Ok, finally getting some dates down for this years adventures. These are mostly multi-day trips that I am planning or planning to attended at this point. More day trips and possibly a couple more over nighters may be included at a later date.
Jan 25 Winter Wonderland III 117 Miles (Dan's Ferry Service to Dan's Ferry Service)
I usually plan the first trip of the year around the end of January, beginning of February.
Weather can still be a issue so I tend to stay low in the valley to avoid heavy snow. Although the last two years have been virtually snow free that does not mean this year will be. I am still not expecting deep snow for this trip and the route can be altered if need be. The only place that could be a issue is a gradual 4.5 mile climb from 3600 to 4400 feet. Last time I did this trip it was a beautiful view of the valley and Owyhees during this stretch. This trip will be finished off with a unique location which people should be prepared to hike, if they want to partake. Weather is up in the air for this trip so prepare accordingly, I will be monitoring. Trails could be frozen to muddy. I have driven a big portion of this route before, but have added short sections that I have not driven. Be prepared for two tracks with possible tight sections.
Apr 17-20 Stinking Water 200 miles (Wilder Idaho to Buchanan Oregon)
Planning a 4 day trip for this one, but possibly could turn out to be only 3 days. How many days depends on trails, trail conditions, trail access and time spent at planned locations.
Some trips early last year were scouting trips into a area I have previously had no idea what to expect. With two trips that barely scratched the surface it intrigued me enough to do a full expedition into the unknown. This part of eastern Oregon, I feel, does not get much travel so here we go. I believe road conditions to be from two track to fairly well used roads. One stretch of trail may require some trail improvements such as limb removal. This stretch also may need to be bypassed altogether if conditions get too bad. I hope not, for I have high hopes for this section of trail. Planned visits include a cave, old homesteads, reservoir, historical places, ect.
Jun 5-9 Mordor v.5.0 400-500 miles (estimated Boise to Boise)
Mordor is back for the fifth year!
This is not a trip that I planned, but all are welcome to attend.
This trip is a return to the Central Idaho landscape with a planned visit to a obscure indian cave and historical road in the lava flows of central Idaho. I believe this is a base camp style adventure with one planned move. Even though there are planned trips I will be adding a few other outings in case there is too much down time. Plan to hike or mountain bike for portions of this trip if you want to partake in these activities. Plenty of off road adventures can be substituted if hiking and biking are not your forte.
Jul 9-13 Ruby 660 miles (Boise to Boise)
Ruby, a 5 day adventure, has been in the works for a couple of years. This is the year to pull the trigger. Luckily it did take this long to plan since I was able to add another destination to it that I previously did not know about.
Planned later in the year than I usually like, but necessary to be able to clear passes and to hike to high points (9500 feet). You don't have to hike if you don't want to partake, but plan on some down time if the case. There will be plenty of cool sites to see though. I will probably hike some, but there are plenty of hiking trails in the area with different levels of difficulty if that is your forte.
A few known and unknown mining camps will be included in this adventure so bring a camera and take in some history!
This trip is going to be a bit tight for 5 days since I plan a entire day just at one location. The hope is to make the fist destination the first day. It might make for a long day of travel, but that is what overlanding is all about, right? I have chosen a more interesting route in that could be a slow moving, tight trail with limb removal possible. Another short section is two track and a possible steep section no more than a few miles. Could be bypassed if not wanting to partake on this section. All other roads should be good forest roads by this time of the year, sorry....
Sep 26,27 Panels and Homesteads 280 miles (Boise to Boise)
Nearly hunting season so it is time to head out and see some sites.
A simple over nighter into the Bennetts of Idaho. More a scout trip with some points of interest. How many I don't know since some sites may not be accessible due to private property. Bypasses are planned for such a misfortune, but the trip should still have plenty of substance to be fun. One hike of 1/2 mile is planned to see some panels... Planned camp spot is a place we have camped before in some rocks, yes you know the spot if you attended the "I Wanna Rock" trip.
Well that is what is planned, but stay tuned to the thread in case something changes. I will post trips individually as they get closer. I figured this will help those that want to attend trips this year to plan their calendars.
