Tumbleweeds & Dirt Trails

We set out early to the Salt Flats to put the finishing touches on film of our time here. The day before we met an old timer called Kip. He's been coming to the Flats for longer than he remembers and seen it all. He had more stories than we had time which was unfortunate as they were all fascinating. Not just about the speedsters either but the unwritten history of the area. After spending an uncomfortable night on the floor of his trailer Kip was still as chipper as ever and willing to give his time and stories to anyone who wished to hear them. So as everyone was packing up and heading off we managed to grab a few moments with him.

Kip

It was time to move on but we were at a cross roads and had no real plan from here on out. So we let fate decide. We got out the map and placed it on the car. Picked 2 destinations (Tails-Las Vegas or Heads-Moab) and flipped a 1971 2 pence coin to choose our path. Runner called heads..........We were going to Moab!

We were told by Kip about traffic problems just past Salt Lake and he recommended a scenic route that takes you through The Pony Express. So off we went and yet again the landscapes were stunning as we drove past ranch after ranch through a beautiful valley. Kip told us the road we went on would come to an end next to a military base and we'd have to take a dirt trail for quite a few miles. He wasn't kidding! Limited to 20 to 30 mph we carefully drove up the dirt tail to the mountains. Tumbleweeds blew across our path and we left a huge dust clouds behind us in the extremely windy valley which FYI is called Skull Valley..... The reason for which soon came apparent when Runner noticed a HUGE dead cow! Then I saw  a dead deer... looked fresh too! The thought of strapping it to the roof soon evaporated in the blistering heat as theme of the place started to take effect! Best keep going! We soon got past Look Out Point and through a town called Vernon and made it back the main road where we saw what Runner could only describe as a huge dead lion. It was at this point The General who looked like he'd been to war started bleeping warning signs at us....2 towns later he blew a tire! Which is how we ended up here in Provo the home to The Osmond's.....and is closed on Sundays!! As I write Runner and The General are out finding a garage so we can head off to Moab where the coin will decide once again where to take us.

Part of the Pony Express trail

Wounded but will fight on!

Light Chaser.