Post by: FrankB on November 18, 2016, 09:58:43 PM
This trip will take place in an area that is known to have huge amounts of mosquitos. Big-ass mosquitos. I’m very concerned about this, not only because of the general discomfort, but also because of potential for Malaria or Zika. I figure that at my age Malaria could kill me; and with Zika, that could seriously hamper my ability to attract a younger mate in the future, because, face it, no girl wants to have a baby with a shrunken head. It sounds like a full-body bug suit is a must, but I’m wondering, how does one safely relieve oneself in the outdoors in this situation. Won’t there be some exposed (and rather sensitive) skin for the mosquitos to attack? Or, do the full-body bug suits have some sort of provision for this? I’ve only seen one picture of the bug suit, and can’t tell from looking at it.
Another concern for this particular trip, is that it apparently goes through an area known to have lots of large carnivorous land mammals roaming freely (as in free-range big-ass grizzly bears). I think that one of the equipment requirements for the trip is to have an equally big-ass rifle, which I can certainly understand. Leaving aside the fact that the recoil of the suggested 45-70 will likely knock me flat on my ass if I have to use it (I’m not a very big guy), my question is a more practical one. I just can’t figure out how one can urinate, swat away mosquitos and shoot a bear all at the same time. I’m reluctant to ask this question to the trip leader for fear of being laughed at, but I really wonder if perhaps a part of the trip rules should be a required “buddy system” for times like this, at least for the shooting the bear part.
A last concern has to do with gas mileage. As we all know, gas mileage in an Xterra is not all that great. I’m thinking of instead using my daily driver, which is a Prius. The route is a combination of pavement and graded dirt. I figure I should be able to make it the entire way without stopping for fuel, even with a rooftop tent installed. It’s the Touring model, so it should be up to the demands of the trip, or they would not have named it “Touring”.
Any insight or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Post by: knightrider on November 19, 2016, 12:59:22 AM
Post by: Celt on November 19, 2016, 01:00:46 AM
Post by: Ghost65 on November 19, 2016, 01:44:41 PM
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Post by: RBduffer on November 19, 2016, 02:58:38 PM
Post by: FrankB on November 19, 2016, 09:17:01 PM
Alaska or Canada?
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Alaska, but from what I understand we'll have to drive through Canada to get there. I guess that means maybe dealing with the occasional moose too, eh?
Post by: Ghost65 on November 19, 2016, 10:23:43 PM
As far as grizzlies go Frank, well, that's a tougher call. Google "Todd Orr grizzly attack" for every thing you "could" do to survive a grizzly attack...twice, by the same bear.
From what I understand the best protection is preparedness and avoidance.
Keep us posted, and very much look forward to your great photo journals of your travels.
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Post by: Jayrat on November 20, 2016, 04:32:42 PM
It can be done just need the right paperwork. (no handguns) I think
Post by: Celt on November 20, 2016, 04:42:40 PM
You have to careful transporting FIREARMS through Canada,
It can be done just need the right paperwork. (no handguns) I think
Yeah, you might look silly trying to transport say a .45/70 and telling the Canadian Customs it's for defense. They tend to frown on that sort of thing in that part of the world from what I understand. I do know that they affix a Canadian seal to the storage container after inspection entering the country and have to inspect it on the way out. If it's broken they have zero sense of humor about that. If you shoot a bear in your camp you are still going to have a lot of explaining to do and might well land yourself in some hot water. At the very least get your firearms confiscated. 9 times out of 10 bear encounters are because people are stupid, doing stupid things to attract the bears. I'm more with Ghost on this that avoidance is much smarter than trying to pick a fight with something that's an apex hunter. Sorry Frank, I hope I'm not derailing this fact finding post of yours.
Post by: Jayrat on November 20, 2016, 04:53:21 PM
Post by: FrankB on November 20, 2016, 08:42:57 PM
I'm thinking of going with just bear spray instead of a gun, but my only worry with that is that with my poor close-up vision I'm afraid I might confuse the bear spray can with the bug spray can. I have a feeling that might not be such a good idea.
