Spring's rolling out…2014 quick road trip

Spring fever- yeah we had a bad case of it this year.  The long winter certainly got the best of us, and a new job for one of us certainly thwarted plans for a month long escapade to the warmer climates down south.

We are however happy to be on the road with Milly D for 9 days and cruising some turf we're more familiar with.  Our first stop being the Okanagan- the blue skies and mid 20's temps are a welcome surprise.

Hit a few of our favourite wineries, even took in a lovely lunch at Quails Gate, ploughman style, one of our favourites!  Pups are loving the warmer temps, chasing sticks and ducks, lake swimming (more later), and hanging out at the crag.

Today we climbed in Skaha Bluffs, one of the most popular areas in BC for both sport and trad climbing.  Walking in was a treat, great trail system and awesome signage and the makings for a hot day.  While certainly a popular area (topped up by long weekend traffic) it was without a doubt highly concentrated with over 600 routes to choose from.  We didn't have to venture far to get on a great wall offering route selections ranging from 5.6 through 5.10.  It was nice to be climbing in warm weather again and be north of the border!  Short of the two rattlesnakes we crossed paths with (Scout narrowly missed a warning rattle!), it made for a great day.

Erin and I seem to attract naked people, tying into our last blog entry from spring 2013, a quick trip to the lake for a dip with the dogs led to crossing paths with a group of skinny dippers.  No photos to share I'm afraid- didn't feel as though it would be appropriate.


Catch you again down the next trail- A&E

Moab: The Final Frontier

After setting up at our lovely little river camp spot on Tuesday morning, we consulted our climbing guide book and headed to a crag called the Ice Cream Parlour - it was a neat drive getting there and we had a fun afternoon of climbing while the pups hung out in the shade.

Creatures of the crag

Afterwards, we celebrated with a cold beer and a margarita at the Moab Brewery and then decided to go for an impromptu hike into Negro Bill Canyon at dusk. We knew we had limited time before we lost our light, but seeing as we were camped right across the street, we decided to go for it. In the end, we were so glad we did - the canyon was uncrowded at that time of day, and not to mention nice and cool. We packed a headlamp but didn't need to use it, though we did wind up making our way out just after sunset.

Beautiful light in the canyon just before sunset

Making the universal sign for "arch" at the Morning Glory Bridge (okay, I don't think there's actually a universal sign for arch - not sure what he's doing there)

Would definitely recommend this hike - and dog friendly too!

On Wednesday, we found another hike to do - through the Bootleg Canyon up to Corona Arch. This turned out to be another beautiful hike - and also dog friendly as well as completely uncrowded which is always nice. Afterwards, we headed to another climbing crag called Wall Street where we had yet another great afternoon of climbing. As a side note, we'd looked into putting Indi and Scout in for a day of doggie day care while in Moab so that we could do some climbing in Arches, but it turned out to be quite expensive. In the end, we were glad things worked out the way that they did as we discovered some fun dog friendly hikes and climbing crags.

Scout keeping hydrated in Bootleg Canyon

Family shot by the Corona Arch

Climbing at Wall Street

Time for a cold beer?

On Thursday, we'd lined up a canoe rental and planned to do an 11 mile float/paddle down the Colorado river, however gusting winds (that word again!) thwarted our plans. Instead, we did a hike up Hunter Canyon. Though this canyon was somewhat underwhelming compared to the other two we'd explored (or maybe we were just getting hiked out) it was certainly memorable in its own right. On our way out of the canyon, we heard a group of people in the distance singing an enthusiastic rendition of "This Little Light of Mine" followed by some even more enthusiastic cheering and tribal chanting. Exchanging a wary look, we continued down the canyon, rounded a corner and came across about 30 people splashing around in one of the streams that lined the canyon. They were all perfectly nice and friendly and greeted us politely - and oh yes, they were all completely naked. What else could I say except: "Wow, these sure weren't the views I was expecting on this hike!"

Okay, I guess I could have kept my mouth shut but the words were out before I could stop them.

By then, the temps had really crept up and we were feeling too hot and tired to do much else except for chill out at camp. Once it cooled off a bit, we had a nice last night dinner at the Moab Brewery and then went to the movies.

Fully clothed in Hunter Canyon

On Friday, we broke camp and hit the road for the long drive home. We'd planned on spending the night in Idaho or Montana but wound up making the push to do the full drive and arrived back in Blairmore at 3am. While it was nice to sleep in our own bed, we are already missing the cozy confines of our little life on the road.

Guess that means we'll have to start planning another trip....

Moab, Utah

Sunday night, the 19th, had us wrap up the Overland Expo in Mormon Lake with a steak and chicken BBQ.  Great eating and a shower at the lodge had us feeling clean, satisfied and ready for the next segment of the road trip.  In giving it some discussion over dinner Erin and I decided to roll out of camp post dinner and start heading north.  Being all cleaned up another night in the dust field and winds wasn't going to fly so we packed up Milly D and hit the road to Moab.  That night just before midnight, even with the loss of an hour, we rolled into Moab with plans to recharge Milly's batteries, top up on water and head out to the river to camp for the next 5 days.

