Idaho – Obrianmcc Adventures

East to West – Part 5

The Magruder turns to dirt full time a short distance past Nez Perce Pass. Running alongside Deep Creek the road is a loose rock surface that kept the bike feeling a bit unsettled. Steady counter balance and light steering kept the bike tracking true and out of the ditch.

It wasn’t long before we turned south crossing the creek. At this point the road surface transitioned back to a more packed surface and we would start our climb upward out of the current drainage and onto the ridge that we would following for the next a many miles.

The early miles out of the Deep Creek drainage was in and out of a healthy stand of forest. Soon the trees give way to more open views and the trail side hilled along side a prior burn area.

Once up on the ridge we arrived at one of the most notable sites along the Magruder Road…. the Lloyd Magruder site details the tragic incident that took Lloyds life during a robbery. The robbers were eventually tracked down and paid for their crime, but the story does portray the some what lawless nature of the day.

The views along the Magruder Trail are exceptional. At the Lloyd Magruder site we were looking into vast distance of Big Sky Montana Peaks.

The Magruder isn’t overly technical. If you make it to the Magruder Site and are in relative comfortable with the road conditions you will not have any issues … barring any late season weather.

The day is running long and we are chasing the sun with the hopes that we will arrive at Red River Hot Springs before the dinner cut off.

The group spreads out to again preserve air filters and to allow each of us to enjoy our own individual experience along the trail. Stopping periodically to ensure that our group is still whole …. we make Red River HS with time to spare.

You might find some older reports of Red River HS and some bad reviews …. these were previous owners. The current owners are putting in a lot of hard work into the lodge and were a very pleasant couple. The gave us a pad alongside the pools which worked great for our tents. We had the pools to ourselves until they closed, which prepped us for a good nights sleep.

Rising the next morning we made our way into Elk City for fuel. These small communities are largely supported by tourism, so when you pass through make sure to stop for a nice meal and fuel. It will help to make sure that these resources remain in place for the next traveler or your next trip. Without these communities it would be increasingly difficult for us to complete these trips.

For the next few miles we blasted down Hwy 14 and the South Fork of the Clearwater. This section of Hwy was super fun! It’s another one of those two lane highways with endless twist and turns.

Eventually the fun of Hwy 14 came to an end and we turned south to traverse over the mountain, through Florence and eventually dropping down to the Main Salmon River.

Dropping down to the river was a stark reminder of the oppressive valley heat we were returning to. To delay this return we chose to make our way up and over the French Grade Switchbacks, through Burgdorf, and McCall.

The 2 hr ride from McCall to Boise concluded our trip. Approx 840 miles over three long days. This loop was remarkable and I feel blessed to have been invited along with such a good group of people. All bikes finished the trip with no issues and I was also pleased with the performance of my OBR ADV Gear Big Sky Tank Bag, Sherpa Tail Bag, and Crash Bar Bags. Each piece of kit did it’s job, never budged, and never interfered with me as the rider.

………Until our next adventure!

Farewell to the tried and true …. pt 3

Turning North onto Rd 563 starts by quickly passing through a thick sweeping corridor of trees before opening up for a spirited run to the Landmark/Stanley Rd. You need to keep on your toes as the line of sight through this section is obscured to any oncoming traffic. 563 is typically in good condition other than the typical Summer dust.

The 579 Landmark/Stanley Rd is a fast dirt freeway that runs East/West spanning Hwy 21 to just north of Deadwood Reservoir. From there the road veers north passing by the old Deadwood City Mine and eventually over 6800′ Deadwood Summit.

Cresting Deadwood Summit the road will finally deliver you into Landmark, consisting of not much more than an air strip and USFS work station. The IBDR will continue north along Johnson Creek into Yellow Pine, but for this unsavory bunch we will head west past Warm Lake and into Cascade.

However, what is a trip without a little drama. Stopping at the pass this side of Warm Lake we discover that John E has graciously picked up a construction screw in the 690. Luckily between the three of us we had all of the required implements to make speedy work of changing his tube. In these situations this is where I do prefer a tubeless system as we would have been on our way in a fraction of the time by using a plug. but today tubes ruled the day and we prevailed.

Once over the pass the road starts to wind it’s way down into Warm Lake. With the day running long we speed past with Cascade in our sights some 26 miles further down the road. Fuel and snacks will greet us before we start our final run home south down Hwy 55 back into Boise.

