1. Welcome to Tundras.com!

    You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account.

    As a registered member, you’ll be able to:
    • Participate in all Tundra discussion topics
    • Transfer over your build thread from a different forum to this one
    • Communicate privately with other Tundra owners from around the world
    • Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
    • Access all special features of the site

Taco-Blenders, Less Than Awesome, Boating Adventure Thread

Discussion in 'Outdoors' started by Taco-Blender, Sep 16, 2020.

  1. Sep 18, 2020 at 6:45 PM
    #31
    Taco-Blender

    Taco-Blender [OP] Old Guys Rule

    Joined:
    Sep 17, 2017
    Member:
    #9710
    Messages:
    1,797
    Gender:
    Male
    AZ
    Vehicle:
    2010 DC 4x4
    Yeah, don't get it out near enough :(.

    Only have so much time off from work and responsibilities so, between the boat and wanting to bomb around SE Utah in the truck it's a tough juggle.

    This boat thing wasn't even supposed to happen until I retire in a couple years. But, it is what it is. Until then, well do what we can.

    Thanks for the props!! :cheers:
     
    AZBoatHauler likes this.
  2. Sep 18, 2020 at 7:13 PM
    #32
    AZBoatHauler

    AZBoatHauler SSEM#140/ASCM#3/2ndGenNaysayer/BAF140

    Joined:
    Aug 13, 2019
    Member:
    #34576
    Messages:
    6,934
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Adam
    So.Arizona
    Vehicle:
    2017 CrewMax 4x4, 2017 LandCruiser, 2005 Sequoia 4x4
    Demello / SOB Fab Bumpers, SuperWinch, WKOR sliders, RCI skids, Baja Designs lighting, Billy 6112 and 5160 w/ CB +2, JL Audio with Alpine HU, DD 10" Exhaust, LED headlights, Rago fab mounts, 35” BFG, HAM radio
    I’ve enjoyed this thread even more than I anticipated. Thanks for taking the time to write it. :hattip:
    As stated - you’re a great story teller and the pictures are great too. I hope to be able to hear about some of the future shenanigans in-person some time - preferably at Apache! I feel like I might need to join the C dory forum just to make sure I don’t miss anything...
     
    Last edited: Sep 18, 2020
    GODZILLA and YardBird like this.
  3. Sep 18, 2020 at 9:17 PM
    #33
    Taco-Blender

    Taco-Blender [OP] Old Guys Rule

    Joined:
    Sep 17, 2017
    Member:
    #9710
    Messages:
    1,797
    Gender:
    Male
    AZ
    Vehicle:
    2010 DC 4x4
    Happy to oblige. We really need to get together for a beer sometime soon though.:drunk:
     
    YardBird likes this.
  4. Sep 19, 2020 at 9:29 AM
    #34
    Cosmoblu

    Cosmoblu New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 3, 2020
    Member:
    #42121
    Messages:
    55
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Tim
    Vehicle:
    2015 Tundra CrewMax TRD Pro Inferno Red
    Magnuson Supercharger Fuel Rims--Removed TRD Pro Rims added ARE Overland CAP Front Runner rack on cap Front Runner rack on cab Bed Rug Bed Slide RCI Aluminum Skid front and transmission
    Just...Thank You.

    It is a great story very well told.
     
    GODZILLA likes this.
  5. Sep 19, 2020 at 10:53 AM
    #35
    Cpl_Punishment

    Cpl_Punishment Young men never die.

    Joined:
    Jan 24, 2019
    Member:
    #25048
    Messages:
    14,227
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Rosy
    Alberta, Canada
    Vehicle:
    2020 MGM SR5 CM 4X4
    Boost Auto mirrors, RSB, Leer Legend canopy, Line-X bed liner
    Ski boat is definitely the way to go.
     
  6. Sep 19, 2020 at 11:14 AM
    #36
    Cpl_Punishment

    Cpl_Punishment Young men never die.

    Joined:
    Jan 24, 2019
    Member:
    #25048
    Messages:
    14,227
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Rosy
    Alberta, Canada
    Vehicle:
    2020 MGM SR5 CM 4X4
    Boost Auto mirrors, RSB, Leer Legend canopy, Line-X bed liner
    What was that about comfort being more important than ego?
     
    GODZILLA and JMB like this.
  7. Sep 19, 2020 at 3:54 PM
    #37
    Taco-Blender

    Taco-Blender [OP] Old Guys Rule

    Joined:
    Sep 17, 2017
    Member:
    #9710
    Messages:
    1,797
    Gender:
    Male
    AZ
    Vehicle:
    2010 DC 4x4
    That's just for us "seasoned" folks. They're young enough to suck it up.
     
    GODZILLA, JMB and Cpl_Punishment like this.
  8. Sep 19, 2020 at 6:26 PM
    #38
    Cpl_Punishment

    Cpl_Punishment Young men never die.

    Joined:
    Jan 24, 2019
    Member:
    #25048
    Messages:
    14,227
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Rosy
    Alberta, Canada
    Vehicle:
    2020 MGM SR5 CM 4X4
    Boost Auto mirrors, RSB, Leer Legend canopy, Line-X bed liner
    My wife and I always sleep on a queen size air mattress when we're camping. Though you could argue that's actually roughing it when you're in the mountains and it gets down to like 30 degrees over night.
     
