IntrepidXJ's Adventure Blog

Getting Out by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

The continuation of the previous post…

The only plant big enough to winch to nearby happened to be behind the Jeep, but I had no other options, so I tried it. I was really worried that since the tree was right next to the bank of the wash that all I would do is pull it over…but luckily it held! I managed to drag the front end of my Jeep around until my tires were on more solid ground in the bottom of the wash.

I was also worried about popping off my fender flare, but the winch rope managed to stay between the top of the bumper and the bottom of the fender flare until the Jeep spun around enough to clear the flare completely. It couldn’t have worked any better!

It does appear that I’m going to need to replace my winch rope after this angle pull, but that’s a small price to pay.

Quicksand! by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

This was the first time I’ve ever been stuck in quicksand. To be honest, I didn’t give quicksand the proper respect it deserves before since I’ve always been able to just drive right through it. I’ve now learned my lesson and will be a little more cautious in the future. My Jeep may not look stuck too bad from this angle, but the front tire on the passenger side was up to the top in a very soft soupy sand. Also, the belly of my Jeep was on the ground and the rear tires had dug themselves some nice holes…it wasn’t going anywhere under it’s own power!

Colorado River Under the Stars by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

Here’s a photo from my campsite last night along the Colorado River in Ruby Canyon. The full trip report will hopefully be done in a few days.

Friday – Sunday, August 17-19, 2012

I went to work on Friday with all my camping gear loaded in my Jeep, but no plans on where to go. I just knew I wanted to get up in the mountains for two nights, but not to the San Juan’s again. When I finally left work, I decided to make my way towards Aspen since I haven’t been that way for a while. As I was driving to Aspen I tried to think of any lakes that I could camp by to hopefully catch a good sunrise, and the only one I could think of was Taylor Lake, so that’s where I headed.

As I was driving up to Taylor Pass on the Express Creek Road, the late evening sunlight was filtered through a thick layer of smoke that has blanketed most of Colorado all week causing it to appear much warmer than normal.

Yellow Road by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

Driving up the final switchback to reach Taylor Pass.

To Taylor Pass by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

The sun getting close to setting behind the Elk Mountains. The sky still filled with smoke.

Smoky Sun by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr
 

Monday, August 13, 2012

The Original Trip Report on ADVENTR.CO

This evening I headed west on the old Highway 6 to the Colorado – Utah state line to see about photographing the sunset. It seems there was some smoke in the air from wildfires burning in Idaho which helped add some interesting color to the setting sun.

Sun rays radiate out from behind the clouds along the old highway in Colorado.

Old Highway by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

I liked the way this lone tree contrasted with the yellowish grasses around it. I could have tried cleaning up the noise in this photo, but I kind of like the way it looks as is.

Between the Fences by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

The sun get closer to setting over the Book Cliffs in Utah. Smoke in the sky helps add color to the scene.

Flaming Sunset by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

A lonely and neglected road leads toward the Book Cliffs and the setting sun.

Road to the Sun by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

>> Old Highway Sunset Photo Gallery