RE: Stableloads question
Hey Billyray,
Chuck the drill bits, buy a GMC/Chevy, and be much happier. Wow, 3 jokes in one sentence, has to be a record. First off, Torklifts Stablelosds are a great product and from a great American company. Second, drilling hardened sprung steel is hard. Start with a smaller pilot hole before the finished size, carbon tipped bits work best. Drill slow with plenty of oil. Problem is being upside down, hmm. Invent new cuss words along the way, and enjoy the new Stableloads. Or...buy a GMC with holes already there. ;{) AND, removing the bottom leaf to take to someone with a drill press would make your life much easier. Good luck, Stableloads are worth the elbow grease. If you do it on your back...wear googles, and keep your mouth closed. Meant in a good way!
RE: popup camper with boat on the roof question
Hello MKish, personally I use just two ratchet straps, each about three feet either direction from the middle and wrap them to the Yakima cross bars. I used to deal with the bow and stern lines but got tired of all the tie downs. The use of the more middle tie downs has been plenty while driving highway speeds and in high wind. The 16 foot canoe goes up and down with the roof and is no hassle. Good luck, everyone does something different I'm sure.
RE: Sad news from Janet Curley...
What incredibly sad news, another outdoorsman extraordinaire has gone. Through mutual friends and Dons own posts it was a life well lived with his soulmate of many years. It's an incredible loss for all that knew him, I wish I had. God Bless the Curlys, rest in peace Don.
RE: The story of Bear...and his eulogy
Thank you, thank you, thank you to so many gorgeous wonderful people. We/I feel a little better this afternoon...Bear is home again.
It's amazing that so much love now fits in to a small box, it doesn't seem right. But like all of you have said, it's the memories and the fact that they stay alive in our hearts. I pray to God to be able to die with my memories of family including our animals, and all our friends, all of which are a blessing this whazoo never deserved in the first place. Goodbye friends, Bear says...chow.
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Bear/SpiritBear_zps8a04020f.jpg
The story of Bear...and his eulogy
Saturday morning, January 26th, it was raining here in Phoenix. I was supposed to be painting a house and Lynn was to be running in a race with our oldest daughter Jen. Because it was raining we both stayed home. I thank God for that rain.
Instead of going to work I did what I like to do best on a Saturday morning and turned on a western to watch, it was a Gregory Peck western. As I sat down Bear did what he always does, came up and stood next to the sliding glass door wagging his tail to go out.
Little did I know that as I opened the door I was watching him walk out of our lives much the same way he came into our life. It was fast and oh so unexpected.
Twelve years ago we as a family of four, we have two daughters, were in our motorhome towing a Jeep when we stopped for the night in a very large parking lot in an un-named town on an un-named Indian Reservation. I won't say which reservation or where, this isn't about anyone but Bear.
It was about 1am when we stopped, this was our usual place to spend the night when we traveled this direction. With packs of dogs roaming, barking and fighting it was always an issue to get good sleep but it was a convenient place to stop.
Early morning, Lynn took our two shih tzus Little Ann and Little Joe out for duty. I heard Lynn yell so I went tumbling out the door ready to fight off the pack of dogs that she thought was attacking her and the little ones. Only to find Bear, who had been sleeping under the Jeep and came out to play with the new dogs in town.
Our two girls came out and of course, we spent some time petting Bear with the usual fawning that girls do over affectionate dogs. "No girls, we can't take him, we already have three dogs." Rusty, my other big dog was left at home this trip, he was getting old and not able to take long hikes anymore. "Definitely not" said the surly father.
Leaving Bear to panhandle for food outside the grocery store we drove across the huge parking lot to a breakfast restaurant. Going inside to eat breakfast we were there the same time as the Indian Police Dept. Lynn kept nudging me, and nudging me. "Yes Dear, I'll go ask." I walked up to their table, cleared my throat and excused myself for interrupting. I asked about their dogs, and if I could have one. One? They said I could take all of them, though I know they were joking with me. I took that for yes so I went outside where I could see this smallish white dog way across the parking lot, tail between his legs as he begged for food. I put my fingers between my teeth and whistled. I swear this is true, he looked up and in a split second took off running for me as hard as any dog could. I won't say he jumped into my arms but it was close.
If he hadn't run to me I wasn't going to go grab him and force him, it had to be a mutual agreement. In the end I can say Bear chose us as much as we chose him.
Off we went on our Thanksgiving vacation with a new un-named dog. He was literally skin and bones, ribs showing and the girls soon discovered he had worms, real bad. Stopping at a very well stocked gas station in a small Utah town they had Hearts De-Wormer and that's were we started with Bear. When we first got to our camp spot he wouldn't come out of the motorhome, afraid to be dumped or left behind. With coaxing he came out and spent the whole week with us roaming the outback without a leash, coming when we called like he had always been with us. I can't tell you how amazing this was.
We could tell by his demeanor that he was picked on and a loner. I fully believe he wouldn't have lasted long on the Rez and that divine intervention put us all together.
Bringing Bear home he rejuvenated an old Rusty and gave him new legs. Rusty lived another five years with Bear nagging him to play and move around. Bear, Little Joe and Little Ann became best friends and Bear made a truce with our three cats as well. So there we were, four dogs and three cats, the best behaved posse the west has ever seen.
Often over the twelve years spent with Bear I would run to Home Depot or someplace and forget to close my double gates to the side yard. Coming home to find Bear sitting just inside the gates as if to say, "I'm just watching out for the place Dad", he would never leave, he knew it couldn't be better any place else.
He also had a smile. You've probably seen a dog now and then that would smile, and Bear was one of those. "Smile Bear" and he would wrinkle his nose and show his teeth. If you didn't know better you'd think he was growling but he would smile so hard he made himself sneeze. Smile, sneeze, smile, sneeze. It was hilarious.
Bear also became a runner. My wife is a dedicated runner and gets up at 3am to run six miles every other day. For at least ten years Bear ran with her, all six miles. If I happened to roll over and wake up I wouldn't worry about Lynn, my best friend was running with her. The days Lynn didn't run, Bear, if he was sleeping outside, would come to the window and whimper. Not long, just enough to say 'I'm here Mom, and ready." If she didn't come out he would go lay down and not bother us anymore.
Bear, when he slept inside, would go room to room to see whoever was sleeping over to say goodnight and get a kiss. If Jess was over he'd go see her, and he always came to get a kiss on his muzzle from me as I crawled into bed. I've never kissed a dog before, but it became a habit long ago with us. A kiss and a hug on the softest and deepest fur I've known.
I could go on and on about our dog Bear, but I'll just tell you about his new friend Daisy. My youngest daughter Jess recently bought a Chihuahua puppy. No kidding, a rat of a dog I thought. Yet Daisy, like Bear, captured out hearts immediately with her human personality. Bear, big as he was, would lay down so Daisy could play with him.
When Bear would get up Little Daisy would dance , literally, in front of him on two legs with her front white paws waving like hands in front of him to get his attention. Jumping at his face she would come away with a mouthful of white fur like she'd won a prize at the state fair.
Daisy also developed an obsession with Bear's mouth, specifically his breath. It was annoying to see and we were constantly telling Daisy to leave Bear alone. Looking back I fully believe Daisy could smell the tumor that was about to take my dog.
