Silver dude's Adventure Thread

[Silver dude]

After gassing up I connected to a dirt two track in a deep forest with mud rather then sand. Was strange to leave the sand behind so quickly.

Soon I arrived at the trailhead for Mosquito falls. Was a huge parking area full of the hiker types. We were very lucky to score the only spot left in the parking lot.

After a long 1.4 mile hike (several other tourists quit half way thru) it was a rather rough rocky rooted natural terrain. We finally arrived at the fall to see the water rushing down the 6ft drop. Felt good to walk out of the truck and get some exercise. Both of us being very out of shape we felt a sense of accomplishment especially knowing that people in way better shape then us turned back.

After some road miles to make up sometime. (We certainly did not want to camp at walmart again) we arrived at the Log slide overlook. Here we discovered this wagon with huge wheels that was used to carry logs. They would strap the logs under the chassis of the wagon to bring them to the slide.

The Log Slide gets its name from lumberjack stories that tell of logs being sent down a dry log chute, at this spot, it would generate enough friction to cause the chute to catch fire. The chute is long gone however the sand dunes remain.

After leaving the sand dunes behind we raced to find a campsite at the Mouth of the Two Hearted. This area was pretty full of city slicker tourist types in crossover SUVs. Was a huge wide sand highway I felt like I was qualifying for Baja pacing over the sand. When we met a cross road, a couple in a Nissan Murano asked me for directions. “ Do you know where Mouth of the Two Hearted is?” Uh its east that way (pointing my hand).”ah thank you”. The race was on, it was my goal to get there before they took my spot lol. I sped off in the direction of camp like a overloaded trophy truck. Then I made a wrong turn... Crap! Whipped a U-turn. Who was following my dust cloud? That Murano I passed them after the U-turn. Regained the road made up a lot of distance opening the throttle. Rolled into camp snatched a permit did a single turn around the campsites. Girlfriend shouted “THERES ONE TAKE IT!!!” We slid in to the last empty site and set up camp. Whew! Set up tent as the Murano rolled past looking for a spot.

If you look at the trees near our camp their was a forest fire that closed this region a few years prior.

More later...

 

[granitex]

I have some of the same pics of the slide and logging rig, my kids wanted to go down the slide, but there was no way that it was going to happen. I was not about to go down and carry them back up.

 

[Silver dude]

Haha yep every year I think about walking down there. But, when I see exhausted people making the crawl back up on all fours. Keep saying maybe next time. Glad you got to experience it to definitly one of my favorite areas of the Pictured rocks national lakeshore.

 

[Macland]

Amazing as usual. I've been holding off you read until I had a peaceful moment.

 

[stevencox93]

Shoot you do alot of traveling man! how many miles have you put on your X?

 

[Silver dude]

One of the best nights in the woods in along time. Girlfriend cooked some BBQ ribs on the grill. The campsite neighbor was good with acoustic guitar. All the campers were very respectful and quiet by 10pm. After the Walmart sleep the night prior we were out like a light.

Morning we loaded up and headed back west for the final night of camping.

After being beat profusely off-highway the past few days we decided to take it to the smooth streets as the distance we needed to travel was a 3 hour drive by pavement. The streets were very spirited with smooth curves and hills hardly a boring ride.

Wasn't long and we arrived at Mouth of the Huron our favorite campsite. We've camped the past 3 years in this exact location. Have yet to find a better location for swimming kayaking or just general relaxing.

The base camp sprung from the Xterra quickly.

Nothing quite like camping next to a Great lake.

View from our campsite.

Love this place just so peaceful.

Islands about 4 miles off shore.

We went for a chilling swim luckily I brought a wet suit.

Nissan, everything you need nothing you don't.

Sunset paddle with a Bell's beer named after last nights camp location? Sure why not.

Paddling back the Huron Mountains to the east were visible.

After some left over pizza and some pasta another unforgettable night to a end.

More later...

 

[Silver dude]

Shoot you do alot of traveling man! how many miles have you put on your X?

Quite a bit recently up to 183,000miles. The Michigan trip alone was 1300miles a very large chunk of that on gravel, dirt or sand. Truck has done the Michigan tour off road 3 times now. It has held together rather well all things considering. I tend to have more repairs then most people in my family but I'm not easy on the rig. The body has stress cracks up front from all the rough roads. This trip I noticed the right leaf spring sagged a little otherwise no worse for wear.

 

[TKDx00]

Someone posted they wait until they have a peaceful moment to read your adventures...same here. Another one said, they feel that they are riding along with you...same here. Until I can go on vacation (SEPT. 17-24 NXM3) this thread has kept me going in this daily rat race we call life. Next year with gps and dog(s) by my side I hope to visit a few of these spots minus Wallymart.

 

[Silver dude]

Haha I wait for a down moment to post them to refresh myself to realize how awesome life can be. Been busy with crap lately. Here is the final chapter..

Terrific night of gazing at the unpolluted night sky with a soft rolling fire. We slept perfectly peaceful in the tent that night. Perhaps the best night in a tent in a long time maybe ever. Nothing but waves softly caressing the beach silent, quiet, soothing, the way it was originally man woman and nature at peace. No stress at all. Morning came and we felt renewed, after having instant coffee which turned out better the expected.

Soon a stranger appeared at our site...

Camper: Hey uh I've got a huge camper and I can't get my truck to go into 4wd to get off the beach damn electronic 4wd. I'm going to try to get out in 4x2. Seeing as how you have the freshest tires and 4wd might you assist me if I need help?

