So Dick has brought up the topic of us following each other as we travel the 8 or so hours to Halls Crossing. While I haven't had a chance to talk with Fish Hawk about this yet, my thoughts are:
I'd like to depart my house (I-10 & Chandler Blvd) in the 5-6 am time frame. Defiantly no later than 7 am. I know Bill's an early riser anyway so Billy Ho - you ok with that? My thought was to get there early enough to complete the required mussel inspection, set up shop in the family unit & then spend a couple hours on the lake hitting a couple of my favorite jig spots.
It usually takes me about +/- 45 min to get to I-17 & Carefree Hwy so whomever wants to join Bill & I, that'll probably be a good rendezvous point. From there it'll be a very quick stop in Flagstaff for diesel & a McD's sausage biscuit, then off to Kayenta for more diesel & a quick lunch and then a quick "just in case" diesel stop at Mexican Hat before the climp up the Moki Dugway to Halls Crossing.
My truck won't be stationary very long with this schedule so be pre warned :greengrin: :lol_hitting: :dance:
So that's my two cents......
5-6 is good with me. Like the idea of getting there setting up with a chance at a catching a fish.
We had good cell phone coverage most of the way so I'm not real concerned about doing a convoy.I'd like to leave by 6, so I will be pushing my guys to get loaded and go. I'm about 30 minutes from I17 & 303. Larry can you post the directions again. Last year my directions flew out the window, so I just pulled up the site and went from there. Do u still have hot spot?
Yes on the Hot Spot........
Mapquest Direction from My House: http://mapq.st/SQf3Y0 (so you can enter your own address)
That time frame sounds good to me. I just won't let Patty see a clock until we stop in Flagstaff. I am with you Larry on the quick stops, once I get moving I just want to go and only stop when need be. Getting closer and closer.
Geez, Brian... I was thinkin maybe noonish... :angel:
I'm o.k. leaving whenever Sat AM but looking to hitch a ride with someone. I could drive up myself but seeing if there are any seats open. Let me know. I can help pay for gas and have my ipod to keep me occupied for a majority of the trip.
matt I thought your rigging with me. I think everything will be good by then. im taking boaty in for a fuel fiulter and a new transducer, the transom one broke on a little stick at scf. the jeep had no overheating issues on the the rosey grade so im hopin to be in flag the last of our big climbs before it heats up. im sorry if I didn't get back to u officially previously but ur covered brother. we should talk about what to bring. id would like to boogie early say meeting u at ur place? at 6ish. where u at?
id like to convoy cuz I want to stay with the one who has the liars corner crawlers, but yall will be so highstrung, and me too, that I don't want to cause any consternation iffin im slowest up the hill. I know I wont relax till I get my campin spot and the cuz wont relax until that jig breaks the surface of the water so im gunna try and be safe first and make haste second. hastina lente if I recall my latin correctly spelling optional :laugh:
For those that have not been to Halls Crossing, I have attached a printable PDF map with areas labeled so that you can get an idea where things are located. Everything is within a minute or two car ride, including the boat ramp.
Here is a Google Map link so you can scroll/zoom to get an additional look at the area & compare it with the attached PDF: http://goo.gl/maps/A7miB
Check in at the store for our Family Unit assignments. Usually there's a sign posted on the door with the assigned unit numbers.
And as a reminder, you must get your boat inspected prior to launch. I marked on the map where the inspection stations was for the last two years, follow the signs. Their hours are 7am to 5pm Utah time - which I believe is 1 hour ahead of us. You cannot launch without stopping there first, get your boat inspected & then you'll receive a certificate that must be displayed in your truck at all times. Please make sure your boat is clean & dry - especially the live wells.
Quote from: mrokusek on April 14, 2013, 09:14 PMI could drive up myself
Quote from: menrats on April 15, 2013, 07:36 AMthe jeep had no overheating issues on the the rosey grade so im hopin to be in flag the last of our big climbs before it heats up.
Heck, you guys should take Matt's suburban. That 40 gal gas tank will take you a long way, it'll pull the boat up the hill like it's nobody's business & there'll be plenty of room in the back for the hot tub!
Quote from: cousinlll on April 15, 2013, 02:23 PM
Heck, you guys should take Matt's suburban. That 40 gal gas tank will take you a long way, it'll pull the boat up the hill like it's nobody's business & there'll be plenty of room in the back for the hot tub!
I hadn't thought of that. Well I had but there's always a concern of driving an older vehicle such a long distance. The question is.... which vehicle do we trust more? My suburban or menrats Jeep? That, my friends, is the question.....
I don't know but I'm driving a 2001 Super Duty F250 as one rig and it's got 224,000 on it and we're headed to Idaho after. Now that I said something it'll give me a problem. :ecomcity: :lol_hitting:
Larry,
You givr me a good window to shoot at. I will have my brother get to my place by 4:30 and shoot for a 5:00 to 5:30 am departure from FH's. That should put us into the meeting area between 6:00 to 6:30. We will connect by cell when we are packing and give you an exact idea of our departure so we can avoid either of us to be sitting and waiting on the others.