That Saturday morning, when neither of us were supposed to be home, we remarked how well Bear would do when we move to Colorado. There was a light rain and he was laying on the grass like he always did. When I went out to see him I asked him to come back inside with us. He could hardly get up and was unstable on his feet when he did, still trying to make me happy and obey. Lynn immediately called our Vet of twenty years and told them we were on the way.
I always wondered if I could carry Bear if I had to, all 110 pounds of him. He was the most solid dog I have ever seen, hard as a rock. I can tell you that I did carry him. I got Bear in to Lynn's 4Runner and off we ran to the Vet's office.
Just a few short minutes later he couldn't hold his head up as I carried our ailing dog in, the Vet taking over immediately. We cried, just a little, not understanding what had happened so fast. Surely just a shot or something, just...something, and we'd be going home to watch that western.
The Dr. came back in to tell us that Bear had a tumor in his stomach area that had ruptured and he was bleeding inside. He had only a short time left.
My youngest daughter Jess made it to the office in time. My oldest, Jen didn't make it. After Jess had a few minutes with Bear we told the Dr. to administer the drugs that would end his pain.
So the three of us, Dave, Lynn, Jess and Jen in spirit, gave our dog his last Bear hug. Our bodies draped over his, hugging and kissing him as the light, the wonderful beautiful light that was Bear, left his eyes and his breath stopped moving his incredible lovable body.
It had been just under an hour from start to finish. From talking about Bear in Colorado to not being able to talk at all. An indescribable hour that is just a blur that my brain still refuses to accept.
I never knew the male tear ducts could hold so much water. I'm glad that I'm typing over a keyboard instead of writing on paper, I would be ruining that paper now with my tears.
I am thankful for the rain last Saturday morning or no one would have been home as Bear passed away, we would have lost a most cherished moment of our lives. I am also thankful for the rain, it mixed with our tears and made for a most pitiful moment of human love for a most human creature with four legs as we stood in that rain wrapped in a family hug. We surely cried an ocean.
In the end I'll say that it's not us that "humanize" our animals, but that they humanize us by giving us that "something" extra. Something that we might not have, need a little more of, or expressed if they hadn't come into our lives. I had never kissed a dog before Bear. Now we are down to one little dog, Lil Ann, after an incredible run of animals. She'll have to soak up more love than she knows what to do with. "Come here Lil Ann, I want to give you a kiss!"
Here are some pictures of Bear. I'll try to caption a few as I remember them:
Bear with Jen, our first "meeting."
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Bear/001.jpg
Jess and Bear, Lil Ann too
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Bear/002.jpg
My lap dog before he got too big to hold.
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Bear/003.jpg
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Bear/004.jpg
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Bear/005.jpg
Our handsome boy
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Bear/006.jpg
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Bear/007.jpg
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Bear/008.jpg
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Bear/009.jpg
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Bear/010.jpg
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Bear/011.jpg
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Bear/012.jpg
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Bear/015.jpg
It was often asked who took pictures for my trip reports. Question answered.
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Bear/016.jpg
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Bear/017.jpg
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Bear/023.jpg
Cooling the dooleywhacker.
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Bear/022.jpg
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Bear/028.jpg
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Bear/029.jpg
Given the love of a good dog, I will call it a good day.
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Bear/031.jpg
Lynn and I both had many good days sharing the love of a good dog.
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Bear/IMG_2070.jpg
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Bear/034.jpg
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Bear/036.jpg
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Bear/037.jpg
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Bear/038.jpg
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Bear/040.jpg
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Bear/041.jpg
This was his last trip, Thanksgiving 2013.
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Bear/042.jpg
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Bear/044.jpg
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Bear/045.jpg
Lynn and the Posse
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Bear/IMG_1874.jpg
Bear with Little Joe, who went to sleep last year.
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Bear/048.jpg
Yea doggies, is it ready Dad?
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Bear/051.jpg
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Bear/052.jpg
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Bear/053.jpg
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Bear/054.jpg
Hey, where's my breakfast burrito?
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Bear/055.jpg
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Bear/056.jpg
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Bear/057.jpg
Sorry Mom, I peed in the pool.
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Bear/059.jpg
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Bear/060.jpg
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Bear/061.jpg
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Bear/062.jpg
Bear had been dogging me for a Corona...
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Bear/063.jpg
I didn't know he'd already had a Mikes Hard Lemonade too.
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Bear/064.jpg
We had a talk about how mixing liquor is not a good thing.
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Bear/066.jpg
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Bear/067.jpg
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Bear/068a.jpg
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Bear/069.jpg
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Bear/070.jpg
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Bear/071.jpg
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Bear/072.jpg
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Bear/074.jpg
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Bear/075.jpg
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Bear/077.jpg
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Bear/079.jpg
There's squirrels in them trees Dad!
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Bear/082.jpg
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Bear/083.jpg
And yet more squirrels...
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Bear/084.jpg
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Bear/086.jpg
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Bear/087.jpg
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Bear/088.jpg
Bear had finally caught a squirrel, only it was a "stripped" squirrel. Giving Bear a mouthful of Juice causing him to pass out after much spitting and hacking.
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Bear/089.jpg
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Bear/090.jpg
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Bear/091.jpg
I never told Bear, but he carried my beer for me. He wouldn't have cared, "Sure Dad, you bet."
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Bear/092.jpg
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Bear/093.jpg
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Bear/094.jpg
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Bear/095.jpg
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Bear/096.jpg
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Bear/097.jpg
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Bear/099.jpg
Just a day or two before he left us. When Daisy got scared, she would run to her protector.
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Bear/102.jpg
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Bear/101.jpg
He could have squashed her, but was as gentle as could be.
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Bear/103a.jpg
Daisy wouldn't leave his mouth alone, she knew what was happening to Bear.
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Bear/106.jpg
I am so thankful to the first human to domesticate these wonderful creatures. I wonder if they could travel forward in time if they might realize what a gift they gave to humanity and how far we, and our dogs have come in our relationships together.
Thank you for reading about our dog Bear. We're going camping now, he was to have gone also along with Lil Ann and Daisy, it's a family trip. I won't be replying to any responses, should there be any coming. I couldn't even if I wanted too...
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Bear/043.jpg
on edit: added a picture of Lynn and Bear
and yet another...
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Bear/SpiritBear_zps8a04020f.jpg
Thank you to so many friends. I'm glad and proud to say that Bear had so many.
Here's a link sent by a friend of a youtube clip of Lyle Lovett singing a song about Bears. It may not be our Bear, but the song and title fit my mood. It's my new favorite song. Thanks Kent...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_T4SaNuxZO8
RE: a trip report to the Bavarian Alps (lots of pics !)
Holy Von Ludwig Felix, Those are very impressive pictures from a great photographer and friend. Can I also say what a gorgeous lady Maria is? Is she married?:W No wonder you have such good looking young adults. (They are no longer children are they?!)
Like I told you before Felix, you have all the fun and how we'd love to see those places during winter with you. Maybe when my book becomes a best seller, hah.
Your truck and camper look fantastic, comfortable and warm. A great rig for your trips.
Honestly, the pictures are as postcards should be. The fun and enjoyment are as they should be. This trip report is as it should be...the best ever.