Our plans here- ride our bikes, do some climbing, hang with the pups, hike and take in the last part of vacation.

We'll update again later-

Awesome camping along the river

Overland Expo 2013

The Overlander Expo: An exclusive he said/she said interview

Question 1: What was your overall impression of the Overlander Expo?

Erin: I was impressed with the level of organization and communication - especially leading up to the event. Once we actually arrived, I was happy to see that there were a variety of different types of people there and that it wasn’t a big bromance fest (though I did hear alot of guys compliment each other on the size of their tires.) For me, the best part about the event as a whole was the level of variety in terms of things to do, as well as the variety of different people there.

Andrew: Not to echo Erin, but I was very impressed with the overall organizational structure and set up of the event. Management of not only the many participants, but all of the expo retailers, instructors, and various facets of the event was really well done.  I’d say my expectations were met with regards to what I expected; quality instructional courses and lots of information about extended overlanding.

Question 2: What were you looking forward to most about the Overlander Expo?

Erin: Well, in addition to the opportunity to head on a road trip to Arizona, I was really excited to partake in this with Andrew - the registration to the Expo was my birthday gift to him, so I was happy to see him so excited about it!

Andrew:  Likely checking out all of the Overlanding rigs that both the vendors and participants brought to the event along with a few of the classes I had signed up for.

Question 3: What was your favorite part about the Expo?

Erin: I really enjoyed the selection of films from the Adventure Film Festival that I was able to see. The classes that I took were all really good and I took something away from each one - so I am excited to put that new knowledge to use when it comes to future trip planning (except for the Canine First Aid one - see below). Another highlight was when we first arrived, Andrew and I walked around to scope out all of the other “rigs”. It was fun to see everyone else’s set up as well as the “feature” vehicles that were on display. I also really loved watching Andrew do the test driving course with the Land Rover driver - though I was glad to not have been in the vehicle!

Andrew:  Hanging out with the Land Rover Instructional drivers!  I had a couple of courses taught by them, including welding in the field (with batteries) and vehicle marshaling all of which were very well delivered.  One of the best things though was having them ride as passenger on the Land Rover course where I drove both our truck a couple of times as well as a brand new Land Rover.  Having the instructors with you while you drive was great for tips and getting a better handle on driving the challenging terrain.

Question 4: What was your least favorite part about the Expo?

Erin: When we first arrived, we were greeted by our arch nemesis - the wind. And it stuck around for the most part. The wind, plus the fact that we were camping in an open, dusty field made for not the greatest conditions. I was also really excited for the Canine First Aid class, but the instructor was a bit of a dud.

Andrew:  No doubt about it on this one- the location led itself to some wicked winds.  While the night time was calm the winds in the day time sure took a lot out of you.  I also felt as though the Canine First Aid course was a bit flat, some First Aid tips for the dogs would have been useful!

Question 5: Would you go back to the Overlander Expo?

Erin: Right now, I’d rather plan a bigger trip and implement things that we learned at the Expo. I definitely feel more open to more of an “expedition” style of road trip now.

Andrew:  Yes I’d certainly go back again although I don’t feel the urge or need to rush back for next year.  If I were to go back again one day it’d be fun to instruct a course and/or partake in some of the larger time committed classes to hopefully benefit from more information being delivered.

Expo Retailers

Erin's favorite rig at the show

Cooking Demonstration

Indi learning lots at the Canine First Aid course

Lots of vehicles and camper set ups, this one slightly higher priced than Milly D

Scout gets into the spirit of things

Test driving a Land Rover on the driving course- I was doing 60mph in this photo

Tacoma's turn on the course

Welding in the field- informative class!

Queen Victoria Desert Tower

Queen Victoria

06:15- we know what time it is because a local rooster close to Dead Horse Ranch State Park let’s us know we should be up and at em’.  The early wake up was good for us though; great cuppa C3’s Bushtown roast coffee followed by yogurt, granola and fresh strawberries had us rolling from camp at 8:00 so we could drop Indi and Scout off at the doggie daycare in Sedona.  We had plans to climb a popular route here in Sedona, the Queen Victoria Desert Tower.

Beautiful views, not just beautiful Erin

From the base

08:35- With the dogs dropped off we head on over to the trail head to access our climb.  Schnebly Hill Road, bumpy and rocky at best, was a cool little drive through the red rocks to our trail head we had scouted the day prior.  The guides we read online put the access hike at anywhere between 30 minutes and 60 minutes; not good news, as we really wanted to beat the heat of the day - could we do it in 15-20?! (Erin’s note: Um, not really)

09:05- Departing from the truck we headed up the drainage and quickly started gaining some elevation, surrounded by the beautiful red rocks, towers and blue skies it was a distracting hike up.  

09:35 -Distracted by the beauty I was startled by a sound I had only heard in the movies...a rattler rattling its tail to warn of my infringement into its space- yikes, few quick steps back had us looking for another route around it!  Through some pointy plants and cactus we gained the base of the climb.