  9. Oct 19, 2020 at 6:43 PM
    #39
    AZBoatHauler

    AZBoatHauler SSEM#140/ASCM#3/2ndGenNaysayer/BAF140

    Joined:
    Aug 13, 2019
    Member:
    #34576
    Messages:
    6,934
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Adam
    So.Arizona
    Vehicle:
    2017 CrewMax 4x4, 2017 LandCruiser, 2005 Sequoia 4x4
    Demello / SOB Fab Bumpers, SuperWinch, WKOR sliders, RCI skids, Baja Designs lighting, Billy 6112 and 5160 w/ CB +2, JL Audio with Alpine HU, DD 10" Exhaust, LED headlights, Rago fab mounts, 35” BFG, HAM radio
    upload_2020-10-19_18-42-27.jpg
    when do you get back from Lake Powell?
    :tumbleweed:
     
  10. Oct 19, 2020 at 6:58 PM
    #40
    ColoradoTJ

    ColoradoTJ Certified tow LEO Staff Member

    Joined:
    Feb 24, 2016
    Member:
    #2766
    Messages:
    35,621
    Gender:
    Male
    Colorado
    Vehicle:
    LML 3500HD
    Calibrated Power 5 Tune pack, Allison 1000 tune, PPE deep trans pan, Cold/Hot CAC pipes, Banks CAI, PCV reroute, resonator delete, S&B 62 gal fuel tank, B&W GN hitch
    Great thread. Looked like an epic trip!

    I want a boat.
     
  11. Oct 19, 2020 at 9:12 PM
    #41
    Taco-Blender

    Taco-Blender [OP] Old Guys Rule

    Joined:
    Sep 17, 2017
    Member:
    #9710
    Messages:
    1,797
    Gender:
    Male
    AZ
    Vehicle:
    2010 DC 4x4
    Lol... We haven't even left yet. Hopefully by the end of the week. Hopefully :confused:
     
  12. Oct 19, 2020 at 9:16 PM
    #42
    Taco-Blender

    Taco-Blender [OP] Old Guys Rule

    Joined:
    Sep 17, 2017
    Member:
    #9710
    Messages:
    1,797
    Gender:
    Male
    AZ
    Vehicle:
    2010 DC 4x4
    Boats are the best! Get one!
     
  13. Oct 24, 2020 at 10:08 AM
    #43
    Taco-Blender

    Taco-Blender [OP] Old Guys Rule

    Joined:
    Sep 17, 2017
    Member:
    #9710
    Messages:
    1,797
    Gender:
    Male
    AZ
    Vehicle:
    2010 DC 4x4
    PART SEVEN:

    Day 1: Lake Havasu

    Well, the Mrs. and I haven't gotten away, alone, in quite awhile so, the decision was made some time ago to take a trip up to Powell for a week and just relax, just the two of us, soaking up the sun, away everybody and the hustle and bustle of everyday life. I've been to Powell a grand total one one single time in my almost 60 years of existence and came away from that experience in jsut utter awe. If you have a boat, and live within 400 or so miles, and don't "need" to be in salt water, and like not having trees around, and don't mind red dirt/mud covering everything, and don't have a fear of giant rocks falling from the heavens and crushing you, this IS THE place to just disappear for awhile. There is pretty much ZERO cell coverage at Powell except for a few places where, when you pass thru, your phone gets this HUGE text/info dump and you get find out about all the life changing events you've been missing out on while being naked and unafraid.

    Monday, Oct 16th is now the scheduled day of departure. Things are looking good too. I had time to do a bunch of "comfort/convenience" mods on the boat (remember, we talked about the comfort thing awhile back) and some other general maintenance stuff that needed to be done. Meals are planned and shopped for, adult beverage fixin's/supplies have been restocked, blood pressure and Viagra Rx's refilled, etc, etc. I'm friggen ready baby!!! Pumped! Stoked! LET'S GO ALREADY!! YEAH BABY!!!!

    Oh! But wait! "We can't leave Monday because (insert reason here) is happening and we need to be here". Me: "Ok Hon, that's cool. The weather is looking good (I work for a AF Wx squadron doing IT, really just bossing people around, but I ask the weather geeks to keep me updated whenever I have something planned). "Wednesday is fine. Looking good! No problem!". Well, then it happens. We have some dear friends that get caught up in a MAJOR family crisis and there is no way we can just ditch them and take off for a week, especially without reliable COMM's.

    The Mrs. engages full on Mother Hen, supporter, "We're there for you", "would you like a wine", "let me drop off dinner", mode and I immediately go into excessive drinking, sulking mode. We LOVE these people, they're our church family, and we would do anything for them. The Mrs. and I talk it out and the decision is made to postpone Powell for a week (ok, not really what my selfish self wants to do but, this is what "The Big Guy" wants us to do, so that's what we're doing).

    We spend the week in family support mode, shuttling kids, crying, praying, cooking dinners, whatever we can do. Then, with the initial crisis/shock winding down a slight bit (still far from over and still a suckfest), it looks like we'll be able to get out of here on Friday, Oct 23rd.

    I'm absolutely lazer focused on Powell. I'm talking to the weather weenies everyday, getting forecast updates, and then BAAM!! BAM!!!! NOT what I wanted to hear! There's going to be a front moving thru starting Sunday night with Monday having a high of 42 and a low Monday night of 29. The next couple of days will warm a little, but nothing significant, not until Thursday when we're supposed to be leaving. WAIT!!! What!!! NO!!! That's not possible! This is OUR getaway! We planned this! We're ready! I want to go to Powell!!! WAAAAAAAAAA... This is going to be WAY too cold for these two desert dwellers. Maybe we can push off one more week!