Tell Maria, Felicia and Gerrit that Dave and Lynn both said hello with our best wishes for the new year. And of course to you as well Felix.
The Last Whazoo-Thanksgiving continued
A funny thing happened on the way to the forum, hah, I met all these outstanding like-minded people. So I stayed for awhile. Never meant to make trip reports a career, it just took on a life of it's own. While rv.net has been paradise to this Whazoo, with all the friends made here, I now feel like a trip report hog that found his truffle. Which means that yes Dear Friends, there is truffle in paradise. (You knew I was going to say that?! Of course.) So I'm putting down the trip report pen to gaze forlornly at the naval. I have nothing to add anywhere but trip reports and I'm not sure where to go from here. Do I have more trip reports to do? You bet! But I'm embarrassed to think of all I've done, said and pictures I've posted. If trip reports were raindrops I've showered rv.net with enough to end the drought in the western United States.
I'm saying "so long" publicly only because of the connections I feel have been made, maybe one way feelings but who knows. I fully believe everyone here must be on the 5th or 6th edition of Silversand's books "Super Superlatives For Trip Reports." I have had more than my share and I'm afraid that if I stay longer I would never leave, losing credibility with age and becoming the rv.net "Never Ending Story". I have already become "old hat", "long in the tooth" and "droopy in the drawers" while here. So with a cloudy mood ring and heavy fingers I'm typing the last of so many trip reports. I feel great knowing I've had grown men write poems, talk about the origin of Donkey Balls and had a whole bunch of folks spew coffee over inane puns and metaphors.
I also would like to mention that after all the trails we've done our GMC truck and Outfitter are in better shape than I thought possible. It was a good day when we bought both and I see many years of camping ahead. I will hope the same for you. Also, I don't think many know how much time Silversand has put into archiving and organizing all our trip reports. It was a heavy time burden that I thank him for.
rv.net has been and will always be thought of as a blessing to the Whazoos', as are the friends we've made here. The Whazoos' are just like everyone on this forum, trying to have fun before the run funs out. So if you don't mind, I really like the way Skip closes his posts and want to say the same...Love To All!!! (Thanks Skip!)
So there we were, me and Bear, trying to stay on our feet. The current had caught him as the river got a few inches deeper near the far side and swung him behind me. I lunged for the bank to deposit Bear and myself on dry ground, with no interest in getting wet. (Bank, depost, interest? Oh Jeez Whazoo, pleeease stop!)
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Cosmic%20Ashtray%20Thanksgiving%202012/085.jpg
Of course you knew we'd make it, but I didn't. And you know how dogs like to shake immediately, throwing cold water on unsuspecting people. Not this Whazoo, "Bear! Go over there to shake!" I've had dogs too long to not be aware of their habits.
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Cosmic%20Ashtray%20Thanksgiving%202012/086.jpg
On the east side now and looking north, you can see how brushy it was with neither bank lending easy access. This was the mighty Escalante River.
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Cosmic%20Ashtray%20Thanksgiving%202012/086a.jpg
And poor Mrs. Whazoo, the consummate trail companion. I don't know how many wives would go through what I put her through all these years. I asked if she wanted to stay on the other side and wait. "No Whazoo, I want to come with you."
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Cosmic%20Ashtray%20Thanksgiving%202012/087.jpg
Little did we know that we would get cliffed out and have to walk back into that freezing water on a yet longer walk upstream. Too cold to cuss, we just groaned.
We finally made it to the entrance of Neon Canyon, and stood in the sun for a moment.
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Cosmic%20Ashtray%20Thanksgiving%202012/089.jpg
The hike up-canyon was in shade, all 45ยบ of it. We walked as fast as possible to generate some heat. Plus we didn't have much time, not wanting to hike out in the dark. It was a kick in the pants, or where those just my shoes?
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Cosmic%20Ashtray%20Thanksgiving%202012/090.jpg
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Cosmic%20Ashtray%20Thanksgiving%202012/091.jpg
There's a man's face, sliced, on the left wall.
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Cosmic%20Ashtray%20Thanksgiving%202012/092.jpg
A little reflective photography happened on the way to the Cathedral. With red canyon walls and winterized cottonwood saplings in the reflection.
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Cosmic%20Ashtray%20Thanksgiving%202012/093.jpg
It was cold yet exhilarating in the gorgeous canyon. We were freezing as I tried to take hurried pictures of the desert varnished walls.
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Cosmic%20Ashtray%20Thanksgiving%202012/096b.jpg
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Cosmic%20Ashtray%20Thanksgiving%202012/096a.jpg
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Cosmic%20Ashtray%20Thanksgiving%202012/094a.jpg
Is a point of reference always necessary?
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Cosmic%20Ashtray%20Thanksgiving%202012/101c.jpg
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Cosmic%20Ashtray%20Thanksgiving%202012/094.jpg
Mrs. Whazoo shows off the new look in outdoor footwear, crusty.
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Cosmic%20Ashtray%20Thanksgiving%202012/095.jpg
Our first peek-a-boo view of the Golden Cathedral as we came to the gates.
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Cosmic%20Ashtray%20Thanksgiving%202012/097.jpg
The Golden Cathedral was just what I'd prayed for.
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Cosmic%20Ashtray%20Thanksgiving%202012/098.jpg
The canyon stops for us here. Others come in from the upper canyon to rappel down through the hole farthest back, landing in the water. The canyon used to pour off above us but the action of water drove the bottom out of the upper canyon floor creating those two giant holes in the roof. What a sight it would be to see water pouring through those holes during a storm.
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Cosmic%20Ashtray%20Thanksgiving%202012/099a.jpg
This vertical shot shows the original pour-off and the "new" holes behind it.
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Cosmic%20Ashtray%20Thanksgiving%202012/100a.jpg
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Looking into the ruddy water it gave an interesting reflection. Though I did not see any faces there.
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Dead Dog Photography. I could tell Bear was dog tired.
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It was time to head for the barn what with the shortness of days and about a 5 mile walk back.
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Of course once you get somewhere you discover there was a much easier way to get there in the first place. Again, I wouldn't change a thing. But crossing the Escalante River here was not as deep and the bank on both sides had easier ingress and egress. Now I don't know what egress means but I saw a big white bird one time and thought it was an egress. I had Bear by the collar just in case the current took him again.
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Trying to hike straight up in deep sand was no fun. One step forward and a half slide back. It was a quad burning climb and I double-dog dared Bear to keep up. As tired as he was he still had to wait for me.
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The shadows were getting long but the cool temps were welcome while slogging the way back, our feet as heavy as lead zeppelins.
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More donkey balls. Very large from the Donkey Grande species.
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I mean honestly, they're called Moqui Marbles? Why that's just nuts, and the proof was at hand.
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Then we found this area. I wondered if it was the Ballroom or the local pro shop? Yes I can see it now. An ancient Anasazi walking by with hiking staff in hand. Swinging at a lone donkey ball and watching it roll across the ground to disappear as it dropped into a gopher hole. And a new sport was introduced to the world, golf. Now golf backwards spells "flog", and that's what I would do if I were to ever take up the sport. Flog myself in frustration with a club. I would call it Flog-n-Golf.
