(Owner Build) 1981Grandby to Hawk, maiden voyage / shakedown

[PokyBro]

Over the past year and a half, I devoted as much time as I could muster, when work and family matters permitted, to the the restoration of my 1981 Grandy, shortened and remodeled to the measurement of a short overhang Hawk.

You can see that build here: http://www.wanderthewest.com/forum/topic/12116-new-build-1981-grandby-to-become-a-hawk/

At the first of October I stated on that thread that I was hoping to have it ready for my annual fall elk hunting outing, which started on Saturday, October 15, 2016. So, as it turned out, I made it happen, with one last sprint to finish line. I took Friday the 14th off from work in hopes to get loaded, and be on my way by 12:00 noon at the latest, but I was still sorting a few things out at the end, including loading the camper onto my truck for the first time, after dark on Friday night, and Saturday morning addressing a propane leak I could smell (though I had done a leak test previously), and Friday moved into Saturday, before I actually got away. Safety first, the propane leak needed to be addressed, and after replacing the pressure regulator, and resealing the hose attachments, we were back in the game, though I didn't get to my previously determined camping spot, northwest of Steamboat Springs, Colorado, until 11:30pm, Saturday night. I didn't care, I was taking a week off work, my biggest trip of the year, and I intended to have a good time. Enjoying the new camper, and doing things at my own pace, with no one else to please but myself, was the priority. If I ended up harvesting an elk, fine. If I didn't, that would be fine too.

I threw all my regular gear together quickly into plastic tubs, threw the family camping grub box in with all the cooking gear, and misc kitchen items, filled up two 6 gallon water jugs, put a quick food menu together, ran to the grocery store, gassed up, and was on my way late in the day. I have camped in a large 14x17 outfitter tent, with wood stove, for years, which wouldn't be fun to set up at midnight, especially if friends are trying to sleep in their tent 15 feet away. In my new camper though, set-up is a snap, so no worries there, plus I was camping by myself, right off of the main county road that runs through this forest area, and no one else around.

What a week it was! The first two days were very windy, probably 30mph with even higher gusts. I remember Saturday night, hearing the wind on the surrounding hill tops moving toward me, sounding like a jet turbine engine. Then after a few minutes the side liner would flap, the truck would sway, but I was tucked in my bag, with the heater going at the touch of a finger, satisfied and comfortable. Sweet!

4:30am comes early, so I tried hard to get to sleep, after making my lunch, and filling my day pack with everything I'd need the next day, and getting out the cloths and gear I would need. I truly was absolutely stoked to see this dream come true!

So what do you say, let's get into some pictures!



From home to the camp sight, next morning.



This was actually Sunday afternoon, because, as I said, I was up at 4:30 am, and hiking up into the trees by 5:30am in the dark. However, it wasn't completely dark, there was a full moon, bright as could be, almost making it possible to make your way without a headlamp.




Now think with me for a moment, how many people are driven, to work so hard, arrive at midnight the night before, arise at 4:30 am, step out from a cozy warm camper, into the cold dark outside, and traipse a mountain, and call that fun? I look forward to this every year. The sights, the smells, the serenity, the connection with nature and the outdoors, and the opportunity to do so are an awesome privilege I have and I greatly appreciate!






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[PokyBro]

As the sun came up, right as I got up through the gently sloped draw into the area I hunt, I came across two cow elk with their calves, and spent awhile just watching them feed, about 100 yards away, unaware of me me because the wind was blowing from them toward me. I was after an antlered elk, so it was fun just to watch them for awhile, so I just squatted down so they wouldn't spot me.

The wind continued throughout the day, making it quite chilly at times, so being pretty tired from the exertion the past few days, I head back down to camp early Sunday afternoon, and got camp better organized, and just rested up.

Here's some beaver dams from an active beaver in the draw I hiked up that morning.

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[PokyBro]

Here's some shots of camp below, what a welcome sight!




