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Epic Road Trip – Day 8 ( Part 2 ) – Onion Creek

Henry S. EstesLeave a comment

After the group ran Top of the World and headed back, I split off and ran Onion Creek Trail.  It is also located on Highway 128 and is a 11.4 mile dirt road.  You cross over the creek about 17 times but the creek was rarely more than a few inches deep. The views and rock formations are stunning in this area but the real highlight is driving through the Fisher Valley.

Top of the World overlook is up there somewhere.

A few miles down Highway 128 is BLM road 98.  It is a long straight out and back and makes for some great photos.

After that, I ventured into Arches National Park to catch the sunset.

 

Epic Road Trip – Day 8 ( Part 1 ) – Top of the World

Henry S. EstesLeave a comment

Day 8 plans were to run Top of the World, which is my favorite trail because of the awesome view at the top.  Nowhere else that I know that you can park your Jeep on the edge of a cliff  with a 3000-ft drop off.   The trail is 18.9 miles out and back and is rated as difficult.   We had several friends join us for this trek.

All 205 photos can be viewed here and in a larger format-  https://www.wanderoffroad.photography/Epic-Road-Trip-2019/20190729-Moab-Day-3/

Early Morning photo op outside the Poison Spider Bike Shop!!

To get to the trail head, we had to run 32 miles out highway 128 to Dewey Bridge.  Along 128 you are running right next to the Colorado River.  It’s cut through the rock to form its own canyon with stunning vistas all along the way.

The old Dewey Bridge.  The bridge was built in 1916, and originally carried SR-128 across the Colorado River.  On the day of its completion, it was the second-longest suspension bridge west of the Mississippi River. On April 6, 2008,  a fire which started in a nearby campground destroyed the bridge’s wooden deck and rails.  The metal framing is all that is left.

The line up.  We stopped at the trailhead to air down, disconnect and prepare the head up the trail.

One of the first major obstacles of the trail. Picking you line and watching your spotter was critical here!

The views just get more amazing the higher we ride!

Top of the World Overlook has a spectacular view of Fisher Valley, Onion Creek, and the La Sal Mountains.  We spent several hours at the top, took lots of photos – each having a turn at the overlook.  We also had lunch and shared stories all the while.

“LIVE A GREAT STORY”  What an awesome moto!!

After we all had a chance to grab photos, it was time to head down 😦 and back to town.

All 205 photos can be viewed here and in a larger format-  https://www.wanderoffroad.photography/Epic-Road-Trip-2019/20190729-Moab-Day-3/

Epic Road Trip – Day 7 – Poison Spider Trail

Henry S. EstesLeave a comment

Day 7 of our trip was to hit up Poison Spider.  The mesa that it travels over forms one of the cliff features that is part of the Moab landscape northwest of town.  It has become one of the most popular trails because it has great scenery and because the jeeping is just challenging enough to be fun without quite being a vehicle buster.

All 140 photos can be viewed here and in a larger format- https://www.wanderoffroad.photography/Epic-Road-Trip-2019/20190728-Moab-Day-2/

The trail starts out with some pretty gnarly  switchbacks, and a few rock ledges that you must climb.

The we come to the obstacle nicknamed the “Wedgie” or “V notch”.  It makes for some great pictures.

It wouldn’t be as fun without a romp in the sand pit on the loop out.

Back in town, and it’s time to wind down with some good food, cold drinks, and stories to share!

All 140 photos can be viewed here and in a larger format- https://www.wanderoffroad.photography/Epic-Road-Trip-2019/20190728-Moab-Day-2/

Dual Battery Setup

Henry S. EstesLeave a comment
There are a million videos and how to’s on dual battery installs so I am not going to rehash one here.  I will share my parts list, cost, and a few pics.
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My total in this project is $755 and about half a day of install time.
Scroll to the bottom for a breakdown of components, prices, and links to products.
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After the battery was installed, I connected all accessories to the 2nd battery that were originally connected to the single battery.  This includes winch, lights, sPOD, and ARB air compressor.
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I also ran power into the jeep connected to a distribution strip to provide power to accessories inside the Jeep.  This cable was ran through the upper access hole in the firewall that comes out behind the dash on the passenger side door.  This cable is then connected to the distribution strip which is mounted behind the glove box.   The distribution switch has (1) 40A fused input, and (8) fused outputs.  I  like the idea the each circuit is fused to protect the system and other devices connected.   I intend to reroute the JKU’s center console and rear cargo 12v cig lighter outlets to this strip so they run off the second battery.   I also intend to install a fridge in the very near future. 
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The National Luna dual charge controller is mounted in the center shift console with some velcro.
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My total in this project is $755 and about half a day install time.
 
Parts and cost
 
2nd Optima Yellow top – $280 ( all ready had 1st one and got this one on sale)
2 gauge pos/neg cables and connectors – $25  (Autozone Parts Store)
 
Thanks for reading….

 

Epic Road Trip – Day 6 – Trail Hell’s Revenge

Henry S. EstesLeave a comment

Day 6 was our first day of trail rides in Moab.  If you have never been to Moab, you need too!  The landscape is unworldly and there is so much to see and do.  There are two National Parks 1) Arches National Park and 2) Canyonlands National Park and also Dead Horse Point State Park.

All 200 photos can be viewed here and in a larger format- https://www.wanderoffroad.photography/Epic-Road-Trip-2019/20190727-Moab-Day-1/

Trails on the list for day 1 were 3D and Hell’s Revenge.   After an intro run of 3D, it was time to start tackling the hard stuff!!  Hell’s Revenge is located in the Sand Flats Recreation Area right outside the Moab.  Even with temperatures climbing into the high 90’s did not deter us from getting our flex on.

The infamous Hell’s Gate obstacle!

Stuart Allum and Doug Jensen make it look easy.

All 200 photos can be viewed here and in a larger format- https://www.wanderoffroad.photography/Epic-Road-Trip-2019/20190727-Moab-Day-1/