A very rare treat Randy's Makin Plans

[robfisher]

A teardrop gathering for Southwest Idaho and Southeast Oregon is a pretty rare event. Other than our winter camp just a few months I don't think we've had one within 200 miles of here in around 12 years. Don't miss out on the HooDo at Leslie Gulch THIS weekend. Spectacular scenery, great people and a good chance to see Big Horn Sheep.

[Vedette]

Wish we could get that far over on our way to the Dam, but maybe next year?
We will be with you in spirit in Northern Oregon.
ARE WE ON FOR Burns?
Brian

[robfisher]

It would be great to have you at the Hoodoo but believe me, I get it.
The Dam is pretty iffy for me and IF I get to go I'll be in Burns no earlier than the 30th so I guess I'll have to say not this year. I've never caravanned with someone and would love the chance but being self employed as you know, puts you at the mercy of the order desk. Usually I have to make my decisions at the last minute and this year is no exception.

Have a great and safe trip and for right now I'll say I'll see you next time.

Rob

[TPMcGinty]

I LOVE Idaho! I was stationed in Idaho Falls back in the 80's. Some day I will be back to visit.

[Wolffarmer]

I am thinking of another event for May 2016. Will not be a normal gathering ( are there normal ones? ) I am thinking about a 4 day 3 night ramble around the area of the Craters of the Moon. Out in the desert. I am thinking about 100 miles of gravel/dirt/rock roads. No real 4x4 but high ground clearance would be good. Unless it rains. I will take the group to places few people see. And never pass the entrance gates of the Monument.

2012 trip

That is the trip report of part of the area I am planning on including. May also camp on the road through the lava flow. Guaranteed to be eerie. Then to a place called Wapi Park ( not really a park) so people that are able can hike over the lava to Pillar Butte and the many eruptive areas up there. Then perhaps up Big South Butte and a part of Gooddale's Cut Off. Part of the Oregon trail.

Will be dusty, hot, rough boring with moments of " Oh my ................. " unless it rains.

No services at all. No water, no toilets, no shade, no gas, little cell phone.

Any body up for this?

Randy

[Wolffarmer]

Trailers not required. Bring a tent if you don't want to drag a trailer on dusty rough roads.

Potta pots and shelters also very welcomed.

[robfisher]

Count me in Randy.

[Wolffarmer]

If somebody wants to leave a trailer at my place I should have plenty of room to park a mess of them. If someone wants to go but does not have a vehicle I could take 1-3 ish tenters with me. Other people may be willing to share rides. So a person would not need a high clearance vehicle or trailer.

I figure it will be about 100-150 miles from pavement to pavement but seldom further than 30 miles ( as the crow flies ) from pavement.

No camp fires so we do not need wood. In a normal weather year the cheat grass ( Bromus tectorum ) is still green. When it gets dry I tend to avoid going out there. Boots with a full gusset tongue is nice or you will be picking a mess of cheat grass out of your socks. Rattle snakes and ticks a possibility. Bring a fair tool kit, jumper cables, shovel and tow chains/straps if you have them.

[Vedette]

Sounds like something I would have loved when I was a Boy Scout 50 years ago?
But, now I will have to pass as "WE" enjoy the comforts of Teardrop Camping" and socializing over a glass of "red' away from the rattle snakes????
Good Roads
Brian & SANDI

[grant whipp]

Sounds really cool, Randy ... ...! I'm eager to take a teardrop out into that kind of outback! (As you may recall, we visited CotM in August of '13 and loved! it!)

What part of May are you considering ... early, middle, or later in the month? You might just be able to count Kay & I in on this one ... ...!

CHEERS!

[Wolffarmer]

I am thinking probably the middle of May.

2017 will be solar eclipse watching.

On the Craters of the Moon thing I think when we leave the pavement we will do about 100 miles before getting back to pavement. I chose may before the grass gets to dry. In normal years. But some times there are rains and only the foolish venture out there then. Roads when dry are not to bad, dusty, sometimes rough, sometimes rocks but no real 4x4 kind of stuff. Camp different places each night. No facilitates at all. Well there are showers when it rains. and flush toilets when it rains a whole bunch. I have seen it flush twice in my 65 years here. And if we are caught in that expect a few days of no moment.

This thing will have no guarantees at all about what will or will not happen.

Randy