Always a Swell time- Winter Desert run 2012.

[dan1554]

this was fun...I'll let dan1554 tell this story...

I was elected to go across the river and (ideally) get on top and break the ice shelf at the far bank. First try I got on top, (which is when this pic was taken) but I could not get the back wheels up. Something about not having lockers, I can't remember.

Anyway, I backed off, gave it a second try, and ended up bending a rim and losing tire inflation. Turns out the ice shelf was ~6" thick and there was NO way I would be able to break it off.

Anyway, Kurt got to use his cool exhaust jack and we found another way around, but I think those pics are still coming.

 

[bh4rnnr]

...

Last few of the Wedge.

Kurt and Shawn.

Kurt going over the route for the rest of the day.

After lunch at the Wedge, we headed to the San Rafael River crossing at Fuller Bottom. Here, Kurt is the first to attempt. Wasnt able to get over the Ice.

 

[bh4rnnr]

...

Kurt again.

Dans turn.

Almost.

Think this is the attempt that bent the rim.

The deflated tire.

 

[bh4rnnr]

...

Kurt testing out the Matrax option. Some steel ones would have been better here, as the Matrax were bending with the weight of the Taco.

Dan's bent rim.

Kurt attempting to break the ice.

The exhaust jack comes in handy.

Shawn deep in thought.

 

[bh4rnnr]

...

More from the Matrax attempt.

We decided that the other crossing was doable and drove over the ice.

 

[bh4rnnr]

...

Kurt in the thick of the Tamerisk.

Evening light as we head towards camp at Lone Warrior. Saddly, the Lone Warrior Saloon was not there.

Seemed to have misplaced my wireless remote for the 7D. Tried the manual route, only to have Kurt heckle me and not be able to hold the button longer than a minute. Yeah, Shawn did waaaaaaaay better.

Morning at Lone Warrior. Still cold.

Swasey's Cabin.

 

[wesintl]

fuller bottom always seems to be a surprise little obstacle

nice pics

 

[bh4rnnr]

fuller bottom always seems to be a surprise little obstacle

nice pics

Indeed. The crossing looked the same as when you broke the driver tail light while trying to get out of that mud hole.

 

[bh4rnnr]

...

Around Sawsey's Cabin.

An old date on the Cabin.

More from around the cabin.

Heading north from Swasey's, towards Black Dragon.

Not to many pics of Black Dragon Canyon. Enjoying the drive I guess. Soaking it all in, even spotted Dan through a obstacle..

 

[bh4rnnr]

...

Kurt in Black Dragon.

Watch out for this guy.

Some of the rock art in Black Dragon Canyon. Word is that theres a cave above the writtings. Tried to look for it, went beyond my limit and headed back down with no found cave, and one lost lense cap.

Kurt pointing to some more Writtings and an old inscription.

 

[bh4rnnr]

...

The old inscription. Sure, they could have chosen a better place to sign there name, not over the old writtings, but this is history..

After a stop, again, at Rays for a fine burger, we headed to Crystal Geyser. But before getting there, since there was a bit of day light left, we stopped at the White Sands Missle Base, a place i've wanted to explore for some time. Here, we check out the old bunker. Coverd in Dirt.

Just an FYI.... We didnt spot any "No Tresspassing Signs" on the property...

Around the old base. Note the dead cow. Shot twice in the ribs.

Cable tubes?

 

[bh4rnnr]

...

At the old bunker. Shawn, do you have to keep your hood open every time we stop?

Kurt and the old bunker.

Walking towards the old shop.

Coolest shop ever, minus the "Danger" part. Note the railrode tracks to move the missle shop.

At the shop

 

[bh4rnnr]

...

Kurt inside the mobile shop.

Shawn checking out an old trailer, and evening setting in over the Book Cliffs.

Looking back towards the bunker and Shawns opened hood 60.

Checking out the blast panels next to the mobile shop.

Got it?

 

[bh4rnnr]

...

Kurt on the old launch pad and the rest of the gang looking into some old control panel?...

Evening light making it's first touch.

Now that's a u-bolt!!!!!

Looking back towards the old bunker.

Evening colors over the Book Cliffs.

Interesting the things an internet search can bring....

 

[bh4rnnr]

...

Last morning at Crystal Geyser. Always a fun place to camp.

 

[bh4rnnr]

...

More of Crystal.

Crystal and camp.

The Green River.

Look at those oh so awesome Henrys.

 

[bh4rnnr]

...

Bark.

Looking South West to the sourthern portions of the Swell.

Camp again.

Views from an old road above camp.

An old foundation near camp... Need to do some more research.......

 

[bh4rnnr]

...

Sunday Sunrise at Crystal Geyser.

Kurt and Shawn.

The biggest it got this trip. Might have done more but we were distracted with some ammo.

Hope all had a good time, look foward to the next trip!!

 

[Jacket]

The water levels are much higher than when we visited in November.

More cool shots Perry. I like the abstract aspect of this one.

 

[subzali]

Where was the glow coming from in Shawn's north star picture? Is there a city anywhere near where you guys were?

IH8 Tamarisk...