This was only one of the several legs of this trip---did over 120 miles of dirt on Sunday alone. I enjoy using the Garmin to track and upload, but still have issues in it capturing everything I do on a trek.
This trip could be called so many different things and as I have tried to sort through pictures and videos….well in spite of traversing the old town of Oasis (Idaho) and Elk Creek Ranch, I landed on “Red Baron Recon”, simply because as a pilot I fly over this private airstrip all the time. (Really- no pun intended here…)
This will be an on-going overlanding adventure since I just don’t have the time right now to take several weeks to explore this region of southwest Idaho. My main goal is to find opportunities for my photo-bug (Melissa) to see as much diversity in wildlife, flora, and architecture as possible.
My adventure began on Friday evening with a trip south of town with Melissa and Abby to do some star-gazing. Using an app on our iPad, we are able to identify various stars, planets, and constellations. It also gave me a reason to use the new driving lights. Not that it really required it…but they were there so I used them anyway.
Saturday morning Abby and I loaded up early with rain gear, a shot gun, a rifle, three days rations, and a gps and spent the day hunting rabbits, chasing geo-caches, and exploring an area south of Indian Creek. She was pretty exhausted by the end of the day and the roads were getting soupy, so I took her home for the night.
By Sunday I was back on the trail. Departing with a”no estrogen rule” and my faithful adventure partner Trigger, I set out to explore the trails from Indian Creek to “where ever”.
Now usually I would say it is not wise to go without map. I purposely wanted a “wunder-lust” experience. I spend a great deal of time with maps as it is…and just needed the break and try something new.
I would also surmise that most people had no idea where I was. I admit I broke not one, but two of my own rules. But before you turn me over to the Explorers Club for rule violations, I need to explain the equipment and emergency gear I did have on hand. Besides, I have a rule with those who tell me I shouldn’t explore alone. If you are that worried about me, pay for my Spot GPS subscription- and I will post up where I am on these adventures. Otherwise- I am going and will post in the blog when I get back.
Here is what I am packing:
- Full Survival pack including 5 gallons of water, sleeping bag, signal kit, 3 days of food for two, and a bivvy tent.
- CB radio, cell phone (phones are mostly useless), Ham radio with pre-loaded frequencies, aircraft radio with back-country frequency and emergency frequency preloaded (worse case scenario I would use it)
- 25 years of continuous survival training and three actual “Wow…I could die” situations under my belt
- Back-up GPS
- Tow straps, tools, hand-winch, etc.
With that out of the way….
The trip was awesome on Sunday. I explored areas containing old dump sites (circa 1920-1940), saw several types of hawks, the emergence of a few whistle pigs, and miles and miles of dirt roads. Many impassable with two-wheel drive.
The main point of the trip is to find areas for my wife to photograph so I was moving pretty quick from point to point. On the next round I will definitely take a map with me since she will be in the rig. I am certain that there is a route to take me through some great country and hope that when the snow fades from the mountains, this will be part of our exploration into eastern Idaho. I know there is a back-country road going from Hailey to Mackay, now if I can find dirt that takes me to Haley, I will be set.
So in the morning it is back to work to pay for my adventure addictions…tonight I expect to dream of muddy roads and hawks dancing in the air.
Adventure IQ 