Today was a fitting send off to the DRZ. After 13 trouble free years of ownership it’s hard to let her go, but sticking with the mantra of always wanting to see whats around the next corner our adventures will continue on the new 1090. Farewell trusty DRZ …

-Pre-flight, Prior trip over Elk Summit

For more info on the luggage I use visit www.obradvgear.com

Sunday drive to Thorn Creek Butte

“One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things.” (Henry Miller)

With winter still yet to settle in, another Sunday has presented itself with opportunity for another daily adventure …. so, today I decide to drive the loop over Thorn Creek Butte with my sights fixed on the fire lookout tower that rests on top of it’s 7500ft peak.

Driving up Hwy 21 out of East Boise, I make my turn along the Atlanta/Middle Fork Road. The first site of significance is the old Arrowrock Dam. Being one of three, Arrowrock is a concrete arched structure built back in 1912, the project intentions were of flood control for the Boise Basin and improved irrigation for downstream farmers.

-Arrowrock Dam-

“Arrowrock Dam is a concrete arch dam on the Boise River, in the U.S. state of Idaho. It opened in 1915 and is located on the border between Boise County and Elmore County, upstream of the Lucky Peak Dam and reservoir. The spillway elevation for Arrowrock is 3,219 feet (981 m) above sea level and its primary purpose is to provide irrigation water for agriculture”

(Wikipedia, Arrowrock Dam)

-Pavement ends-

-Controlled flow-

… on display is an old retired gate valve ….

Once past the dam, the road winds precariously along the lakes edge before making the connection to Cotton Wood Rd …. at least once a year a vehicle plunges from the road to the water body below …. volcanic cliffs exposed along the opposite shore detail the geologic diversity of the area.

-Cotton Wood Road-

Cotton Wood Road continues north past the old Cotton Wood Ranger Station. It used to make the connection over Cotton Wood Summit to Hwy 21, but a number of years back a slide blocked the road with the USFS electing not to reopen to vehicle traffic. It does however remain passable by bike and ATV.

-Cotton Wood Ranger Station-

The road continuing up towards the ridge junction …. is in surprising good condition ….

….. but does start to get a bit more primitive once past the ridge junction and heading up the ridge towards the peak.

Overcast skies with some low hanging clouds down in the valley …. The road continues to narrow as it climbs up the ridge …. with spectacular views opening up to the south.

As the top nears the timber starts to appear …..

-Scary water crossing-

-Destination Thorn Creek-

-The hobbit forest-

After passing a few tent cities (Hunting Camps) …. the final stretch.

Thorn Creek Lookout … Built in 1933, this lookout is staffed each year.

The wind was howling, so I made a quick lap around the observation deck before making a quick retreat back to the warmth of the truck.

-View north-

-View west-

-View south-

-View east-

Working my way back down to Hwy 21 ….

-Ponderosa forest-

As I make my way down I pass two trucks on their way up that are fully chained …. we’ve had a few days of rain, so I guess they are preparing for the worst since they were also pulling large trailers.

I near the bottom and round a corner to find three pickups stopped. One is pulling a full sized hard side camp trailer that is starting to slide towards the downhill side of the road, which also presents a significant drop …. pulling his truck in the same direction. Now I understand why the previous trucks were chained up.

Myself and a couple of guys who came in behind me walk down to eyeball the situation. The road surface is so slimy it is difficult to walk across. With the number of rigs already on the scene I determine that I do not really have any assistance to offer. It is obvious that this group is going to be in full recovery mode for some time, so I backtrack my way back up to the ridge and nervously head over to Meadow Creek not knowing if I might find similar sections of mud.

The road over to Meadow Creek is windy and narrow, too narrow for trailers, limiting traffic to zero. The road conditions along this track end up being excellent … no mud to be found. I continue over Rabbit Creek Summit and make my way down to Idaho City, then Hwy 21 back home …. my day only to be delayed 45 min by my required reroute.

………

Quick drive to Graham Peak

For a while now I have been telling Jodi that I need to take her on a loop to see some of the spectacular Fall colors … typically we have about a 2 week window where the hillsides erupt in bright Yellows and Reds, so this weekend we loaded up the truck, grabbed the dog, and headed out for a nice afternoon drive to see what we could find …..

Moores Creek …

Edna Creek turnoff …. here is where I lost the dust cap to the camera lens … later to be found, but ran over.

