September POTM - FJ55TLC

[fj55tlc]

At the City of Rocks.

This is were we all said our goodbyes and went our separate ways. I started my looooong, boring trip back through Idaho, Utah, and back into Colorado.

I made it all the way through Rangley where I stopped for gas and started up Baxter Pass in the dark until I found a place to camp.

 

[scrapdaddy]

Thanks, good report!

 

[Ol Yeller]

Great pics!

 

[Gordobe]

Awesome journal of the experience. Nice to see the follow through I couldn’t do.

 

[fj55tlc]

Day #8. This is were I camped on the beginning of Baxter Pass.

The road was very wet, muddy, and slick. The sign advises not to travel when wet, but I don't listen very good.

There is a fair amount of ruins along the route.

But no people or other vehicles. Just lots of cows. Here is the summit.

The total length is 80.2 miles. The summit is 8,436 feet.

 

[fj55tlc]

It passes the only building still standing in the ghost town of Atchee.

Then I made my way into Fruita. This is the rest area with a Vietnam Memorial.

I drove from there up through Aspen and started up Independence Pass where I tried to go up a road called Lincoln Creek. Unfortunately the Forest Service has not opened the gate yet. I will definitely be going back!

 

[fj55tlc]

Here is the mill site of Independence.

Here is the ghost town site of Independence. Founded on July 4, 1879.

When I arrived back at my truck after exploring the ghost town site there was a group of people around my truck. They wanted to hear about where I had been. They were very interested. And cold.

Here is the summit of Independence Pass at 12,095 feet. It was snowing and the wind was blowing hard. The tourists were bundled up and they left me nowhere to park. So I pulled onto the snow by the summit sign and hopped out in my shorts and tee shirt. They all looked at me like I was from another planet, but they were wrong! I am a Native!

The lady in the orange hat is actively taking pictures of my truck.

After finishing Independence Pass, I headed for home. After over 2000 miles, 8 days, and 200 gallons of gas this epic adventure was over.

 

[Ol Yeller]

Just awesome , great trip report & pics, thanks for sharing!

 

[riderjgs]

Epic road trip, Craig. Thanks for sharing...good to see you again.

 

[fj55tlc]

I finished and published my first video from the trip.

 

[Gordobe]

Great video clip.

I just don’t get how your able to type all that info while driving.

 

[fj55tlc]

Now you know why I struggle driving in a straight line.

 

[bobm]

Awesome pictures and video ☺

 

[fj55tlc]

Thanks, Bob. I would like to have had the experience with you and the others who could not attend.
I managed to get my valves adjusted and head retorqued today. I was trying to get those things done before the pig party, but better late than never.

 

[fj55tlc]

 

[fj55tlc]

The local TLCA chapter had its 2nd annual car show today. Open to any Toyota with a low range. I won for the best trail rig.

 

[fj55tlc]

This is what they gave me for winning:

 

[scrapdaddy]

Stiff competition too, good job!

 

[wngrog]

Why would you need to retorque your head? I’ve never done that before.

Great trip.

 

[fj55tlc]

Why would you need to retorque your head? I’ve never done that before.

I am old school with my views on engine rebuilding. This engine doesn't have that many miles on it and with the higher compression I feel it is a good idea. I found a few that were not still at 92 lbft that I left them at last time. They were not loose by any means. Maybe got another 10 degrees of turn on them. Each to their own. I do it when I adjust the valves since they are right there. Probably will not need to check them again.