So, many miles were covered and countless sites were seen during our three week trip.
Our travels lead us south from the Teton's to Moab where we spent one week. I managed to break the RR axle shaft on Golden Spike trail which sidelined us for two days.
Perhaps my onpinion but, Moab is over inhabited with Jeep's and Razor's. A tour company called Navtec flaunts a fleet of 80's and are a welcome sight on the main drag.
Bryce Canyon Nat'l Park is very impressive. The Hoodoos remind me of medevil Cathedral architecture but with much greater mystery and magesty.
Of course, the Grand Canyon's north rim leaves my vocabulary wanting! We did a half day mule ride down and back up on the second day. Dusty it was but the experience led me to relate Cruisers to mules......
If you go to the north rim, I can't encourage you more to run the 20 miles of dirt and rough two track road up to Sublime Point. We spent all day there and were disappointed when the sun set. I met a 34 year or guy there who had quit his job in Switzerland and put his Defender 110 (well outfitted) in a shipping container and started his trek to South America up in north east Canada. Our conversation lasted long but endured controversy of every type the whole time.
I have always been intrigued with the southwest desert and decided this trip was the perfect opportunity to check it out. We took I15 to Vegas where we restocked. Continuing south on I15 we took a left on Cima Road into the Mojave National Preserve. Immediately the feeling of solitude seperates you from civilization. Once on the Mojave Road you let your hair down (if you have any, I don't). The whooptydoos we a surprise for the first several miles. We started this in the late afternoon and headed into the setting sun that made the whole thing seem right. Soon we came to the Mail Box where water, advice, maps and a registry book stays for all to enjoy.
Road side camping is allowed but should be done where those who have done it before. The road is dusty and scenic. We enjoyed it! Don't forget to pick up a rock along the way to lay on the pile just past the soda lake and before rasor road. Turning right on rasor road will take you to a Shell station and the highway quickly.
We gassed up and headed across Death Valley. Somewhere during the first ten miles we encountered wild asses on the road, after that there was nothing for over 100 miles. The deeper you go the uglier and hotter it gets. Climbing out the west side was a bitch! Had the 80 spinning 3500rpm in second gear for miles but she prevailed.
The next morning we ate breakfast below Mt. Whitney and then drove north up 395 to Mammoth Lakes. This area is scenic and very expensive!
From Mammoth Lakes we meandered up hwy 89 through scenery that made me wonder why I had to leave californiana. As the road descended the mountain toward the valley where we live the air got warmer and warmer until the windows went up and the AC went on for the first time in three weeks and 4000 miles.