We did not attempt to drive the 2WD F-150 on this section of our trip. We could have made the trip in 2WD but we would almost certainly have needed a tow in places. There is no question that a Four Wheel Camper, or ATC camper, would have been damaged by this trip. This gave me a new perspective on using any camper off road. Basically, it is this; if you are driving off road to a destination to camp, take the camper (or a tent), if you are driving off road to explore remote places, consider leaving the camper in camp and take a 4X4 for the exploring.
I was lucky to ride with Mr. Roy Tea, who knows more about the Hastings Cutoff than any other man alive. The first picture shows how well set up the leaders were for the trip. The guy in the left seat is a professional archaeologist. The man in the back with me had with him two GPS units along with elaborate records of various locations in the desert.
The first two days, the trip was based out of Wells, Nevada. The last day ended in Elko, Nevada. We explored the area around the Ruby Mountains/Valley, the Hastings Cutoff, John Fremont's route, Bidwell - Bartleson's route, the Overland Pass, the Pony Express route, Secret Pass, and many many other locations.
The picture of the old pipe is quite interesting. This is the original Wendover water line to a spring at the foot of Pilot Peak. The pipe is made from wood slats bound together. The wet wood swells and seals off the leaks between the strips. This is barrel technology, pretty basic for the desert over 100 years ago.
We had 13 vehicles, all four wheel drive. I would not recommend going into the area alone unless you are familiar with it. John D
I was lucky to ride with Mr. Roy Tea, who knows more about the Hastings Cutoff than any other man alive. The first picture shows how well set up the leaders were for the trip. The guy in the left seat is a professional archaeologist. The man in the back with me had with him two GPS units along with elaborate records of various locations in the desert.
The first two days, the trip was based out of Wells, Nevada. The last day ended in Elko, Nevada. We explored the area around the Ruby Mountains/Valley, the Hastings Cutoff, John Fremont's route, Bidwell - Bartleson's route, the Overland Pass, the Pony Express route, Secret Pass, and many many other locations.
The picture of the old pipe is quite interesting. This is the original Wendover water line to a spring at the foot of Pilot Peak. The pipe is made from wood slats bound together. The wet wood swells and seals off the leaks between the strips. This is barrel technology, pretty basic for the desert over 100 years ago.
We had 13 vehicles, all four wheel drive. I would not recommend going into the area alone unless you are familiar with it. John D
