Inukshuk
Rising Sun Member
Grill -n- Chill Tour #0 Beta - Trip Report
Four rigs departed Denver Friday evening. @Oh_shift, @OHUZJ100, and I met at the last chance for gas (almost, not really, but it sounds cooler this way) and @J1000 was hot on our heels and caught up before we made camp.
We enjoyed the company of 3 moose before we got to camp. The chosen site #1 "Garden of Eden" was occupied, but nearby backup site was free (once Mr. Moose wandered off.) Grilling commenced forthright and we all got a good night sleep under a blanket of stars.
Grilling recommenced in the morning and soon after @Fisher67 and son arrived, followed shortly by @Mendocino and @Ann. Achieving full strength, the team departed to the Tree of Life. After appropriate contemplation of life we headed south, over Sand Creek Pass, up Larimer River Road, and past Honholtz lakes #1, #2, and #3 up and over to the North Sand Hills.
Some head on traffic on a shelf road was negotiated through good conversation and soon we were riding sand. For some it was the first experience of open sand dune riding. Large smiles were everywhere. After a spot of coffee, we drove some more, I drove some sketchy narrow tracks, slid back almost sideways some, and got a little air under my tires.
Back up and over to the East slope, we made camp in an open area hoping the wind would keep the awful relentless mosquitoes away, The wind helped for sure, and also kept most of us from sleeping at all. All the trees snapped in half everywhere should have been taken as a warning. But at least we got to use the new-to-me old chainsaw to clear the road.
Our Saturday arrivals became Sunday AM departures, and by 10AM the remaining 4 rigs headed out, fuel tanks (except @Oh_shift) really, really low, we headed down Laramie River Road. Technically it was up, as in elevation, but it was down, as in South. At the southern end, near Cameron pass we were going o check out some of FS177 but it was still seasonally closed. We were 1 day early (it will be the exit point of G&C#2). We headed to reconnoiter G&C#2 starting point: the Kelley Flats trailhead.
at the KFT we eyed all sorts of built rigs and then headed in to explore a bit. We found a nice lunch spot with a view of heart attack hill.
After lunch we got back on HWY 14 for the long downhill to HWY 287. Downhill was good for my flickering fuel light - and I'd already added 2 gallons. I had 2 gallons left. We were briefly delayed at a spot where a pickup truck was in the Poudre river. People had already rendered aid, including kayakers now standing in their PFDs and helmets. Passerby's directed alternating oncoming traffic like pros. The wreck driver was seated by a stopped RV, looking pretty unhappy but alert.
We made it to Ted's Place and my fuel light was only flickering.
Four rigs departed Denver Friday evening. @Oh_shift, @OHUZJ100, and I met at the last chance for gas (almost, not really, but it sounds cooler this way) and @J1000 was hot on our heels and caught up before we made camp.
We enjoyed the company of 3 moose before we got to camp. The chosen site #1 "Garden of Eden" was occupied, but nearby backup site was free (once Mr. Moose wandered off.) Grilling commenced forthright and we all got a good night sleep under a blanket of stars.
Grilling recommenced in the morning and soon after @Fisher67 and son arrived, followed shortly by @Mendocino and @Ann. Achieving full strength, the team departed to the Tree of Life. After appropriate contemplation of life we headed south, over Sand Creek Pass, up Larimer River Road, and past Honholtz lakes #1, #2, and #3 up and over to the North Sand Hills.
Some head on traffic on a shelf road was negotiated through good conversation and soon we were riding sand. For some it was the first experience of open sand dune riding. Large smiles were everywhere. After a spot of coffee, we drove some more, I drove some sketchy narrow tracks, slid back almost sideways some, and got a little air under my tires.
Back up and over to the East slope, we made camp in an open area hoping the wind would keep the awful relentless mosquitoes away, The wind helped for sure, and also kept most of us from sleeping at all. All the trees snapped in half everywhere should have been taken as a warning. But at least we got to use the new-to-me old chainsaw to clear the road.
Our Saturday arrivals became Sunday AM departures, and by 10AM the remaining 4 rigs headed out, fuel tanks (except @Oh_shift) really, really low, we headed down Laramie River Road. Technically it was up, as in elevation, but it was down, as in South. At the southern end, near Cameron pass we were going o check out some of FS177 but it was still seasonally closed. We were 1 day early (it will be the exit point of G&C#2). We headed to reconnoiter G&C#2 starting point: the Kelley Flats trailhead.
at the KFT we eyed all sorts of built rigs and then headed in to explore a bit. We found a nice lunch spot with a view of heart attack hill.
After lunch we got back on HWY 14 for the long downhill to HWY 287. Downhill was good for my flickering fuel light - and I'd already added 2 gallons. I had 2 gallons left. We were briefly delayed at a spot where a pickup truck was in the Poudre river. People had already rendered aid, including kayakers now standing in their PFDs and helmets. Passerby's directed alternating oncoming traffic like pros. The wreck driver was seated by a stopped RV, looking pretty unhappy but alert.
We made it to Ted's Place and my fuel light was only flickering.
