Christmas/Hanukkah is coming soon and it’s time to tell your loved ones what’s on your holiday wish list. Check out these two pieces of roof top tent accessories that we think are a great idea. The Shoe Hammock keeps your shoes outside the tent, but within reach and the Gear Loft is just that, an attachable “loft” that holds all of your “in-tent” necessities. Put these goodies on your list and then go….. TAP into Adventure!
The Roof Top Tent Shoe Hammock
A great way to keep dirty shoes out of the tent and convenient to grab. Could be used to hold a wide range of items. Made in the USA!
– Made from polyester mesh fabric
– Has a 34″ x 14″ footprint
– Attaches to slide-in hangers via end straps and bar slides. Can also be attached to footmen loops on plywood platform tent units.
No muddy/sandy shoes in the tentLocated right behind the top of your ladder.
The roof top tent Gear Loft
Provides quick to grab, off-the-floor storage space while camping. Keeps a wide range of lightweight gear organized and easy to find. Made in the USA!
– Made from polyester mesh fabric
– Has a 21″ x 28″ footprint
– Attaches to bows via end straps and bar slides.
Directions to Sand Canyon: From highway 395, between Mammoth Lakes and Bishop, take Lower Rock Creek Road south 4.3 miles or Gorge Road/Old Sherwin Grade Road north 6.8 miles to Swall Meadow Road. Go west on Swall Meadow Road .7 miles and turn right on Sky Meadows Road. Follow Sky Meadows Road northwest .5 miles to a one-lane dirt road on the right soon after the pavement ends.
Following ridge line
Fall colors
Site Location and Description: Sand Canyon is a fun and beautiful overland trail that follows the John Muir Wilderness and climbs up giving you great mountain views. This trail is rated moderate and has some sandy areas and several steep rocky climbs and descents. In the spring, the wildflowers are abundant and in the fall, the landscape is filled with beautifully colored leaves. You can spend the day and fish at a small lake at the end of the trail, although the lake level varies. (Summer 2015: lake level-extremely low). You’ll find a primitive overland camp area here as well.
Primitive camping by the lakeLake at the end of the trail. It’s been a dry year.
Current Road Conditions: 760-873-2500
Click here for more CA off-road, Overlanding trails…..and TAP into Adventure!
Dave Bennett, I4WDTA certified trainer and Senior Enlisted Leader,1st Marine Division, founded American Adventurist in 2010 with the aim of hosting a community forum as well as many community events and trainings. American Adventurist organizes multiple events every year. Each one has a regional flavor and is geared toward the vehicle-supported adventure travel enthusiast, with an emphasis placed on friends, family and an active outdoor lifestyle. TAP has attended the Mountain Rendezvous in Big Bear, CA the past two years and thoroughly enjoyed the experience, cameraderie of like minded individuals and exposure to new gear and overlanding inspired companies. These are not commercial events, but are attended by small overlanding companies as well as outdoor, overlanding enthusiasts.
Always a kid friendly event
A vast array of amazing set ups.
TAP wanted to know how American Adventurist came into being and how it has evolved. This is what Dave Bennett had to say:
What was your Motivation for starting American Adventurist? As a lifelong outdoorsman and enthusiast, I grew tired of the overtly mercantile and mercenary tendencies of the outdoor and off-road industry and the pay to play events. I saw an opportunity to create a community that was about something more than money and what we could squeeze from people. I’m also a proponent of traditional American cultural values and saw the wholesome outdoor activities that I’d enjoyed with my Grandfather being replaced by video games, closures, gates and regulations. I wanted a community that could be a positive force not only for my own family to be a part of but also to draw other like minded Americans together in order to pass on positive ethics, values, and interests to our children. Perhaps if we led by example through exemplifying responsible recreation, we could leverage positive outcomes within the off-road and outdoor segments so that our children could still hike and drive and hunt and fish in the same ways that I had done as a child.
Chow line: potluck
After dinner raffle
What makes American Adventurist Unique? American Adventurist is an adventure travel enthusiast community dedicated to exploration, self-sufficiency, and preserving our American cultural values and heritage. We are also a proud Tread Lightly Alliance Member. As such, our focus is on the community of interest and in giving back to that community. One of the ways we do this is through our nationwide Rendezvous events. Each year since 2010, we’ve presented free regional events where we pick a charity or community service project. At the yearly SoCal Desert Rendezvous, we partner with the BLM and perform trail cleanup efforts in “at risk” areas – 2015 saw over 1.5 tons of trash removed from public lands by our members. At the yearly SoCal Mountain Rendezvous, we promote Scouting and raise money for the Boy Scouts of America. In North Carolina at our annual Appalachian Rendezvous, we partner with the local community to raise money for much needed renovations at community center in Uwharrie. Lastly, in 2014 our members helped collect over 1,100 toys for the Toys for Tots campaign. Over the last five years, the American Adventurist community has blossomed into something that we’re very proud of. Currently, American Adventurist is the official Forum Sponsor for Overland Expo and 2016 will include Rendezvous events on both coasts. There’s even rumors of adding a 4th Rendezvous event in 2016 with locations in Texas, Oregon and Alabama being discussed.