Yep- you're on belay

09:55 - After reviewing some signals and outlining our plans for communication we started up the first pitch.  Rated at 5.6 it was a neat pitch that took us up through a chimney to bolts at the second belay station after about 70 feet of climbing. Some stemming and cool moves put us atop of this pitch pretty quickly and we were able to eye up the second pitch which held the crux move of the climb.

Starting Up Pitch 1

On belay

Making her way up Pitch 1

Pitch 1- Fini

Setting out on the second pitch, 5.7- a 20 foot traverse below a band of rock took us to an old juniper grasping for anything at the edge of the rocks.  Slinging this tree I looked up at the crux moves- two large blocks with a crack between the main tower stood as the only real tricky part of this pitch.  Placing a big ole’ number 4 cam into the slot I then proceed to use my arm as a jammed wedge to pull off as I gained the half way point, couple moves and a back stem had the crux out of the way for easy cruising to the third belay station.  Erin came up right afterwards, whoohoo- tough part behind us! (Erin’s note: There was some swearing when Erin came up)

What crux?!

Just over the Crux of Pitch 2

Pitch 2- Fini

Having a break midway up

Third and final pitch (5.7) looked relatively harmless, another chimney of sorts with a large fin/rock bulge half way up that you have to do a lay back off of.  As I got to it I forgot the description of the move and attempted something completely different and awkward when Erin reminded me of the layback move- oh yeah!  That makes a difference, much easier that way! (Erin’s note: I actually forgot to do the layback too and wound up straddling the bulge - just as awkward as it sounds.) After the crux of that pitch the summit and final belay station was some easy scrambling away.  It wasn’t a few minutes after having Erin on belay for this pitch that she came around the corner with a big smile on her face knowing we were only a step away from the top of Queen Victoria!  

Final Pitch

Pitch 3- Fini

Summit Shot- yeehaw!

11:30- Yeehaw- summit!  As small as it was (10x10 feet) and with the breeze blowing pretty strong it was a stunning view from atop.  So great to have done this together, lots of fun and a great day to add to the road trip.  We stood up top a while to take in the views before the rappels back down to the ground.  The rappels were nice, off route and more overhanging they went pretty quickly.  In doing them Erin was mid way through the last rappel and had the opportunity to wave and be photographed by the touring helicopter going by.

Summit

Atop of Queen Victoria Desert Tower

Beating the heat of the day- rapping out

Rapping Off

Having a break midway up

Back at the truck by 12:30 we knew what was next- nice big lunch in town with celebratory beers!

Arizona - Part 1

We were pretty excited about our reservation at Dead Horse Ranch near Sedona (more specifically in Cottonwood, about 20 min west of Sedona) as the California portion of our road trip involved substantial miles and being on the go almost every day. Although our reservation was not until Sunday, we rolled in close to dinner time on Saturday (hungry and frustrated by all of the weekend traffic) hoping that we could find a vacancy. We were lucky to get a campsite, and were happy to set up, if not officially settle in as we’d still have to change sites on Sunday. On Sunday, we quickly realized that there was really no where to hide from the sun - the temps crept into the mid 30’s and we arranged to switch our reservation to a different area of the campground - a spot closer to the river, as well as much shadier - not just for Indi and Scout’s sakes, but for ours too. This proved to be a smart choice as we were in for some hot days ahead.

During our stay here, we’d wake up early in the mornings (thanks in part to the abundantly vocal bird population) and try to beat the heat and sneak in a mountain bike ride or a run utilizing the park’s trail system.  After breakfast and getting cleaned up, we’d take the pups down to the river for a swim and then we’d hop into the truck, crank the ac and head into one of the nearby towns to explore.

President and Mom running together

Morning mountain bike ride

Both Cottonwood, and the nearby Jerome, were neat little spots with alot of history as well as a variety of cool shops and cafes. In Jerome, we took in the narrow, winding roads, old architecture and treated ourselves to a wine tasting at one of the many little wine bars in the area. Afterwards, we indulged in a BBQ lunch from Bobby D’s BBQ - and were so full that we didn’t need to eat until breakfast the next day!

In Cottonwood, we explored the historic downtown area, as well as the many antique stores - one of which consisted of 2 acres of antiques!

Being underage the dogs weren't permitted to sample

Sedona, though busier and more touristy than Cottonwood and Jerome, also had a few little spots that caught our attention - Indi and Scout particularly enjoyed the Whiskers Barkery where they were fawned over and given free treats. Indi was actually nicknamed “The President” by one of the clerks there because he looks so handsome and regal (her words, though I enthusiastically agreed!).  Not knowing how Scout may have felt about this we quickly named her the President’s body guard.

One of our favorite spots near Sedona was a beautiful little swimming hole called Grasshopper point where we’d visit to cool off with the pups - a pretty great way to spend an afternoon!

Best swimming hole ever!

All in all, we had a great 5 days here - today we capped off our stay by climbing a 3 pitch desert tower called Queen Victoria (but I’ll let Andrew tell you about that.)

Tomorrow, we pack up and head to the Overlander Expo - excited to see what’s in store.

which way to the expo?

follow me Indi