Monday morning, I headed back up the mountain again about 5:30 am, to be where I wanted to be by 7:00, at day break. I felt a few specks of snow along the way, and I was wondering if I should reconsider and head back down. But, I continued up the mountain. Not long after sunup, there were more periodic light snow showers, until about 9:30am went it became pretty much steady. I nestled under a pine tree, got out my poncho, and just watched. Had a little to eat, and waited, because sometimes in Colorado, these early storms can pass by quickly. After an hour, that was looking like a bad idea, so I collected my stuff and started heading back. I've hunted hear for many years, and know the area well, but you'd be surprised how easy it is to misjudge where you are when the normal landmarks are not visible. I was back in camp around noon, and just hung out the rest of the day, with the heater running and keeping it nice inside.

Some shots on the way back down, and around camp and inside the camper.





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[PokyBro]

Got to keep the floor dry, so a tub lid did the trick!



Being in camp, I had plenty of time to kill, so here's my roughed in build for the shell. The real cabinetry will come later.










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[Wandering Sagebrush]

Hey, you made your goal, neat! Congrats! I like your idea of the tub to keep the floor dry!

 

[PokyBro]

And here's the roughed in wiring for this trip, including solar controller. A check on input, and battery state with the voltmeter, even though overcast. This is basic, and doesn't tell the real state of the battery, just an idea of what's happen, vs just LED lights on the controller.



Skylight through the vent!


Floodlights out the back at night, and still a full moon.




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[PokyBro]

Well up again early Tuesday morning, though a little later than normal, and a little slower going because of the snow, and slippery terrain.

When I got to the top of my travel corridor, ravine, I wasn't sure where I would head for the day, but it sure was quiet, and beautiful. I cool hush over the forest. I saw a mule deer buck, crossing the basin below, and watched him for awhile. Then I came across some large fresh elk tracks, of one single animal, a potential sign of a bull. I decided to follow the tracks, not knowing for sure how old they were, but figuring I might learn a travel route, and animal behavior as well. I walked only a few feet at a time, and would stop and listen, and watch. After an hour, I came across a spot where a small herd of elk had stopped, appearing to be mostly cows. I thought I may have lost the tracks I was following, but eventually thought I was back on trail. I was in an Aspen forest, with rolling terrain. All the leaves are off, and without the snow, it's like walking on potato chips, literally. Very noisy. Anyhow, I continued on, and then stopped for a break for a little while. I sat down, and was just chilling. I had just loaded up my pack, and had stood up and was looking around, when I spotted movement above me on a ridge. In a way, quite surprised, it was the bull, whose tracks I'd been following.

I will spare details, but I was successful in harvesting the bull. This would dictate my activities for the next two and half days. Here are some shots of that.

Many years ago, my father took me hunting, and I have likewise taken my sons out many times, and now they are taking grand children with them. It's been a family tradition. I hunt because I like the experience, I savor and enjoy the healthy meat, and while I like the greater challenge to hunt bull elk, I am not a trophy hunter, I don't go to the taxidermist, and I do go to extremes to utilize all I can from the animal. I hope the following photos are not too offensive to anyone, but they show the process I go through to bring food to the table.

For what it's worth, in my first career many years ago, I was a Conservation Officer (Game Warden) in southern Utah, and covered the area between Zion and Bryce National Parks, and down to the Arizona border. I served to protect wildlife from poachers, and unethical practices, and at times put my personal safety on the line to do so. I love wildlife as most people do, both to observe and appreciate, and sometimes to consume.

From my perspective, the overall experience of going on an annual outdoor outing of elk hunting is very special to me. Here are a few photos of this years hunt.




Each load I took out was over 65-70 lbs each, with packs, meat, etc, and it was 1.5 miles back to camp. I only had energy enough for two trips a day, and took the first load down on Tuesday afternoon. I finished with the fifth load on Thursday evening, just before dark. These next two days were sunny, but cooler, with below freezing temps at night.

