Friday, June 13, 2008

Escalante to Torrey

Wednesday dawned with high clouds and cool temperatures, perfect for the climb to Boulder. After we left Escalante we had to descend to cross the Escalante River approx. 10 miles downriver from where we hiked. The picture above shows the road winding and winding down into the river gorge. To see the detail, click the picture and it will become full size. The climb out of the gorge was amazing with 14 % grades and beautiful views of Calf Creek Canyon.


We camped outside of Boulder and Thursday morning headed up the mountain for a climb of 3000 ft. in 12 miles. Along the way, we kept seeing these old cars that were obviously part of a rally. One of the cars a Landrover sedan honked and waved at us on its way down. A little bit later the same car drove past us going up the mountain. When we got to the summit the driver had jumped out and was taking pictures of us. We stopped and talked with David and Lorraine from Hong Kong who are driving their 1960 Landrover from Panama to Alaska (14,000 miles). They were intrigued with our adventure and with Jack. We wished each other good luck after taking pictures. We headed down the pass and got to Torrey late in the afternoon. Today we ride east on Hwy 24 to Hanksville. Our ability to post may be limited from Hanksville to Blanding.

6 comments:

Michael Podolny said...

In addition to your overall training, did you do anything to prepare yourselves for altitude issues?

Jon said...

Your adventures seem to be getting better and better - reading your blog has become an addiction - hi to Jack
Jon H.

Anonymous said...

What state are you in now?

Anonymous said...

I'd like to take that ride down to the Escalante gorge! What is Dave and Lorraine's philosophy about the route to Alaska?

Anonymous said...

David & Belinda,
I have some sad news. I'm sorry to say, Rollin died yesterday. I don't have all the details, just what Venita told me this afternoon. I'm going to call Lorraine tomorrow. So sad...
Love, Leslie

Anonymous said...

Michael, no nothing special for altitude. Belinda and I have hiked extensively in the Sierra Nevada and have never experienced altitude sickness.

Thanks Jon, glad to see your comment here and that you are enjoying the blog.

Leslie, we're STILL in Utah! It has been a big challenge! Nevada was just a warm up! Today we reached Blanding. As we have been riding for seven days straight, we will take a rest day tomorrow. Wednesday we will cross over into Colorado. I talked to Venita this evening and will call Lorraine tomorrow. I'm glad you are going up to Ukiah and taking Venita. I feel bad that I cannot be there.

John, we have had many screaming descents. Just today Belinda and I both set new personal speed records for the trip, 42 mph and 47 mph respectively. David and Lorraine have done many competitive ralllies, but this one is a friendship rally. Check them out at www.globalrally.org.uk