RD 312 … Pikes Fork (Jackson Peak – Graham)

Rd 312 …

Not maintained for “passenger” cars ….

Jackson Peak LO …

We continue down through Trapper Flat …

I assume that given the name of the area that this is an old trappers cabin ….

Co-pilot

Pushing on …

Climbing out of the flat …

As usual… we travel through an old burn area …. chainsaw being part of the required kit …. just in case.

Reaching the top we come across this traverse. In the early spring it is common to find the road closed at this point due to avalanche threating snow drifts forming above.

This being close to the high point and offering incredible 360 views from up top … .we stop and make the short hike up.

West towards Wolf Mtn …

Head waters of Bear River …

Counter Clockwise Pano …

West (Bear River)

Southwest (Shephard Peak)

South (Graham)

Southeast (Atlanta)

East-Northeast (Sawtooth Wilderness)

North

Misc.

While we were a bit late to see the Fall colors in full effect, the Aspens already dropping most of their leaves, the views from top alone were well worth the drive …

Cinnabar – Part 7 (Cinnabar down Johnson Creek)

Johnson Creek Rd (413) runs north/south connecting Yellow Pine and Landmark while also following the scenic Johnson Creek.

Landmark 25 miles ….

The scenic Johnson Creek …

The road parts impressive ridgelines from either side …. where’s my fly rod?

The road continues past the Johnson Creek Airstrip, a popular fly in destination amongst pilots … the Johnson Creek Guard Station … and a few summer cabins. There was not much in terms of traffic, but I did pass a car or two … this effects how often I can stop to take pics as the dust is a deterrent to me in regards to letting those cars back by.

U turn …

Looking back north through the burn …

Pushing on …

Arrival – Landmark Ranger Station …

From here I reconnect with the pavement for a quick 10ish miles back into Warm Lake. Some don’t like hardtop … I on the other hand actually enjoy a few miles of smooth running to conclude a ride.

Hmmm … which way shall I go. This point is actually a junction that will take you to the Landmark/Stanley Rd, Deadwood Reservoir, Scott Mtn, Cascade, or back up to Yellow Pine …. all part of the current IBDR.

All and all a good day …. 130ish miles … the bike and the OBR ADV Gear luggage performed flawlessly …. and reason to return with some still unexplored country!

Stibnite – Part 6 (Road to Johnson Creek)

The run back along the ridge was quick …. you know how the exit of an area always seems to take less time than the run in… this was the case today.

I reconnected to road 375 right below Monumental Summit. from there I started my way west, dropping in elevation towards the Stibnite drainage. RD 375 from this point is in really good shape… an easy ride.

As I enter the Stibnite Mine area I notice a few sign boards along the road side. The boards tell the story of the Stibnite Mine from it’s early days and through the proceeding decades.

Stibnite

There are a few remnants within the trees, but nothing of any significance. I continue on ….

Modern day activity is present at the mine … I can hear the faint sound of running equipment and the company operating the current exploratory and reclamation project has areas of concern gated off. The main road through the site however is open for public travel.

I continue about a 1/4 mile down the road and on my right a large pit opens up into view. There is an observation platform built along with additional information on the pit. Evidently this is the pit from the old Stibnite Mine along with some of the old remaining buildings.

With the pit in my rear view … .I continue my backtrack towards Yellow Pine.

… then connecting with Rd 413, Johnson Creek Rd

Luggage by OBR ADV Gear

Cinnabar – Part 5 (Meadow Creek Lookout)

On my way up to Monumental Summit, I passed a small primitive two track cutting off to the west. Given the opportunity to visit decommissioned lookout towers, Meadow Creek Lookout has been on my radar for awhile. Meadow Creek sits along the upper reaches of Antimony Ridge, and this two track is the route in.

Quick shot off the road towards the SW

A quick reference to my full sized USFS map in the map pocket of the High Basin Tank Bag showed the run in towards the lookout is approx. 10 miles. The road being in fairly good condition allowed for a pretty decent pace.

Arrival at the lookout was welcomed … the road in seemed to have the character of “it must be over the next rise” …. “and the next rise” …. it seemed to go on and on …. a long 10 miles.

This lookout tower like the many decommissioned sites is starting to show it’s wear and tear from the elements.

Meadow Creek Lookout is an old L4 Cabin, built in 1933… old images here.