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The climb to the top was on rock, thankfully, yet very steep and hard after a long day. I took this picture to show where a pack train of donkeys is brought down on occasion, scarring the rock with white scratch marks. Of course this backs up my theory of...Donkey Balls. There it is.
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That night we went back to our canyon overlook and stayed up late. Grilling under the moon and reliving the days hike to the Golden Cathedral. Bear slept.
Come morning I checked the GPS to see the specifics of the hike. I was surprised. Poor girls, they can't lose weight at this age. I mean at her tender young age. I mean..oh crap, I messed in my lunch bag, again.
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A beautiful morning it was.
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We congratulated ourselves with a cup of java and enjoyed the view. Mind you, it wasn't Elephant Dung Java but I imagine it was just as smooth. (Yes, there is such a thing and no, I haven't had any).
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Our last day would be a full one as well. We were going to some very tight slot canyons. Good thing I had worked off those Zingers and donuts. Well, maybe just a little. "The slots are over there"...he said pointedly.
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It's a fun walk across rock ledges to get there.
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Coming down the trail I had to face this huge wall of lichen, looking like a cosmic abstract painting. In that wall I thought I could see my licheness.
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The beginning of one slot narrowed quickly leaving no doubt what was in store, or in canyon.
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Without a doubt, I'm getting too old to be kneeling and crawling under rocks.
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A piece of advice for all. Be sure to clear the bladder and take Gas X before going through Slim Fast Pass, and pray you don't get stuck.
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It was in this exact canyon years ago that we as a family developed our new plan on slot canyon exploration. The kids and wife had gone ahead while I took pictures and followed. Having to take off my jacket to get through this canyon I was a bit heavier and almost got stuck. Feeling like a cork in a bottle I would have trapped the whole famn damily in the canyon. Ergo, I was now the first one in, in case they needed to go for the jaws of life to get me out. In this picture my head was touching both sides of the canyon, making me feel soft in the head.
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While not a good place to take a picture, it was a good place for a nap. Do you like my rock-ing chair?
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Hiking back up-canyon we came to another favorite slot. This one takes more effort to get into.
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I was feeling melancholy that day. We've been here for two other Thanksgivings over the last twenty years with the girls, and I missed them now. Don't we all have a picture like this somewhere? As I tried to dash before the picture was taken. Oops...
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These pictures are from Thanksgiving 2002. Has it been a decade? Genetically engineered turkey still tastes the same.
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Bear was two years old.
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This same sandstone labyrinth has seen my girls twice now. Funny how it was on this trip, I could still hear them laughing.
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These next are from 1997 and pre-digital camera. You remember those days of course. Getting home you'd run to COSTCO, not knowing how your pictures came out, and order double prints. Amassing enough pictures over time to fill a walk-in closet, with everyone crowding around to see them in the photo album. It doesn't feel the same to view them on a computer screen now does it?.
This is called Peekaboo Canyon. Can you see why?
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I was and am thankful for the time we spent outdoors with our children. Thank God for Mr. Kodak too. I took a parting shot as I left the kids echoes and my memories behind. And maybe a small tear for the "good ol days" of being a parent to young kids that thought you knew everything in the world there was to know.
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Lucky for us we still have a bit-o-kid in our selves, and have fun all on our own. Another shot of that fun later. Can you wait?
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Our last stop on this trip was to find dino tracks. This small sign gave a brief history of the tracks and surrounding area, telling us that hundreds of tracks were there to be found. We were excited to go find them.
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Except that we couldn't find them on the pock marked rock.
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As the sun was going down the wind was coming up. We were cold and frustrated, going stone blind from looking for 155 million year old Easter Eggs in the form of dino tracks.
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Right before the sun went away we finally discovered we had been walking on them. Looking like impact rings in what must have been ancient mud it was like taking the Rorschach inkblot test at the therapist's office. Except that I don't have a therapist...any more. Seriously, I looked at the moon and with vivid imagination could see the huge beasts as they too looked up at the same moon one hundred fifty-five million years ago. What a feeling it was being there on that Jurassic mud, now twenty-first century rock.
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The sun had set and the rock lost it's golden hue, making it easier to spot the tracks. Once we figured out what to look for it was a lot like finding Easter Eggs as we ran around the rock ledge like kids. "Look over here at these." "Here's a bunch." "Dinomite!"
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Then we found what must have been core rock samples taken from a footprint to determine the age of the rock, and so the age of the tracks.
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Shortly after we found the golden Easter Egg of dino tracks, actual footprints instead of impact prints.
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Now I know nothing about dino tracks and couldn't tell if this one was coming or going. In fact the dinosaur itself may not have known, which means it was a Whazoosauras.
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The sun was gone but the colors of the area stayed a while longer.
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It was time to leave this excellent place and it was one more stop in what we'll remember as a most cosmic adventure trip.
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Driving towards our last camp spot I had to stop and take this picture, it's one you don't see every day. My thought was the pilot forgot his donuts and had to go back.
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That last night was a good one for us. It had been a great trip and I'd told Mrs. Whazoo it was my last for trip reports. She disagrees and has a bet "ah'll be bach." I say not.
The next morning we woke to a red dawn.
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What? Really? None of you guys have long johns? You don't know what you're itching, I mean missing. Yes, I love my long johns, they go well with my Santa hat at Christmas.
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While I waited for Mrs. Whazoo to finish up inside I had coffee and read a magazine. Sent from a good friend in Scotland, Allan has a very nice Ford and Arctic Fox and his beautiful family camps while Allan flies his micro-lite 3wheel trikes. What an awesome way and place to camp, I never knew Scotland was so nice. We have become friends through trip reports as with so many of you, and Mrs. Whazoo and I have strong feelings for everyone we've met. Either in person or on-line. Who knows, if I ever make it over the "pond" to visit friends in other countries I'll have to come back with a trip report from the skies over Scotland. And a road trip through France, and Germany and Sweden. I'll call it the www.trip report.net...world wide whazoo.trip report.net!
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Driving back through Escalante Utah we stopped at the very nice BLM headquarters and bought a book about Everett Ruess, the 20 year old young man who went missing in 1934 last seen at Davis Gulch, a canyon in this general vicinity. It is an incredible story I can suggest reading and Everett has reached cult status these many years later.
As we drove the highway between Escalante and Cannonville a Condor took flight from just off the road, surrounded by the much smaller "nuisance" birds. It was an incredible sight to see and added to the otherworldly feeling of this trip. We don't have to call it cosmic but I can't think of a better description.
Then Mrs. Whazoo started reading to me of the history and letters written by Everett Ruess. She read for eight hours until we got back to Phoenix. Stopping between chapters we talked about the fantastic facts of the story and to look at the pictures of Everett and the block printing he was so good at by sixteen and seventeen years old.
Now I won't say this was one of the best Whazoo trip reports, not the best pictures, but it was the best all-round trip we've ever had.
So there you have it. I appreciate ALL the outstanding responses over the last five years. I won't add my own replies this time, giving everyone a break and speeding this trip report to the back pages. Mrs. Whazoo says goodbye. Bear says "Chow." Bear always says chow and I don't have the heart to spell it differently to him. WHAZN8R says "Hasta la vista...Baby." And I was having a thought that we could all meet up somewhere for a grand adventure and the best campfire in the history of the world. Would that work out ok? Great! "Did you hear that Mrs. Whazoo? All our friends are going to meet us at the Cosmic Ashtray, or those ruins in Beef Basin, no wait, the Top of the World, or maybe...............