Post by: Celt on November 21, 2016, 12:23:47 AM
I seem to recall that the trip leader may have some ideas about exactly what to say when declaring the firearms at the Canadian border. I think he has it all worked out.
I'm thinking of going with just bear spray instead of a gun, but my only worry with that is that with my poor close-up vision I'm afraid I might confuse the bear spray can with the bug spray can. I have a feeling that might not be such a good idea.
But if you get one of those bug suits you were speaking of then I'm thinking you wouldn't have to bring any bug spray. If you don't bring any bug spray then you wouldn't have to worry about grabbing the wrong can? Or I guess you could just yell and jump up and down, that might work too?
Post by: FrankB on November 21, 2016, 06:29:50 PM
But if you get one of those bug suits you were speaking of then I'm thinking you wouldn't have to bring any bug spray. If you don't bring any bug spray then you wouldn't have to worry about grabbing the wrong can? Or I guess you could just yell and jump up and down, that might work too?
At first glance that would all seem to make sense; however, in the only picture I've seen of the actual approved-for-this-trip-by-the-trip-leader bug suit, it apparently does not cover the feet or the hands. Thus, the need for the bug spray.
Unless I'm missing something.
Post by: Celt on November 21, 2016, 06:32:34 PM
At first glance that would all seem to make sense; however, in the only picture I've seen of the actual approved-for-this-trip-by-the-trip-leader bug suit, it apparently does not cover the feet or the hands. Thus, the need for the bug spray.
Unless I'm missing something.
Hmmmmm, now you have a conundrum.
Post by: FrankB on November 21, 2016, 09:46:17 PM
Hmmmmm, now you have a conundrum.
More so than you know. I've been reading up on information from the trip leader, and trying to figure out where to stuff three spare tires and a couple of cases of Scotch into the Prius. Apparently there are more requirements than I originally thought. I guess I could look into some sort of custom made gizmo that will allow me to store stuff on the hood in small bags. Since it's a hybrid there is not a lot of heat generated up there, so it should be safe. Has anyone ever heard of such a storage system? I think the Limeys (Brits) may have done something like that on their Land Rovers in WWII; I think I recall it from watching episodes of Rat Patrol when I was a kid.
Post by: RikRong on November 22, 2016, 07:02:21 AM
More so than you know. I've been reading up on information from the trip leader, and trying to figure out where to stuff three spare tires and a couple of cases of Scotch into the Prius. Apparently there are more requirements than I originally thought. I guess I could look into some sort of custom made gizmo that will allow me to store stuff on the hood in small bags. Since it's a hybrid there is not a lot of heat generated up there, so it should be safe. Has anyone ever heard of such a storage system? I think the Limeys (Brits) may have done something like that on their Land Rovers in WWII; I think I recall it from watching episodes of Rat Patrol when I was a kid.Putting the storage system on the hood will probably reduce the aerodynamics and seriously reduce the efficiency of your Prius. It is my suggestion that you buy three low profile trailers from China and use one for your spare parts. Make sure the trailer is low enough to stay in the slipstream of the car.
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Post by: Celt on November 22, 2016, 07:59:16 AM
Putting the storage system on the hood will probably reduce the aerodynamics and seriously reduce the efficiency of your Prius. It is my suggestion that you buy three low profile trailers from China and use one for your spare parts. Make sure the trailer is low enough to stay in the slipstream of the car.
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True but I'll raise you one here to chew on. Don't you need an additional three spare tires for each of those trailers? This is turning out to be a humdinger of a mess here trying to get these expedition style answers for Frank in a timely and accurate manner. The other thing is how can you protect that mandatory Scotch from marauding raccoons and Canadian's along the way, eh?
Post by: FrankB on November 22, 2016, 09:46:35 AM
. . . . The other thing is how can you protect that mandatory Scotch from marauding raccoons and Canadian's along the way, eh?
I always figured that was the real reason for the .45/70, eh.
As for the bears, all I have to do is be able to run faster than a certain someone in a bug suit and flip flops. How hard can that be, eh?
