Muddy!!!

Brad Harris and I needed a break and decided to head out to 5-mile no matter the condition of the trails. We parked on the west side of 5-mile by one of my geocaches. From there we headed south to 12-mile pass but only got as far as 10-mile close by the ghost town Topliff. The north side of the hills were very very wet and it was hard to avoid them all the time. Of course, who would want to. We came to play.

It is still too muddy to be out in a few spots and I learned that the hard way by almost flipping my 4wheeler. Mud has a way of stopping you pretty quick or causing you to slide all over the road. Good thing I was wearing a helmet. 

Brad and I did go up in the hills where the ground was still frozen and had lunch. It was so nice and warm we took our normal siesta. After lunch we continued south west towards 12-mile and found many of the trails too muddy to continue. Brad's machine was not protecting him from the mud and he had it everywhere. It's a good thing he brought extra clothing otherwise I would have had him ride in the back on the way home. On the way back to the truck, we went out to the pony express road. It was good and hard packed and we were able to make good time.

I was surprised at how many people were coming out to play. We thought it would be very cold day but as the day progressed it kept getting warmer. I'm glad we went out early and avoided the crowds.

Looking north west towards Stookey Mtn.

Out by 10-mile pass

Stookey Mtn.

Checking out the edge of the cliff

Ah, nap time!

Brad finishing up lunch

Brad trying to climb a hill that was too steep and soft.

Notice the mud!

Brad taking pics.
 

 

12-Mile Pass

With the mild weather, I decided to head out west of Allen's Ranch and ride the 4wheeler to the west end of 12-mile pass. I should have stayed home and waited until the ground dried out but where's the fun in that. It was tough going in a few spots but it was a great day. There was still too much snow in several places, lots of mud (I should have stayed out of), and a fair amount of wind. The temp was about 50 degrees but with the cold wind, it sure didn't feel like it.

My goal was to go to the west side of 12-mile pass by Topliff. I didn't get that far as the road was too muddy in several spots and I didn't want to damage it anymore than I already had. I did get myself in trouble after hiding a cache on a north slope. I continued heading north and realized I was in a newly plowed field. I should have turned around but dummy me decided to go between the plowed sections heading east back towards the main road. I found ATV's don't float very well and being out in the middle of a field, I had no trees to put the winch around. Good thing for rocks, speed, and 4wheel drive. It was still a challenge getting to the other side. When I got back to the trail, I noticed my safety flag dragging on the ground. I'm surprised the whip didn't snap with all the mud on the flag. I'll have to remember next time to leave it off. While out riding and heading home, I saw deer and antelope. Pretty cool. I think the next warm day, I will wait until the ground dries before heading out to Little Moab area. I've learned my lesson.

Moab with the Guys

Several of us in my local church ward planned a trip to Moab, UT.  Jordon's dad has a Condo there which we planned to stay at. After contacting several in the ward, there were six of us planning to go. The night before we left Steve Baxter said he had the flu and would not be going. That left Jordon Farr, Jeff Wilks (our Bishop), Brad Harris, Zac Orton and myself. We left on Friday, January 28th about 9:00 am. On the way down we experienced a flat tire on the trailer. Someone behind us flagged us down and told us we had a tire shredding.

 Its a good thing we had a good Samaritan behind us and a few spare tires. We made it down to Moab and went out on our first ride about 3:00 PM. We headed out to Gemini Bridge and then on to Four Arches. There was a lot of snow, great views and a lot of picture taking. Having a fear of heights, I didn't get too close to Gemini Bridge. Everyone else took pics and I will get a few from them.

 After the ride we headed to the La Hacinda for dinner and then onto the Condo. The Condo was great. I was tired and went to bed early (11:00pm). The guys stayed up and played pin pong.

On Saturday after breakfast at McDonalds we headed to Hurrah pass. We rode to top and down other side. It was a great ride.

 Back at parking lot we noticed the tire low again on the right side (same one we had a flat on). We headed to gas station to fill it up and could not get our fingers between tire and floor of trailer. We headed back to the Condo and took out four of the 4wheelers (which we left in Moab). This raised the trailer up enough to allow us to get our fingers between the trailer floor and the tire.  We brought the trailer and one 4wheeler home (mine). We figured the trailer had a broken spring but made it back home about 6:30pm without anymore incidents. It was a great trip although I wish it had been longer. We are already planning another trip. Of course, we need to go get the rest of the 4wheelers.

Elberta Slant

With the temperature hovering around the 50's, it was time to head out to Elberta and check up on a few of my caches. I asked Brad Harris if he wanted to go and he said, come pick me up. It was a great day even though it was overcast and windy. We parked at the Elberta slant road and headed north towards Little Moab. I have close to 15 caches in the area and was able to check on six of them. I did place a new one. Riding out in the desert has it moments and it was nice to get out before the snow comes (if it ever does).

Brad getting ready to ride

Brad on top of hill at Little Moab (cache Mt. Sinai)

Brad looking for cache Mt. Sinai

Looking east towards Payson area

Brad looking for one of my caches

Abandon train tunnel by Elberta Slant Road

It's great to take a power nap after lunch

5-Mile in December

I have been sick for about a month with a persistent cold and cough but decided I needed a break. I headed out to 5-mile on the "warmest" day of the week. Temp was 46 degrees when I got there and 40 degrees when I left. Not too bad but I feel like I am paying for it. Oh well, you only live once.

I normally go to the west end of 5-mile by the Pony express turnoffs and either park at the top of the hill or south about half a mile. I chose the top of the hill because of the snow and mud. The snow had melted quite a bit and several spots were dry. I tried to avoid the mud as much as possible (ya right). For being a gloomy overcast day it was fun to be out checking on my caches and getting out of the house. I went as far as Rocky Cave (http://coord.info/GC20PXH) before turning back. I did place a new cache for those that like to get out in the winter time. Happy Trails!

My ride. Parked at West end of 5-mile

Close by my cache, Prairie Mouse (http://coord.info/GC1TM7X)

Looking north towards Lewiston Peak

Close by a new cache

Looking west

http://coord.info/GC26GMM

My Rocky Cave cache (http://coord.info/GC20PXH)