Riordan USGS Marker

A walk around the observation deck is required …

North/Northwest

West

South

East

As usual, the typical views are amazing. However, the remoteness of this site has been on my mind since Monumental Summit … I’m not concerned so much of mishap, but a break down up here could pose a challenge for recovery, and being a Sunday, I would not expect much traffic past today. I do carry a SPOT to maintain a positive link with civilization, which does offer some peace of mind, but I decide it’s time to backtrack to more traveled roads. I do carry a full cache of tools in my OBR ADV Gear Tool Roll and Tool Pouch.

A single track trail diverts off the road about a mile back from the lookout. This trail I believe passes Riordan Lake and reconnects with Johnson Creek Road. This will be a nice route to take on a future visit, with a partner.

Cinnabar – Part 4 (Monumental Summit)

After exploring the extensive site of Cinnabar, my next objective is the proceeding ridge above and behind the old ghost town. An ATV track exits the site to the rear and continues the climb to the top via a number of switchbacks.

The switchbacks are not overly difficult or the track all that steep, but loose rock is a factor in some sections. This is again where I appreciate the design considerations of my OBR ADV Gear 38l Saddlebags. The bags follow the transition of the side panels in such an angle that it aids in centralizing weight, but at the same time does not interfere with me … the rider. I don’t even know they are there.

Overlooking the Cinnabar Drainage

Reaching the top

Looking back down on Cinnabar

The final stretch

The track crests the top of the ridge before dropping down the backside then reconnecting with Rd 375. Rd 375 is the main road through Stibnite … this offers two options for one visiting Cinnabar who wants to venture further… ride the switchbacks up, or backtrack to the main road through Stibnite … they do reconnect.

Monumental Summit is a short run once back on Rd 375 …. Rd 375 continues past the summit into an easement of the Frank Church. A few more sites of interest exist past the summit… Thunder Mountain, as the once was site of Roosevelt Lake.

A bit of history here …

Evidently the thriving boom town was the victim of a substantial mud slide that in effect dammed up nearby Monumental Creek … the town slowly disappeared to the depths of the newly formed lake with building remnants still visible today below the lakes surface.

I intend to make a return soon find the end of this road, but today I’m more focused on Meadow Creek Lookout.

Next stop … Meadow Creek Lookout

Cinnabar Proper – Part 3 (Ghost Towns)

Upon reaching the entrance to Stibnite …. I note a primitive two track turning to the left up Sugar Creek. I make my turn off and proceed. This scenic two track is a pleasant relief from the wider forest service roads I’ve been on thus far.

The track runs for maybe a mile or so before crossing the creek and starting the climb up towards Cinnabar Peak.

This crossing could have some splash to it on a normal run off year. This years light snow pack keeps the creek to an easy level.

The road continues it’s climb with the surface becoming busy in spots with loose rock, but plenty manageable.

I continue my climb up until the first buildings come into view ….

Cinnabar has been classified by the Forest Service as a contaminated site …. largely due to the fact that they actually mined mercury here from the local minerals. It’s been proving difficult to find information regarding the activity of this mine, but I believe that it was active into the 1960’s.

Just past the first set of buildings I find my parking spot at city center.

The many buildings indicate a thriving past operation with a numerous work force …. and my guess being construction as the second largest contributor to this once was economy.

I leave the bike parked … City Center …. and hike up an access road towards the mill.

Looking down from the access road

View back down the access road …. my bike is parked on the mound just left of the aligned buildings.

I hike past the old mill reconnecting to the main road. I head back down with the road passing some even larger buildings.

If these buildings could talk I’m sure there would be some stories to tell!

Back on the lower landing I decide it’s time to move forward … nails are my primary concern given the amount of wood/building debris scattered around the area.

The view from top is equally as spectacular …

My next objective is to make the climb up towards the ridge above and the 8500′ Monumental Summit.

Extra gear I have stored in my OBR ADV Gear Extras Pouch. This pouch can either be thrown into a saddlebag or attached externally to my kit.

Cinnabar – Part 2 (Yellow Pine)

The intersection of 674 and 412 was a welcome arrival…. trajectory will point east now towards the city center of Yellow Pine. Combat fisherman now in my mirror … the pace picks up as I travel the 15 miles along the East Fork of the South Fork of the Salmon …. how many forks was that?