Me: Yeah no problem man.


I walk over the guy has this colossal huge old and well used tandem axle hard sided camper hitched to one of the most beat durango's I've seen in a long while. For example it had 4 different brands of tires on it lol. He's working on getting it turned around on the super narrow beach road backing it into a site. Reving the v8 thru loud exhaust with the rear tires digging at the sand like spoons. Eventually he gets crossed up on a berm as he is trying to turn back onto the road and buries it to the chassis. We unhook the camper with the plan to park the truck properly on the road as so he can get enough traction. He's still stuck.

Camper: hey I was going to ask you do you have a tow strap?
Me: I have 2 and a winch.
Camper: haha ok good.

So I roll out in front of the Durango over the sand berm. I take out the 40ft snatch strap, slide the shackle thru the strap and into my rear bumper shackle mounts like it was supposed to be used.

I hand him the other loop of the strap and shackle. He has no recovery points. Eventually we settle on the lower suspension arm. Which the shackle fit around perfectly was quite impressive actually looking back how well it fit

I slowly roll in 4low with my 3.9:1 transfer case gears whirling like a heavy duty farm tractor. The strap goes taunt I feel for a split second all 4 tires break traction and the Durango breaks free of its would be grave. Woot!

I could tell he was very thankful. He rolled up my strap and unhooked both ends thanking me at every chance.

Camper: Your truck is so awesome the low gears were amazing I have to get something like that.

Camper: Man I'd so give you $20 if I had cash on me thanks so so much.

He drives up to the road hitches the trailer up loads the family drives off without drama.

I love being of service to people like that just makes you feel good knowing that you made someones day. Perhaps he and his family talked the whole way home about it. Perhaps the story of my Xterra saving the day will come up at one of his family gatherings lol. Lol maybe not. It was just last year we camped in the same location to wake up to a dead battery. I know I was beyond thankful for the guy and wife in a blue Subaru Outback that stopped to save me allowing me to jump start. I know my girl and I talk about it occasionally when we head into rural locations. Pay it forward always help your fellow man. You never know when you may be the one looking for help.

I got back to the site took the kayaks off the rack was about to push the kayak in the water when a member of that campers family appeared.

Older camper: Hey! I am so so so sorry to bother you I know it looks like you are heading out but can you give me a ride to the camper? We left the camping chairs behind and wife will kill me and never let it down for forgetting them. I asked the campers next to us to give me a ride as I didn't really didn't want to bother you but they snobbishly replied that they are making lunch and to go away.

(The campers next to them were city slickers. They had the city slicker designer clothes. Keep throwing rocks across the lake in front of our campsite generally showed no respect to others space.)

I looked at the poor 50 year old senior man who was dripping with sweat from running to the campsite from the highway on a hot day. Literally a 3/4 mile walk thru sand.

Me: No problem at all man.

We buckled up and flogged the Xterra to the camper back at the pavement. Again made that families day arriving at the camper with their whole family smiling ear to ear.

Made it back the wind had kicked up slightly a storm was rolling in. Perhaps I could finally make use of the kayak spray skirts.

Was a great paddle on a great lake

We paddled back to shore just as the storm started to really rip up some swells and wind.

Which wreaked havoc on our tent. We quickly loaded the Xterra on the final day and headed home.

Odometer said 1400 miles a very large chunk of those miles off highway. In the end very thankful to have a passenger that enjoyed the rough roads and camping as much as I did. Perfect end to the epic adventure can't wait to go back next year.

 

[CrazySteve911]

Awesome ending to the trip. Enjoyed reading it. And I agree about the helping people thing. You never know when you are the one needing help.

 

[Jack Stilts]

You, sir, are a hero to that family.

Gotta love the UP

 

[NismoFire]

Every time I see this pic, I feel like it should be in an XTerra ad...

 

[Macland]

This was a great read for after the long weekend.

 

[Silver dude]

Trip Six
Sept 6th-14th 2013
Colorado

A friend and I had been wanting to go west for many years. It had been 3 years since we last took a vacation out to Moab, Utah. Women, financial issues and time had slowed our chances of getting out of town. Finally after much planning we nailed out a week and went for it. Ouray we thought, we're both avid Mountain bikers would be nice to tour the state of Colorado for trails.

From Illinois to Colorado there are some long stretches of highway.

Majority of it flat as a ironing board.

After a nights stay in Ogalalla, NE we rolled into Colorado bikes in tow.

Wasn't long and we arrived in Denver, CO

Having never really had real experience with high elevation. We brought a bag of Fritos from home. When we hit 10,000ft near Denver the bag popped off in the back seat.

We made it to the first stop the Original Breckenridge Brewery in Breckenridge, CO where we found a rather large selection of brews which came from the tap rather then the labeled bottles back home. Extraordinary brews felt good to see where the bottle started from.

We ended up getting a killer deal on this hotel thru Priceline. Was the first time I had someone valet park the Xterra. He was quite a bit shorter with the electric crap under my seat he couldn't move the seat forward. Which made for a bit of show as he wasn't great at driving stick shift either but he made it happen. Probably the only offroad rig in the whole garage.

The next morning we left for a trail just outside of Breckenridge. Mosquito Pass.

Time to lock the hubs. We get out to find them already locked. Doh! No wonder it was struggling so hard at 75 mph in the highway. We had driven 1000 miles with them locked in at high speeds. Oh well. I inspected the diff and replaced a CV before I left I had simply forgot to unlock the hubs after tightening the CV bolts. Guess it worked well.