Post by: RikRong on November 22, 2016, 09:57:01 AM
True but I'll raise you one here to chew on. Don't you need an additional three spare tires for each of those trailers? This is turning out to be a humdinger of a mess here trying to get these expedition style answers for Frank in a timely and accurate manner. The other thing is how can you protect that mandatory Scotch from marauding raccoons and Canadian's along the way, eh?In that case, I suggest removing half of the batteries from the floor pan and putting the tires in the open space there. This will retain aerodynamics and keep the center of gravity low.
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Post by: JeffBett on November 22, 2016, 10:18:44 AM
Post by: Celt on November 22, 2016, 03:33:55 PM
Its my understanding that the standard for these type expeditions is to bring the multitude of spares to burn one each night in the camp fire to keep the bugs at bay. If thats the case, you will gain aerodynamics as the trips goes on.
Hmmmmmm, very interesting idea and might really work well. Just make sure you are nowhere near places that are known to do so because you might find yourself surrounded by Blackhawk helicopters.......
Post by: Celt on November 22, 2016, 03:35:46 PM
I always figured that was the real reason for the .45/70, eh.
As for the bears, all I have to do is be able to run faster than a certain someone in a bug suit and flip flops. How hard can that be, eh?
But I thought the plan at least according to advice on other websites was to jump up and down while yelling. I suppose making a spectacle out of yourself it might work?
Post by: Celt on November 22, 2016, 03:49:02 PM
P.S. The other thing I'm curious about is communications? Are you a current HAM because if you are "I must scream it to the world from someplace high."
Post by: RikRong on November 22, 2016, 06:11:38 PM
Hmmmmmm, very interesting idea and might really work well. Just make sure you are nowhere near places that are known to do so because you might find yourself surrounded by Blackhawk helicopters.......Blackhawk helicopters, this made me laugh, a lot.
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Post by: FrankB on November 22, 2016, 06:12:17 PM
. . . . P.S. The other thing I'm curious about is communications? Are you a current HAM because if you are "I must scream it to the world from someplace high."
I come from a family of Sicilian immigrants. We don't need no stinking licenses to deal with pork products.
Post by: FrankB on November 22, 2016, 06:22:46 PM
http://www.thenewx.org/forum/43-pacific/131538-dalton-highway-deadhorse-ak-prepare-now-2017-a.html (http://www.thenewx.org/forum/43-pacific/131538-dalton-highway-deadhorse-ak-prepare-now-2017-a.html)
While you are over there, check out the current Truck of the Month.
Post by: FrankB on November 22, 2016, 06:25:13 PM
But I thought the plan at least according to advice on other websites was to jump up and down while yelling. I suppose making a spectacle out of yourself it might work?
Wouldn't jumping up and down and yelling just attract more bears? They seem to quite curious animals by nature, always getting their heads stuck in pots of honey, or checking to see what's in unattended picnic baskets.
Post by: FrankB on November 22, 2016, 06:29:29 PM
Last time I looked I had only 241 days, 13 hours, 42 minutes, and 17 seconds before the trip starts. In my world that is not a lot of time, and some of that has already been used up just in posting this message.
Post by: Celt on November 22, 2016, 07:29:44 PM
I come from a family of Sicilian immigrants. We don't need no stinking licenses to deal with pork products.
HHAHAHAHHA................
Post by: Celt on November 22, 2016, 07:30:21 PM
Blackhawk helicopters, this made me laugh, a lot.
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I knew someone would get the reference!
Post by: Celt on November 22, 2016, 07:34:02 PM
I've received a lot of helpful advice here so far, but it has occurred to me that the reason I may not be seeing more responses is because I was somewhat vague as to the details of the trip. Here is link to thread on TheNewX where the trip is being set up, maybe after you've reviewed it you can provide more helpful suggestions to me. For several reasons that are probably quite obvious, I'm reluctant to post my questions in the trip thread itself, mostly for fear of being ridiculed.
http://www.thenewx.org/forum/43-pacific/131538-dalton-highway-deadhorse-ak-prepare-now-2017-a.html (http://www.thenewx.org/forum/43-pacific/131538-dalton-highway-deadhorse-ak-prepare-now-2017-a.html)
While you are over there, check out the current Truck of the Month.
