 It is time for another ride. While married life is so worthy and I enjoy all of the time with the kids, I still need to get out and ride once in a while. Lucky for me Laura has really started to enjoy riding her bike and I see a lot of fun in our future. This morning though I am off with her blessing for a week of riding. I love my wife!  Photo by Laura Our Hero is up before dawn (hoping to beat the heat) and has the GT loaded for a quick jaunt up to Torrey. I need to be in Page for a meeting by 8am so it will be a pretty quick run up the mountain this morning.  The Dawn finds me already 2/3rds of the way to Flagstaff.  First stop is getting gas in Flagstaff.  My first of several mobile offices. Amazing how with just a laptop, a blackberry, I can work almost anywhere I can pick up a signal. Crazy I quickly make the rest of the trip up to Torrey where I settle in at Bob's for the next 5 days. This weekend is the Capital Reef Classic Bike Race and I have agreed to be a motor for the event. I love working this bike race.  It is always nice to get to Torrey! I arrive at the starting line early and find out that I am going to be leading out the Cat 3 Mens group on an 82mile race. The race will also include a ride over Fish Lake. That is a total elevation gain of close to 4000ft for the riders.  This is the group I will be leading this morning. About 20 riders and they are fast. My job is to make sure that traffic is clear of the leaders, provide some time checks for the leaders, and to make sure that they do not cheat. After about 10 miles of racing two riders make their break and quickly build about a 3min lead over the peleton.  One lone rider then tries to bridge the gap. He manages to get to within 90 seconds of the leaders but the big climb looms ahead  And this climb is brutal  Soon the peleton is splintered over about 5 miles and each rider works to get to the summit.  All the while the leaders have powered to about a 5min lead. These two guys actually pass some of the riders who had started 10 minutes sooner in the pro group. At this point they are riding at around 10,000ft (3000m) elevation. Tough dudes. We get to the back in 3 hours 44 minutes. That is a pace of about 21mph. Amazing when you factor in the big climb. I can't wait for next years race. This year they had over double the riders of last year and I am sure this race is going to just get bigger over the next few years. With the race over we head home and get ready to go to the Farmers Market.  Janet is making amazing Ginger Preserves now which are really hard to find in the US. MMMMM Ed thinks he can get this working if he could only find the right tool in Bob's Garage.  Bob talking about local plants. One of the things that people always think when you are in these small towns in the back country is that you have nothing but hunting rednecks. The only real difference to the stereotype in this region is you insert Mormon Redneck, instead of Beer Drinking Redneck. Nothing could be further from the truth. I meet more diverse, highly educated philosophical wine drinking Rednecks here than anything else.  I end up hanging with Beth at her Wood Burning Pizza Oven Trailer catching up and making pies. This is such a cool thing. The trailer has a real wood burning oven on it and they are making some good money with it. Keep it up Beth. They are worthy pizzas! We head back to Bob's and do what we do best in Torrey.  Enjoy one of these on the porch.  We are joined by Dave who is one of those Redneck Biologists who works for the Park Service at Capital Reef. You can tell how bored we are here. We agree to meet for breakfast the next morning and head out to explore an area that Bob hasn't even looked at. Dave agrees to join us so the Tundra will be full for an adventure! Whoo Hoo!! I really wish Laura and the kids would be here because I have no doubt that they would be not only enjoying themselves, but would be getting a wonderful education as well. Missing them for sure. Sunday's Adventure After getting Breakfast we head on down to the park. We are going to pick up Dave, but we also want to get some Apricots. One of the areas of Capital Reef is called Fruita. It has many different Orchards that the 1st settlers planted and the Park Service keeps them going. You can go and harvest the fruit and pay for them using the honor system.  The orchards are nestled along the river under massive Red Cliffs.  Edd finds some fresh Apricots and gets to picking. And for all my friends concerned about his papers, he assures me he is a US Citizen.  These Apricots are DELICIOUS!!! And that tool is the bomb.  After getting a full bag we are off to pick up Dave at his house. He brings along his Ranger Gear which include a radio.  I compliment him on his backyard Rock Garden but think it may be a little over the top Before we head out into the boonies we have to get one thing that is really critical for our survival....  NO not the SPOT!  