Tons of old mining ruins.

Very rough boulder strewn ride to the top. At one time we had to use the rear locker on a spot that we maxed the suspension out up a hill. We both wished we snagged pictures as it was a pretty rough spot. Oh well. Was weird several little animals that looked like hamsters were everywhere making EEeeee noises. After several turns we made it to the summit.

We descended into the town of Leadville, CO

More later...



.

 

[Silver dude]

We drove and we drove all thru the night via twisty mountain roads. The goal was to get to Aspen CO to run the Government Trail a rather famous Mountain bike trail. After hunting and hunting for the trail head it rained hard and we gave up and stayed near Gunnison, CO.

We found this waterfall unmarked just on the side of the road. We stopped to grab some drinks from the fridge and were shocked at the marvel just in a road side ditch.

The next day we rode to the Alpine loop a network of thru trails to bring us to Ouray. I spotted this huge deer gazing at us.

The road was all dirt and had some pretty nice views. Was a nicely graded road we kept imagining we were on a rally course.

After several miles the bikes became rather slopped upon.

More later...

 

[CrazySteve911]

YES. This is awesome.

I feel you there about the locked hubs. I fear im going to forget all the time to switch it back to unlocked.

 

[Silver dude]

Eventually we made our way out to Cinnamon Pass.

The rain was really coming down. When we arrived at the first technical spot of the Cinnamon pass.

Another rock pile to navigate, there were a few ATV's we paused to let them pass.

It was at this time that I noticed one of my headlights was out. Pretty good view of the road we were following.

Wasn't long and we got to the summit.

A little ways down Tyler stopped to adjust his GoPro. Was a new adventure tool for us. Unfortunately we didn't account for the rain and the majority of the footage had big rain blobs on the lens. Video is something I definitely was to pursue in the future though. In areas like this its very difficult to get a sense of what is really going on thru photos.

Further down the hill we got to see the water running down the mountain.

Near the bottom of the trail is a ghost town called Anima Forks. The town's first log cabin was built in 1873 and by 1876 the community had become a bustling mining community. At that time the town contained 30 cabins, a hotel, a general store, a saloon, and a post office. By 1883 450 people lived in Animas Forks and in 1882 a newspaper, the Animas Forks Pioneer, began publication and lasted until October 1886. Every fall the residents of Animas Forks migrated en masse to the warmer town of Silverton. In 1884 a 23-day blizzard inundated the town with 25 feet (7.6 m) of snow, the residents had to dig tunnels to get from building to building. Mining, speculation and processing mills helped Animas Forks grow.

We soon arrived at what looked like a large mine.

After observing some history we connected to the California Pass. Which brought some unreal scenery. We began to feel as though we were on another planet. It was one thing to be there, but another to be driving your personal vehicle thru these mountain goat roads.

My passenger was very... nervous of the shelf roads. I guess when your hands are on the wheel its not as bad as you have some sense of security.

Soon we connected to Corkscrew pass which overlooks Red mountains.

Many roads like this that seem to go off into space. Or right off a cliff.

The first major butt clencher. A tight switch back on Corkscrew, the pictures do a terrible job at showing the angles the road pitches or the perceived fear of falling off a cliff.

Look at the angle of the hill I've come down. Note the tire off the ground. Yes teetering lol I purposely took this line just to scare my passenger even more.

View from the drivers seat. Picture the truck angled sharply downhill while teetering on two tires and you can get a idea of my passengers fears.

Soon the dirt road ended at a highway that went towards Ouray.

Where we found a great brewery.

More later...

 

[Jack Stilts]

Good lord, that place is beautiful.

At the Love's in one of the first pictures, is that an overlanding van over to the right?! It looks awesome.

 

[Silver dude]

Yeah a pretty mean looking quigley van. KING coilovers what looked like 35"s and armor. Bunch of army looking dudes looking to move out in a hurry.

 

[Macland]

Wow man, the pictures on facebook were great but here with the commentary on my computer is another ball game. We always stay on the opposite side of Silverton closer to Creede. As always your adventures are awesome.

 

[Silver dude]

We awoke to find this beautiful old Scout outside our hotel. Its amazing sometimes living in the midwest you tend to forget that in other places the car and trucks don't completely rust away to dust.

After a brief stop at the local grocery store we were trail bound. Ouray is a INCREDIBLY scenic town the town is square in a tight valley with towering cliffs and mountains on all sides. Its very bizarre and unique everywhere you look is mountains.

Finally we arrived at Imogene trail which goes over the mountain to Telluride, Co where we had plans to do some mountain biking.

Just another drainage ditch.

The trail was wider then others and had optional lines with Slickrock style terrain. Very cool and yeah my parking brake stopped working.

Very narrow section of trail was fun wheeling what felt like a rocky canyon. Trail also had 3 creek crossings.

Nearing the top we passed a large old Chevy Suburban. I decided to snap a photo of him making his way down show casing the road I already conquered. Very narrow shelf road it had areas that tipped the truck towards the edge which didn't please my passenger. He wasn't happy.

More shelf road.

At the summit the sun peaked out a bit and we were rewarded with some incredible views.

It was near the summit I convinced Tyler to ride down via Mountain bike. All downhill technical riding had to be a blast.