Wow! Now that is a very well and thought up plan. Everything is included, time clock, exact route planning and daily mileage, everything you need, what else could be left out. Shoot it even has some useful pictures...
Post by: Ghost65 on November 23, 2016, 04:46:35 AM
I read it on the internet, therefore, it is true.
I may be IN for this trip. Where are the name tag sign ups?...want to make sure mines spelled correctly.
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Post by: Ghost65 on November 23, 2016, 04:49:36 AM
I wonder if you couldn't do something like a combination bug spray/bear spray claymore mine style device? You could duct tape 5 or 6 cans in combination together and mount them alongside your vehicle to each of the sides. Then when the mosquitoes get too bad figure out a way to activate the bug/bear-bomb. You would have a massive cloud of bug killing/bear thwarting gasses throughout the entire camp. If you did like Rik advised and got a Chinese trailer or two to tow along resupplying of your bug/bear bombs wouldn't be a problem because you could store an infinite amount in them. Please make regular posts when you go and you could get an attractive handle like "FrankBUSA" to post in all the forums to get everyone's attention. I'd love to hear about FrankBUSA goes to the store. FrankBUSA buys stuff. FrankBUSA goes somewhere else, FrankBUSA does something, FrankBUSA does something, FrankBUSA is going to go back to the store, again, FrankBUSA wait what? Oh shoot I think I got off topic sorry.
P.S. The other thing I'm curious about is communications? Are you a current HAM because if you are "I must scream it to the world from someplace high."
Can we just call you "BUSA" for short?
And since you are of Sicilian descent, could we say you are takin' a lot of "A-BUSA" for posting this thread...
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Post by: Celt on November 23, 2016, 08:06:59 AM
Mosquito netting is like dental floss for bears.
I read it on the internet, therefore, it is true.
I may be IN for this trip. Where are the name tag sign ups?...want to make sure mines spelled correctly.
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I bet you could be Declared as IN: Ghost65 ..............
I think you would look quite fashionable in a Bug-suit with a nametag. Some other minor requirements may need to be fulfilled but I have very high hopes for you. I think the Ghost machine might just be up to task. If this trip gains more traction amongst the membership which I cannot fathom it would not, I might even beg my employer for the time off in order to attend. I wonder if I'm able to meet the minimum requirements would someone "Scream it from someplace high" that I'm Declared as IN!??
Post by: Ghost65 on November 23, 2016, 08:49:33 AM
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Post by: Celt on November 23, 2016, 09:00:47 AM
I declare myself a maybe...trying to source and NMO mount for my bug suit so I can TX while I'm bear watching.
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Maybe a portable tire bead setter could help with this quest?
Post by: JeffBett on November 23, 2016, 09:22:03 AM
Post by: Celt on November 23, 2016, 09:50:42 AM
Another thing to consider concerning the Prius for this expedition is the fact that the hood is maybe to small to strap your various bags and other items you need for such a trip. You may find the need to continue attaching items to the fenders as well. I'm just sayin......
But if he gets one of those, oh what does that guy call it...? Oh I know a "Bonnet cover" then maybe he can do things like put all his machetes and other recovery gear that your spotter "Could immediately gain access to in an emergency" at least in theory anyway???? I'm thinkin this Prius might well be up to task.
Post by: steve c on November 23, 2016, 10:35:08 AM
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1024x768q90/921/PgP3TO.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/plPgP3TOj)
Post by: Celt on November 23, 2016, 06:19:50 PM
Post by: Ghost65 on November 23, 2016, 06:44:46 PM
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Post by: FrankB on November 23, 2016, 07:04:08 PM
I have thought of another question in the meantime, this one has to do with loading the trailer that it sounds like I'll have to pull behind the Prius to carry the spare tires and the Scotch. If I were taking the Xterra I would know how to load it, with most of the weight over the axle and then a little behind it. However, the Prius is a much lighter vehicle than the Xterra, and that causes me some concern. I'm worried that all the weight on or behind the trailer axle could cause the trailer to want to tip backwards (i.e. up in the front). Since the Prius is so light, I can see it now, a big pyramid with the hitch ball right in the middle, and the rear wheels of the Prius ass-up in the air like a . . . on second thought I won't use an analogy here. Anyway, I figure it should be safe to load all the weight on the trailer as far forward of the axle as possible, even well on to the tongue. I'll probably get one of those lightweight Chinese trailers, which should be quite strong and up to the task, as we all know just how solid good Chinese engineering and technology is. Does this sound reasonable to those of you who are more experienced in this sort of thing? Personally, I can't think of anything that could go wrong here.