Question of travel speed. My boat is heavy (20 ft sea ray) but my brother has a V8 truck which I beleive will pull up the hills pretty good. Others as indicated may have to pull up slower. I would recomend we wait at the top of the long grades to get the convoy together again. Also, what speeds do you all want to travel. I prefer a 65 mph max speed pulling the heave boats we have as well as fifth wheels, etc.
Last, can someone put together a list of who are going to convoy and their cellnumbers for all of us so we have communications established now for the future.
Mine is
Dick Sauer
Cell 602 702 9895
Home (for before departure) 480 837 9714
For the record I do not mind slowing down for others to keep the group together.
One last item: Tools for the trip
I ussually travel with a full set of tools (limited of course since I am no mechanic) but do we all need to considering the weight involved. Of course if we get seperated it would be bad to be without some.
My cell is 623-332-7747, Brian
Wade- 360-880-1853
Matt - 480-474-7955
My cell is six2three 3four1 three501 but it's turned off because I am in AFGHANISTAN and once again I can not make the trip! Y'all have safe travels, catch the hell out of some fish and maybe one day when I am retired like Brian I can fish whenever and wherever!
Like it or not, here are my thoughts on this whole convoy deal:
While in theory this sounds good on paper but realistically, it may not work out. Obviously everybody drives at a different pace with some driving slow enjoying the scenery while others are on a mission. Some people like to stop & enjoy a nice relaxing lunch or stop in Monument Valley to take pictures of the killer views. I encourage all to take their time & enjoy the ride.
Guess the point I'm trying to make is, in my opinion, everybody should drive at their own pace & not be to concerned about keeping up with or slowing down for others in the group. Like Brian mentioned in another post, cell coverage is pretty good for a majority of the trip. As long as everybody's cell number is passed along, help will always be a short distance away. How about this - maybe everybody should just send a quick status update via a group text message when, for example, they are leaving Flagstaff, stopping for lunch in Tuba City or arrived at Halls Crossing. This way everybody has an idea where the others are located.
So with that being said, when I leave my house (I-10 & Chandler Blvd) I will send a group text message for all to know that I'm on my way. See ya on the road!
Oh, and my cell: six zero two-721-02 eight eight
:iagree: Don't worry, no one will be stranded... One of us will always come back to help, if needed...
Enjoy the ride... Take lots of pics... Moki Dugway and Monument Valley are impressive... :3some:
719-469-0076
Mac I have some to the conclusion that these trips are purposely planned to keep you out. LOL, I didn't have the time or know the secret hand shake this year but next year when all has settled, I suggest we put it on them. I'm back baby.
All,
Do I understand no one now wants to convoy? If so that is OK, however if anyuone prefers to have company I will be glad to join with you. So I beleive we have the phone numbers of two other vehicles going. Wade and Redmule in #1 and Brain, Matt and Larry in #2. Joe, myself and Tim make up #3 and you all have phone numbers now for those vehicles, multi numbers just in case. Any one else want to join the list, jump in?
Sorry mac daddy, no one was invited with superior fish catching skills, so that leaves u and Lotsa luck out of the mix. With that said Crowbait should have been the 1st person to sign up! :bootyshake: lol
http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=hall%20crossing&source=web&cd=13&ved=0CHcQFjAM&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nationalparktravel.com%2Flakepowell_hallscrossingwc.htm&ei=Yc5tUYa1CuKbiAL024HwDQ&usg=AFQjCNEXCgUJ9xhML0oNrHRBjwWpm7thJg&bvm=bv.45218183,d.cGE.
Don't know if this will link up but it is a live view of the halls crossing ramp, u can google it. The lake looks super low.
Webcam link work for me!
Just for reference, that's Bullfrog Bay w/ marina in the distance (upper RH side of the picture) and you can just get a peak of the Halls Marina hidden behind the hill to the right. The fish cleaning station is directly behind the webcam view
And yes, the lake is down quite a bit from last year. Lake level is currently at 3597 vs 3635 when we were there last year, so it's about 38' lower. Which brings up a subject - everybody needs to be extra careful navigating as there's plenty of reefs hidden just below the surface just waiting to take out your prop or lower unit. Try to stay in the main channel as much as possible on plane & be careful entering side canyons.
It looks like they may be allowing people to park on the ramp, that is a plus. Chris about puked every-time he got the truck last year. :lol_hitting:
sauerrj, menrats and I might want to carpool. We are trying to determine departure time. Right now is the 5-6am time range but perhaps we aren't the 75mph up hill crew but a little less. Will know more next week on actual departure time. We are still deciding which vehicle to take.