I was ripping down the mountain like a Baja truck solo in the Xterra. I ditched 4 low for 2wd high. At one point I kicked the tail out and gave it the beans and drifted around a dirt curve. Only to realize Holy crap its a shelf road! whew. Its amazing without my passenger I didn't have to dumb down my driving to a tame putt putt. Still managed to stop for pictures though. If you look in the center of the picture you'll see Black bear pass which is the most dangerous Jeep trail in Telluride. SHARP switch backs have claimed the life of at least one Jeeper. I wanted to take it into Telluride but my passenger wanted nothing to do with that trail.

Road even passed thru a primitive tunnel which was sort of cool.

Nice corner with berm to flex over.

The town of Telluride in sight.

Loved the wild flowers and scenery on the way into town.

I met Tyler at the asphalt at the bottom of the hill. Tossed his bike on the rack and drove to a nearby ski resort which offered free downhill mountain biking.

Soon we were on a Gondola on the way up the hill.

With the bikes in tow.

At the top ready to rip down the hill.

Rip down the hill we did. I broke my speed record on my Mountain bike I pulled 39.08 MPH which was fast on a unstable light weight bicycle. Absolute blast we ran the hill 3 times then headed back to Ouray covered in mud.

More later...

 

[Silver dude]

Wow man, the pictures on facebook were great but here with the commentary on my computer is another ball game. We always stay on the opposite side of Silverton closer to Creede. As always your adventures are awesome.

Thanks! I always feel sort of discouraged posting the photos on Facebook as they are just that photos with no real story behind the scenes. Only half the story is visible and once viewed the pictures become old news that no one wants to talk about in the future. But, to keep the people at home happy I do it anyways. Glad you like the write up. I know I enjoy your adventure thread as well.

 

[Silver dude]

We left Ouray, CO for Pikes Peak CO. In some ways it seemed a move I didn't want to take. The Ouray area was the best offroading I've yet to experience in my years of off highway travel. It was initially sad to leave so many roads left untraveled. Yet it was refreshing to head out of the steepness of the mountains and travel at speed after so many days of sand and gravel on the edge of a 1000ft cliff with constant turns. The Xterra was less then powerful with the heavy load of our gear and the elevation giving us 40% less oxygen wasn't any help when trying to climb a mountain. Perhaps it felt good leave the struggles of our travel for a smooth pavement break to the next destination.

The terrain was mostly a nice smooth relaxing road trip. The kind where there is just enough turns, scenery and hills to keep your mind occupied between fill ups. Enjoyable in a almost spiritual way the stress of the adventure had seemed to fade with every mile of open highway.

Wasn't long and we were in the middle of no where. Was so desolate yet healing I'm always drawn to open spaces. So used to urbania and the troubles that come with it. Felt as though I was the only man left driving thru this almost forgotten landscape. Just total freedom nothing to stress about just keep the petal planted and wheel straight. It put me into perspective although I could see way way down the road. it took a long time to get to the landmarks or hills I was identifying, super open country.

We finally arrive at Pike peak. Paid the $25 admission fee. Warned that we wouldn't be able to see anything with the heavy fog. But, we wanted to go anyways. The lady at the booth warned us that Hollywood was filming a movie on the mountain and that we would get delays driving thru the movie set. The Fast and the Furious new movie do out in the spring. We thought ah crap man that series really went to crap I can't believe they are making another waste of film. Yet having never driven thru a movie set it was interesting. The security was super strict around the set we could see security guys hiding in the bushes saying thru walkie talkies "here comes a silver SUV" so we didn't bother with pics for fear of being asked to leave or something. We saw a nicely tricked out blue Subaru and a whole fleet of black Offroad Mercedes G wagons up on King coilovers just trick to the absolute max with accessories. A bus that had the back section exploded off the back like it had been hit with a bomb. This Dodge charger looking open top dune buggy was ripping towards us with the best sounding engine I've ever heard. WOW...

At this point in the long drive we needed to take a piss break. So we stopped at one of the many restrooms on the mountain. As we are both walking back to the Xterra we hear this racing up the hill. The engines ripping and rawring like a scene from Mad max. They tear up the hill at like 80 with just a unbelievable sound of horsepower. It was truly moving to see the cars pass you up as your standing on the sidewalk. The whole fleet of vehicles with stuntmen waving at you as they jocky the car for all its worth. We got passed by the entire crew of vehicles. the film and pyrotechnic crew. We felt famous and man my accelerator petal was itchy I felt like ripping up the hill myself. However, ye ole 3.3 was barely enough we drove up in low range the whole way. The air was so thin the engine didn't have enough power to move the truck up the steep grade even in 1st gear! Lol so much for ripping up the hill. We slowly chugged uphill in the blind fog with the transfer case in low on wet pavement. It had become a grunt to hit the top.

When finally we got to the top! 14,110ft

When I exited the truck I was like... huh? a dog? oh a Fox! what he was doing at the very top of the mountain I may never know. He looked at me I looked at him he almost seemed unphased that I was standing so close.

The ride down was quite sporting though in low gear with a lame low 20mph speed limit.

After we got out of the cloud cover we were able to see glipses of the scenery.

We stayed the night in Denver. We then awoke to trying to go to the Left hand brewery. We fought our way into town. Once we were in town we found the entire town in crisis do to flooding just crazy bumper to bumper traffic. Most businesses were closed so figured well lets just head home. But, every road we took ended in a road closed sign. EVERY road and I do mean EVERY road paved or not. We burned pavement for hours looking for a way out of town. When we finally decided everything east was blocked do to a river on our right we decided we would take a long detour north to Wyoming. Hwy25 was deemed passable by the local news so we made a beeline for it. Soon we were ripping hwy at 80mph but then hit a traffic jam. The military had shut down HWY 25 to inspect the bridges....
CRAP!!