    Then, I'm sitting there in my recliner, pouting, contemplating, pouting, contemplating, maybe having a drink, when my blessed, beautiful wife says "How about we go to Havasu? What's the weather going to like there?"

    Huh? What? Havasu? I was so confined in my Powell box it never even occurred to me that there may be other location options. "What is this Havasu you speak of?" A quick weather check shows Monday (the front moving in day) having a high of 58 and a low somewhere in the mid 40's, and warming again nicely after that.

    Well! I've never been to Havasu but I've heard it's quite the party lake. Lot's of outrageously cool go-fast boats, scantily clad beach babe's, nice beaches, etc, etc... I"M IN!!! Let's do it!

    So, that's the new plan! Havasu! Out of here by 9am on Friday the 23rd! We'll get there around 3pm, find a nice little beach to beach the boat on and, YEAH BABY!!! Naked time! FINALLY!

    Ok. So, that didn't exactly work out the way I had hoped for either. We didn't get going until just after 12 noon (this was not my fault BTW) and by the time we got to the Havasu Springs Resort/Marina, got the boat launched, truck parked for the week, blah, blah, blah... it was dark. I'm not a fan of boating unfamiliar water after dark but, hey, that's ok, we ended up grabbing a slip for the night at the marina, which turned into a very nice evening at the dock.

    At least we we're "finally" on the water!

    Lake Havasu_Oct_2020 110.jpg
     
    Last edited: Nov 2, 2020
  14. Oct 24, 2020 at 10:23 AM
    #44
    shackleford rusty

    shackleford rusty New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 4, 2019
    Member:
    #23961
    Messages:
    350
    Gender:
    Male
    TEXAS!
    :yes:
     
    AZBoatHauler likes this.
  15. Oct 25, 2020 at 8:57 AM
    #45
    Taco-Blender

    Taco-Blender [OP] Old Guys Rule

    Joined:
    Sep 17, 2017
    Member:
    #9710
    Messages:
    1,797
    Gender:
    Male
    AZ
    Vehicle:
    2010 DC 4x4
    PART SEVEN:

    Day 2: Lake Havasu

    We had a quiet/peaceful night in the marina last night and I woke up to an empty boat in the morning. My wife is an early riser and likes to get a bit of exercise pretty much every morning so I assumed she was out walking around the resort getting her steps in, which was confirmed when she showed up again a little later.

    Early riser I am NOT! By the time I drug myself out of the "cave", which is what we call the V-berth where we sleep, the birds were chirping (and crapping) the sun was shining brightly. It was a beautiful morning and I was excited to get out on the lake.

    First things first though, I NEED my coffee. I get the water going on the stove, get the coffee kit out of the galley cabinet and start grinding some beans. Now, the Mrs LOVES the smell of coffee but she's NOT a fan of the end product. I'm not sure how we've stayed married this long as this could be considered somewhat anti-social and, quite frankly, communist. She does like her morning tea though, so I get that going for her. I do have to say, this is still a far sight better than Ken and his instant coffee crystals swill crap so, I guess I'll hang on to her for a while longer.

    Once she gets back to the boat we sit down and discuss what the days game plan is going to look like. With no real agenda, the decision is made to head up the lake to Havasu City and check out the London Bridge and surrounding area.

    For those not in the know, myself included, the bridge was purchased by Robert P. McCulloch from the City of London, was dismantled in 1967 and relocated to Arizona. The bridge was completed in 1971 (along with a canal, we REALLY LIKED the canal!), and links an island in the Colorado River with the main part of Lake Havasu City. If you believe all that, then I have a bridge I can sell you, CHEAP!!! Hahahaha...

    Coffeed up and fed, we get underway.

    As we're puttering up the lake we start noticing these cool little lighthouses along the way. Come to find out, there apparently had been quite a few instances of boats running into things at night, mostly shorelines with big rocks. So, back in 2000 or so a local organization started working with the authorities to construct these 1/3 scale replicas of famous North American lighthouses in areas where folks seemed to have issues with running into big rocks. This was also done to hopefully attract more tourism to the area. There are now 27 of these things placed strategically around the lake and they have become the 2nd most visited attraction, London Bridge being 1st, at Lake Havasu.
    Lake Havasu_Oct_2020 111.jpg

    Lake Havasu_Oct_2020 113.jpg

    Lake Havasu_Oct_2020 011.jpg

    Lake Havasu_Oct_2020 015.jpg

    Lake Havasu_Oct_2020 116.jpg


    After checking out several of the lighthouses and stuff around the island we finally make it to the north entrance of the canal. We jump in behind a 3 rental pontoon boats loaded with what appears to be butt-flossed younger folks who have no idea that you're not supposed to stop right in the middle of the friggen channel to have a chit-chat. Okay, I'll cut them a little slack because once we got around them we saw there was a Sherriff boat blocking traffic from going under the bridge.
    Lake Havasu_Oct_2020 119.jpg

    Lake Havasu_Oct_2020 124.jpg


    We got turned around and headed around the island to the south entrance of the canal to check it out. By the time we got around the island and up the canal, the canal under the bridge had opened up again. The south side of the canal really is a pretty cool place. Beaches line both sides of the canal with mooring bars (places to tie to) embedded into the seawall about every 15 feet. We decide to go ahead and beach the boat so we could to the tourista thing and check out the boardwalk area around the bridge.
    Lake Havasu_Oct_2020 127.jpg

