Sitting at 12,745 with storms rolling in and the FJ won’t start. That is the scenario I found myself in on a short weekend run with Daniel M. from Denver. We had stopped at the top of Red Cone Pass and when ready to go I could not start the FJ. Hmm, maybe vapor lock. Out…
Trip Reports
Canyonlands National Park 50th Anniversary
by tomas •
I spent the second weekend in September at Canyonlands National Park for the parks 50th anniversary. Having been visiting the canyon lands since the late 1960’s as a young boy I have a special affinity for the lands it encompasses. As a high school student in the 1970’s we would spend a week every fall camping at…
Electronics
100 Watt Solar Panel Upgrade
by tomas •
The auxiliary power system is a key part of our Toyota FJ Cruiser build. The system includes a National Luna Charge controller, a solar charge controller, and a second 50 amp hour battery. The original system was built with a 50 watt solar panel and we have found that this panel has not provide enough charge…
Trip Reports
Trails Less Traveled – Taos to South Fork – Part 2
by tomas •
For part 2 of the Taos to South Fork route our Toyota FJ Cruiser once again took me on a fantastic journey. Once I was on the highway it was time to start looking for a place to camp for the night. I found a nice campground along the river but the price was not…
Trip Reports
Trail Less Traveled – Taos to South Fork – Part 1
by tomas •
Getting from point A to point B in the southwest presents many options using back roads and trails. On my June trip this summer I took an interesting route that I had been eyeing for the last few years. My objective was to find an off road route from Taos to Lake City taking the trails less…
Trip Reports
Adrift in Time – Rio Grande del Norte National Monument
by tomas •
It’s rare that one gets the opportunity to explore a new national monument. This June My Toyota FJ Cruiser and I had the chance to do just this in the newly created Rio Grande del Norte National Monument. The monument was create by presidential decree in the spring of 2013 and encompass the Rio Grande Gorge and BLM…
Trip Reports
The Backdoor to Sand Dunes National Park
by tomas •
During the summer months there is a back entrance to Sand Dunes National Park. The route enters over Medano Pass from the Wet Mountain Valley near Westcliffe, Colorado. Medano Pass, originally a route used by Native Americans to pass between the Wet Mountain Valley and San Louis Valley was traversed by Zebulon Pike and his…
Trip Reports
Highway to Swell
by tomas •
Cruise Moab always has lots to offer, and 2014 was no exception. With an early registration comes the opportunity to go on a pre-run. This year I was able to get into the San Rafael Swell pre-run that is hosted by Wasatch Cruisers each year. For some, this is the main event for the week. The…