After wandering aimlessly talking to road crews and at least 3 police officers. We met this really nice Police officer at a road block after discussing our options for a full 20 minutes. Really incredible officer a pleasure to talk with. He said we needed to get back on 25 and head south till we were a little past boulder then duck east. After a 5 hour detour we were across the river headed home thru Nebraska.

After two full days of driving slab holding the wheel straight accelerator pinned we arrived back at my garage in Illinois.

Added yet another location to my ever growing list of epics.

Good end to the trip.

 

[Timrich]

Great read as always! I'd love to get out to CO one of these days.

Sent from over there...

 

[Jack Stilts]

[FONT=&amp]Ben –[/FONT]

[FONT=&amp]This is actually one of the first trips I’ve noticed that you haven’t taken your kayaks with you. Other than this one, when you’re in the planning stages of a new adventure, do you plan around kayaking? Or are they brought along just in case you wind up finding somewhere to use them?[/FONT]

[FONT=&amp]I’m planning a trip and deciding whether or not to bring mine, and what the best approach for that would be.[/FONT]

 

[Silver dude]

[FONT=&amp]Ben –[/FONT]

[FONT=&amp]This is actually one of the first trips I’ve noticed that you haven’t taken your kayaks with you. Other than this one, when you’re in the planning stages of a new adventure, do you plan around kayaking? Or are they brought along just in case you wind up finding somewhere to use them?[/FONT]

[FONT=&amp]I’m planning a trip and deciding whether or not to bring mine, and what the best approach for that would be.[/FONT]

On the Colorado trip I went with a friend who is afraid of deep still water. Honestly, though I don't know that I would of brought them do to fuel concerns on such a long distance trip they make quite a wind block at 80mph. Otherwise they almost always go with. They are nice to have and they don't hinder the vehicle much at all even offroad. The pair only add about 120lb to the roof. A great cheap relaxing form of recreation at the campsite. Allows you to explore both land and water and get the whole picture. There has been times we've brought them and never took them off the rack do to high winds or weather concerns yet no regrets. Kayaking brings you far further into nature. I looked at inflatable kayaks for perhaps better portability. But, what I have works well enough.

I usually aim for campsites that are around lakes. They always seem like the best campsite locations. So I guess I plan kayaking into the trip. If I'm going to Michigan its a little more open with so much water can pretty much go anywhere and find a good paddle location. Also have a bucket list of lakes trying to paddle every lake in wisconsin. Gives me a excuse to get out and explore.

 

[Silver dude]

Haven't updated this thread in a while. i didn't do any major super awesome adventures. With work taking much of my time and my girlfriend in full time school for nursing the chance to leave everything behind is far more difficult then it used to be. Limited to day trips or weekend out and backs. Which lead me to explore more local area terrain which as I found wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. Any break from the city is a good break.

We decided one fall day to head to my old stomping grounds for a fall color tour. I lived in Byron, IL 2000-2011 and Oregon, IL is merely a few miles from Byron and is home to quite remarkable state parks in the Rock river valley.

First stop was to the Stronghold Castle. Built between 1928 and 1930, the Strong Castle was the summer home of Walter Strong and family. In the early 1960’s the family sold the property to the Presbyterian Church for use as a camp ground and retreat center. This 80 year old building is designed to represent a traditional Tudor-style manor house. It boasts 10 bedrooms, 8 bathrooms and a secret passage or two. I liked it as the majority of the roads were dirt. Driving through the tight archways had a neat feel as well. As if I was a limo driver at some ancient dutch castle motoring a Rolls Royce through a estate. Even though we never left the Xterra or saw anyone was nice took us out of the normal a likely rarely visited or known about location.

Wasn't long and we arrived at Castle Rock a state park a ways down the highway.

My girlfriend brought her new Pit pup with on the adventure. Was Carmella's first adventure, many more to come. Adventure dog in training. I believe she was around 8 months old

Was a fun fall tour.

Scenery was pretty intense at this time of year.

At the top of the cliff over looking the river valley.

 

[Silver dude]

In the dead of winter we had to breakaway for a trip. We decided that west illinois and Iowa might be the place to be. Illinois because its close and the history that surrounds the Mississippi river can be something fun to research at winter time. Iowa has one of my favorite state parks of all time Maquoketa caves. I actually discovered this place through my interest in R/C trucks. We used to hold rock crawling r/c comps in the winter at this location. The caves can be interesting to explore in the winter as it might the only form of outdoor exploration you can have in the Midwest that isn't knee deep in snow. With that in mind we headed for the caves.

Seemed odd to travel with the truck so lightly loaded no kayaks or camping gear, empty other then recovery equipment.

After a long drive and rolling over a big river we arrived.

From the parking lot you arrive at this big pit, the main entrance to the cave.

Snow made the stairs quite risky, I remember watching a friend falling flat on his ass once and sliding down like he was on a water slide. It kept my spirit high as I chuckled at the memory hoping to not reenact it.

The place starts to really come alive as you near the cave entrance. The rock wall overhead is just stunningly massive and it doesn't come into perspective till your at the bottom.

