My silly pickup was definitely underdressed for this party.
Making time in from Hite, the call came in over the radio from FastGas - "I think I broke a tie rod end". Yup, I think you're right.
Escorting the broken Rodeo out, the breakup of the storm and afternoon light made for incredible desert colors. I couldn't resist stopping for frequent photos. I think these couple turned out pretty good.
We found even better scenery day two.
Greg tried to escape this frame, but I made him go back and stand there. The pose is all him though.
Somebody I'd spoken to about the route had compared the road into Dollhouse to the White Rim. If I had known what it was really like I'd have brought the Wiferunner. It was slow going in spots, but my land whale did ok.
If I'd been alone I probably would have turned around but I didn't want to ruin it for Greg, and I'm glad I didn't because I really ended up revising my estimation of what that truck can do and where it can go, and just having a great time.
If night one was warm and a little wet, night two was clear and crisp, about 40* f. I didn't bother setting up the tent, just put the cot out under the stars and slept the sleep of the just. The dawn was amazing. I'm so glad we got the camp we did, I can't imagine anywhere else being as spectacular in the morning light
Greg led the way out and jackrabbited ahead of me with his 35s and short wheel base while I picked my way through the Teapot section. I still managed to get a couple nice shots of his Jeep making short work of the rocks and ledges.
Here he tried an ambush photo session. I got him back.
After we got out of the slow stuff, it was on to Sunset Pass and Poison Springs Canyon. Fewer pics from here, it was getting late in the day and I still had to go to work at midnight. We'd been told by the ranger that they'd done "some" work on the wash out and the canyon was open but just barely. We breezed right through the dug out section with no troubles, the entire route was easy driving - and a little bit fun when you goose it around the corners.
I'd been looking forward to a burger at Ray's since I woke up that morning, and that's right where we headed after airing up.
And then we headed home. I stayed awake at work that night looking at maps and wondering when I'd be able to make it back, because there are definitely more journeys into the Maze in my future.