    Lake Havasu_Oct_2020 129.jpg

    Lake Havasu_Oct_2020 136.jpg

    Lake Havasu_Oct_2020 137.jpg


    After walking around a bit, checking out the shops and restaurants, we decide to head back to the Dory, maybe have a cocktail, and just watch the parade of boats going by. We spent most of the afternoon just sitting there and enjoying the sights and the endless parade of cool go-fast boats carrying what appeared to be, surgically enhanced, bikini clad, young wimmin's (not that I would notice anything like that!)(Also, nothing naked yet but I'm still trying!).
    Lake Havasu_Oct_2020 144.jpg

    Lake Havasu_Oct_2020 146.jpg

    Lake Havasu_Oct_2020 147.jpg

    How about some paddle-boarding Witches!
    Lake Havasu_Oct_2020 003.jpg


    After enjoying the afternoon it was time to head out and find a spot to spend the night. Back down the canal we go setting a course for the coves back down the lake. It didn't take too long to find a nice little beach, with a nice view of the lake, to drop the hook. This is probably my favorite time of the day. Find a nice spot, get the boat secured, grab a beer, maybe do a little fishing, and just enjoy the surroundings. Much better than being in the marina.
    Lake Havasu_Oct_2020 157.jpg

    Lake Havasu_Oct_2020 163.jpg


    Hard to see in this crappy pic but there's a go-fast boat with a helicopter chasing it in this pic. I figure they must have been doing a photo shoot.
    Lake Havasu_Oct_2020 155.jpg

    Lake Havasu_Oct_2020 166.jpg

    Lake Havasu_Oct_2020 170.jpg

    Lake Havasu_Oct_2020 173.jpg

    Getting the boat secured also brings up the ugly blue milk crate secured to the foredeck of boat. My wife hates it! "It's sooooooooo getto" she says. I explain to her that this holds our anchor rode and chain and is much needed. "Well, I don't like it. Other boats don't have some big ol ugly box sitting on the front." I then explain that those other boats may have a proper anchor locker up there to store the anchor and rode but, even though there's an anchor locker under the foredeck of the Dory, there's no hatch or hawsepipe to feed the rode down into the locker. "Well, I don't like it. It looks horrible. What can we do?" I then explain to her that we could get a windlass that will feed the rode and chain into the space below the foredeck at the touch of a button, from right here in the cabin. "Oh!?? Really! We need one of those then! Then we can ditch that ugly box. It just looks so getto." I then explain that a windlass is NOT cheap, we're talking a grand when it's all said and done.

    I guess we're getting a windlass in the next couple of weeks.

    And thus ends day 2.
     
    Last edited: Nov 5, 2020
  16. Oct 25, 2020 at 5:17 PM
    #46
    Taco-Blender

    Taco-Blender [OP] Old Guys Rule

    Joined:
    Sep 17, 2017
    Member:
    #9710
    Messages:
    1,797
    Gender:
    Male
    AZ
    Vehicle:
    2010 DC 4x4
    PART SEVEN:

    Day 3: Lake Havasu


    And, so starts another day.

    Knowing the Mrs is usually up long before I am, and having no real place to go for a walk, I went ahead and got the paddle-board off the roof so she could go for a paddle without disturbing my beauty sleep when she got up. The Mrs is a paddle-board PRO! The water temp is right around 70 degrees and she just has no fear of falling off that thing and freezing to death. She'll take off and come back an hour later looking exactly the same as when she left. I don't think she has ever fallen off of it. I'm in awe!!

    Me, on the other hand, will not even get on the thing unless the water temp is within a couple of degrees of my body temp. I am NOT a fan of involuntarily plunging my body into the icy depths of some God forsaken body of water just to get a bit of exercise. As I grow older, and wiser, I'm much more in tune with my limitations. Having said that, and knowing my own paddle-boarding skills I find it's probably best that I stay in the boat and pretend I'm doing something productive or maybe do a little fishing.

    When I finally drag myself out of the cave the sun is up and the Mrs is off on her own adventure. I take a pee over the side (besides the solitude, another advantage of not staying in a marina), start the water for the coffee and tea, and start grinding some beans. Somewhere during this time the Mrs shows up, of course, dry as a bone. I commend her skills but inwardly chastise myself for being such a wimp.

    Today the plan is to head up the Colorado River and see what we can see up there. We'll go thru the canal again and stop for awhile to make a good, but late, breakfast, and see if anything is happening. We secure the paddle-board, cast the lines, and, with coffee in hand, shove off for todays adventure.
    IMG_20201025_085411436.jpg


    One of the nice things about these adventures is, we're usually not in much of a hurry so we just putter along around 6.5 mph getting around 11-12 mpg. The Dory will do 32 mph (5450 rpm) flat out on smooth water and get right around 3.5 mpg. If we do need to make some time, and conditions allow, I've found the best "at speed" cruise speed to be 4600-4700 rpm, which gets us around 25 mph and 5 mpg. That's pretty good economy for a 22 ft boat outfitted for cruising.
    Lake Havasu_Oct_2020 237.jpg