At the bottom you can see the entrance its rather wide but only about 5 foot tall. We decided not to go inside there was signs warning of a rather dense bat population in the winter. I've been inside before though very very cool its almost like a tunnel rather smooth and wide.

Another shot of the huge wall.

There's something about being outdoors year round that i just love, all seasons are beautiful.

Soon we went thru a arched section of cave to access the other smaller caves in the park.

The trail lead along many more small holes in the wall you could scurry into to enter caves.

Here's one of the many just bring a flashlight and contort yourself into the small entrance. Lol! no thanks who knows what kind of animals could be hibernating. I kept imagining coming face to face with a big furry animal or spawn of satan face first in a cave. Nah thats ok I'll pass another time maybe...

The trail had some fun overhanging arch sections which were fun to explore.

On the way to Dubuque we took some very fun minimal maintenance roads. Just dirt totally unmaintained roads covered in snow. Was as much fun as it was eerie to do them with only one vehicle. Still very memorable. Nothing like gunning the truck up a hill watching snow roost the side windows in a satisfying struggle to the top. Exploring the countryside not knowing what lies over the hill or next bend.

Really want to explore this area again during a warmer time of year.

 

[metzican]

I have to say, Everytime this thread pops up. I smile. No matter how big or small of a trip it seems like you always find good places.

 

[Macland]

I have to say, Everytime this thread pops up. I smile. No matter how big or small of a trip it seems like you always find good places.

Ditto what he said. I save it for a good moment and read while wishing I had that much history near me. That castle is awesome.

 

[Silver dude]

After leaving the caves we headed to Dubuque, IA. Its generally unusual for us to venture out of town to indoor locations. However, in the dead of winter at -0 temps we had little options. A museum about a huge river? sounds great to me.

The museum covered the entire length of the river the wildlife and just about anything the river is or has been used for.

Lots of wildlife in a huge multi story building we've been to the Shedd aquarium in downtown Chicago and found this museum to be far more extensive with regional wildlife which we seemed to like much more.

Was surprised to see alligators I often forget the Mississippi flows that far south.

They had river sturgeons that you could touch. The people at the museum were very nice and informal. They answered every question we had. The sturgeons felt kinda rough and bumpy was kinda neat to feel a fish swim between your hands in the water.

The other side of the museum covered the boats that used to paddle the river. The museum is actually built on a river lock so they had large ships outside that you could walk thru and explore but it was unbearably cold, one of the coldest days of the year so we passed.

We didn't get to see the whole thing unfortunately we ran out of time. Was neat to see what we did see though. After they kicked us out we headed north. We stopped for dinner at Potosi, WI a very small rural town. They have the largest main street without intersections in the US. At the end of the long intersectionless street sat this really old brewery.

We sat at the bar. The location was very cool had a entire museum showing the breweries history from the late 1800's the center of the brewery even had a freshwater stream running under it that you could see through a plexyglass hole in the floor. The brews they had on tap were some of the best we've ever tried. The bartender was quite friendly offering samples of all the beers and even deserts. On the TV was the Bears / Packers game a little Illinois vs. Wisconsin action went on between us and the wait staff which kept things interesting and entertaining.

We hadn't eaten all day and the museum walking kinda made us starve. I ordered a Buffalo style burger. Big beef patty with blue cheese fully loaded the chef was a absolute artist. One of the best burgers I've ever ate, ever. He brought several types of custom cheesecakes for us to munch on after. The bartender was saying that the whole staff sits in the back once a week with the chef and comes up with new ideas for cheesecake styles.Exceptional.

We stayed the night at a hotel just a little down the road. The river bluffs reminded me of the Lacrosse Eagles trip we took a year prior. It was the coldest day i've ever experienced -30 degrees in a barren windy field. The girlfriend got a real bad stomach ache. So I drove to the gas station for meds. The ole reliable Xterra fired up no problem. However, the tires and shocks were frozen solid the tires had a flat spots and I could feel the thump thump thump like I had oval tires as I rode to the station. The truck was stiff and cold the door locks didn't seem to work took several button presses just completely ridiculously cold. Yet, the truck was there for us in the time of need and did what we needed it to do haha. I returned with meds but they didn't seem to work seemed like food poisoning. We were going to continue north to explore the river dams and locks. But, headed to the comfort of home instead. Made me realize how out of town trips like this can get quite dangerous if health falters. Thankfully I was 100% fine and rode the slab back in about 3 hours. But, later made me question our food safety on extended trips.

 

[Silver dude]

The next day I was at home sort of adventure hungry so I thought I would dig through my GPS files and see something local. I found that I had waypointed 3 old bridges I had been meaning to scope out about 25 miles from my house. It was one of those snowy days where you just want to get out wheel and explore.

The Lathers Road Bridge, which is 16.2 feet wide, contains eight panels, and is 147.3 feet long, is a fairly long example of a single-span pin-connected Pratt truss. Its also taller then most bridges of the era do to its length.

Was a neat sensation being able to see completely through a bridge while crossing it. The original deck was wood as most of the bridges of the era had. It was replaced with metal mesh in the 70's to allow its continued use. I didn't find it to distract from the history of the bridge just something cool about wood though. Its been slated from demolition as always with these old bridges experience them while you can something from 1887 won't be around forever.

Next I rode to the South Smith Road Bridge. You can also see the Tiffany Stone Arch Bridge in the backround.

The South Smith Bridge was built in 1910 and about 122ft long. Very peaceful area over a creek.