Thanks for reading,
Dave Rogers ex-Whazoo
"I went into the wilderness to get lost, so I could find myself again."
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RE: Whazoo's Thanksgiving at the Cosmic Ashtray/Golden Cathedral
All right look ya'll, I'm laughing as I write, what a great bunch of replies from a great bunch of people! I'm trying to let this dog lie down and die on the back porch so I can post my second half because I don't want to have two posts on the front page at the same time. You wonderful generous truck camping guys and gals. Now let's all sing a song from Englebert Humperdinck, "Please release me let me go"...
RE: There Used To Be A Lot More Activity On The TC Forum??
Photobucket has become VERY problematic the last 2 months as they try to use their new "beta" website. There are some serious problems not being addressed. I've sent a dozen emails and gotten replies with "work-arounds" that aren't user friendly and take a ton of extra time, especially when dealing with a hundred photos per trip report. The "old" website is still available but that too has some "new" issues that are not being fixed. I hope they get things worked out but feel they are on a different path with the new emphasis on "story telling" instead of using it to post images on message boards and forums. It used to be the best for that, we'll see what happens..
RE: Merry Christmas TC ers
And a Merry Christmas from somewhere, I don't know where. We're just out looking for Santa and got lost. I haven't seen any signs lately so we may just go home...
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RE: "Desert pinstripes" from branches -- what to do?
In one word...Meguiars Fine Cut Cleaner...and you're done. You may need to order it online since it's hard to find on shelf these days. I've tried everything else.
RE: Mt Everest at 2 billion pixels!
Wow, I just focused my attention on this post Camper Jeff. I have to say it's outstanding and exposes a new-to-me way to take pictures...that I'll never have. And personally I prefer gigapun. I have read a bit of the issues of climbing Everest also. One thing not mentioned yet here is the very real issue of garbage and human waste. In the U.S. they couldn't get away with what's happening there. Yet, a very very neat picture. Let me know when you get your gigapan set-up, I'll be ready to say "cheese."
RE: Whazoo's Thanksgiving at the Cosmic Ashtray/Golden Cathedral
Since I'm still floating around here I also want to acknowledge the contribution of weymard, Thierry, our friend in France who has never missed a trip report and always has a kind word for everyone. Camper Jeff is right there too and I am forever thankful. I'm outta here now. Mrs. Whazoo is baking and I know she needs a taster. Everything is good on rv.net and we are all friends.
RE: Whazoo's Thanksgiving at the Cosmic Ashtray/Golden Cathedral
It's ok guys, all is well. I've learned a lesson about posting what I'll call "sensitive" areas, something that has caused me much angst. With my next post I will be ridding myself of future self reflection on why I post at all. I always thought of my trip reports as strictly entertainment. Even that is dubious.
It's not as much keeping a secret since I did post names of places. I just prefer that folks put a small amount of effort into locating these places on their own. It doesn't take much effort, but I find great satisfaction in doing the same.
Merry Christmas to everyone!
RE: Whazoo's Thanksgiving at the Cosmic Ashtray/Golden Cathedral
Well it looks like this one is done. Time to take it out of the oven, wrap it in foil and put it in the freezer.
Thanks rv2go. Glad you came along for the trip.
Hi Wayne! It's really great to hear from you. I hope we're making things a bit easier for you these days and you haven't had to sick that Reddog on anyone lately.
Howdy SkipJ, Thanks, I'm waiting for part 2 also.
Thanks for the reply from you NEOK, I got one more post left
Hey Lots of Stuff, Sorry about the cold and overcast, I'd go a little crazy in it. And yes, the changes from flushing the Canyon are short lived. We've changed it forever. And while I disagree with the reason of re-establishing the humpback chub habitat I do agree the sediment from the Paria and Little Colorado needs to be washed downstream to hopefully remake some sandy beaches. And of course the section downstream from Glen Canyon is the most important section of river to need that flushing...it's the Grand Canyon.
noxinnhoj, Well I don't know about inspiration but I'm glad you enjoyed a Thanksgiving in the tc. Isn't it fun?
GTO66, Oh man, my most favorite car on the planet, congratulations. See ya next time
Hi jmckelvy, The areas of iron slag were au natural. It was quite amazing to pick up a piece of pure iron right off the ground. I've never seen that before. Thanks...
Hi Ya Steve, A great and classy reply, I've come to expect nothing less when you reply. Yes, Thanksgiving is my best trip of the year and I already look forward to next year. Thank you Steve.
Very funny Mike. That water was so cold my on-board temp gauge went into hiding. And you're sleeping with a new backpack full of rocks? What kind of person would tell you to do that? :h Thanks Mike, talk to you soon backpacking buddy.
clikrf8, Hey, I got your handle after 10 hours thinking about it. Personally I like sunny 16. With your set-up you can do anything we can. And the hike may not be so bad if you take the "trail". It was worth it even if you have to crawl to the Golden Cathedral, you'll see.
Hi Mike! Oh yeah the planet was this one, just an area with so much to see it seemed to come right out of science fiction. I hope you see the second half. It's a most incredible area. Thanks Mike, have a good one...
Camper Jeffery!! Gonna miss your over-the-top fantastic replies, you are so creative. Yes, I'll try to post the last report before the 21st, no promises though.
Howdy Steve, sabconsulting, Hey you're welcome and a big thank you back. You know, there might just be a Zuki manifold up there somewhere, you'll have to look and see. Catch ya later Steve.
Ah Mrquacker, Missed some of the inane puns? Well if you did they weren't important to begin with. Those little tripods do a great job anywhere and can even hang on to trees and such. They come with a special attachment for ducks too.
Funny guy Mr. Mad Norsky, and how did you know there's no audience here? I mean they are here, it's just they aren't interested anymore. And there's the rub. It's been nice to have a captive audience for awhile now, just a little longer and I'll untie everyone. Thanks for all your replies!
Hello Jefe, 8th grade civics? No, actually it was Mr. Kubota my 8th grade science teach. And yeah, we had our go-rounds. "(I know Dave Rogers. Does that count for something?)" It gets you detention Jefe, or a trip out to the 99% finished wood shed. Next time I see ya Jefe, big hug comin on, you're a great friend. Stay upright in the tc, it's not your jeep you know.
Hey there Bryan, It's a great trip for family time yes? So you're heading south for the winter you say? Of course you know how to reach me if you're close. And I'm still hoping for a meet-up a the Expo. I'll be in touch Bryan. You stay safe as well.
Hi Joerg! I wish you could make it there more often too. I sometimes complain about the time it takes to drive to those places, wanting to be there immediately. I can only imagine your desire from across the planet. Thanks Joerg, very much
Mr Bojangles, Hey it's nice you enjoyed the pictures. You are living "the life" also and seeing the country. We can't get enough of it can we? Thank you Sir.
NCWriter, Thanks for the "Wow!" Sensational landscape it is. I wish I could have done it justice. And yes, you can have Bear, he is everyone's dog and would love you just as much as us.
Hey there Kohldad, Less adventurous folks? Not hardly, you'd be all over that like white on rice. And I figure the day we run out of places to go will be our last. It's what keeps us...going. And a big no, I don't mean of 2012. Thanks for all of your many replies, they've been great.
