore Canyon being even more enjoyable than either of us ever expected. Still in need of a camp site, and knowing it'd be dark by the time we arrived, we decided that we'd still try to sleep at the head of Carruthers Canyon - if for no other reason than to enjoy the sunrise there in the morning.

A final distraction - one of the largest mine shafts and steel doors we've come across in the Mojave - was the only thing standing in our way.

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From that point on, the drive to Carruthers Canyon was uneventful. Nearly pitch dark when we arrived, the wind had picked up again and we oriented the truck to shield us as much as possible as we made dinner, before repositioning it to reduce wind noise on the RTT when we climbed into bed.

Even after eating and reading for a few hours, it was early - surely before 9:00pm - when we called it a night. Our day had been a great reinforcement in the ability to be flexible as opportunities present themselves.

...and that would continue into the following day - because sometimes, often times, the unexpected can be the most enjoyable.

 

@turbodb (or @DVexile and others for that matter) what Mojave hiking book would you recommend, if you had only one? I have both Diggonet’s DV books but they are a handful to both back and parse through, and wasn’t sure about other options. I have an older Sierra Club desert handbook that covers a large area, wanted a bit more detail. Planning a trip next month. Thanks.