Rd 412

East Fork of the South Fork of the Salmon

Yellow Pine

Yellow Pine was established as a trading and supply point for the many area mines …. today, it acts more as a stopping point for recreationists and adventure travelers with an open restaurant, bar, lodging, etc.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yellow_Pine,_Idaho

One claim to fame each August for Yellow Pine is their annual Harmonica Festival that has gain national recognition.

Moving through the rush hour masses …. I continue North/Northeast along 412 to the Big Creek/Stibnite intersection.

This part of the route is currently part of the IDBDR. Turning north on 340 through Big Creek then will connect you over Elk Summit, Warren, Burgdorf then either into McCall of down French Creek into Riggins.

Today I continue East on 412 …

412 from this point is a surprisingly narrow two track given the mine traffic of the past ….

Fast with flow ….

9 miles pass and I arrive at the entrance of Stibnite. Cinnabar being my destination … I will make a left onto an ATV/Jeep track.

Stibnite Mine is not currently being worked other than reclamation and continued exploration. I’ve been told that they have been drilling old tailing piles from the past finding decent amounts of gold …. I carry my spare tube in an OBR ADV Gear Fender Bag. With this bags optional secondary snap system … I have never had it come loose.

Next up Cinnabar ….

Cinnabar or Bust – Part 1 (South Fork of the Salmon)

Part of my ride objectives for this season is to make it to destinations not yet visited … the old mining ghost town of Cinnabar meets that criteria.

Located approx. 20 miles east of Yellow Pine Idaho, Cinnabar sits within the shadow of the 8600′ Cinnabar Peak. Rustic buildings of a mining past that have withstood many harsh winters, still stand with authority within the local landscape.

My ride today will actually start about 2 hrs from home …. trailering my bike to a location just north of Warm Lake along the South Fork of the Salmon. The days essentials stowed away in my OBR ADV Gear 38l Saddlebags and my OBR ADV Gear High Basin Tank Bag.

Rd 674 winds north as a single lane paved road … such a road would be great fun other than the hoards of combat fisherman essentially squatting along the entire 30 mile section of road. Evidently the intoxicating lure of Salmon will cloud ones mind enough to believe that setting your tent in the road way is a good idea?

Squatting fisherman aside …. the view along this stretch, even though burned, has a perplexing and rugged beauty.

Idaho Wilderness

The road winds continuously along the river sometimes drifting away, but always making it’s way back alongside.

…. next stop, if I survive the blind corners, the intersection of 674 and 412

Vanity Summit – Seafoam Lakes Part 6

-Josephus Lake-

Josephus Lake is a small lake that sits at the end of Rd 010, two lakes actually that reside right next to each other… I have seen pictures and read other reports of these lakes, but never seen them in person, so I proceed to the roads end to check them out.

The lakes were just barely touched by fire, but still left with an abundance of green trees. They also appear to be somewhat shallow with reports of good fishing ….

Log footbridge spanning between the lakes …

My visit to Josephus Lake is quick … I snap a few pics and load back up to backtrack a few miles to check out Seafoam Mine. Seafoam Mine is still supposed to have an old ghost town of the past. I find my road connection, cross the creek, and head up the hill only to encounter a locked gate halting my progress? … No ghost town today!

My next option is to head up towards the Greyhound Mine … I have no expectations of what might or what might not be there, so we’ll see.

A few miles up the road I find a rather larger tree fallen across the road. I do pack a capable hand saw in my OBR ADV Gear Tool Pouch, but not significant enough to tackle a project of this magnitude and I’m in no mood to drag the bike underneath.

I once again reverse my track … back a ways there was a road that ran along the rapid river. Worth checking out anyway since it is along the way …. I make it about a 100 yds down the rapid river road only to find more trees fallen across it’s path.

I at this point conclude this to be my days end … I’ve seen some new country and are back in here a ways … and alone. Probably best to head back over Vanity.

Looking back up Rapid River towards Vanity Summit

Stopping right before Seafoam Guard Station

South over Vanity

I’ve logged under 100 miles on todays ride, which to some might seem unusual, but with the varied terrain and primary objective of Seafoam Lakes achieved I’m ready to wrap up the day.

…..Until the next adventure!

Vanity Summit-Seafoam Lakes Part 5

After soaking in the splendor of what still is and of what once was … I continue forward to explore still a couple of tracks extending past the lake. The first left stops approx. 100 yds in to an old landing…. evidence of a mine or activity of is present above. Curiosity dictates further investigation!

