VTR - virtual trip report, my last one

[cewillis]

I've had some great trips and it's been a lot of fun, but now my truck and camper are sold, and I'm out of the T and TR business. Though I still feel great, at 75 it's probably time for me to stop being out in the wilderness 50 - 100 miles from any 'civilization'. (even with a personal locator device) Really not interested in touring campgrounds.

Thanks again to Steve_in_29 and the late, great Don Curley for helping me get the camper setup right (for me) the first time. (equipment) Also thanks to everyone's offroad camping inspiration, Dave Rogers (Whazoo).
(btw, he'll never admit it, but Whazoo copied my rig. My truck was 2006, his 2007 - you figure it out)

So here's a 'highlight' reel for anyone interested. All real TRs are on my web site -- www.ctwillis.com


Initial checkout -- on the Poudre River, not far from Outfitter, and much better that a freeway campground.


Salt River canyon, Az


1st real trip, Cape Solitude, overlooking the Colorado, Little Colorado confluence. One of my favorite places.


My 'younger' daze.


The LCR. I razzed Whazoo for hiking 2 days to get here, when I could drive - but did he really? I took a similar picture at max resolution and max telephoto to see for sure --


-- and there it is. Proof positive that Whazoo was there!


Another fantastic spot on the north rim -- suggested by Eric seldomseen Smith.


The Toroweap overlook.


San Pedro river valley, near my home.


Monument Valley in winter


Seeing double with Whazoo




Alexandia Falls, Hay River, Northwest Territory


Bear Flat, British Columbia


Big Sur, California coast


Steamboat Mountain, CG north rim


Sunset on the north rim


On the rim of Dark Canyon -- only tracks are mine. Another of my favorite places.


Dark Canyon


Near the Burr Trail, overlooking Bullfrog marina.


Hole-in-the-rock


Left Hand Collet Canyon Road


Smokey Mountain Road


North side, Lake Powell


Best spot on the Mogollon Rim


Mt Doom -- Grand Tetons


Dempster Highway, Yukon


Klondike River


2nd time at the Arctic Circle


1st time, Dalton Highway, Alaska, 2005


Camp visitor


Saddlebag Lake, Tioga Pass


Near Twin Point, Grand Canyon Parashant


Full size image - worth a look.
Whitmore Canyon Overlook, GC Parashant -- yet another of my favorite places, and likely the best spot on the north rim.


'Lake Colorado' have been something to see.


Near the bottom of the Overlook 'trail'.


Salt River Canyon Wilderness


The real Salt River, before being tamed for Phoenix.
The most free flowing water in Az (other than the Colorado)


High in the Sierra Ancha Wilderness


East (more difficult) side, Sheep Bridge on the Verde River


The Verde River


Bottom of the Shafer Trail, starting on the While Rim


The infamous, but trivial, hogback


Very scenic camping


Labyrinth camp - best spot on the WRT, imo.


10000+ feet in the Manti-La Sal NF. -- 25 degrees cooler thatn on the WRT


Muley Point

Muley Point panorama here


Central coast mountains, near Big Sur, overlooking the Pacific


Leavitt Lake, off the Sonora Pass in the Sierra Mountains


Origin of the Little Colorado River, 10000 ft on the slope of Mt Baldy


Gila River - still free flowing,a little NE of Tucson


Dragoon Mountains, SE Az, location of the Cochise Stronghold


'The Gate', near the top of China Peak


A fun drive - to a great place to camp


Top of Bobby's Hole -- back door access to Needle District, Canyonlands


Somewhat difficult coming back up -- often much worse.


And the end of the trial for me, and as it turned out -- that top part could lay the camper right on the rocks. Looking forward to jefe4x4 making this trip.


Back at one of my 3 favorite places -- rim of Dark Canyon

[sandblast]

WHAT A GREAT POSTING
Sorry but some things are just worth yelling about!
And thanks for your memories.

From a old guy that started TCing in 1968 with a Tear Drop truck camper (the brand name) 8.5 with ice box and no potty. Man did that thing have some real wood in it.

[cewillis]

Thanks all for the generous comments and compliments.
About 'old' -- I said I was 75, not old. My hope for all of you is that you're in as good condition as I am when you're 75.
And Dave -- keep watching those mirrors. You never know who's coming up behind you in a brand new 2019 GMC Duramax/Allison 3500 long bed dually carrying a 6000 lb Host Mammoth triple slide.
Won't be me -- but still, you never know.

[Clarryhill]

Cal, appreciated all the knowledge and truly enjoyed the fabulous trip reports. 75 is still young, my friend. :):)
Great trip down TR memory lane here.
All the best in whatever you set your mind to do with the "rest of the story"...

[whazoo]

Hah, I do have a few pics of Cal and I at the Swell on a 6º trip.


I got turned around and Cal gave me directions on which way to go, lucky for me, I might not have found my way out.






I did not know Cal was also Spiderman.


So long Cal, see ya sometime!

[joerg68]

Thanks, and many happy travels in your future!

So now I learn that it was not the Grand Whazoo alone who laid the foundation for my fascination with Outfitter campers... At the time I was so impressed with these trip reports that I (erroneously) expected the wonderful outdoors to be part of the camper delivery. I had one shipped here, but neither the local weather nor the landscape were up to par 😉

Thanks again!

[Camper_Jeff___K]

Thanks for all the great stuff you've posted over the years. This kind of reminds me I need to start getting my retirement travel plans together. 2 years to go.

[billtex]

Hey cal,

Best wishes and safe travels-wherever they may lead.
You have certainly given me some good advice over the years (we had some good GM tire/wheel email conversations).

God Bless,

Bill

[whazoo]

Hey Cal, thanks for the heads-up here and boy that’s a lot of pictures of a lot of awesome places. I’ll be sure to enjoy Dark Canyon for you and keep it in good shape should you ever make it back. And good choice at Bobby’s Hole, let ol Jefe leave some paint on those rocks. Enjoy the next chapter in your book of traveling the good ol US of A and beyond.

[mike_kellie]

Hi Cal, I was the one who saw your truck and camper on Craig's List and pm'ed you. Hope you found the right buyer, even if the price is fair, for me there would also need to be some mutual appreciation for a true exchange. I'm sure some will disagree (I got my money) but seeing the pictures and imagining the stories behind them is just hard to value in dollars. It's been a real treat seeing your reports and hope the future treats you and your wife kindly.

[profdant139]

Well done, and thanks for the memories!

[DWeikert]

Thanks for sharing your many amazing journeys with us over the years.

"The memories of a man in his old age, are the deeds of a man in his prime." : Pink Floyd

[bighatnohorse]

Thanks for the excellent pictures and for making the effort to publish them for us to enjoy.

[RickW]

wow,

Your highlight reel is a bucket list for the rest of us.

Happy trails,

[GoinThisAway]

What a grand chronicle of some of your favorite places! I hope you continue to hang around the forum and share some of your knowledge and maybe even some of your old camping spots. If all goes well, our grand adventures will begin next year.