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[PokyBro]

Back to the camper shake down. With continued snow on Monday night, I through a poly tarp over the roof, so that if there was any significant snow the next morning, I could drag the tarp off one side, or roll it over on itself with ropes to remove the snow. Westcoast was asking about this on a recent FWC thread. Though there was only about two inches of snow, and no big deal, this worked beautifully for a trial run. Along with the snow, was quite a bit of ice on top, which would have been more difficult to remove. I personally don't think a ladder would be a good idea, and then trying to push the snow off with a squeegee kind of tool. My roof is at ten feet when popped up, and I don't want to be that high pushing against anything, as a risk for a fall seems significant. Here's some shots of that.



And here's some additional shots coming down off the mountain Thursday night, of the beautiful valley and surrounding hills.




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[PokyBro]

By th wy, on several of those afternoon packing trips, mr beaver was out doing what beavers do.







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[PokyBro]

Here's a shot at camp below, and one happy camper!



Loaded camp up Friday morning, in half the time of using the big tent, and went I got home, it was simple to pop the top to let it air out, and dry any damp areas, vs setting the tent up for two to three days and hope it doesn't snow in town, in order assure its totally dry and won't mildew.






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[PokyBro]

Some shots of the return trip home.



Back home, the works not done, for the next week, processing the meat was priority.



Summarizing the trip, it was truly one of the best outings I've had for years. So much anticipation, which is such a highlight of all trips. It's the draw, and the imagination that brings reality to life.

The camper worked out fantastic. I had zero leaks, the heater was very adequate, except I ran out of propane on Thursday night, Friday morning, which surprised me a little. I had a Coleman portable heater for backup. The solar panel, a 160 watt solar cynergy, kept my single battery charged, so I didn't need the generator I brought for backup.I had significant condensation on anything aluminum exposed to the inside, including door trim, Windows, hinges, etc. and to some degree, the side liner. My turn buckles held tight with no movement whatsoever, even on a washboard trek up the mountain for 30 miles and back. My 1999 F250, 7.3 liter turbo diesel handled the load with no problem, giving me 14.6 mpg on the way there, and a whopping 22.3 mpg coming back a different route, but included going up the mountain to the hunting sight, going over two 10,000 foot passes, and then down the other side on one. My roughed in galley did great, and I picked up one of the new ice chests that are ultra insulated, and had ice for over 7 days. My bed needs attention, though. I used two old pieces of foam from the old Grandby, no surprise, they're worn out. The bed slide ended up being right in the middle between the two mattress, so I got the full impact of a 1/2" edge all week. I used less than 6 gallons of water, so I had double what I need. I overpacked in clothing, food, kitchen gear, tools, sleeping bags, and a few other things. I had a full array of weather conditions, but remained comfortable throughout. I saw wildlife, heard the familiar song of coyotes at night, saw active beavers, got in plenty of hiking, and and packing, and my body held up. I breathed in the cool clean mountain air, walked in the moonlight, saw the stellar displays in totally black night sky's. I had the time of my life, and I count my blessings to live in such a great country, and to experience all Gods creations.
Thanks for coming along friends!
Poky


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[my_wild_dreams_]

I'm so jealous of all your meat! Great job with tracking the bull. Some day I want to learn how to track, hunt, and process meat. Thanks for sharing!

 

[longhorn1]

Some shots of the return trip home.

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Back home, the works not done, for the next week, processing the meat was priority.

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ImageUploadedByWander The West1477872012.999471.jpg

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Summarizing the trip, it was truly one of the best outings I've had for years. So much anticipation, which is such a highlight of all trips. It's the draw, and the imagination that brings reality to life.