Post by: FrankB on November 23, 2016, 07:09:44 PM
. . . And since you are of Sicilian descent, could we say you are takin' a lot of "A-BUSA" for posting this thread...
[In my capacity as a BOD] Let's try to keep the ethnic slurs to a minimum here; we are supposed to be an inclusive group that welcome all people, and we don't make fun of anyone. [/In my capacity as a BOD]
Oh wait, never mind.
Post by: Ghost65 on November 23, 2016, 07:12:24 PM
Please pack all of your wrenches, including the 55mm 6 sided socket that fits my Toyota axle nut.
Thank you.
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Post by: Celt on November 23, 2016, 07:33:32 PM
Well, I'm certainly glad to see that I may have some company for the long drive north to the meet spot for this trip. Mr. Ghost65, it will be great to have a friend along. For some reason I'm not sure just how welcome I'll be on this trip.
I have thought of another question in the meantime, this one has to do with loading the trailer that it sounds like I'll have to pull behind the Prius to carry the spare tires and the Scotch. If I were taking the Xterra I would know how to load it, with most of the weight over the axle and then a little behind it. However, the Prius is a much lighter vehicle than the Xterra, and that causes me some concern. I'm worried that all the weight on or behind the trailer axle could cause the trailer to want to tip backwards (i.e. up in the front). Since the Prius is so light, I can see it now, a big pyramid with the hitch ball right in the middle, and the rear wheels of the Prius ass-up in the air like a . . . on second thought I won't use an analogy here. Anyway, I figure it should be safe to load all the weight on the trailer as far forward of the axle as possible, even well on to the tongue. I'll probably get one of those lightweight Chinese trailers, which should be quite strong and up to the task, as we all know just how solid good Chinese engineering and technology is. Does this sound reasonable to those of you who are more experienced in this sort of thing? Personally, I can't think of anything that could go wrong here.
I just can't imagine anything could go wrong with that load plans weight distribution. It appears to be very sound to me. I think there was recently a trip that went out to someplace led by one of those intrepid trailer owners and I was waiting with baited breath to see performance reports post trip. Alas, the trailer was not present with the intrepid traveler. I did see some video footage of said expert advice giver expertly spotting Xterras over obstacles that your Prius could have easily negotiated being driven by a 5 grader who has mastered any of the various Xbox racing games. However, I digress......... As a potato digging Mick, I'm with you on the brash comments referring to your Mafia er ummm I mean Sicilian background and there just isn't any room for this here. I think I just hit some trigger words and need to get to my safe space and contemplate things as a whole as it relates to my snowflake inner feelings.
Post by: FrankB on November 23, 2016, 07:54:19 PM
Mr. Ghost65, I know that you are very into Geocaching, and I just spotted this in the trip thread on TheNewX that I think you should be aware of. It sounds somewhat restrictive to me, and could well take all the fun out of any Geocaching.
"I have been out with Geocachers before.
if they look for them at planned stops(communicate beforehand where and when you would like to stop), no problemo.(time limit this)
I will post a planned list of stopping point and how many miles we should need to accomplish each day to stay reasonably on track.
Think of a reasonable time limit for each cache finding and communicate that to the rest of the group. so we can hold you to that..
or after we have made camp for the night then go find your close geocaches.
I want everyone to be hams for this trip and to have at LEAST a hand held if they go looking for geocaches. This will be a requirement."
Post by: FrankB on November 23, 2016, 07:56:59 PM
. . . I think I just hit some trigger words and need to get to my safe space and contemplate things as a whole as it relates to my snowflake inner feelings.
I think you are writing this in English, but I have no idea what that means.