Thanks for all the replies and views. It's a lot of fun for me to relive the trip experience.

 

[bigjim247365]

awesome stories Ben!

 

[Cruecible]

This is such a cool thread man. I love the narrative and the pictures that go with the story. I was anxious to see a picture of that creek under the brewery, that sounded pretty cool. I really love exploration too, just the sense of getting to something that I really want to is very gratifying for me. Unfortunately gas money is a little restricted right now, but man I'm dying to explore more. Keep up the awesome work!

 

[metzican]

See Wisconsin is not that bad, FIB.

Where do you learn about all these cool old places? Or is it drive and see?

 

[Silver dude]

Wow a entire year has passed since updating this thread. I haven’t sat dormant been adventuring the past year or so on my dads 600cc Dual sport motorcycles, he says I'm the master of maps and locations. But, recently the rock hit the wall in many ways.

First I'm now yet again single. My girlfriend changed in so many way I deemed we were no longer compatible. It was one of the hardest decisions I've ever had to make. It's still sore spot especially after all the years of awesome adventures. Though as a man you have to look out for you and your futures better interest. I'd say I miss her as much as I'm glad she is gone. Re-centering myself and I'm looking forward to the next chapter of my life.

Secondly, I broke my leg. I was working on the Xterra when the main crankshaft seal split on installation. I was in the middle of doing timing belt install #2, just days before I was to vacation to Moab. Utah. I rode my bicycle to the auto parts store but only made it half way. I hit a crack at top speed (30 mph) flew off my bike and skidded 15ft down a rough concrete highway. I tried to stand but my leg buckled so I called a ambulance. Broken leg, broken thumb, road rash. Three months later I have a 8” long cut in my leg where a doctor installed 8 screws and brace. As of October I am just now learning to walk again with crutches.

The broken leg and being single put me in closed thoughts isolation so had to escape it, rather than dwell in it. So I grabbed the crutches and keys and finally finished the Hennipin track.

Hit the highway with the engine as strung out as much as I was.

I soon crossed the I-39 bridge. I had remembered kayaking under it with some new friends from a local padding club. These new genuine friendships eased my mind as I kept motoring on.

Wasn't long and I was passing up windmills yet again. Pretty much a landmark for me that I was heading south into open spaces.

I soon exited the slab and caught the Hennipin track where I last left off near Starved Rock. The curved roads were a enthusiasts dream, was as relaxing as swinging in a hammock.

Soon the road dropped to gravel, I was overcome with a huge positive mood shift. Stabbing the gas dropping the clutch and feeling that oh so familiar pebble wash under the tires claws. It brought back so many great memories of overlanding trips. The road went steeply up and down hills with the Illinois river on the side.

It brought me to this local park I was surprised at the size of the water it was almost Mississippi like in width. I wished to get out and walk the bank but I was on crutches so I motored on.

I finally arrived at the one bridge I've been trying to see for 2 years on many adventures but always turned back missed it by a few miles. The Princeton Red covered Bridge.

One of only six covered bridges left in the state. Built in 1863, the bridge was designed to be covered so that livestock would not frighten as they crossed over the river and to protect the lower wooden part from weather damage. The sign posted over the entrance reads, "Five dollars fine for driving more than twelve horses mules or cattle at one time or for leading any beast faster than a walk on or across this bridge." There were quite a few kayaking videos online calling the creek under it (The Big Bureau) a premier paddling destination. Not today however, looked rather small and shallow.

Well lets drag 170 horses across all at once.

Fear and excitement all at the same time. The wood work was quite remarkable figure no power tools back in 1863.

On the way back I found a nice gravel one track through a forest canopy.

Pounded a hour of slab and road construction on the way back. Was great to get out roll my wheels and breath though.

 

[granitex]

good to see you out and about again

 

[Silver dude]

The Trans Wisconsin Adventure trail has been on my bucket list for many years. The Trans Wisconsin Adventure Trail was originally designed for dual sport and adventure bikes. The route is 600-630 miles long and consists of paved roads, gravel roads and dirt / sand forest roads. The route starts on the Wisconsin / Illinois border just north of Galena Illinois and ends at Lake Superior near the town of Cornucopia. It is approximately 50% pavement, 40% gravel roads and 10% dirt/sand forest roads.

Every time I planned for the trip something would come up that would stop me for going. Finally I received a few extra days off work stacked on my weekend off. I kept quiet about my plans in the hope that nothing would ruin the plans. Loaded the truck with camping gear, toys and went for it. Not really knowing what to expect as there is so little published about this trail on the truck adventure side.

Coming from Rockford, IL I added the Stateline Rd. Route to the start of the Trans Wis Adv Trail. It's a track that was created for those coming from the north end of Illinois. Much like the Trans Wis Adv Trail it's based around gravel and rural areas. I added the old Eppleyanna Rd bridge to the route as I have a love for old bridges.

The Eppleyanna Rd bridge built in 1896 creaked and groaned as I motored on. I don't imagine the bridge being around much longer. It's due for replacement or deconstruction.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6k0lBuSAwJk&feature=youtu.be

Stateline Rd.

Soon crossing the Roberts Road Bridge built in 1901.

The Stateline rd eventually dropped me off into the town of Warren, IL on the Old Stage Coach trail Where I filled up with fuel.

Eventually I connected to the Trans Wisconsin Adventure trail and began my long journey north.

Soon I was skirting the Mississippi River gazing at it's incredible width.