A short “rendezvous run” on nearby Gold Mountain. Big Bear CA
Author: Dave Bennet
Editor: Lori Palmer
Photos obtained from American Adventurist’s social media sites and by TAP’s Publisher and Co-Founder, Andy Palmer
Whether you are a seasoned overlander or a novice looking for adventure in the southwest, Adventure Driven has an exclusive expedition for you. Adventure Driven is run by Seth and Kande Jacobsen, life-long adventure enthusiasts and photographers with a deep passion for the outdoors. Their mission is to encourage people to live life beyond the norm, to live beyond the couch, video game console and cell phone. To venture the road less travelled and to spend quality time with family while enjoying the outdoors and learning how to care for the planet. I had the opportunity of talking to Kande of Adventure Driven to find out what inspired them to start their business.
LP: How did you two come up with the idea for Adventure Driven?
KJ: Seth and I were watching a documentary about a Maori family that was living off the grid. At one point, the filmmaker asked the father of the family what he did for a living. The man answered, “I live for a living.” At the time we were both working in an office and found it really unsatisfying. This film motivated us to start brainstorming on who we were and what we wanted out of our life. How could we live for a living? We are both life-long outdoor adventurists and really wanted to create a business that would get people out to places they wouldn’t go on their own and inspire them to continue exploring. We wanted to become a catalyst for adventure. This lead to the creation of Adventure Driven. We’ve been at it for a couple of years now, and it is definitely our passion. We love sharing the thrill of adventure with people.
LP: What types of trips and services do you offer?
KJ: We take people on private Navajo Nation lands to the rim of the Grand Canyon. We also offer expeditions into the back roads, beaches and villages of Baja. We taylor our trips to the needs of our clients. They can drive their rigs and follow ours, or they can travel with us. They can provide their own camping gear, or we can rent it to them. They can bring/cook their own food or we will provide the food and cook for them. Seth and I are avid photographers and we cater to people who would like to photograph their journeys as well. We have a man from Tucson AZ who is an astrophotographer, who can come along to instruct our clients. We want to be sure that each trip is memorable and custom tailored to the interests of our adventurers.
Kande and Seth acquired permission to use Navajo Nation trails that are not sanctioned for public use. They know some tribe members and have exclusive rights to guide expeditions through these lands. There you can encounter herds of wild horses, the endangered California condor, antelope, coyotes, foxes, lizards, ground squirrels, prairie dogs, ringtail cats, etc. You will see traditional Navajo homes called hogans, and in the evening, gaze at the most vast array of stars imaginable. Another bonus is that you are exploring lands that very few people can access, so it really is a remote journey.
Seth and Kande also work closely with several off-road equipment and vehicle companies. Since they are out using overlanding gear so often, be it with work or play, they help test, develop and improve these products. They also offer companies their photography services for product shoots, the web, and social media. If you have a product that you would like tested, photographed or, you would just like to get their opinion on something you are developing, I am sure they would be happy to help you.
Roughly graded, very steep descent, water crossings, loose rock sections on narrow switchbacks
Difficulty
Easy to moderate
Required Vehicle
High clearance 4WD. Be sure your brakes are in good shape. Our Tacoma’s brakes smoked and went spongy on the descent.
Time
1.5 hours
Length
approximately 10 miles.
Current Road Conditions: Inyo National Forest, White Mountain Ranger District, Bishop CA: 760-873-2500 Directions: This trail starts off of White Mountain road just 3 miles north of the Schulman Grove Visitor Center at 10,500 ft.
Silver Canyon Trail Head
Site Location and Description: The off-road trail head is well marked and warns of 4×4 high clearance requirements.This is a narrow, very steep, and graded trail that winds down into Silver Canyon and provides excellent views of the Sierra Nevada and Owen Valley. Due to the steep decline, be sure to use your engine gearing to help slow the descent. It is easy to overheat your brakes on this off-road trail! This trail is not recommended in heavy rain or snowy conditions. Some of the switchbacks are located on a shelf road and are narrow. Passing places are limited, so you may need to back up for oncoming vehicles. This is not a trail for those of you who fear drop off exposure. There are multiple creek crossings once in the canyon that are very mellow in summer, but could be potentially challenging after heavy rainfall or during spring run-off. We recommend calling for road conditions ahead of time.
Start of the switchback descent.
