July Crusin Coffee in GWOOD?

[RyanR]

I went up and did the Leadking Loop yesterday. It was crowded but that is to be expected on a Holiday. There are plenty of camp sites but most are directly off of the road (But also right on the Crystal River). Right at the fork where the Trailhead and warning signs for Schofield are there is a great group spot to the right that is set back into the trees and offers better privacy. You are right in between a small stream and the Crystal so you are surround by water. As far as I know the statewide fireban is still in place and as of 24 hours ago there were still signs posted all along the trail stating that there is a $500 fine for any open fires. With that said it rained the entire day yesterday and that area is actually quite lush right now. It was a nice change from the hot dry summer we've been having so far.


FYI - I stopped and talked to a group of people in UTV's at the Crystal Mill. I asked them about the rockslide crossing and they looked at me funny so it may have already been cleaned up. It certainly wasn't something you could miss when I went over.

 

[trollcruiser]

Not a member yet, but wouldn't mind seeing what your club is all about and meeting some other Toyota guys. Talked to some members at the offroad show in GJ earlier this year. Could I join you for the day? I would also meet in Marble, as I would be coming over McClure.

 

[jonharis]

Not a member yet, but wouldn't mind seeing what your club is all about and meeting some other Toyota guys. Talked to some members at the offroad show in GJ earlier this year. Could I join you for the day? I would also meet in Marble, as I would be coming over McClure.

Trolling' for a club eh? We would love to have you up for a day. It's actually a club requirement that you join us for a run and we always welcome guests.

 

[jonharis]

Doug. We can meet up for sure in marble. Probably give you a call when headed that way. If I'm the only one passing through carbondale there is no need to meet up for coffee. Unless someone else is headed up from down valley I might just head on up to marble. Ranch Hand? Are you coming?

 

[Alan "Ace" Brown]

I'll be in Marble around 10:00 and hoping for a good weekend. Recent rain should minimize the dust and fire danger.

Ace

 

[DAGORED]

I will be in Marble around 10ish then.

Trollcruiser, hope you can make it, will be great to meet you.

Ryan, thanks for the trail info.

Should be a fun trail run, looking forward to getting out of the heat and testing out the Airtop before the summit. Doug

 

[jonharis]

I'll try to get there as early as I can but I have the girls. It's more likely going to be closer to 10:30. I'll se what I can do. Google tells me heading through delta is faster than 70 so If no one from GWood or elsewhere up there comes, I'll probably go that route.

 

[trollcruiser]

Weather will be the deciding factor for me. I will have my kids as well, so we will see if I can get them up in time to meet in Marble. Where is everyone meeting in Marble, in town or at lake?

 

[hicntryflyguy]

Hello everyone from the darkside! Been totally swamped at work, but actually have Saturday off as of right now!! Cross your fingers it will stay that way!! Sorry I haven't been on the forum lately but with 16hours days all I do is go home and sleep. I will join everyone in Marble if that is going to be our new meeting place. Anyone that wants to crash at our tiny little place in Carbondale or set camp in front of the house can. It is First Friday in Carbondale tonight and the place will be jamming, So if your coming over Friday don't miss out!! You'll be sorry!

Cheers,

Matt

970-three one nine - 5234

 

[Alan "Ace" Brown]

I decided to skip camping tonight so will meet you all in Marble 10 - 10:30. Look for Doug and I at the little Bar-b-q place on east side of town, or if their closed, at Beaver Lake at east edge of town. Matt, will be good to see you again and talk some VMI. Trollcruiser hope to see you there too.

Ace

 

[jonharis]

OK new change of plans for me from post 27.....

Glenn L. (80 series), John f. (40 series) and I (100 series) will be in Glenwood at 9:00 tomorrow morning. Quick coffee break at Sacred Grounds. Matt, I'll holla when we are leaving Glenwood and can pick up a brew for you if you want. Should be in Marble really close to 10:00!

 

[Alan "Ace" Brown]

Well, good to know we have a sizable crew! Who all are planning to camp?

Doug, I'm leaving in the AM and would like to make one stop in Delta. Caravan there?

Ace

 

[trollcruiser]

If I make it I will be at the lake by 10. I will be in a green 3rd gen 4Runner, mildly built.

 

[jonharis]

I'm on the road.

 

[trollcruiser]

Didn't see you guys at 15 to 20 after 10, so I took off up the trail with my dad and kids. Did you guys make it up? Did you do any trail maintenance on the small slide at the top? With just one vehicle and kids I didn't have time or capability to do much trail maintenance with those big rocks. Maybe another time for getting in a trail run with you guys.

 

[Alan "Ace" Brown]

Turned out to be an excellent run with no breakage or problems. Met up in Marble about 10:30 and headed up towards Crystal about 11:00. Stopped to view and photograph the Crystal Mill, said to be the most photographed item in Colorado. On up past the Devils Punchbowl we came to the rock slide found by Ryan earlier. It proved to be a serious obstacle with several big boulders surrounded by lots of loose cobble. We all got over it OK after some rock stacking and a quick tug in one case. On over Schofield Pass and stopped for lunch in the rain at Emerald Lake. It was made more comfortable by Jonathan's Batwing and we all pigged out on the crackers and cheese spread provided by Glen. Down to Crested Butte for fuel and coffee then back up Slate River valley through some beautiful scenery. Doug left us there to head back towards CB and get lower to find a place to camp for the night. I decided against camping and continued on with the group. We navigated the rock slide again then cut off on the Lead King loop. It was very pretty up there with fog filled valleys and the sun breaking through in spots. Stopped in Marble again to air up then all scattered for home. Our trail leader was John Ferguson who not only took us on a great ride but also gave us lots of history and interesting stories. Driving were John, Jonathan, Glenn, Matt, Doug and I.

Ace

 

[Alan "Ace" Brown]

Didn't see you guys at 15 to 20 after 10, so I took off up the trail with my dad and kids. Did you guys make it up? Did you do any trail maintenance on the small slide at the top? With just one vehicle and kids I didn't have time or capability to do much trail maintenance with those big rocks. Maybe another time for getting in a trail run with you guys.

Sorry we missed you. The BBQ place was closed so Doug and I waited at the coffee shop across the street and kept an eye out. When nobody showed by 10:30 we moved over to the lake and 5' later the group showed up. We headed out about 11:05 so were behind you. Trip report above. Hope you will try us again.

Ace

 

[2wheelbob]

Nice write up! Wish I could've made it but alas, trout were calling in the Big Horns. I did find a really challenging loop trail with several creek crossings, rock strewn narrow trails, and all the trout you could catch. Thinking of hosting a northern Wyoming run for those who might be interested. Probably won't be until next year as I'm headed back to sea to 'make the money'. Keep the trip reports coming as vicarious living will be my only recourse for the next few months...

Peace, Bob

BCC Ambassador at Large for the Northern Rockies

 

[jonharis]

Great photos Ace and thanks so much for the detailed trip report! Thanks everyone who attended, it was a great group! It was awesome to have John on the trail again and he made an excellent trail leader by bringing his local knowledge and stories to the trip. One I'll remember for a long time.

 

[jonharis]

OK, Photobucket is back up, Here are some pics.