JohnTheLuck
Member
Thanks!
JohnTheLuck's Adventures Thread
- Thread starter JohnTheLuck
- Start date
Thanks!
Hawaii
John - If you have never been to Hawaii before, you will love it. I've been there three times the hard way, by sail boat in an L.A. - Honolulu Race, and other times flying on business or pleasure. Do take the drive up the east coast, swim in the great surf on the north coast, and return down the centre of the island. There is so much to see, and do, there that I hope you have lots of time. Indeed, I loved Hawaii so much that I even married a Hawaiian gal, but that was an expensive mistake! - Ted
John - If you have never been to Hawaii before, you will love it. I've been there three times the hard way, by sail boat in an L.A. - Honolulu Race, and other times flying on business or pleasure. Do take the drive up the east coast, swim in the great surf on the north coast, and return down the centre of the island. There is so much to see, and do, there that I hope you have lots of time. Indeed, I loved Hawaii so much that I even married a Hawaiian gal, but that was an expensive mistake! - Ted
JohnTheLuck
Member
This will be my first time in Hawaii. We plan to visit one island every week, for a duration of four weeks total. Thanks for the advices. Will certainly do!
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Hawaii
John: Don't miss touring the Mormon Temple when you cruise up the east coast. fantastic! Also, there is a cove on the s.e corner of the island that is a protected park. I can't recall the name but your hotel staff will tell you. You can swim there, with just a face mask and snorkel, and see hundreds of colourful varieties of fish. You'll have a ball! - Ted
John: Don't miss touring the Mormon Temple when you cruise up the east coast. fantastic! Also, there is a cove on the s.e corner of the island that is a protected park. I can't recall the name but your hotel staff will tell you. You can swim there, with just a face mask and snorkel, and see hundreds of colourful varieties of fish. You'll have a ball! - Ted
JohnTheLuck
Member
Hawaii
After many flight delays, we finally arrived in Kona, Hawaii. I will be in incognito mode since obviously I am not driving my 4Runner. My rental is a Jeep Wrangler, and this will certainly confirm I made the right choice with the 4Runner.
Except for this post, I will not post update here. For those who are interested in seeing my pictures or following me, please visit my french Blog at:
https://jean-et-nancy-en-voyage.blogspot.com/
During this trip, I will keep an eye on other 4Runner. I might see some of you. See you soon here!
After many flight delays, we finally arrived in Kona, Hawaii. I will be in incognito mode since obviously I am not driving my 4Runner. My rental is a Jeep Wrangler, and this will certainly confirm I made the right choice with the 4Runner.
Except for this post, I will not post update here. For those who are interested in seeing my pictures or following me, please visit my french Blog at:
https://jean-et-nancy-en-voyage.blogspot.com/
During this trip, I will keep an eye on other 4Runner. I might see some of you. See you soon here!
Last edited:
ShermanOlsen
Member
Jean, your retelling and especially your photos of your Southwest adventure have been rolling around in my head for months and I should thank you for sharing. Your trip description will be a handy companion for a future trip I'll take down that way, some day and some way. Inspiring!
JohnTheLuck
Member
Thanks! You are welcome. This was a great trip for sure and I enjoyed sharing it with this community.
car_designer
New member
Merci d'avoir partagé tes voyages! (Thank you for sharing your travels)
I've only read the first couple of pages in this thread but you have taken some amazing trips and you are obviously enjoying your 4runner
I've only read the first couple of pages in this thread but you have taken some amazing trips and you are obviously enjoying your 4runner
JohnTheLuck
Member
You are welcome.
JohnTheLuck
Member
It has been really quiet on the 4Runner adventure side since my back to back trips in the American southwest and Hawaii. I am in the process to plan my next trip which should occur starting mid August to end of September.
The first goal of this trip will be to find the best clear sky to watch August total solar eclipse. I am aiming toward the Northwest this time, touring Washington, Oregon, Montana, Idaho, and Wyoming. I already crossed these states, but only to visit the usual places with my mini-van.
I would like to have your input for easy to moderate 4WD trails, or hidden gems. I would also need 4WD books recommendations. My collection for Utah and Arizona is great, but not for these states I am planning to visit.
The first goal of this trip will be to find the best clear sky to watch August total solar eclipse. I am aiming toward the Northwest this time, touring Washington, Oregon, Montana, Idaho, and Wyoming. I already crossed these states, but only to visit the usual places with my mini-van.
I would like to have your input for easy to moderate 4WD trails, or hidden gems. I would also need 4WD books recommendations. My collection for Utah and Arizona is great, but not for these states I am planning to visit.
MissouriBreaks
New member
Subscribed.
Hidden Gems from Montana...
1) Nevada City/Virginia City, which are northwest of Yellowstone NP. Nevada City features a collection of log buildings that have been relocated from various places in Montana.
2) Charles M. Russell Museum, Great Falls
3) McLelland Ferry, free car ferry across the Missouri River north of Winifred
4) Beartooth Pass - US Route 212 between Yellowstone and Red Lodge MT
5) And of course the Missouri Breaks Back Country Scenic Byway, of which I sent you a detailed private message in response to your question. Don't miss it! The scenery was spectacular.