I came across this odd structure.

Eventually winding to one of the more famous roads on the trail. Good-Nuf Hollow.

The road is incredibly green scenic and has two very well maintained water crossings.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KLndf4etL8Y&feature=youtu.be

Further down the road I came across these cliff formations that over hang the road. These are like trademarks of the TWAT trail every one that has ever been on this trail likely has a picture against this wall.

Eventually I made it to Wild Cat Mountain State park where I would be camping the night. They had these garden carts where you load your stuff up and cart it to private campsites up in the woods.

This was my very first time Solo camping I didn't really know what to expect. However, I found it to be more relaxing than usual. With lighter weight basic as it gets gear and zero peer complaints stuff went up much faster than usual.

The fire seemed lonely at first but after popping in my headphones and tuning on a calm acoustic blues channel, all the anxiety I had dissipated with my can of Surly beer. Everything seemed right, mood was up life was good.

 

[Silver dude]

Day 2
I awoke to sun beaming into the tent and loud birds saying whip-poor-will. It was good though after such a relaxing night I was up excited for what the rest of the trail might bring. The rest of the trip was all freestyling no set plans or restrictions.

I went for a morning hike to get the blood flowing. I stuck to basic cold breakfast bars to avoid cooking it was only partially satisfying so I had to get moving. I hiked over to the overlook to see the Kickapoo river, a river I had planned to kayak for many years.

It had quite the effect on me finally pursuing locations I had only read and dreamed so much about. Quite rewarding to be on trail in the moment.

I packed up the gear very quickly back into the Xterra again no complaints and easy to breakdown basic backpacking gear made it go fast.

I called a local canoe outfitter Kickapoo Wild Adventures. I had selected them based on the extremely low prices and the slightly less touristy business style I'm all for the under dog the small business man. Others had expansive buildings and properties this guy had a older house on the river which he probably lived in. After giving him $25 he gave me a kayak put it in the river and said to call when you are tired of paddling. Fantastic.

The river was pretty shallow and required lots of attention to not run aground. Very unique scenery.

I paddled down river for 4 hours.

The outfitter showed up in 10mins and hauled me back. Once back at the business he said if I needed fire wood to take all that you need. So I loaded the Xterra with free wood for this nights camp. Kayaking wound up being the best $25 spent on the trip.

https://youtu.be/EKj4ArTCtV4

Back in the Xterra I reconnected with the trail it took my through the Town of Sparta.

It then connected with some narrower gravel roads that seemed to swing through the country side.

I began my approach on the Black river forest. This area was very rural I drove a few hours passing large empty highways through large spruce forests.

The road switched to a B level 40% or Sand road. I never had any problems with traction in 2wd. Was a bit like desert racing dodging ruts and holes as I sped along. The curves were fun and loose. It was fun in that it required increased attentiveness while driving.

The sand was never very deep or challenging.

I took a few dead end routes off the track as these were lesser traveled and slightly more challenging.

I found some ruts left by some other vehicle while on route.

I setup camp at Levis Trow Mounds a popular mountain biking park. The shelter you see in the photo burned to the ground 2 days after my visit.

I sat at the campsite drinking some beer local to the area. Had a great campsite neighbor that had the same kayaking biking camping interests I had.

Was a great night of sitting around the fire swapping adventure stories.

 

[Silver dude]

Day 3
I woke up at the trail head ready to ride. After paying the trail fee, just in time the DNR guy actually helped me break a $20. I hit the trail and found some of the most incredible views of the entire trip. It caught me off guard as I never heard any mention of Lewis trow having such a high elevation above the surrounding area. You could hike here for free if biking isn't your thing. Clarence I believe the trail was called.

The riding was absolutely exceptional. It was as rocky as Colorado, nice single track like Michigan, with incredible bridges and wood features. Some of the best riding in the midwest.

The road must continue I loaded back up and headed out.

Beautiful forests surrounding the entire trail.

Occasional patch areas of clear cut forest where wood was harvested.

On one road it went to a single lane road through the forest a real delight to be in the woods that deep.

I took exit from the track and drove to Chippewa falls to Leinenkugel's. enjoyed a Brewery tour.

Back on the track towards the national forest, There was lots of Amish in this area. I remember seeing a horse drawn wagon pull out. With a small child chasing the wagon on a small bicycle. A girl maybe 6 years old in a gray handmade gown with some of the most impressively braided pigtails I've ever seen. She looked at me like I looked at her, with a face full of wonder. The Cultures and the ruralness of the area is what really set this area home. It redefined the way I think or feel about America. It's not all headlines and modern urban living. I think everyone needs to experience this true rooted rural America.

I arrived at Big Falls County Park. No one was anywhere to be seen. While walking down to the water to frame this shot I gazed in my peripheral vision past the camera and saw something moving from the creek. When I looked at it was a large black/ brownish wolf on the other side of the creek. Once he saw me approach the water he turned and ran. I wasn't able to snap a picture as he moved so fast and I was in amazement from seeing my first wild wolf.

I decided to drive though the forest at night with my Hella 500's lighting the way. This turned out to be a excellent idea as I spotted several animals on the move at this hour. I saw one large black bear jog across the road. Soon another smaller Black bear sprinted across then climbed about 5ft up a tree gazing at me at I drove past. I saw so many white tailed deer cross I lost count after 10. The birds were very loud the flocks must have been massive.

After reports of a thunderstorm and needing a shower I grabbed a hotel for the night.