    IMG_20201025_085527134.jpg

    IMG_20201025_085857761_HDR.jpg


    We make it back up into the canal and beach the boat in roughly the same place as yesterday. There's not nearly as much going on today (Sunday) but it's still a bit early. We cook up a big breakfast and take a seat in the cockpit, watch some boats go by, and enjoy the morning.
    IMG_20201025_104257142.jpg

    IMG_20201025_104636735.jpg


    We hang out in the canal for a bit then head north making our way up the lake to the Colorado River.
    Lake Havasu_Oct_2020 019.jpg

    Lake Havasu_Oct_2020 020.jpg

    Lake Havasu_Oct_2020 023.jpg

    Lake Havasu_Oct_2020 181.jpg


    Once we get up to the river things get shallow FAST. Like, all of a sudden we're in 3.5-4 ft of water. It's a little unsettling for those of us who are unfamiliar with the area so we're doing our leisurely 6.5 mph and I'm keeping a sharp eye on the depth displayed on the chartplotter. As we're making our way up the river a couple of other good sized boats go zipping by us on the port side. I assume these guys are local and know the area so we hit the gas and fall in behind them at 22 mph for a bit.

    The river is nice. A little more vegetation along the shoreline initially, and, as you travel upstream and into the Topock Gorge area the landscape changes to a more Powell like setting (high canyon walls) but, with a current. It's not quite as spectacular as Powell but super nice all the same. Topock Gorge is sometimes referred to as a miniature Grand Canyon and It was along this stretch of the river where we spotted some Desert Big Horn sheep, which was pretty cool. (OH!!! This was also my first naked pic!!)
    Lake Havasu_Oct_2020 036.jpg


    We went up as far as the Topock marina which is right at the point where I-40 passes over the Colorado. We check out the marina there and head back down the river to start looking for a spot to drop the hook for the night.
    IMG_20201025_133555922.jpg


    Sooooooooo, this is where I'll confess my lack of proper planning/preparation. When it came to the weather, I had it down regarding the Hi/Low temps for our trip. What I TOTALLY overlooked was the forecast for winds at the time the front was going to move thru the area. Never even thought about it. I decided to turn to the Wx channel on the VHF (which had been off most of the time, another error on my part) and was somewhat horrified to learn the forecasted winds starting tonight, and all day Monday, were 35-40 sustained with 50-55 gusts. Well, THAT SUCKS!
    WindFinder_LI.jpg


    As we're cruising down the river, back thru Topock Gorge, around the Devils Elbow, we come upon Isaac's Rock. We had noticed this spot on our way upriver and thought it looked like a pretty nice place to hang out. The only downside is it's just outside a no wake zone so if there's a lot of boat traffic (which there was that evening) you'll get rocked a bit from the boats getting on, and coming off, plane.

    Another option that came to mind was a nice little protected cove we had checked out the other day. The problem with that being a 30 mile trip back down the lake to maybe find it already occupied. We decided Isaac's Rock would be it.
    Lake Havasu_Oct_2020 192.jpg

    Lake Havasu_Oct_2020 039.jpg

    See the helicopter racing down the canyon? It looks like it might be the same one that was chasing the go-fast boat yesterday evening.
    Lake Havasu_Oct_2020 190.jpg

    Lake Havasu_Oct_2020 191.jpg


    With the Dory slipped up in there behind the rock we call it good. It would be quite a bit later that night before the winds would pick up so, before going to bed, I secure the boat with 2 lines off the bow, 1 off each stern cleat, and an additional anchor off the stern.
    Lake Havasu_Oct_2020 043.jpg


    After dark the wind started howling, and howling, and howling. Between the wind and the wave action we could definitely feel it hiding back there behind the Rock. We spent the night listening to the wind howling around us.
     
    Last edited: Nov 5, 2020
  17. Oct 25, 2020 at 5:27 PM
    #47
    YardBird

    YardBird Native San Diegan

    Joined:
    Jan 15, 2019
    Member:
    #24572
    Messages:
    7,534
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jonesy
    Vehicle:
    2005 RCLB
    American Thunder Cat Back ~ Retrax Pro ~ Toyota Bed Mat ~ OEM Split Spoke Wheels
    Just outside Escondido, CA at Lake Wolford ? Just a guess . . . :confused:
     
    Taco-Blender[OP] likes this.
  18. Oct 25, 2020 at 5:57 PM
    #48
    AZBoatHauler

    AZBoatHauler SSEM#140/ASCM#3/2ndGenNaysayer/BAF140

    Joined:
    Aug 13, 2019
    Member:
    #34576
    Messages:
    6,934
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Adam
    So.Arizona
    Vehicle:
    2017 CrewMax 4x4, 2017 LandCruiser, 2005 Sequoia 4x4
    Demello / SOB Fab Bumpers, SuperWinch, WKOR sliders, RCI skids, Baja Designs lighting, Billy 6112 and 5160 w/ CB +2, JL Audio with Alpine HU, DD 10" Exhaust, LED headlights, Rago fab mounts, 35” BFG, HAM radio
    I know - but only because you told me. Hope you’re having a great trip.
     
    Taco-Blender[OP] likes this.
  19. Oct 25, 2020 at 6:03 PM
    #49
    Taco-Blender

    Taco-Blender [OP] Old Guys Rule

    Joined:
    Sep 17, 2017
    Member:
    #9710
    Messages:
    1,797
    Gender:
    Male
    AZ
    Vehicle:
    2010 DC 4x4
    Nope.