The camper worked out fantastic. I had zero leaks, the heater was very adequate, except I ran out of propane on Thursday night, Friday morning, which surprised me a little. I had a Coleman portable heater for backup. The solar panel, a 160 watt solar cynergy, kept my single battery charged, so I didn't need the generator I brought for backup.I had significant condensation on anything aluminum exposed to the inside, including door trim, Windows, hinges, etc. and to some degree, the side liner. My turn buckles held tight with no movement whatsoever, even on a washboard trek up the mountain for 30 miles and back. My 1999 F250, 7.3 liter turbo diesel handled the load with no problem, giving me 14.6 mpg on the way there, and a whopping 22.3 mpg coming back a different route, but included going up the mountain to the hunting sight, going over two 10,000 foot passes, and then down the other side on one. My roughed in galley did great, and I picked up one of the new ice chests that are ultra insulated, and had ice for over 7 days. My bed needs attention, though. I used two old pieces of foam from the old Grandby, no surprise, they're worn out. The bed slide ended up being right in the middle between the two mattress, so I got the full impact of a 1/2" edge all week. I used less than 6 gallons of water, so I had double what I need. I overpacked in clothing, food, kitchen gear, tools, sleeping bags, and a few other things. I had a full array of weather conditions, but remained comfortable throughout. I saw wildlife, heard the familiar song of coyotes at night, saw active beavers, got in plenty of hiking, and and packing, and my body held up. I breathed in the cool clean mountain air, walked in the moonlight, saw the stellar displays in totally black night sky's. I had the time of my life, and I count my blessings to live in such a great country, and to experience all Gods creations.
Thanks for coming along friends!
Poky


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I bought a roll of Marine Hyper-Vent and cut it to fit over the overhang with the slide pulled out. It does 2 things, takes that 1/2" out of play and provides airflow for condensation. I just lift the material up and slide the slide back in. http://www.hyperventmarine.com/
I cut the roll in half, rounded the corner on each side and then trimmed to fit inside the slide. Not real expensive. jd

 

[takesiteasy]

I enjoyed your report! You did a great job of sharing your anticipation and enjoyment. The chance for adventure is a nice payoff for all the work on the camper. And it looks like you are well-stocked for the coming winter! If I was closer, I'd invite myself over for a tasty meal.

 

[PokyBro]

I'm so jealous of all your meat! Great job with tracking the bull. Some day I want to learn how to track, hunt, and process meat. Thanks for sharing!

My_wild_dreams, I'm so jealous of your travel log, I'd gladly share some meat if you're out in northern Colorado! Thanks for checking out the shakedown trip.

Honestly, I have to say you have one spectacular string of stories and awesome photos! Great effort on your part!


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[PokyBro]

I enjoyed your report! You did a great job of sharing your anticipation and enjoyment. The chance for adventure is a nice payoff for all the work on the camper. And it looks like you are well-stocked for the coming winter! If I was closer, I'd invite myself over for a tasty meal.

Thanks Takesiteasy, I appreciate your kind comments. Like my comments to my_wild_dreams above, you'd be welcome at my campfire! I'll have to say one of my favorite meals, is a Sunday pot roast with mashed potatos, brown gravy, some veggies and a salad. Doesn't get much better IMO! Mmmmm!

As I read your trip reports, and others, I can tell I'm going to need to budget time, and money for fuel, moving forward, there's so much to explore out there. Can't wait!


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[PokyBro]

Longhorn, great idea for the bed slide. I'm going to need to do something to level things out, but for sure, new mattress material will be a priority.

I saw in your comments to takesiteasy, your thinking of coming to RMNP, Trail Ridge Road, and other points in Colorado in 2017. I live less than one hour from RMNP, in Ft Collins, so if I can help with any questions or recommendations, please let me know. And if you'd like to meet briefly as you pass through, I'd love to say hi, and welcome you to Colorado!


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[PokyBro]

One year ago, I parked in the same spot, but talk about a world of difference.

Then, I slept on a cot in the back of the fiberglass shell, and I had a ten inch high seat in the front of the truck bed I built and had a cushion on. I had a Coleman heater, and even heated some canned food on the heater. I had to kneel to get dressed, and I had to slouch when sitting up, so I wouldn't hit my head. And, I had a sheet of 1" thick foam board on the floor of the truck bed, to shield from some of the cold, at least on my feet, and a soft place to kneel.

