Spring Break 2015 - March 21 - 26 - Canyonlands

[EricG]

It was on your recommendation that I bought an Indel

I was wondering if the high setting even was even good enough. Says it shuts off at 11.5, which sounds pretty low to me. How long does it take to run your battery down? Hours or days?

OK, didn't remember talking to you about it.

I've run it till shutdown on the high setting and it started - battery was new then though, my primary is a little dodgy now I think (love my dual batteries!)

I havent kept real close track, but it depends alot on the weather. If its cool, it will go 2-3 days. Summer in the sun, probably less then a day.

 

[karas]

I got a package today....View attachment 1040878View attachment 1040879
Man! This thing is super cool!! (No pun intended, lol). I was really worried the 51L would be too big, but it's perfect. Same footprint as my old reliable Coleman 48, just taller. Quiet too. No more soggy food!!!!!!!!

We all no there is no room for food in your cooler. Lol.

 

[black95]

We all no there is no room for food in your cooler. Lol.

This is fact. They say it'll hold 72 cans... And I aim to prove it!!! Haha.

 

[karas]

Can you say kegerator. It would be a great idea. You just need someone with a blender for margaritas.

 

[Fitzgerald]

Got all of my gear out today. Making checklists and grocery lists. Gonna be here before we know it!

 

[Fitzgerald]

Are any of these washed out / closed roads going to affect our itinerary?

http://www.nps.gov/cany/planyourvisit/roadstatus.htm

 

[CO_Hunter]

Flint closure will add a few hours to the trip if they don't clear the rockfall.

 

[CO_Hunter]

Sorry I forgot to mention this earlier, but dogs are not allowed in the park back country , not in vehicles, on leashes, just completely verboten. This is probably the main reason I have not planned this trip for the past few years.

I will be taking closer look at mileage distance between gas stops and post that up over the weekend.

 

[EricG]

Just a thought but we might leave on Friday to try and get a few miles behind us. We can hook up via radios.

Please make sure you know how to use repeaters on your radios. I will post up repeater information and update in the first post.

We're thinking about heading out Friday, maybe to Glenwood Springs for the night.

 

[Fitzgerald]

We were thinking the same. I'll work until 2:50, then be ready to leave after that (if we want to coordinate something). Otherwise, we can meet up sometime Saturday morning.

What's a repeater?

 

[Fitzgerald]

Just a couple days away!!!


Leon, that trailer looks huge until you start loading my families gear into it (Daddy, can we bring this.....Daddy, can we bring this too...).

Just put the roof rack back on.

Can't wait!

 

[CO_Hunter]

Yep, amazing how fast you can fill that thing

Are guys thinking camping or hotel Friday night? Haven't really looked for areas near Glenwood but there is plenty of FS land. I think it is more likely we are leaving Friday, unless I don't get this blasted poop...uh I mean trasharoo carrier finished...

 

[black95]

My wife and I discussed leaving Friday night to cut some of the drive Saturday. I don't really care to hotel camp, don't want to leave all my stuff on the roof and in the trasharoo in the parking lot, and if I'm gonna unload it, I might as well camp. Only worried about getting everything packed up early enough to catch up Saturday morning. Leon, you coming to the meeting tomorrow night?

 

[CO_Hunter]

I would prefer to camp Friday as well I just don't have the time to search out a spot, maybe I can find a few minutes.

I won't be at the meeting as this week has turned out to be exceptionally busy, mother in law birthday, trip prep, bother in law coming in town unexpectedly, two Parish Council meetings, work ...

 

[black95]

Ok. For us, I was thinking right outside of Frisco up on the road to lime creek/ benson cabin trail. It was right off of the interstate. I know that's not very far, but heather doesn't get home until 6:00, so we'll be getting a pretty late start. Even 3-4 hours knocked out helps. Might go further, just have to see.

 

[Fitzgerald]

We're thinking of staying at Jess' parents place in Dillon and not a hotel (Luke pretty much summed up why). Again, won't be a giant head start, but those few extra hours should help.

 

[EricG]

What do you think of Rifle Falls state park? About 4.5 hours from the springs, 30-40 minutes from Glenwood Springs. If we can get out early enough, we might hang out at the hot springs for a bit. Haven't ruled out a hotel, but as Luke said, not thrilled with parking a loaded rig in a hotel lot.

Talked to a guy there - no snow on the ground, no need for reservations (and Rifle Gap campground is nearby if it does fill up)
http://cpw.state.co.us/placestogo/Parks/RifleFalls

 

[black95]

I might be in for trying to make that. It'd be a late night for us. Assuming a leave time of 6:15ish, gps says 3 hours 45 minutes to Glenwood Springs. I'll just have to see how we do when Friday rolls around. Whatever happens, we'll hustle to keep up.

 

[CO_Hunter]

Just did some more detailed calculating on mileage. I want to double check tonight but it looks like day one is 260 miles between gas fill ups for days between Green River and Hite.

 

[black95]

Wow. Are the 80's going to have to take more than 5 gallons reserve? Off road driving, even with 5 gallons, I'll be running on vapor when we come out, and that's if we don't get lost or backtrack? I love an adventure!