Silver Silver Silversand, Say, I do believe it was you that mass-hypnotized all these folks a few years back into leaving the best responses a guy could possibly want. And was there a bit-o-rhyme in yours? I just thought I detected a smidge there. Of course you're the one to appreciate that Cosmik Debris, I knew that while typing it. And if I made your day Silver, you made my last 5 years. Thanks to you both...
Hi Mr. Clattertruck, I do apologize about the twisting of heart strings. I do understand that and will feel the same way. I know that if I lived to 150 I would not have camped enough, hiked enough, seen or done enough. I'll wish for a fast and straightforward recovery from knee surgery.
Hello there Aiden, Look, an "always response" has never been an issue. I've appreciated the times you and others haveleft notes. It's been our connection, however short, and thoroughly enjoyed by Mr. and Mrs. Whazoo. So thanks again!!
67avion, Hi Ya D, I sitting here with "aw" too. "Aw heck", there's no talent or generosity, just a goofball with many friends. And I've enjoyed it far more than anyone. Thanks, just a whole bunch of thanks.
Bill, one of my partners in rhyme. Bill, your poems are and will be on the Fridgie for some time. I'm actually quite proud of them and can't thank you enough. I don't care what anybody says, I think you're a Gem. (Did that work?) Thanks Bill, for being such a class act. Now I have to go squint my eyes and see the elephants kissing. I thought they were something else.
There's the fuelhauler, I was wondering if you were around. And to think, I almost changed my name early on here. It worked pretty well for trip reports and other words didn't it. You were pretty creative there, Whazn't you? Thanks so much, the Whazdrawls will only last about 2 minutes and be totally painless. Then it'll be "Whazhoo?"
Nemo Nemo! Well Ben, that water was colder than a titches wit and the cold didn't leave the body until hiking back. Man I goota quit putting this ol bod, and Lynn's, and Bear's, through all that just for the scenery. Well not likely, it's in all our DNA isn't it Ben. You'd have done it too. Thanks for everything Ben, it's been the best.
Hah Steve, it takes more than a 4 barrel to reach escape velocity. It takes a Bachman Turner Overdrive system. BTO, you heard of it? You gave me the opportunity to post another picture. My gosh, how many times has everyone seen this?
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Hello Tiger, thanks for showing up with the nice reply.
Felix my friend, Now that is a funny picture to think of, your internet glowing. I think someone just turned on your Christmas lights Felix. Give our regards to your family and we'll talk again soon.
Haha Tim, iwon415, I groan too believe me. And don't you mean to say "peonful?" I tend to think of them that way. Thanks Tim
And you too you Crazy Creek you. Undisputed? Well I'll dispute that, feeling that the scenery rules my reports. I can't tell you what your reply means to me/us, but it made my day.
Bigfoot85, White stuff, you have white stuff? I guess it is winter isn't it? Time is moving so fast. 3 more weeks and regular football is over, didn't it just start? Thank you Sir.
Howdy Hikerdmb, Hey we all feel the same way don't you know? So take a wide angle when you go, you'll dig it.
Oh Big Whitey, I'm laughing at your reply. Listen to your wife Van. She doesn't want to "see" the thing, she wants to turn it off for cryin out loud. And you should. Thanks Van, I hope you and Elaine had a great Thanksgiving!
Hey Testudo, Thanks mucho. And Bear, like Mrs. Whazoo, is fine through and through. They're what keep me going.
Hello Buzz, Good luck to your wife on recovery. I hope the desert flower season is a good one. I don't know about our desert. Typically it's the fall rains that get the process going followed by spring precip. We didn't have any this fall and that puts a damper on the blossoms. Good luck Buzz...
Thanks Cal
Hey ticki2, Thanks for the vicarious visit to our campfire, I knew you were there. I hope you enjoyed our company as well.
acudr, Bertram! You great guy with a big smile. I don't do anything different than you. We all have that in common here, I just post more that's all. Have posted more that is. Thanks Bertram, I've given you some more places to check out next time you get to that area. The Ashtray is beyond description to see, I'm thankful for cameras. See you there...
That's all from me. I have to finish the last half before I run out of lead. Then it's, it's Christmas. Thanks again, and again and again.................................http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/animations/truck-icon011a.gif
RE: Compressor Recommendation
I have the same compressor as Seldom. However I would prefer a tank of CO2 if I can find a place to mount it. Airing up large tires takes awhile, no matter the 12v compressor.
Whazoo's Thanksgiving at the Cosmic Ashtray/Golden Cathedral
The Cosmic Ashtray and Golden Cathedral? In the voice of Ricky Recardo "Whazoo, you got some 'splainin to do."
Yes I suppose I do. And I also have to laugh. Mrs. Whazoo told me to leave a note for the girls to let them know where we were off to. This note reminded me of a recent TV commercial, car commercial I think, where a young man knocks on his parents bedroom door early in the evening. No answer so the young man says to himself "They must have gone to bed early. No life." Then the scene cuts to the parents, that be us, out pulling kayaks and bikes off the vehicle and having a grand time. Again, that be us. Here's my note listing our destinations.
"Dear Girls, Here's where your Mom and I will be for the next few days. Have a good Thanksgiving. Love, Dad"
Camping: East Grand Staircase
Hiking to: Cosmic Ashtray, Golden Cathedral, Zebra and Tunnel Slots, Devil's Garden, Dino Tracks, Spooky and Peekabo slots. Maybe Calf Creek.
We didn't quite have time for all of them but you get my drift. The kids stayed home this year for the first time in their lives, while us old folks had a cosmic adventure. Oh the irony.
We have camped on Thanksgiving for 33 years of marriage and I started when 19 years old. Back then very few people were out and even now less than you'd think. So when the girls schedules would not let them off Mrs. Whazoo and I decided we just couldn't stay home. The outback was calling our names.
I had been "researching" the next trip using some satellite images when I saw a very strange thing. It looked like a mountain or hilltop with a hole and something else in it. And just like that I knew where we were going for Thanksgiving.
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Cosmic%20Ashtray%20Thanksgiving%202012/000a.jpg
Driving across the Glen Canyon Dam that forms Lake Powell we were fortunate to see the dam bypass gates wide open. It is an ongoing experiment to redistribute sediment below the dam to restore beaches and natural fish habitat. The only real sediment that gets into the Grand Canyon these days since the dam was built is from the Paria River and the Little Colorado River downstream. So this flushing of the Grand Canyon is to hopefully move that sediment to where it should be naturally. Hmm, whatabout that?! It was something to see and hear and I was flushed with excitement.
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Cosmic%20Ashtray%20Thanksgiving%202012/003.jpg
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Cosmic%20Ashtray%20Thanksgiving%202012/004.jpg
Like my friend Bob from Outfitter said," Boy that looks like a lot of pressure. Kind of like seeing the sign that reads "Next Rest Stop 80 Miles" after drinking a large coffee on a cold morning." That's funny Bob, but we have campers with toilets don't wee?