OK, let me know Matt what your plans are. We are pretty flexible on departure time. A little rough on my brother Tim since he will have to travel from Scottsdale to Fountain Hills to hook up my boat and pack Joe and my stuff in his truck. This makes our departure time a little more unpredictable than the rest of you guys. We generally roll at about 65mph with heavy rigs for safety reasons. There is a big difference between 65 and 75 mph if something unexpected happens. Just gives us a greater safety margine at the cost of an extra hour or so of travel time. With three drivers there is not so much of a fatigue factor to consider with just one more hour travel time. I do like to minimize down times for stops however and am not much for sight seeing. Already been down this road we are going to travel, and yes it is beautiful, but also darned boring as well. I do like the suggested stops. There is one stop out of Flag I love that has great burritos but also like MacD's as well.
Quote from: Crowbait on April 16, 2013, 08:05 AM
Mac I have some to the conclusion that these trips are purposely planned to keep you out. LOL, I didn't have the time or know the secret hand shake this year but next year when all has settled, I suggest we put it on them. I'm back baby.
I know, that's how I am starting to feel! :munky2:
Quote from: wadefisherman on April 16, 2013, 01:18 PM
Sorry mac daddy, no one was invited with superior fish catching skills, so that leaves u and Lotsa luck out of the mix. With that said Crowbait should have been the 1st person to sign up! :bootyshake: lol
Whatever Brian!
My group is considering a Friday night run to my place in Flag coupled with an early start from there in the morning to get a couple of hours behind us. I have limited sleeping accomadations. 3 bedrooms, 3 couches and probably floor space for a couple of others if we do this. The whole idea, however hinges on my business trip to LV completing by Thur nite or early Fri afternoon in time to pack the gear and get rolling. I also have a water leak (frozen supply pipe into the home) that needs repair or we have no running water and would have to use the creek for water to flush the toilets. So, still in the thinking stages, but let me know if anyone has any interest in this idea.
Dick
Dick,
Menrats (Tom) and I also considered half a trip Fri night. I would be up for this as we would leave approximately 7:30 or 8pm from Phoenix. I'm not sure though if he wanted to go further or not but Flagstuff would be good for me. Let me chat with Tom and let you know.
Matt
OK,
This idea is still up in the air dependent on my return from LV early enough on Friday, or preferebly Thursday. Our group is open to the idea and would shorten the trip by 1/4 or more. I'll keep you informed.
Here's a Mapquest link for the route around the Moki Dugway. No gravel roads or scary grades - it's all paved. Tom has traveled this route & can probably tell you what the added travel times are - some have told me to add 45min to an hour to your trip time.
You're staying on US 163 from Mexican Hat towards Blanding Utah turning onto Utah State Route 95 before you get to Blanding. Then back on course turning onto Utah State Route 276 to Halls Crossing.
Mapquest link: http://mapq.st/13nG1Me
Matt and Larry, et al
Our crew has decided to drive to Flag and stay overnight at my place. I have a temporary fix for the water line and if it works we will have water for the night. If not, a 5 gal bucket will flush the toilets. We are looking at a departure sometimeafter 5 even if I am held over in LV on Thur night. So if either of you guys want to do the same you are welcome. I have three couches and floor should hold at least two guys. All you need is a sleeping bag. The floor is fully carpeted and its a pretty decent place so you would be comfortable. Let me know if you want to stay with us. I see no requirement to convoy that 160 miles unless someone wants to. Same for the other 310 miles to Halls crossing from there. I figure am6:00 departure from Flag should put us up there around 1 or 2 in the afternoon.
Appreciate the offer Dick! Bill & I are making last minute shopping runs on Friday. Plus, I had planned on picking up the nightcrawlers on Friday also.
yo cuz wasn't there a rest area at the top moki dugway? I recall there being at least a big parking lot/turnaround area but didn't see it on the google map. do you recall? matt and I are thinking that would be a beauty place to crash fri eve on a near full moon.
Quote from: menrats on April 25, 2013, 07:01 AMyo cuz wasn't there a rest area at the top moki dugway? I recall there being at least a big parking lot/turnaround area but didn't see it on the google map. do you recall? matt and I are thinking that would be a beauty place to crash fri eve on a near full moon.
You're only approx 1.5 hours from the top of the Moki Dugway (Which is called Cedar Mesa) to Halls Crossing. That's all BLM land so I'm not sure of the regulations. If still interested, suggest you call the BLM > http://www.blm.gov/ut/st/en/prog/more/cultural/archaeology/places_to_visit/kane_gulch.html http://www.blm.gov/ut/st/en/fo/monticello/recreation/activities/camping/dispersed_camping.html
thanks larry u inspired me to call the Utah hp who advised that they encourage people to crash at the side of the road and that there is a big turn around at the top of the mogi dugway. well be dancing in the moonlight. :celebrate:
called the park and u can enter at any time and check in in the morning. race ya. :dance: