Don't allow my comment to rush you Daniel...
I have no idea what to expect as I have never been to the swell. I'm trying to figure out ...
All great comments and I appreciate the "don't mean to rush you" It happens I just completed sending out an agreement to unwind a corporate transaction with 13 attachments (each one being an additional legal document) and with this beautiful fall air, I could use this distraction (thoug its shocking how distractible I am...40 minutes later.
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I have no idea what to expect as I have never been to the swell.
- Lovely as Moab, far less technical, not even 1/10th of 1% of the people. With a few exceptions, if we drive Devil's Racetrack and/or Fix-it pass, all pretty smooth to rough dirt roads. I will try to work on a few technical sections, but most is not.
I have accommodations for water and 10 gal of petrol.
Curious if there will be opportunities to top off water utilizing a filter system
- None you should count on. The river we may be by are heavily sedimented.
I'm not sure if I need to buy a poo tent.
- Most likely wherever we camp (whether its one or several) there will be enough space to walk off into the distance for solitude. I would like that we all bring a system to carry out solid human waste. Most areas we will be in you are legally able to bury all solid human body waste (at least a hundred feet away from water sources). It is good practice to pack out used toilet paper (certainly if you use wet wipes) or when conditions permit, burn it in the hole and once fully extinguished, bury. So a shovel is legally adequate where we are going. **(if that has changed please someone cite me the BLM website) That said, having a poo shelter may be convenient. I have three and I will plan to bring one anyone can use and if you prefer your own, borrow and carry one of the other ones I have. You supply and take your own bucket and bags! Best place for used wag bags is your roof rack (or your fiend's pickup-up truck bed). With a group of our size, its just a better practice to pack it out. personally, I like my 5 -10 minute walk in the morning and it is usually easy to dig a 8-12 deep hole ine the typically sandy soils. There is a slight chance we'd camp not far from pit toilets but I don't want anyone to count on that because part of the enjoyment of "overland" style travel is not having to get to a particular destination - the journey is the destination.
- If you need daytime. trailside use, yes you should probably carry a tent you can quickly deploy.
Read more at
https://www.blm.gov/utso/grd/san-rafael-swell-rec-area
Interactive map:
https://blm-egis.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=6be0174d44f04f1c853197cadcfa89f0
Any idea what the fire situation is out there?
- Order #SECLO2010, State of Utah DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
Fire Restriction Order Due to current and forecasted weather conditions coupled with the extremely dry vegetation conditions in southern Utah, the State Forester, in consultation with the county commission of each of the affected counties, has determined that measures must be taken to prevent the ignition of forest and rangeland fires. Therefore, pursuant to Utah State Law, Section 65A-8-212, the following acts are prohibited in the areas described below until rescinded by the Utah State Forester:
Setting, building, maintaining, attending or using open fires of any kind, except within the facilities designated for them in improved campgrounds, picnic areas or home sites where running water is present. Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle, trailer or building, a developed recreation site or while stopped in an area that is paved or free from dry vegetation. Discharging or using any fireworks, tracer ammunition or other pyrotechnic devices including exploding targets. Cutting, welding or grinding metal in areas of dry vegetation. Operating a motorcycle, chainsaw, ATV, or other small internal combustion engine without an approved and working spark arrestor.
The following persons are exempted from the above prohibitions: Persons with a permit or waiver issued by the Division, specifically authorizing a specified act at a specific location. A waiver does not relieve the permittee of liability if a fire does occur. Any on-duty firefighter in the performance of an official duty.
Area Description: All unincorporated private and all state lands within the following area: All of Carbon and Emery counties. This order does not affect private lands within incorporated towns or city limits.
Any of the above acts is a violation of state law and is punishable by up to 6 months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. These restrictions will be enforced by county law enforcement.
Effective Date: 12:01 a.m., 23rd day of July, 2020
Brett Ostler State Fire Management Officer Brian Cottam State Forester
Also, if you need a hand with the planning let me know, I'll help if I can.
- I know the area and routes. Keep the questions coming!