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Cosmic%20Ashtray%20Thanksgiving%202012/001.jpg
I have to confess to you all. It's personal. Besides my obsession with Entemann's Donuts I also have an addiction to Hostess Zingers, yes it's true. Imagine my dismay when every stop for fuel yielded not a one, due to the demise of our beloved Hostess brand. Also imagine my joy when stopping in Escalante Utah to find their last batch on the shelf. Much joy and dancing followed. So much that the employees thought I'd just won the lottery. So I bought them all. Not the employees, the Zingers.
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Cosmic%20Ashtray%20Thanksgiving%202012/006.jpg
Then we motored on over to camp for the first night.
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Cosmic%20Ashtray%20Thanksgiving%202012/005.jpg
The next morning would be exploratory, not knowing exactly how to get where we wanted to go. But I do know there is a hollow mountain top out there somewhere, looking like a Cosmic Ashtray.
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Cosmic%20Ashtray%20Thanksgiving%202012/007.jpg
Driving on an old un-named un-numbered track used by ranchers to get to their cows I had some trimming to do. Can I say how fun it was sitting on top of the camper while Mrs. Whazoo crept along driving the truck? Well ok then, it was very fun. Just don't slam on the brakes Dear, unless you want a hood ornament that looks like the Whazoo. Or a bush called a Face plant.
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Cosmic%20Ashtray%20Thanksgiving%202012/008.jpg
Even so, more scratches were added. At this rate I need to buy stock in Meguires Polishing Compound. These tracks were not made for truck campers.
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Cosmic%20Ashtray%20Thanksgiving%202012/009.jpg
Like I said, I didn't know where I was going, but I had faith in the cosmos.
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Cosmic%20Ashtray%20Thanksgiving%202012/010.jpg
Bear was along for the trip as well. He is such a party animal we couldn't leave him behind this time.
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Cosmic%20Ashtray%20Thanksgiving%202012/011.jpg
Finally our unstoppable force met movable objects, grains of drift sand. It was too deep and farther on too off-camber to even try. All those tracks in the sand, cows.
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Cosmic%20Ashtray%20Thanksgiving%202012/012.jpg
It was time to hoof it.
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Cosmic%20Ashtray%20Thanksgiving%202012/013.jpg
With ol Bear taking a brief sit down every now and then.
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Cosmic%20Ashtray%20Thanksgiving%202012/014.jpg
With all that sand around there were a ton of small tracks. This one looked like the get-away route of a Collared Lizard dragging something behind him. I couldn't tail what it was though.
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Cosmic%20Ashtray%20Thanksgiving%202012/015.jpg
With all those sandstone mountains around it was time to start walking on rock to find our Ashtray. And this rock looked like bacon. Well, it did to me anyway.
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Cosmic%20Ashtray%20Thanksgiving%202012/016.jpg
Looking down at all these swirls of color, I was almost tripping as I walked. (I know, it's an old one)
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Cosmic%20Ashtray%20Thanksgiving%202012/017.jpg
Then, lo and behold the first sighting of rock formations we fondly call Donkey Balls. Having thought about it some since the last trip report with Mike, I believe there are two species of Donkey Balls. One is made of sandstone and these here are the iron concretion type. Both totally different inside and out.
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Cosmic%20Ashtray%20Thanksgiving%202012/018.jpg
With some actually imbedded in the petrified sand dunes.
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Cosmic%20Ashtray%20Thanksgiving%202012/019.jpg
On the trail of the Cosmic Ashtray we were finding some Cosmic Debris. (link: Frank Zappa does his Cosmik Debris and sings about the dust of the Grand Whazoo in the second stanza, hah)
This Cosmic Debris was in the form of solid iron and came in strange shapes and forms.
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Cosmic%20Ashtray%20Thanksgiving%202012/020.jpg
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http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Cosmic%20Ashtray%20Thanksgiving%202012/022.jpg
It was amazing to be in a slag heap of the natural kind. Or was this the remains of an alien ship?
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Cosmic%20Ashtray%20Thanksgiving%202012/023.jpg
Giving me the thought that...Holy Chris Kristofferson, there it was. Mother Nature had coughed up a cast iron 4 barrel manifold for my 65 Ford F250! How it did that beat the Little Jimmy Dickens outta me. The sight of it gave me the Nelson willies yet I was so excited I was wailin like Jennings. It was too heavy to carry so I left it there. Possibly for you to find.
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Cosmic%20Ashtray%20Thanksgiving%202012/024.jpg
Besides cosmic debris there were other cosmic shapes as well. This seemed to be a cosmic cottontail, frozen in it's stance. Obviously petrified of us. Squint your eyes, don't you see it? Facing left with ears down?
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Cosmic%20Ashtray%20Thanksgiving%202012/025.jpg
Then I stumbled upon Aladdin's Lamp. You know, the one Larry Hagman found with Jeannie in it. My lamp had Lynnie. I was ecstatic.
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While walking we were also being watched. The cosmic spirits of this place were strong.
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Cosmic%20Ashtray%20Thanksgiving%202012/028.jpg
The geometric shapes embedded in the sandstone were fantastic. Causing us to wonder about the forces of sand, water and time.
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Cosmic%20Ashtray%20Thanksgiving%202012/029.jpg
I paused for a moment to doggedly preach my sermon on the mount. To a congregation of one.
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http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Cosmic%20Ashtray%20Thanksgiving%202012/031.jpg
Also etched somehow in the sandstone was a light colored bas relief, making us feel as if walking on a piece of cosmic art. Now I don't really know what a bas relief is, but I do know how to spell "relief", having seen that commercial a hundred times.
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Cosmic%20Ashtray%20Thanksgiving%202012/032.jpg
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Cosmic%20Ashtray%20Thanksgiving%202012/033.jpg
All this uphill walking made for a tired Whazoo. I sat for a minute, in Dave's 'cuzzi, to imagine hot water and a cosmic brew.
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Cosmic%20Ashtray%20Thanksgiving%202012/034.jpg
Finding more Donkey Balls I have to confess something else. I've come to find they are more commonly know as Moqui Marbles. Indeed. And unlike the sandstone solid-in-the-middle variety these "marbles" are hollow and full of hardened sand. (I'll let you know that I have every intention of petitioning the National Geographic Society to change the name to Donkey Balls. I may need your signatures.)
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Cosmic%20Ashtray%20Thanksgiving%202012/035.jpg
Given that we were looking for the Cosmic Ashtray I took a moment to play Cosmic Marbles.
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Cosmic%20Ashtray%20Thanksgiving%202012/036.jpg
Finally, finally after much climbing we found it. And yes, it looked just like a Cosmic Ashtray. You can't tell from the bottom where it is, you don't know you're there until you're there. And there are several mountains right next to it to choose from. If I were better with a GPS it might have taken away some of the guess work but then again I like guesswork. Not knowing exactly where we are going has lead us to so many adventures. Not knowing made us take a circuitous route to the top that gave us all those fantastical shapes and textures. I wouldn't do it any other way.
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Cosmic%20Ashtray%20Thanksgiving%202012/037.jpg
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Cosmic%20Ashtray%20Thanksgiving%202012/040.jpg
There was only one good spot to take a complete picture. I wished for a wide angle lens and a cosmic cigarette while Mrs. Whazoo and Bear waited below.
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Cosmic%20Ashtray%20Thanksgiving%202012/042.jpg
Mrs. Whazoo was also feeling a little cosmic, showing her self to be an alien. (We already knew that about our wives and girlfriends didn't we guys? Sorry Ladies, didn't mean to alienate you.) Now all I needed were some Killer Clowns From Outerspace to show up and be in the picture.