Just above the landing I do find a couple of excavated areas that were once covered. I’m not sure if these areas were actual mines or maybe exploratory holes as they do not extend in very far?

Relics of mining past ….

View down to Seafoam Lake …

After concluding my investigation of this spot I continue up the road which climbs and winds a short distance concluding at a once was trailhead…

The views of the surrounding ridgelines are clearly visible through the burned trees …. although dense forest would still be my preference.

Idaho wilderness ….

I hike around a bit and then start my retreat back down the mountain ….

Seafoam Creek (I think)

Once back down in the valley I continue back up Rd 008 …. the reported washout had been repaired, but without a drain culvert, so the next storm of significance will probably wash out the road once again ….

Junction to Josephus Lake (my next stop) and Grayhound Mine …..

Why run soft luggage vs a hard box… one reason is safety when running remote roads such as these. Should you go down and extend your leg backwards … hard boxes have been reported to cause knee injury or even worse broken lower legs. Soft luggage systems will provide give and even a level of padding. The OBR ADV Gear Saddlebag system also utilizes Acetal Ladderlock Buckles that break at approx 100-125 lbs. It’s better to have a strap that will release allowing the bag to swing backwards and hopefully preventing any injury. Other products from OBR ADV Gear such as the Sherpa Tail bag will also provide another option to secure gear out of the way.

To be continued ….

Vanity Summit-Seafoam Lakes Part 4

After touring around the Seafoam Guard Station, I direct my attention to the road ahead. The road splits into three options at this point… East, to Sheep Mountain, North towards Josephus Lake, and Up to Seafoam Lakes. There also happens to be a sign posted with a notification that the road has been washed out a few miles ahead. Since Seafoam Lakes is one of my intended destinations the choice will be up … then maybe North depending on actual road conditions ….

Pic repost out of the guard station …

Road 010 to Seafoam Lakes starts off gradual following a beautiful valley that has impressive steep slopes on either side. The lower road is in great shape with lots of flow lending to a fast pace.

Mid point meadow

After the mid point meadow the effects of past fire become evident and the road begins to increase its accent towards the rocky ridges ahead.

As I ascend the road starts to narrow and road bed slowly becomes a bit rockier and loose … still not a challenge for the capable DRZ!

I continue to climb reaching the edge of the once was tree line …

Seafoam Lakes sit on a bench at approx. 7800ft. A pretty good climb up from the 6200 ft Seafoam Guard Station and a bit below the ominous 9400ft Langer Peak.

As I near the top the effects of the past Halstead Fire become very evident … the fire ran through this basin fast and hot leaving not much more than charred tree trunks in it’s wake ….. a sad reality that we’ll never see this basin back to its previous splendor within our lifetime.

A tree across the road is a sign that I’m the first to ride past this point this season. Quick work is made of the single tree with my saw conveniently packed in my OBR ADV Gear Tool Pouch.

I finally arrive at Seafoam Lake ….

A few green trees still stand on the opposing lake edge …

Along the accessible side, a single stand of trees survived, before the fire this was probably a prime camp spot right along the waters edge, but the danger of falling snags eliminates any reasonable potential to ever future camp IMO.

On the plus side the water appears clear and the fish were rising …. maybe next time a fishing pole will need to occupy my kit!

to be continued …..

Vanity Summit-Seafoam Lakes Part 3

Once finished exploring around Vanity Summit it is time to continue north into the immediate valley and areas to me currently unknown …

Rd 008

Rd 008 continues approx. another 4-5 miles past the summit before arriving at the Seafoam Guard Station.

Entrance sign

Main buildings

Corral and flag pole

While the buildings here at the guard station appear to be some what kept, the grounds are pretty over grown. It’s evident that this station has not been occupied for some time. It seems as if these remote outposts are not so much utilized for personnel anymore, but for possible equipment storage. I hope they will continue to maintain these structures at least for no other reason to preserve the stories that they all can tell.

Immediately past the guard station the road forks … East to Sheep Mountain (012), North to Rapid River and Josephus Lake (008), and West/Up to Seafoam Lakes (010). My intended route for today is to make the climb up to Seafoam Lakes and then possibly Josephus Lake… Sheep Mountain will need to wait until another ride. My OBR ADV Gear designed soft luggage rides making little to no interference with me … the rider. This allows me to tackle more sections of trail while keeping my focus where it needs to be … on the trail.

Challenge accepted…

To be continued ….