Wanderin' the West

For what little wheeling we did in the Black Hills, seemed we worked really hard for those two days.

Outlaws Run 2019.

This years Outlaws Run was quite a wild ride. My original plan through the Black Hills of Wyoming and South Dakota didn’t really pan out thanks to all the snow that the Black Hills got ( 5-8″ in Sundance, WY and 15″ in Deadwood, SD). We still had a blast making the most of the conditions. I always seem to check off a lot of bucket list items on these runs, but add a lot more at the same time. We plan to be back to the Black Hills, just maybe not so late in the year…..

Just started working on pics, will post more when I can.

For now, one from our really long day of wheeling. About half way through, we started breaking trails. Most of the group getting stuck at least once.

Every year I lead a trip with the Rising Sun 4×4 club chasing Butch Cassidy and his Wild Bunch. This year were heading to the Black Hills for a week. Always a fun trip with good friends.

Hopefully the weather holds out while were out there…

Pic: Outlaws Run 2017 in the San Rafael Swell of Utah. Making our way over Fixit Pass.

Every year we head down to Antonito, CO and Chama, NM to ride and chase the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad.

The aspens were just about to peak this year but the leaves froze with last weeks storm. Had an enjoyable time riding the train on Saturday. We chased the train on the Antonito side from Whiplash Curve to Sublette, NM. Lots of fun!

Just got pics downloaded, will post more when I get them edited.

#488 at Sublette, NM.

Every fall I head down to Chama, NM with the 4×4 club to ride and chase the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad. A most enjoyable steam train that goes from Chama, NM to Antonito, CO.

Excited for a fall ride on the Cumbres and Toltec.

And camping, excited for some fall camping!

I’ve always enjoyed working on vehicles ( was a mechanic at Kuni Lexus of Denver for six years), but feel as i’m getting older, would rather pay someone to do some of that work. This weekend I set out to do a simple oil change on the 4runner to get ready for some up coming trips with the 4×4 club, only to find it turning into a longer project….

After picking up a oil filter from the Toyota dealership, I headed to AutoZone to pick up oil, only to have the battery go bad on me ( it took three tries to get the right battery from AutoZone for the 4runner). While there, I found the negative terminal connector broken. After replacing both, I headed to my parents house to change the oil. Frustrated from earlier, I wasn’t paying attention and drained the transmission fluid ( rolls eyes). Realized what I did a half block after leaving, I parked the truck and went home. I made better progress on everything Sunday…

Definitely ready for some fall camping with the 4×4 club.

Finding a broken negative terminal connector after realizing the battery is shot (only a year old).

A more productive day Sunday working on the 4runner.

Toyota Trails is a bi monthly magazine published by the Toyota Land Cruiser Association. I’ve had the good fortune of getting some photographs and articles published in the past, but that seemed to take a hiatus. So was pleasantly surprised when I got the latest issue to see one of my pics on the cover. Definitely made my week when I got it.

On the cover: My good friend Sean making his way up to Bull Creek Pass. Deep in the Henry Mountains of south eastern Utah. Pic was from the summer 4th of July trip with Sean driving and I riding along. Guess I need to get back into submitting my work:).

More pics from my time in Black Valley, Ireland.

More of the boats from the upper end of Lough Gummeenduff.

I took a break from hiking around the loughs and took a drive down to Kenmare, Co Kerry. An enjoyable little town along the Ring of Kerry. Enjoyed a nice lunch and was able to stock up on some supplies before heading back to the hostel.

Stopped to check out this small waterfall along the road as I made my way back to the hostel.

A few wildflowers were still out.

After getting back from Kenmare, I headed back to Lough Gummeenduff. Was nice to see the sun trying to break free from the clouds. A most relaxing evening.

Gearhameen River. Feed by Lough Duff and Lough Reagh, high in the MacGillycuddy Reek’s, to the west, and above Lough Gummeenduff and Black Valley.

Last evening at Lough Gummeenduff and Black Valley.

Felt like I was being watched.

I woke up to blue skies on my last morning in Black Valley. Before leaving the valley, had to make one last visit to Lough Gummeenduff. Sure glad I did. Some spectacular views of the lough and reeks.

End.

While looking at maps for the upcoming trip to Ireland, I came across Black Valley. Black Valley is a wonderful remote valley located at the the southern end of the MacGillycuddy Reek’s mountain range on the Iveragh Peninsula (Ring of Kerry) in southwestern Ireland.. The valley, west of the town of Killarney, Co Kerry, was the last area in Ireland to get electricity and phone service in 1976.

With some long days of work right before I left for Ireland, I decided to stay a few nights in Black Valley. I booked a few nights at the Black Valley Hostel. This gave me time to relax and enjoy the area. Every morning and evening i’d head over to Lough Gummeenduff and take in the views. It was nice to settle into a place and not be rushed while traveling.

Making my way into Black Valley. I took the road in from Molls Gap (just west of Killarney). About as wide as the road got, though pull outs were abundant.

After getting checked into Black Valley Hostel, I headed straight for the loughs in Black Valley. After putting on rain gear, I went for a walk along the road in the valley, passing by the two sections of loughs that make up Lough Gummeenduff.

Driving down to the loughs on my first full day in Black Valley.

I took a hike along the road.

First views of the upper section of Lough Gummeenduff .

Looking back down the valley.

At the upper end of Lough Gummeenduff. I took a liking to those boats.

One of many waterfalls in the valley.

Further along the road.

Old cottage in Black Valley.

Heading back towards the car.

Out for an evening walk. View of the Black Valley Hostel.

Looking west to Black Valley.

Walking along the road towards the Gap of Dunloe.

Looking southeast towards Killarney National Park.

Back at the loughs.

Lots of sheep in Ireland.

Looking northwest into the MacGillycuddy Reeks.

Back at the boats:).

Another view of the old cottage. I originally planned to hike to the big waterfall I spotted earlier this day, but didn’t feel right crossing private property (have since learned the rules).

A little bit of sun dances across the Reeks.

While walking along the road, an 81 series Land Cruiser passed by me. Was to excited to get a pic ( I did give him a thumbs up)…..

End of part one.

Crazy to think that it’s been two years since I picked up my current 3rd gen 4runner from my friend Bob, a longtime employee at Proffitt’s Resurrection Land Cruisers.

Managed to get a few trips and upgrades in that time:).

Here are pics from that first time picking up the new 3rd gen.

Beehives and helicopter landing. Treeroot and I enjoying the views as we made our way up McClure Pass.

Fall colors from McClure Pass.

The third gen 4runner i’d soon be swapping out.

At Proffitt’s. With the new ’99 4runner.

The yard was full of work.

Camp as we made our way back to Denver.

Rowdy lake.

Fall colors.

Treeroot.

Frosty morning. Winter is coming.

Summer gives way to fall.

We drove into camp at night not knowing what to expect. As we left camp the next morning, we were greeted with these views. Cimarron Ridge in the distance.

Making our climb up Weston Pass.

Fall time bliss. Weston Pass.

Making our way up Weston. Lots of color.

Enjoying the new ride.

Color.

Was a hard morning to get out of bed. Perfect fall weather. And out of all the travels, this is still home.

Looking towards Evans. Somewhere in the fog.