Post by: Celt on November 23, 2016, 08:15:18 PM
I'm not trying to stir anything up here, but . . .
Mr. Ghost65, I know that you are very into Geocaching, and I just spotted this in the trip thread on TheNewX that I think you should be aware of. It sounds somewhat restrictive to me, and could well take all the fun out of any Geocaching.
"I have been out with Geocachers before.
if they look for them at planned stops(communicate beforehand where and when you would like to stop), no problemo.(time limit this)
I will post a planned list of stopping point and how many miles we should need to accomplish each day to stay reasonably on track.
Think of a reasonable time limit for each cache finding and communicate that to the rest of the group. so we can hold you to that..
or after we have made camp for the night then go find your close geocaches.
I want everyone to be hams for this trip and to have at LEAST a hand held if they go looking for geocaches. This will be a requirement."
What is that an excerpt from the Operational Order from Adolph Hitler during Operation Barbarosa?
Post by: Ghost65 on November 23, 2016, 08:45:46 PM
I want everyone to be hams for this trip and to have at LEAST a hand held if they go looking for geocaches. This will be a requirement."
Eh...I'm out.
Way to restrictive.
It's kinda funny...but then it isn't.
People are actually attending this???
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Post by: Celt on November 23, 2016, 08:53:22 PM
Eh...I'm out.
Way to restrictive.
It's kinda funny...but then it isn't.
People are actually attending this???
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Yep, you silly Geocachers are now under the Generalissimo's federal edicts it seems since you are not capable of going out and having some fun without being under direct control or beck and call of the Supreme Leader....... Just imagine it, breaking off from the group to go "Geocaching" that's just well, sacrilege and not sticking to the exact, pre-planned, pre-plotted, pre-determined plan, How dare you!!
Post by: FrankB on November 23, 2016, 10:58:56 PM
Eh...I'm out.
Way to restrictive.
It's kinda funny...but then it isn't.
People are actually attending this???
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Dude! I was so looking forward to the company.
Actually, it's getting pretty restrictive for me too, but I'm not ready to back out just yet. I intend to continue with the information gathering and trip planning.*
* How else can we keep this thread going. I'm sure there is more to discuss.
Post by: Celt on November 24, 2016, 12:13:36 AM
Dude! I was so looking forward to the company.
Actually, it's getting pretty restrictive for me too, but I'm not ready to back out just yet. I intend to continue with the information gathering and trip planning.*
* How else can we keep this thread going. I'm sure there is more to discuss.
I was hoping by now to have heard from the trip organizer with some detailed information for you. I know there are a lot of unanswered tough questions still afoot. Have you heard any other requirements such as specific required gearing or any other very expensive changes you would need to make prior to going? I'm sure there is a very detailed list of "required" items to have with you. Has your quest for a "Bonnet cover" for storage items panned out yet? I would imagine you would be the first kid on your block to own a "Bonnet cover" and as cool as it is I can imagine the idea would catch on like wildfire and in no time you would see them everywhere. Heck I would imagine they would go into common production soon after people see it in action. You should start a new thread and call it The rig of FrankBUSA so we can all follow it learning about what we have to do to our vehicles in order to be able to Wheel For The Gold!
Post by: Jayrat on November 24, 2016, 01:12:19 AM
JTIII is prepped for AK^^^^^^
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1024x768q90/921/PgP3TO.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/plPgP3TOj)
THIS IS WHY WE LOVE YOU STEVE
Post by: Sage Bromax on November 24, 2016, 11:04:35 AM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XwpKjEa4LYY
You can never be to prepared.
Post by: Celt on November 24, 2016, 12:11:21 PM
You should add these to your list of extras for your vehicle and trailers:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XwpKjEa4LYY
You can never be to prepared.
Most excellent idea!!!
Post by: Toro on November 24, 2016, 05:56:18 PM
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Post by: Ghost65 on November 24, 2016, 11:03:47 PM
I wish I had these problems. AK would be awesome!
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Meh...read the fine print...this run is rated...
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161125/fcd2822427cd5506d17c98536754882f.png)
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Post by: FrankB on November 26, 2016, 10:19:11 AM
"I would bet that you don't hear from Celt either."