    Edit: I'll give you partial credit.
     
    Last edited: Oct 25, 2020
    YardBird[QUOTED] likes this.
  20. Oct 25, 2020 at 6:11 PM
    #50
    shackleford rusty

    shackleford rusty New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 4, 2019
    Member:
    #23961
    Messages:
    350
    Gender:
    Male
    TEXAS!
    i guess powell. but i sort of cheated...
     
  21. Oct 25, 2020 at 6:21 PM
    #51
    Prostar 190

    Prostar 190 SSEM #9 I would rather be water skiing

    Joined:
    Sep 26, 2017
    Member:
    #9912
    Messages:
    69,374
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Bryan
    OH
    Vehicle:
    2010 CrewMax limited 4X4
    6" lift 35" Toyo M/T
    X)2
     
    Cpl_Punishment likes this.
  22. Oct 25, 2020 at 7:13 PM
    #52
    Taco-Blender

    Taco-Blender [OP] Old Guys Rule

    Joined:
    Sep 17, 2017
    Member:
    #9710
    Messages:
    1,797
    Gender:
    Male
    AZ
    Vehicle:
    2010 DC 4x4
    That was the original plan. Tomorrow's front moving thru that area put the forecast temp at something like 42 for a high and below freezing for the low. Tuesday and Wednesday a little warmer, but not much.

    That's WAY TOO COLD for these desert dwellers. Where we're at should be 63 and 47 tomorrow and warning up from there, which won't be nearly as bad.
     
    YardBird likes this.
  23. Oct 25, 2020 at 7:23 PM
    #53
    Mountun Goat

    Mountun Goat She baaaaaahd

    Joined:
    Feb 19, 2018
    Member:
    #13002
    Messages:
    5,747
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Dan
    EhBerta, Canadia
    Vehicle:
    It’s a Goat.
    Awesome thread @Taco-Bender you use a boat like it’s supposed to be used! :yes::101010::popcorn:
     
    YardBird and Taco-Blender[OP] like this.
  24. Oct 25, 2020 at 8:54 PM
    #54
    YardBird

    YardBird Native San Diegan

    Joined:
    Jan 15, 2019
    Member:
    #24572
    Messages:
    7,534
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jonesy
    Vehicle:
    2005 RCLB
    American Thunder Cat Back ~ Retrax Pro ~ Toyota Bed Mat ~ OEM Split Spoke Wheels
    Screenshot (35).jpg

    I only get credit for knowing where Lake Wolford is ~ it's right around the corner from Dixon . . . :)
     
    Last edited: Oct 25, 2020
  25. Oct 25, 2020 at 10:24 PM
    #55
    realtorblake

    realtorblake Tundra Thunda

    Joined:
    Feb 23, 2019
    Member:
    #26549
    Messages:
    1,069
    Gender:
    Male
    Redneckistan... aka Cypress, TX
    2019 Crewmax Platinum 5" Zone lift Fox 2.5 /OME suspension 12.5x35x18 ProComp's
    Awesome trip and story. Next time you are doing a run down I-10 in Tejas, stay at The Gage Hotel in Marathon. It is a Historic Hotel also. The food and accomodation's are phenomenal. It's not that far from Balmorrea. Another short drive from there is Big Bend National Park... another great destination. Best of luck with the new to you boat!

    http://gagehotel.com/
     
    Last edited: Oct 25, 2020
    YardBird and Taco-Blender[OP] like this.
  26. Oct 27, 2020 at 9:19 AM
    #56
    Taco-Blender

    Taco-Blender [OP] Old Guys Rule

    Joined:
    Sep 17, 2017
    Member:
    #9710
    Messages:
    1,797
    Gender:
    Male
    AZ
    Vehicle:
    2010 DC 4x4
    PART SEVEN:

    Day 4: Lake Havasu

    The morning arrives and we’re still behind the Rock, which is a good thing.
    Lake Havasu_Oct_2020 046.jpg


    The wind is still howling like crazy but we’re pretty well protected sitting behind the Rock. We start the routine, coffee, tea, something to eat and I go out and check all the lines and everything is looking good. The Mrs says she slept pretty well but I had a restless night having climbed in and out of the cave several times to make sure the Dory was not going anywhere. I had thought about setting up the dinette/berth arrangement and ended up nixing that idea for a couple of reasons, A: the moon was hella bright, and, B: we haven’t made any window coverings to block said bright moon.


    I did spend a couple of hours in the helm seat during the night just watching, listening, and thinking “Man, this rock didn’t just grow up out river here. I hope Isaac doesn’t have a brother up there somewhere.”