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Cosmic%20Ashtray%20Thanksgiving%202012/043.jpg
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Cosmic%20Ashtray%20Thanksgiving%202012/044.jpg
Mrs. Alien Whazoo reaches for her special light. The one that lights up my life.
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Cosmic%20Ashtray%20Thanksgiving%202012/046.jpg
Having spent some time at the Cosmic Ashtray it was time to head back. With more interesting things to see and wonder about.
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Cosmic%20Ashtray%20Thanksgiving%202012/047.jpg
Like these very small Donkey Balls. Must have been dropped by baby donkeys, I'll call them Burritos.
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Cosmic%20Ashtray%20Thanksgiving%202012/048.jpg
It was incredible how many, how small and how perfect they were.
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Cosmic%20Ashtray%20Thanksgiving%202012/049.jpg
Cat tracks. Was it using GPS?
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Cosmic%20Ashtray%20Thanksgiving%202012/051.jpg
Or heading for water.
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Cosmic%20Ashtray%20Thanksgiving%202012/052.jpg
The truck was out there somewhere, blending in with the landscape.
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Cosmic%20Ashtray%20Thanksgiving%202012/054.gif
Getting back to the truck we congratulated ourselves and took a break. I have to laugh at this picture. I can never get Bear to look at the camera when I want him to, but he chose this moment to look and smile.
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Cosmic%20Ashtray%20Thanksgiving%202012/057.jpg
And these little tripods are cosmically suited for photography. They can walk anywhere.
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Cosmic%20Ashtray%20Thanksgiving%202012/058.jpg
After much thought I figured out how to take the landscape home with me, just put it in the camper.
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Cosmic%20Ashtray%20Thanksgiving%202012/059.jpg
Speaking of campers. Isn't is great how our little shack-in-the-back of our trucks can make most any place we stop look homey and comfortable? Even with all the sights we see hiking we're always happy to be "home."
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Cosmic%20Ashtray%20Thanksgiving%202012/060.jpg
Leaving our camp at the Ashtray I took the truck through the local wash.
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Cosmic%20Ashtray%20Thanksgiving%202012/061.jpg
After "washing" the truck we looked back, knowing there was a Cosmic Ashtray waiting for us to get our ashes back there.
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Cosmic%20Ashtray%20Thanksgiving%202012/062.jpg
Continuing on with this truly cosmic trip we stopped briefly at the Devil's Garden to see what the hell was going on. It looked like a bunch of galactic cosmic travelers had stopped here, and had beer. I mean look at the beer belly on Rocky there. It looks a little too familiar and I may give up the Zingers after all. (Not a chance Whazoo)
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Cosmic%20Ashtray%20Thanksgiving%202012/065.jpg
This dude here looks like, well like I wouldn't want to meet him in a back alley, or the dark side of the moon.
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Cosmic%20Ashtray%20Thanksgiving%202012/066.jpg
Yes, I know. It's HDR, High Dynamic Range at it's worst. I thought it added to the look of these two multi-dimensional metaphysical beings as they fight for dominion of space and time.
(Look, I know what you're thinking. Honestly I'm just following a theme here. And Starship Troopers was a good movie, I don't care what you say.)
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Cosmic%20Ashtray%20Thanksgiving%202012/064.jpg
For the realists, here's the real shot.
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Cosmic%20Ashtray%20Thanksgiving%202012/063.jpg
That night was Thanksgiving so it was time to look for camp. We are so obsessive about views and continue to get lucky with what we find.
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Cosmic%20Ashtray%20Thanksgiving%202012/067.jpg
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Cosmic%20Ashtray%20Thanksgiving%202012/068.jpg
We went for a stroll before dinner and took a few pictures. I call this Cattle Pond Photography. With this picture I have finally flipped photography on it's head.
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Cosmic%20Ashtray%20Thanksgiving%202012/069.jpg
With the canyon dropping off to the left we knew of no one anywhere close. It was cosmic heaven.
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Cosmic%20Ashtray%20Thanksgiving%202012/070.jpg
We were so alone, no sounds of any kind. It was so quiet in fact that I could hear the Moon as it slid on by...at about 2,288 miles per hour.
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Cosmic%20Ashtray%20Thanksgiving%202012/071.jpg
Oh yeah, a bit-o-turkey in the camper. It was cosmically delicious and I hope you enjoyed yours as much. What a turkey Whazoo.
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Cosmic%20Ashtray%20Thanksgiving%202012/072.jpg
The next morning we had a much longer hike to make. We were looking for the Golden Cathedral. There was a trail but we decided to take off cross country, about 4 miles due east. That would be just over our shoulder.
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Cosmic%20Ashtray%20Thanksgiving%202012/074.jpg
The first drop was about 700 feet and looking back I knew it would be a tough climb at the end of the day. Total elevation drop was around 1500 feet. I'd be working off those Zingers on the way back.
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Cosmic%20Ashtray%20Thanksgiving%202012/075.jpg
Coming upon a patch of the sandstone variety of Donkey Balls I thought, the whole herd must have been here.
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Cosmic%20Ashtray%20Thanksgiving%202012/077.jpg
After several hours of trudging through soft sand and over sandstone we came to the landmark I'd been looking for. No, not the tree. I know, it's confusing isn't it?
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Cosmic%20Ashtray%20Thanksgiving%202012/078.jpg
Having scouted this hike by topo I could only hope there was a way down.
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Cosmic%20Ashtray%20Thanksgiving%202012/079.jpg
There was only one place to get down to river level and yes Virginia, there is a trail there. Thank you Santa. (Wait, did I just switch themes there?) This is a view of the entrance to Neon Canyon and the Golden Cathedral. Although I wasn't sure at the time.
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Cosmic%20Ashtray%20Thanksgiving%202012/080.jpg
The banks along the Escalante River were cut and so brushy as to defy entry. This was the "trail" at that time.
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Cosmic%20Ashtray%20Thanksgiving%202012/088.jpg
We finally found a spot to cross after I had waded up and downstream in the coldest water I've had to endure since the last ice age. Heck, am I that old? Feeling every bit of it as the water turned my legs bright red from the mind numbing cold.
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Cosmic%20Ashtray%20Thanksgiving%202012/081.jpg
A close up shows how cold that water was. With ice forming on the stick next to me, I too felt like a Whazicle.
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Cosmic%20Ashtray%20Thanksgiving%202012/083.jpg
Poor Bear. Cold water doesn't bother him but he's getting older like the rest of us. He was worn from the hike and the water was faster than it looked, taking him off his feet just a bit and swinging him behind me. The question remains, did I make it without falling in? Or did I fall, becoming one with the cold river in a miserable baptism of wet dog and Whazoo?
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj190/whazoo100/Cosmic%20Ashtray%20Thanksgiving%202012/085.jpg
Come back next week for part two of my last trip report on rv.net. Same Whaz-time, same Whaz-channel.
Thanks for reading,
Dave Rogers
PS. I'm posting this evening because today is 12/12/12, a day of great balance and the alignment of the stars. The stars were aligned the day I posted my first trip report on rvnet...to make so many great friends.