Cafe Diablo PIES and Ice Cream!  We meet some of the locals too. They don't seem that interested in the pies. After heading out we start to hear radio chatter about a wild fire on Boulder Mountain. There are several agencies on and after a few minutes I hear our friend Jamie Austin on the radio. He is the Fire Chief in Torrey.  The area around Torrey has such diverse geography. I never tire of exploring it  All of us soon are lost in our own thoughts but are really enjoying the time spent together with friends.  Even if we didn't have a high ranking park ranger in the Truck with a radio Bob would still never deviate from the proper path. Ed on the other hand.....  We end up at the radio repeater station which is solar powered and allows the rangers and other emergency officials to get better reception down in the canyons in the park A few cool Pics  Worthy Spider Web  The Yin and Yang of Life in a tree  The Valley below As we come down the mountain, Janet gets into trouble with Bob. I tried to warn her....but you know how he gets when "Monty" comes out.  Objects are in fact closer than they appear sometimes. Actually Janet can't sit in trucks long on the best of days and after riding over 50 miles the day before in a bicycle race, she needed to keep from cramping up. So she walked the slower sections of the trail. We head back to town and the fire is still out there.  Dave starts to scan the mountains for the fire.  While not a huge fire, it is in a area that is remote. It goes out though by nightfall. Bummer because that are really could use a good burn. A great day!  And we quickly fill these and enjoy another great night in Torrey. But there are storm clouds on the Horizon and that tail is next to be told..... |
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Capital Reef Classic 2010
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Scouting For Summer 2010
Ahh the summer vacation season is soon upon us and since I last posted, I have married which means going from a house of one to a family of five. This means that simple adventures aren't coming to an end but rather I am setting off on major expeditions! Not unlike Columbus, Powell, or even Clark Griswold I have a lot of new places to see this year.
My loving and wonderful wife has presented me with our Summer House. It is worthy
So with my Hun Tent ready, Michael and I decide to head North for the day to scout out places to make summer camp. Mom is at school, and the two little minions are with the grandparents so Michael and I are getting to spend to time together. It is a joy to have him as a companion since he is at that age where the woods still hold much wonder.
After Coffee in Camp Verde we turn off at Stoneman Lake Road and head East.
The Lake is full but also full of people so we don't spend a ton of time there.
One of the advantages of this area is that it is easy to escape to out of Phoenix. One of the disadvantages is that others have realized this advantage. Until I have final control of the Universe, I have to share so we decide to press on into the back country.
We pass a few rustic ranches that have been around since the 1800's and I think what would it have been like back in the day of Zane Grey?
After finding a turn off to another Forest Service Road we head South. After about 15 minutes we start seeing very few people and discover some amazing spots that will work for base camp.
While the Jeep is the vehicle of choice today, we are going to need to be able to get the Tundra back to where ever we are going to camp.
With this in mind we decide that it is safe to press on a little bit more. This is an area that I have not explored so I find it fun to just sort of go with the flow for a while.
We come to a butte with a fire tower on top. At the top we discover that there is a sign. I love signs explaining things. Oh and once again SCIENCE ROCKS!
As we spin our way down you can see all over central AZ.
A cool view of Sedona from a far.
There is a goofy line about seeing the forest from the trees or something...but let me tell you. There is a lot of value in looking at trees. Each of them have such amazing personalities of there own. This one catches my eye.
We stop for a bit to soak it all in and have a quick bite. I am amazed that there are so few people back here even with temps hitting the high 90's in Phoenix. Michael sees some carcass of a dead Elk out in a meadow and heads out to see what got it. Was it a cougar? A Bear? (fat chance with me in the area).....
DANGER!!! WE HAVE DANGER!!!!!!!!
There is almost nothing in all of the known wilderness as dangerous as a Ferrel Amazon.com Box!! Michael makes a dash to the Jeep while I scamble for......
one of the most important tools of the Old West. It is times like this where I really feel better being an Armed Socialist. At about 75 yards out I manage to unleash a fury of Lead partner. I won't be surprised if someone like Louis Lam our writes about it someday.
Looks like this one is tagged. Whew that was close!
We go ahead and eat a sandwich and then head out looking for some more fun.
We make our way out to old Highway 87 and head up towards Winslow a bit. We turn off and look at some camp ground near my favorite swimming hole. We then go look for some places to go fishing this summer.
Another Sign
I love signs
Well most of them. Some I tend to ignore
I do find a little guy to share some time with
We wander down the service road and see the back side of the dam ahead.
The Damn is really pretty impressive. Paid for by copper mines who needed to find a way to repay the local water companies for using water in the mines down by Morenci.
Ok here is a question for you Junior Civil Engineers. Why did they make the spill way look like this?
After this we head back to the Jeep and make our way home in time to take Mom to Pizza Dinner after her day at Moto School. Life is worthy.
Son #1 takes great pride in cleaning the 30/30. I have a feeling we are going to like heading North this summer just as much as I did last summer by myself.
Tommy
My loving and wonderful wife has presented me with our Summer House. It is worthy
So with my Hun Tent ready, Michael and I decide to head North for the day to scout out places to make summer camp. Mom is at school, and the two little minions are with the grandparents so Michael and I are getting to spend to time together. It is a joy to have him as a companion since he is at that age where the woods still hold much wonder.
After Coffee in Camp Verde we turn off at Stoneman Lake Road and head East.
The Lake is full but also full of people so we don't spend a ton of time there.
One of the advantages of this area is that it is easy to escape to out of Phoenix. One of the disadvantages is that others have realized this advantage. Until I have final control of the Universe, I have to share so we decide to press on into the back country.
We pass a few rustic ranches that have been around since the 1800's and I think what would it have been like back in the day of Zane Grey?
After finding a turn off to another Forest Service Road we head South. After about 15 minutes we start seeing very few people and discover some amazing spots that will work for base camp.
While the Jeep is the vehicle of choice today, we are going to need to be able to get the Tundra back to where ever we are going to camp.
With this in mind we decide that it is safe to press on a little bit more. This is an area that I have not explored so I find it fun to just sort of go with the flow for a while.
We come to a butte with a fire tower on top. At the top we discover that there is a sign. I love signs explaining things. Oh and once again SCIENCE ROCKS!
As we spin our way down you can see all over central AZ.
A cool view of Sedona from a far.
There is a goofy line about seeing the forest from the trees or something...but let me tell you. There is a lot of value in looking at trees. Each of them have such amazing personalities of there own. This one catches my eye.
We stop for a bit to soak it all in and have a quick bite. I am amazed that there are so few people back here even with temps hitting the high 90's in Phoenix. Michael sees some carcass of a dead Elk out in a meadow and heads out to see what got it. Was it a cougar? A Bear? (fat chance with me in the area).....
DANGER!!! WE HAVE DANGER!!!!!!!!
There is almost nothing in all of the known wilderness as dangerous as a Ferrel Amazon.com Box!! Michael makes a dash to the Jeep while I scamble for......
one of the most important tools of the Old West. It is times like this where I really feel better being an Armed Socialist. At about 75 yards out I manage to unleash a fury of Lead partner. I won't be surprised if someone like Louis Lam our writes about it someday.
Looks like this one is tagged. Whew that was close!
We go ahead and eat a sandwich and then head out looking for some more fun.
We make our way out to old Highway 87 and head up towards Winslow a bit. We turn off and look at some camp ground near my favorite swimming hole. We then go look for some places to go fishing this summer.
Another Sign
I love signs
Well most of them. Some I tend to ignore
I do find a little guy to share some time with
We wander down the service road and see the back side of the dam ahead.
The Damn is really pretty impressive. Paid for by copper mines who needed to find a way to repay the local water companies for using water in the mines down by Morenci.
Ok here is a question for you Junior Civil Engineers. Why did they make the spill way look like this?
After this we head back to the Jeep and make our way home in time to take Mom to Pizza Dinner after her day at Moto School. Life is worthy.
Son #1 takes great pride in cleaning the 30/30. I have a feeling we are going to like heading North this summer just as much as I did last summer by myself.
Tommy
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Heading West of Phoenix
As my vacation comes to a close, it is time to get out and do a little exploring. As I look at the maps, I realize that I have never bothered to explore the area of the Sonoran between here and California. Most of it is off limits because of use by the US AirForce as a bomber range. But North of the 10 there are a few places worth exploring.
As luck would have it, Jan and Sharon are here from Utah spending time with Jan's Mom and they agree to go with me. The kids are in school, and Laura has to study as well.
We set off and head off out of town. Past Tonopah we find the exit and look out to see our objective.
About 20 more miles and we find the area we are going to go explore.
Some interesting reading
After a quick stop for lunch and use of the very nice facilities, we strike off up the road to climb the mountain. There are about 5 cars with trailers so I know there will be ATV's on the road.
The Saguaro's are thick out here and really pretty. Jan and Sharon are having a good time too.
We stop off a few times as the road starts to climb. What I thought would be a short climb is actually a bit more challenging than I thought. You can also see the road ahead is getting more steep. Good thing I am in a Jeep! We also are conscious of the time since we need to be back for dinner. It is so cool to see my friend Jan walking again after breaking his leg in Torrey this past Fall(See Torrey tales from 2009)
A few more miles up the road and we find the ATV's. There is one big group of about 10 of them and they tell me that the road up is tough but it is a wonderful view.
It already is pretty worthy.
Going is pretty slow at under 10mph now and it is getting pretty rocky too. Sharon spots something up on a hill. Amazing eye Sharon!!
A set of Petroglyph that is amazing! We climb up and have a closer look.
It is awesome to be in pretty good shape again. Climbing up hills is so much easier. Plus I can check the Jeep's Roof.
Wonder what they mean??
Desert Tortoise?
We head up a little further but the light is fading some and we still need to get down. With no other car on the mountain, we decide to turn around rather than risk it. I will be back!
The road down
I explain to Sharon that unlike Wii, you can't take these for a bonus point shortcut. It is tempting though
What looks almost boring from the interstate is actually amazing if you take the time to really look at it.
See you next time.
Tommy
As luck would have it, Jan and Sharon are here from Utah spending time with Jan's Mom and they agree to go with me. The kids are in school, and Laura has to study as well.
We set off and head off out of town. Past Tonopah we find the exit and look out to see our objective.
About 20 more miles and we find the area we are going to go explore.
Some interesting reading
After a quick stop for lunch and use of the very nice facilities, we strike off up the road to climb the mountain. There are about 5 cars with trailers so I know there will be ATV's on the road.
The Saguaro's are thick out here and really pretty. Jan and Sharon are having a good time too.
We stop off a few times as the road starts to climb. What I thought would be a short climb is actually a bit more challenging than I thought. You can also see the road ahead is getting more steep. Good thing I am in a Jeep! We also are conscious of the time since we need to be back for dinner. It is so cool to see my friend Jan walking again after breaking his leg in Torrey this past Fall(See Torrey tales from 2009)
A few more miles up the road and we find the ATV's. There is one big group of about 10 of them and they tell me that the road up is tough but it is a wonderful view.
It already is pretty worthy.
Going is pretty slow at under 10mph now and it is getting pretty rocky too. Sharon spots something up on a hill. Amazing eye Sharon!!
A set of Petroglyph that is amazing! We climb up and have a closer look.
It is awesome to be in pretty good shape again. Climbing up hills is so much easier. Plus I can check the Jeep's Roof.
Wonder what they mean??
Desert Tortoise?
We head up a little further but the light is fading some and we still need to get down. With no other car on the mountain, we decide to turn around rather than risk it. I will be back!
The road down
I explain to Sharon that unlike Wii, you can't take these for a bonus point shortcut. It is tempting though
What looks almost boring from the interstate is actually amazing if you take the time to really look at it.
See you next time.
Tommy
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