    The morning comes and we turn on the VHF to listen to the latest weather broadcast. No real change from last night’s report so we check the WindFinder app. Wind, wind, and more wind. We’re hunkered down and decide to just stay put. Unless Isaac’s big brother decides to jump from his perch high overhead, we should be just fine.
    Lake Havasu_Oct_2020 198.jpg


    The day is spent just hanging out, eating, and doing whatever. I have a little 14 watt solar panel that I use at home to keep the Dory’s batteries topped off and decided to tape it to the roof since we won’t be running the engine today. We really don’t use much battery power (I changed all our lights to LED), especially during the day, but this gives me something to do for 10 minutes.
    Lake Havasu_Oct_2020 203.jpg

    The Mrs brought some Christmas ornament craft stuff with her so we worked on that for a bit too. This is funny because she absolutely HATES anything to do with crafting. Not her thing, not in her gene pool, she can’t stand it. BUT! She’s all about relationships and works very hard at keeping the one’s she deems important, going. So, she has a couple of girlfriends that she doesn’t get to see very often who are kind of into the crafting thing. They decided awhile back to get together once a month, have some tea, chat, chat, chat, and craft these Jesse Tree Ornaments. Then, after making 500 bazillion ornaments they have a big party (this is huge too because she is ALL ABOUT hospitality and LOVES to host things like this) with a bunch of other ladies who made them and in the end they each end up with a set of 25 handcrafted ornaments. Anyhow, we rolled and glued these little pieces of paper to make grains of wheat for the “Sheaf of Wheat”. She only needs 500 grains and, me being the big helper I am. I managed to knock out probably 2.
    Lake Havasu_Oct_2020 200.jpg


    After exerting so much energy on these mundane tasks, and maybe having a beer or 2, it’s time for my old man nap.


    This brings up another area where I get a big fat F-. Did you know the water levels in these Lower Colorado River lakes can change dramatically within a couple of hours? I didn't even think about this until we found ourselves in the Dory pretty much sitting on the beach with only a couple of inches of water around us. I was peacefully snoozing away down there in the cave when my subconscious kicks into overdrive and starts yelling at me “Hey! Dummy! The Dory’s not moving, AT ALL, and the sound of the water lapping the hull has changed dramatically! You may want to check that out.” I crawl out of the cave and it takes me a minute to realize what’s going on. OK! PANIC MODE!!! We’re gonna be stuck here FOREVER and Isaac’s big brother is going find this is the perfect time to release himself from the cliff above and rain down upon us!


    I hop out of the Dory and try to push the boat back a bit into deeper water but that ain’t happening. I get the Mrs involved and we try rocking it back and forth from the side for a bit and then push it back. NOPE! We wiggle the back end, which is in deeper water, back and forth, back and forth. YES! It looks like this is maybe going to work. Good thing too! The Mrs is not all too happy about being ankle deep in 67 degree water. Can’t say that I’m a fan either. Although, I do give myself a pat on the back for remembering to bring a couple pairs of my favorite Merino Wool socks.


    We get the Dory floating again, lines readjusted, and then it hits me, DUH!!! We’re between 2 dams! One of them might be releasing more water than the other! Did you know BLM publishes water release schedule for all their dams? I get on the interwebs (amazingly enough we have a pretty good signal where we are) and look for BLM water release schedules. Sure enough! The Parker dam is releasing about twice as much water as the Davis dam upstream, hence the huge drop in the water level. The schedule says this will reverse overnight. Well, praise God! We may make it after all.

    Without seeing a single other boat the entire day, and with our heartrates back to normal, we settle in for another night behind Isaac’s Rock.
    Lake Havasu_Oct_2020 202.jpg
     
    Last edited: Nov 5, 2020
  27. Oct 27, 2020 at 1:58 PM
    #57
    BMET

    BMET New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 24, 2020
    Member:
    #51278
    Messages:
    93
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2018 Tundra Limited
    Great read, great pictures. Thanks for sharing. :)
     
    Taco-Blender[OP] likes this.
  28. Oct 27, 2020 at 5:28 PM
    #58
    Taco-Blender

    Taco-Blender [OP] Old Guys Rule

    Joined:
    Sep 17, 2017
    Member:
    #9710
    Messages:
    1,797
    Gender:
    Male
    AZ
    Vehicle:
    2010 DC 4x4
    PART SEVEN:

    Day 5: Lake Havasu


    Day 5 begins and we’re still behind the Rock, which, again, is a good thing.


    The wind had laid down a bit last night and we both had a good night’s sleep. The Mrs is already up and about, made her tea, ground my beans, and has my coffee water heated up by the time I crawl out of the cave. While the wind situation is looking much better this morning we go ahead and turn on the VHF and listen to the latest weather broadcast. Wind is going to pick up again in the early afternoon but it should only get up to 20-25. The main lake will be a bit sporty with 1-2 foot, wind blown slop. Temp should be the upper 60’s to low 70’s. We’re out of here by 8am.


    We fire up the engine, gather the lines and stow the anchors, and we’re on our way back down the river. With the wind at our back, and the current heading the same direction, we have an uneventful, leisurely cruise back to the main lake.
    Lake Havasu_Oct_2020 204.jpg

    Lake Havasu_Oct_2020 206.jpg

    Lake Havasu_Oct_2020 207.jpg



    In desperate need of showers, and a porta-potti dump, we set course Lake Havasu State Park Campground right by the north entrance to the bridge canal. Normally we would have taken a shower on the beach or in the cockpit by now but the weather hasn’t been the best and wet-wipe wipe downs are getting pretty old. While they do work to freshen up a bit, they’re no substitute for a proper, warm, luxurious, shower. We have a 2.5 gallon pump up sprayer that I attached a regular sink/dish sprayer to and it works great for a nice shower. Either set it out in the sun for a while, or add a pot of hot water, and pump, pump, pump, a showering you go! Ok, it’s not quite as nice as being at home standing in the endless stream but it is a suitable sub. We also use this to rinse off our soapy dishes.
    Lake Havasu_Oct_2020 209.jpg

    Lake Havasu_Oct_2020 210.jpg


    Anyhow, we make it down the lake to the park without incident. The lake was indeed a bit sporty with 1.5-2 foot windblown waves but it was a following sea and not an issue for the mighty Dory. Now, me getting the mighty Dory attached to the dock was another story. I would get up close and the wind would push us back, get up close and the wind would push us back. All I could think of was that old fishing guy in that State Farm commercial. “Ooohh, you almost had it. Ya gotta be quicker than that”. Finally, on the 3rd try, I managed to get the amidships line around the dock cleat and tied off.