I'm not sure what it means, but it sounded kind of snarky. Have I missed something?
Post by: Celt on November 26, 2016, 06:47:20 PM
"I would bet that you don't hear from Celt either."
I'm not sure what it means, but it sounded kind of snarky. Have I missed something?
Well from what it seems the nefarious group's ramrod trail leader, advice giver, task master, scotch drinking, mastermind "grand poobah" said I cannot attend because I did not meet the requirements of three spare tires, scotch (Which I personally think is nasty), overloaded trailer, .45/70 carbine, 10 spare fuel cans, three fridge/freezers, 3 advanced tool kits, portable welder, portable toilet (This one seems to be a very big one), some thing called a "jenna jameson" stripper toy for my antenna that I can post youtube vidoes of while driving down the roadway and the obligatory bug-suit. It was a similar story for some trip called the "Rubicon" where said glorious leader thought my vehicle was not up to the task because I didn't have his mandatory self approved gearing. Although I suspect something went awry because from all reports on the day of the trip the only other person that showed up was a passenger... But that is an entirely different story and I digress......
Man these trips with the grand poobah are getting harder and harder to attend. The requirements are vast, the skills are many and I just don't think I'm up to the task. No wonder I don't have my own personalized nametag yet. Maybe with many many more years of diligent wheeling, spending a good majority of my disposable income at his choice of fix-it places for the grand poobah's list of approved upgrades and sending the grand poobah trip reports and videos of my severely lacking wheeling abilities I may one day be accepted into his approval and given the slight nod of approval. Then and only then will I have the rights to purchase my very own "Bonnet cover" so I too can get the admiration of the off road world as I come thundering down the trail in 4l with lockers a-blazin on those tough flat dusty sections somewhere around trails like the Pontiac Sleuce. Until then FrankB, I just don't see me attending any of these expedition extraordinaire trips with the grand poobah and his group of intrepid followers.
Post by: FrankB on November 26, 2016, 07:53:26 PM
. . . . I cannot attend because I did not meet the requirements of three spare tires, scotch (Which I personally think is nasty), overloaded trailer, .45/70 carbine, 10 spare fuel cans, three fridge/freezers, 3 advanced tool kits, portable welder, portable toilet (This one seems to be a very big one), some thing called a "jenna jameson" stripper toy for my antenna that I can post youtube vidoes of while driving down the roadway and the obligatory bug-suit. . . . The requirements are vast, the skills are many and I just don't think I'm up to the task. . . . "
At this point I'm thinking the exact same thing. If you can't qualify, there is no way I'll ever be qualified to attend, even with all the great advice I've received here. For a while there it was really fun imagining I could actually do it, drive all the way to the end of the northern most road in the US, but I guess it's time to return to reality, and get to working planning the types of trip I really like . . . which generally involve staying at some nice Hilton hotel.
Thanks again everyone for all the great advice.
Post by: Celt on November 27, 2016, 07:38:33 AM
Post by: Ghost65 on November 27, 2016, 08:46:58 AM
Well from what it seems the nefarious group's ramrod trail leader, advice giver, task master, scotch drinking, mastermind "grand poobah" said I cannot attend because I did not meet the requirements of three spare tires, scotch (Which I personally think is nasty), overloaded trailer, .45/70 carbine, 10 spare fuel cans, three fridge/freezers, 3 advanced tool kits, portable welder, portable toilet (This one seems to be a very big one), some thing called a "jenna jameson" stripper toy for my antenna that I can post youtube vidoes of while driving down the roadway and the obligatory bug-suit. It was a similar story for some trip called the "Rubicon" where said glorious leader thought my vehicle was not up to the task because I didn't have his mandatory self approved gearing. Although I suspect something went awry because from all reports on the day of the trip the only other person that showed up was a passenger... But that is an entirely different story and I digress......