See this link for some photos and description of the Byway
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/off-r...nt-back-country-scenic-byway.html#post2754672
Hidden Gems from Montana...
1) Nevada City/Virginia City, which are northwest of Yellowstone NP. Nevada City features a collection of log buildings that have been relocated from various places in Montana.
2) Charles M. Russell Museum, Great Falls
3) McLelland Ferry, free car ferry across the Missouri River north of Winifred
4) Beartooth Pass - US Route 212 between Yellowstone and Red Lodge MT
5) And of course the Missouri Breaks Back Country Scenic Byway, of which I sent you a detailed private message in response to your question. Don't miss it! The scenery was spectacular.
See this link for some photos and description of the Byway
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/off-r...nt-back-country-scenic-byway.html#post2754672
JohnTheLuck
Member
JohnTheLuck
Member
North West trip
Well, the planning is mostly done for this next adventure. Duration will be about six weeks and a half. Here is a summary of the major places my wife and me should visit:
- Somewhere in Idaho for August 21st solar eclipse;
- Salt Lake City UT
- Golden Spike NHS
- Cody WY
- Bighorn Canyon NRA
- Virginia City MT
- Bannack SP
- Butte MT
- Upper Missouri Breaks NM
- Glacier NP
- North Cascades NP
- Mount Baker-Snoqualmie NF
- Mount St. Helens NVM
- Gifford Pinchot NF
- Mount Rainier NP
- John Days Fossil Beds NM
- Hells Canyon NRA
- Twin Falls ID
- Craters of the Moon NM
- City of Rocks NR
- Rocky Mountains NP
The current total distance is somewhere 20000km for now... The 4Runner might need an oil change somewhere the end, before taking the road back to Montreal QC. Unless I extend a bit since I will travel a lot on interstates and highways. Well see!!!
.
Well, the planning is mostly done for this next adventure. Duration will be about six weeks and a half. Here is a summary of the major places my wife and me should visit:
- Somewhere in Idaho for August 21st solar eclipse;
- Salt Lake City UT
- Golden Spike NHS
- Cody WY
- Bighorn Canyon NRA
- Virginia City MT
- Bannack SP
- Butte MT
- Upper Missouri Breaks NM
- Glacier NP
- North Cascades NP
- Mount Baker-Snoqualmie NF
- Mount St. Helens NVM
- Gifford Pinchot NF
- Mount Rainier NP
- John Days Fossil Beds NM
- Hells Canyon NRA
- Twin Falls ID
- Craters of the Moon NM
- City of Rocks NR
- Rocky Mountains NP
The current total distance is somewhere 20000km for now... The 4Runner might need an oil change somewhere the end, before taking the road back to Montreal QC. Unless I extend a bit since I will travel a lot on interstates and highways. Well see!!!
.
greatape
Senior Member
Nice trip layout..it's fortunate you both have that time..
MissouriBreaks
New member
Nice trip!
In addition to doing the Missouri Breaks NM last year, I visited the Golden Spike site. They have a recreation of the event on weekends, I think at 1 pm, but you may want to check on their website. I arrived about 15 min. prior to the recreation. It was pretty interesting. You can also drive some of the old roadbed to the west of the site. I drove around the north side of the Salt Lake. Was long and uneventful, but driving a few miles to the west and turning around would be interesting for you.
Be sure to stop at the Buffalo Bill Center in Cody, WY. The nightly rodeo is also fun.
JohnTheLuck
Member
Thanks. About the time, you know this never come by itself. You have to plan for this to make it happen. I know sometimes it is more difficult, and yes we are fortunate enough to be able to do so.
JohnTheLuck
Member
Thanks! We want to explore the northern shore of the Great Salt Lake. The Intercontinental Railway Road, which beginning is part of the West Scenic Drive of Golden Spike NM, is effectively on our list. It is a desolate place (in contrast to our green forest everywhere around here) and this make you respect these pioneers who brave this harsh terrain in search of a better futur.
MissouriBreaks
New member
I did the entire 90 mile drive around the north side of the Great Salt Lake last year. I will offer you a couple of tips:
1) The entire route is not well marked.
2) At times there is a road that parallels the old road bed. You want to stay on that side road, as these areas of the old road bed are overgrown and you will get severe pin-striping to your vehicle.
3) As I said, the entire route is not well marked. I lost my way from the route at some point and was lost for about 45 minutes in 90+ degree heat. I have fairly good dead reckoning and headed the way that I believed would take me back to the route and eventually came to a T in the road I was on. I turned right and soon realized I was back on the old road bed and going the wrong way. Got turned around and back on the route.
4) The route does not really take you close to the beach of the Salt Lake. Also, due to the lake level, there are going to be salt flats that are essentially crusted over hollows prior to getting close to the water. I would not recommend driving over them.
Lastly, as for going the entire 90 mile route around the north side of the Great Salt Lake. It took me a lot longer than I expected. Once I got out of there, I was all too happy to make it back to civilization and a hotel with a/c.