    A few minutes after getting the Dory secured a Park Ranger lady in a pickup (no, not a Trundra) showed up at the nearby launch ramp. I went over to her to talk about what we’d like to do, that we wouldn’t mind paying for a campsite so we could get some showers, charm, charm, charm, blah blah blah… She asked a bit about the Dory, said “It’s such a cute boat”, blah, blah, blah… and made the command decision to let us use the facilities, compliments of the house. SUCH a nice Park Ranger lady!!!
    Lake Havasu_Oct_2020 050.jpg

    Lake Havasu_Oct_2020 057.jpg



    The Mrs is wasting NO time gathering up what she needs and heads for the shower. Me. I get porta-potti dump duty. Oh Boy!!


    This looks like a great place to insert a Porta-Potti Pro Tip!!!. Do you like asparagus? We do! It’s one of our favorite veggies to throw on the grill when camping. A little olive oil, some salt and pepper, wrapped tight in some foil, toss it on the grill. Easy-peasy and delicious! But!!! here’s the problem. Have you noticed how, sometimes after eating asparagus, your pee has this SUPER strong, almost ammonia like, smell to it? Well, we found out this does NOT mix well with the other goodies in the ol porta-potti. I can’t believe we hadn’t noticed this before this trip. We had a porta-potti in the pop-up trailer we had, and used (A LOT) for 18 years. We can't remember ever having this problem before. In this case I think I’m going to attribute this phenomenon to the “Martini” like shake that goes on in there while we’re underway. Bounce, bounce, shake, shake, there's a whole lota shakin going on... Anyhow, we may ditch the grilled asparagus next time and see how it works out.


    With the Mrs back from what she had deemed “THE most glorious shower EVER!”, and my potti duty completed, it’s my turn to head to the shower. I’ll have to agree with the Mrs on this one. That was one of the best showers ever.


    All spiffed up and nowhere to go we decide to head into the canal because, A: we like it there, B: It’s out of the wind, and C: this has been a cheap trip so far and we’ll go drop some $$$ on lunch and beers/drinks in one of the restaurants.
    Lake Havasu_Oct_2020 218.jpg

    Lake Havasu_Oct_2020 214.jpg


    After a nice lunch at the Blue Chair, and a little time loafing around it’s time to go find a spot for the night. I had seen a posting on one of the boat tour shacks/kiosks that one of the destinations is a place called Copper Canyon. We set a course for Copper Canyon and off we go.
    Lake Havasu_Oct_2020 219.jpg


    Copper Canyon turns out to be not quite as spectacular as I had envisioned (Powell has absolutely ruined this for me), but it is nice enough. Now, had I paid for a boat tour to go see it I think I would have come away more than a little disappointed. Anyhow, we luck out and find the only beach in the whole canyon is wide open, so we swooop in for the kill, secure the boat, and break out the sundowner fixins.

    Home sweet home, at least for tonight.
    Lake Havasu_Oct_2020 226.jpg

    Lake Havasu_Oct_2020 225.jpg

    Lake Havasu_Oct_2020 222.jpg

    Lake Havasu_Oct_2020 067.jpg


    NUDIE ALERT!!! My second naked pic of the trip! Wild Burro's
    Lake Havasu_Oct_2020 068.jpg
     
    Last edited: Nov 5, 2020
  29. Oct 27, 2020 at 6:11 PM
    #59
    Wallygator

    Wallygator Well Zippedy Da Do!

    Joined:
    Apr 7, 2020
    Member:
    #44761
    Messages:
    2,539
    What an awesome thread! Love the boat. Subscribed.

    Also please thank your son for us. America!!:thumbsup:
     
  30. Oct 27, 2020 at 6:22 PM
    #60
    JMB

    JMB Not new, just a little old.

    Joined:
    Jan 20, 2014
    Member:
    #156
    Messages:
    6,603
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    John
    Chesapeake, VA
    Vehicle:
    2013 Super White Tundra DC
    5100s all around, 295-70-18 Defenders, 1.25 Spidertrax spacers, BD reverse lights, de-badged, interior LEDs, footwell LEDs, reverse LEDs, ARE cap, front receiver hitch for cooler holder, cooler holder/rod rack, backup camera, Kenwood HU, Westin nerf bars, Husky floor liners, folding rear seats, remote battery posts, plastidip grill chrome, Powder coat bumpers.
    Great thread,don't know why I didn't see it before. I've been in that area once in my life. For our 30th anniversary, my wife is a geologist and wanted to go there. It's the farthest I've ever been from an ocean, ever, except airport layovers. It was gorgeous, not where I would want to live, but it's worth seeing before you die, and seeing several times.
    Where I live a boat is a means to catch fish and spend time/money. I was concerned when you hadn't mentioned fishing, but then you did, my sense of normalcy was restored.
    Keep posting, no naked pics of you. And keep enjoying the adventure.
     
    Taco-Blender[OP] and Wallygator like this.

Products Discussed in

To Top