Builds My '78 FJ40 "44"

[Solace in Solitude]

Danny

Maybe we've been over-thinking this. One of my desert buddies sent me this link yesterday to let me know in no uncertain terms his opinion that Landcruiser's are over-rated!

"Oilfield Dodge" Promotional Film 1920s Dodge Brothers Wild Ride - YouTube

Yep!! I have a book, titled "King of the Dog People".

The Dog People are an itinerant people of the Big Thicket, of Deep East Texas. This is an area that is marshy, boggy and seemingly impassable.

The "king" drove everywhere in a bastardized two-wheel drive pickup, with a flat bed. He never got so stuck he couldn't extricate himself.

So, maybe we do overthink it...

But, I was very happy to have 4WD for this trip!!

The last 9 (of 50) miles took me 2.5 hrs... But, I'm alone (with Chester). So I had to be extra careful... I wanted to drive back out... As it is, I dingged a fender.

I drove into the wildest, most desolate place I've ever seen.

It was beautiful, but the ground was littered with piles of boulders, from an abundance of flash floods.

We hiked three canyons, all box canyon drainages and I never saw an animal or even scat... But, I felt like I was being watched.

I had my .44 mag with 240gr bear loads, but felt like I was flashing Chester as an attractant.

We spent two days and one night(in 44) and had had enough.

1.5 hours later, we are camped 4.5 miles down the road.

I feel a lot better, knowing my campsite is not prone to flash floods!!

Tomorrow, we're going to continue north, on Alamo Road.and hike Carola Dunes.

I was really surprised to have cell service right here!!

Here's this evenings' view... I'll
see how my camera pictures turned out when j get home.

 

[DSB345]

Fun! Your suppose to say "wish you were here". safe travels

 

[SuperBuickGuy]

I think going to desolate places to get away from people is kind of the point - at least, that's why I do it.

 

[Weber Sarge]

The weight comment has nothing to do with anyone's momma - ever , I know better .
My guesswork is a bit off , but I do have an advantage when it comes to weight estimate - I built dirt race cars , worked on semis and been a fabricator for a long time , not to mention working construction . I can almost spot-on hit the weight of truck coming by just by how it hammers the pavement joints - it's just a lot of experience . It is not hard to take something like a Cruiser and hit 3 tons - you're pretty close if loaded with tools and provisions for an extended stay in those beautiful places . I hate looking at f***** corn all the time - other choice is scrub woods and that's about it ...

That said , don't sweat it a bit - we've all seen the pics of 40's loaded down with bridge timbers and enough people to start a small army . Land Cruising Adventure folks and their Troopy have to be north of 4.5 tons easily with all their gear and mods - so you know the rig can take it .
I do like to be prepared , and evidently you are of the same mentality ....

Sarge

 

[Solace in Solitude]

I love the solitude and vast emptiness of the Great Basin (Big Empty)!!

I'm laying in bed, with the door open, the cool breezes wafting through 44, watching the sun paint the mountains across the enormous valley outside my bedroom window.

Life is good!!

 

[Solace in Solitude]

I appreciate your concern, @Weber Sarge !!

As I said early-on, I was getting concerned as well.

A year ago, 44 would have struggled to get up yesterday's road. But, her rebuilt engine merely chuckled as she crawled over a two-track that had washouts in its washouts... Never had to touch 2LO.

I wish I could leave the 15 gallons of water at home... But, I can't... It's 120 lbs of insurance... And we all know you need insurance mist when we don't have it.

Sun's crawling across the valley... It'll be here soon... I can already taste those bacon and eggs!!

Chester went back to sleep!!

This is when I can hear my tinnitus best. The quiet is unbelievable!!

 

[Solace in Solitude]

Time to get up!!

 

[TheHardWay]

I expect to see that eggs and bacon photo!

 

[78fj40mg]

Good morning Danny!

Beautiful pics and scenery, I see Chester decided to sleep in, good for him!

Are you broadcasting live from the bush? Do you have cell towers out there??

 

[78fj40mg]

One more thing, I look forward to breakfast in the bush!

 

[lostmarbles]

Stunning scenery photos Danny ... but we're worried about your cooking skills out there in the boonies..

?

 

[78fj40mg]

Stunning scenery photos Danny ... but we're worried about your cooking skills out there in the boonies..

View attachment 1244051 ?

Wow!

Good one Tom, that's a heart attack waiting to happen! I think Danny is a better cook.

 

[65swb45]

View attachment 1243934 I appreciate your concern, @Weber Sarge !!



This is when I can hear my tinnitus best. The quiet is unbelievable!!

A REALLY honest PO would tell you that tinnitus and/ or a hearing impairment are prerequisite to owning a vintage LC.

 

[78fj40mg]

 

[Solace in Solitude]

I expect to see that eggs and bacon photo!

I'll get a picture when it comes out...

 

[Solace in Solitude]

Good morning Danny!

Beautiful pics and scenery, I see Chester decided to sleep in, good for him!

Are you broadcasting live from the bush? Do you have cell towers out there??

Thanks Mike!!

It's iffy... I was surprised to have a signal last night.

I'm currently at a US93 spot that I use when I come through in the highway.

 

[Solace in Solitude]

Stunning scenery photos Danny ... but we're worried about your cooking skills out there in the boonies..

View attachment 1244051 ?

Food doesn't last long enough for me to take a picture Tom..

 

[handcannon]

Love those pics Danny. Nothing like being out in the middle of nowhere, watching the sun spread light all over, knowing that nobody is within miles. The only problem I have is --- you're sleeping in, and I can't. My wife has to be at work at 6 AM, and her getting up at 4:45 usually wakes me up, and once I'm awake I might as well get up. I usually am not able to go back to sleep. Besides, with that kind of scenery, watching the sunrise is a really big thing for me.

Don

 

[Weber Sarge]

I'd go out there with the dog and never return...lol .
Sarge

 

[Solace in Solitude]

I'd go out there with the dog and never return...lol .
Sarge

That's why I carry so much, Sarge!!

Oh, you meant you would willingly stay out there... it's a thought!!