While we wanted to continue exploring the North Rim today we decided to go off road. Tim and I haven't been four-wheeling since we were back in Chaco with the Airstream. LOL
To get to Point Sublime from the campground we drove back toward the North Rim entrance then took a different road off to the side that is unpaved. All the signs scream no RVs (we left the Airstream back at base camp) four wheel drive and high clearance vehicles only ... nothing over 22' in length. Tim's truck is twenty-two feet! Yikes!!!
Just a few miles in, it happened again. 'Someone queue the buffalo!!!' And just like that a larger heard stood before us in this beautiful meadow. One calf was very young. We eased along taking a few pictures then continued on before they got any more nervous about our presence.
This unpaved rocky, steep, washed out, nearly impassible road takes you eighteen miles back to the trail head. Along the way we had a couple in a Jeep stop us to inform us about a fallen tree blocking the road. On his way in it was not there but had to maneuver around it to make their way out. Then we came across a family fixing a flat. Tim helped the guy get the spare on and at this point we still hadn't come across the fallen tree. We had to wait anyway ... no passing on this road. Upon driving deeper into the woods we finally came across it.
By this time we had three vehicles lined up behind us wanting to pass. After inspecting our situation Tim and I decided not to try to maneuver around it. The vehicle behind us decided the same. But the next guy made a go of it. The last guy turned around as well. It took a few people and a few two point turns to guide the one guy through ... he safely made it.
We on the other had were much heavier and longer than his Toyota Land Cruiser to even think about driving off the path. No way could we fit or maneuver those trees. Of course we brought everything with us today except the chain saw!
After everyone cleared behind us we backed up a good ways to a wider spot on the road and did a five point turn to get out. This little trip took us three hours and forty-five minutes roundtrip and we guess we only drove thirteen of the eighteen miles. I want a Jeep!!!
Sure it may have been a disappointment not making it to Point Sublime. Everyone has told us it's the best lookout spot ever. But you know everyone said that about every other place here as well. Tim and I are looking at this experience as a great excuse to come back. It was still a great adventure and we realize most people who come to visit the North Rim never have the opportunity to even travel this road.
Stay tuned ... tomorrow we move base camp!
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