Man these trips with the grand poobah are getting harder and harder to attend. The requirements are vast, the skills are many and I just don't think I'm up to the task. No wonder I don't have my own personalized nametag yet. Maybe with many many more years of diligent wheeling, spending a good majority of my disposable income at his choice of fix-it places for the grand poobah's list of approved upgrades and sending the grand poobah trip reports and videos of my severely lacking wheeling abilities I may one day be accepted into his approval and given the slight nod of approval. Then and only then will I have the rights to purchase my very own "Bonnet cover" so I too can get the admiration of the off road world as I come thundering down the trail in 4l with lockers a-blazin on those tough flat dusty sections somewhere around trails like the Pontiac Sleuce. Until then FrankB, I just don't see me attending any of these expedition extraordinaire trips with the grand poobah and his group of intrepid followers.
Very humorous...and pretty much all factual.
Post by: Celt on November 27, 2016, 06:51:22 PM
Post by: Ghost65 on November 28, 2016, 08:49:58 AM
Can anyone relate to this syndrome? ;)
This whole thread bears the bigger question...and relative to what we really do here at SCCX...but The Big Q in my mind is...what makes a respected trail leader/Xcursion thread into a well followed, politely attended, trail run?
What are the successful ingredients?
That fine line between spontaneous combustion and organized chaos?
The continental shift from a well oiled campfire session, to the tail spinning lapse into a Teakettle Junction trailer repar?
How does it all happen...I wondered? :D
Post by: Ghost65 on November 28, 2016, 09:01:14 AM
...I'd like to try to put a positive spin on why we are all here:
To post, lightly organize, and "run/run's"...how does that happen exactly?
I've seen it for years, done it for small groups, big groups (37 vehicles through Rattlesnake Canyon, no fist fights or flat tires :D :D) and led countless groups across Moab slickrock...but how exactly, does "leading the trail" work, beyond posting the "What: Where: When: Who: How: " lists on a forum post.
I firmly believe that preparation and patience are the critical ingredients, as well as experience. Acting like you've been there, when, well, you have actually been there.
And resisting the narcissistic urge to post every development, wrinkle, map update, toilet stop, etc. has a lot to do with that. It's one thing to post pictures of the ammo that you "might use" when you face a bear, or to spool your winch line on a trail because you can...but to actually see bears and live to tell about it, or use that winch successfully and remain calm while doing so...there is a gulf the size of Mexico between those two scenarios of keyboard reality vs. blood pumping smell the fear reality. But I digress....
Preparation and patience.
What do you guys think makes a good trail leader?
Post by: RikRong on November 28, 2016, 11:03:45 AM
...and instead of beating the dead horse here, and mocking the efforts of a dude draped in netting, further glorifying his glory hole...which is the center of that narcissistic forum universe we all live in...I believe it's being able to adapt quickly, have patience, and remain laid back. Have a plan but be willing to be flexible. On that LCC run last month, we took a little longer in the Canyon than I had expected, but I don't think anyone felt rushed. We still got to explore a few sites and hit pavement right at sunset, as planned. Everyone was safe and I think had an okay time.
...I'd like to try to put a positive spin on why we are all here:
To post, lightly organize, and "run/run's"...how does that happen exactly?
I've seen it for years, done it for small groups, big groups (37 vehicles through Rattlesnake Canyon, no fist fights or flat tires :D :D) and led countless groups across Moab slickrock...but how exactly, does "leading the trail" work, beyond posting the "What: Where: When: Who: How: " lists on a forum post.
I firmly believe that preparation and patience are the critical ingredients, as well as experience. Acting like you've been there, when, well, you have actually been there.
And resisting the narcissistic urge to post every development, wrinkle, map update, toilet stop, etc. has a lot to do with that. It's one thing to post pictures of the ammo that you "might use" when you face a bear, or to spool your winch line on a trail because you can...but to actually see bears and live to tell about it, or use that winch successfully and remain calm while doing so...there is a gulf the size of Mexico between those two scenarios of keyboard reality vs. blood pumping smell the fear reality. But I digress....
Preparation and patience.
What do you guys think makes a good trail leader?
Some spots in the Canyon were more rocky than I remembered and didn't have bypasses. We managed to spot everybody through, with zero issues. You have to be willing to adapt and not lose your mind when you're not right on schedule. Plug through and have fun.
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Post by: Celt on November 28, 2016, 06:33:07 PM