Overland expo and Beyond

[Ted]

We're back from an extended weekend to the Safari Outfit Gathering, er, um, I mean Overland Expo. We pulled in Thursday evening a little later than planned. Yes, due to Magellan's navigational skills. Anyway, we spotted some familiar rigs and pulled in next to them. Lots of very cool rigs. Roof Top Tents (RTT) were definitely the preferred expo rig. We are used to getting asked about our camper, but here we were about as boring as they come.

Our rig in the right foreground, Jay and his ATC, Marc and his XP, and Bob in front of him.

Roof Top Tents

 

[Ted]

Our friend Gandolph put on a good show.

Sportsmobile, Pheonix, and Tiger were all represented.

 

[Ted]

Some big rigs.

 

[Ted]

Saw member Teleturns with his customized FWC. You can read his build thread on Expedition Portel

Also met Bisleybud and checked out his camper with the beautiful custom interior he built. Sorry, no photos, but check out his build thread here.

Reading about the Turtle Expedition some 15 years ago or so is what got us into this type of travel. It was cool to meet them in person.

 

[Ted]

We kind of had the been there, done that feel for OX by Saturday morning so left early to... Wander the West! Headed north into Vermillion Cliffs.

Stopped on the Navajo Bridge to check out the Colorado River.

Here we got what I consider the highlight of the trip. Vermillion Cliffs is a release sight for Condors. They tend to hang out on the bridge. At some points they were flying within 50 feet of us! Here are four of them.

 

[Ted]

We stayed near Zion that night but even the boondock areas were crowded as people were gathering for the eclipse. We decided to head home across Nevada and see if we could lose the crowds by going to Monitor Valley. 30 miles of gravel road from HWY 50 did the trick as there was only one person at Toquima Cave CG.

On the way in we saw a large group of wild mustangs. The stallion took the front in a defensive pose until we rolled past.

Caught the ring of fire that night and headed home the next day.

 

[locrwln]

Great TR. Thanks for the pictures.

Jack

 

[chnlisle]

Ted,
It was great meeting you and Donna in person. Next time slap me!!!!
I love the Condor pix.

 

[ski3pin]

Ted,
It was great meeting you and Donna in person. Next time slap me!!!!
<snip>


There's got to be more to this story.

 

[Ted]

Jay, I was happy to finally get to meet you in person as well. Slapping you is highly unlikely.

Ski, not much of a story. Jay simply got into a heartfelt discussion with a nearby camper. Eventually the subject changed to Baja. That is the way I recall it.

 

[chnlisle]

Thats my story and I'm sticking to it!

 

[ski3pin]

Thats my story and I'm sticking to it!


And with, of course, a bit of proper discretion .........a la what happens at Expo stays at Expo. The way it should be.

I'm still waiting for a full group photo, all in new crisp safari outfits.

 

[Ted]

I'm still waiting for a full group photo, all in new crisp safari outfits.

That reminds me. Jay, Anyone get a photo of you in your new hat?

 

[chnlisle]

Bob took a couple of pix. I'm sure he'll post them when he gets back into Sacto.

 

[Marc]

Hey Ted ... Was good to se ya again and to meet Donna this time around. Am still on the road and traveling solo again, oops I mean with Dylan Dog. Have had a GREAT trip so far and am in Brian Head Utah as I write. Plan on being home by Sunday and will post some pics then. Dylan sends kisses to Donna.


marc

 

[brett13]

That's the best non-professional-astrophotographer pic of the eclipse I've seen yet!

Thanks for the report.

-Safari Gear Wanabe

 

[MarkBC]

Ted, besides all the gear and social part of your trip, it looks like you saw some nice country as well.
I've never seen a condor...yet. Guess I gotta expand my territory.
Thanks for sharing.

 

[K6ON]

Here's a couple more pics from OE.
1. Jay in his "Official Overland Expo" Pith Helmet.
2. Some of the gang in attendance: Left to right: Ted, Jay, SimiMike, Steve and Marc.

 

[chnlisle]

Marc or Bob
Please send me a PM with Marc's contact info. One of the AZ guys from OvEx is interested in Marcs rig. He'd like to see it on Marcs drive home.
Jay

 

[K6ON]

Marc or Bob
Please send me a PM with Marc's contact info. One of the AZ guys from OvEx is interested in Marcs rig. He'd like to see it on Marcs drive home.
Jay


P.M. sent..