The new camper is sooooooo much nicer!

A lot of "sweat equity" took place over the past year, to make it possible to have the new camper ready this year!

Dreams can come true!




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[longhorn1]

Longhorn, great idea for the bed slide. I'm going to need to do something to level things out, but for sure, new mattress material will be a priority.

I saw in your comments to takesiteasy, your thinking of coming to RMNP, Trail Ridge Road, and other points in Colorado in 2017. I live less than one hour from RMNP, in Ft Collins, so if I can help with any questions or recommendations, please let me know. And if you'd like to meet briefly as you pass through, I'd love to say hi, and welcome you to Colorado!


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Sounds like a plan. Roughing out a trip plan for end of Sept beginning October, RMNP, Black Canyon, Mesa Verde, & Telluride. jd

 

[super doody]

Well up again early Tuesday morning, though a little later than normal, and a little slower going because of the snow, and slippery terrain.

When I got to the top of my travel corridor, ravine, I wasn't sure where I would head for the day, but it sure was quiet, and beautiful. I cool hush over the forest. I saw a mule deer buck, crossing the basin below, and watched him for awhile. Then I came across some large fresh elk tracks, of one single animal, a potential sign of a bull. I decided to follow the tracks, not knowing for sure how old they were, but figuring I might learn a travel route, and animal behavior as well. I walked only a few feet at a time, and would stop and listen, and watch. After an hour, I came across a spot where a small herd of elk had stopped, appearing to be mostly cows. I thought I may have lost the tracks I was following, but eventually thought I was back on trail. I was in an Aspen forest, with rolling terrain. All the leaves are off, and without the snow, it's like walking on potato chips, literally. Very noisy. Anyhow, I continued on, and then stopped for a break for a little while. I sat down, and was just chilling. I had just loaded up my pack, and had stood up and was looking around, when I spotted movement above me on a ridge. In a way, quite surprised, it was the bull, whose tracks I'd been following.

I will spare details, but I was successful in harvesting the bull. This would dictate my activities for the next two and half days. Here are some shots of that.

Many years ago, my father took me hunting, and I have likewise taken my sons out many times, and now they are taking grand children with them. It's been a family tradition. I hunt because I like the experience, I savor and enjoy the healthy meat, and while I like the greater challenge to hunt bull elk, I am not a trophy hunter, I don't go to the taxidermist, and I do go to extremes to utilize all I can from the animal. I hope the following photos are not too offensive to anyone, but they show the process I go through to bring food to the table.

(Note: After posting this portion of the report, I have found myself concerned it might not have come across as acceptable to some, though no one has commented as such. I removed several photos for that reason. For what it's worth, in my first career many years ago, I was a Conservation Officer (Game Warden) in southern Utah, and covered the area between Zion and Bryce National Parks, and down to the Arizona border. I served to protect wildlife from poachers, and unethical practices, and at times put my personal safety on the line to do so. I love wildlife as most people do, both to observe and appreciate, and sometimes to consume. So please understand my background, and where I am coming from in posting this thread. After contemplating it, it might have been better to share the hunting part with another type of forum. But, I will leave the rest alone.)

ImageUploadedByWander The West1477870035.602652.jpg

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Each load I took out was over 65-70 lbs each, with packs, meat, etc, and it was 1.5 miles back to camp. I only had energy enough for two trips a day, and took the first load down on Tuesday afternoon. I finished with the fifth load on Thursday evening, just before dark. These next two days were sunny, but cooler, with below freezing temps at night.

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PokyBro,

I'm a northern cali boy. Steve Rinella inspires me. I wished I grew up in a family of hunters. No apologies or editing needed : ) Also, I admire your determination and ingenuitive.

How long do you age your meat and what are some of your go to meals you make?

Jim