History of Silver Canyon Trail: Laws Railroad Museum at the western end of Silver Canyon Trail, was a station for the Carson & Colorado Railroad that ran from Carson City to Keeler. The settlement was named after R.J. Laws, the railroad’s assistant superintendent and had a post office up until the 1960’s. Passenger service to Laws ended in 1932 and freight service to Nevada ended in 1943. Service continued between Laws and Keeler until April 1960. The Southern Pacific acquired the Carson & Colorado and Engine Number 9; the last engine to travel between Laws and Keeler, is kept in the museum today. The site of the mining town of Ownsville is located a couple hundred yards from the museum. Owensville had a post office from 1866-1869. The town’s office was moved to Bishop, formerly called Bishop Creek, in 1870. By 1871 Owensville faded away.
Blue dog getting relief from the heat.
Click here for more CA off-road, Overlanding trails…..and TAP into Adventure!
The following article on spotting contains a combination of information derived from the The Four -Wheeler’s Bible,2nd edition, by Jim Allen and from a conversation with John Marshall, certified I4WDTA and owner of Coyote Adventure Safari and Coyote Land Tours. In The Four -Wheelers Bible, Jim states that it is vital that the spotter and driver understand and follow the rules/hand signals that they have established. Jim outlines his philosophy, techniques and hand signals. John does the same and adds a different twist as well as some additional helpful tips. Both are presented here as possible techniques to use when spotting. The first portion of the article comes from Jim Allen’s Four-Wheeler’s Bible.
Nobody rides for free. The person sitting in the passenger’s seat should assist the driver in keeping an eye out for hazards, particularly on their side of the vehicle. It doesn’t take much skill to notice a fender is in danger of being torn off, so virtually anyone can be of some use. Should the person riding “shotgun” be skilled and knowledgeable in the four-wheeling arts, so much the better.
Hungry Valley SVRA in Gorman CA
There comes a time when a view from outside the cockpit is needed, and a clued-in spotter can be walking disaster prevention. Using a spotter comes with a price; the driver has to relinquish some control. The only way it works well is if the driver gives the spotter control of the situation and does no more and no less than ordered by the spotter. The driver and we’ll assume he’s the owner of the vehicle, retains overall veto power and the option to “fire” the spotter, but a spotter is worthless if the driver doesn’t follow instructions. The spotter then takes responsibility for what happens, assuming the driver follows instructions. Friendships and closer relationships have gone awry in situations where mistakes were made and damage resulted. It pays to keep an adult perspective on these things, a little que sera sera (whatever will be will be) perhaps, and also to delegate spotting duties to people who are qualified. If you get help on the trail from relative strangers, it’s a little more problematic. Another que sera sera time, I suppose.
Jim Marshall of Coyote Adventure Safaris
Basic Spotting Rules.
There are some basic rules that both spotters and drivers should understand. Some clubs have adopted spotting rules like these for use at events. You can invent your own. The main thing is that both the spotter and driver are reading from the same page of rules. Even spectators can be a help by understanding what’s going on and letting the spotter and driver do their work without interference. That doesn’t prevent you-the-spectator from helping; just do it in a way that doesn’t disrupt the process.
General:
-At least 99 percent of spotting should be nonverbal. Use hand signals. This avoids words being misunderstood or drowned out by engine noises or spectators. Verbal conferences should be face to face with the vehicle stopped and secured.
-There’s only one official spotter: The person the driver has chosen. The spotter should ignore the more vocal armchair quarterbacks on the sidelines. If spectators get to be a problem, make an appeal for silence. If you are not the spotter and you see a better or safer way, make a quiet comment to the spotter.
-The spotter directs other helpers, such as in piling rocks, pushing, and so on.
Driver Tips:
-You have the right to refuse a spotter, or fire him, buy you also take the responsibility for what happens.
-You are handing over 50 percent of the control and 50 percent of the responsibility to your spotter.
-Keep your eyes on the spotter. If you can’t see the spotter, stop and get his attention. It’s worse than uncool to run over your spotter.
-Do no more and no less than your spotter directs. Continue with the last instruction until your spotter tells you to stop, or changes the instruction. If it becomes clear that your
spotter isn’t paying attention, stop and get his attention.
-If you disagree with your spotter, don’t just ignore him. Stop and have a conference. His perspective is a little different from yours, so it’s good to know why he’s made a particular decision.
Spotter Signals from Jim Allen:
From “The Four-Wheeler’s Bible” by Jim Allen
Spotter Tips:
-Take the time you need to get a clear picture of the problem and a good solution before giving directions. The odds are good that you are dealing with someone’s pride and joy. Take as much care as if it were your own.
-Stay in view of the driver.
-Make clear, bold hand signals that can’t be misunderstood.
-Don’t stand too close to the line of travel. A foot slipping off a clutch pedal or an accidentally applied throttle could take you out. In some cases standing 10 or 15 feet away
gives you the advantage of being able to see the whole picture.
-You are responsible to keep any extra help clear of the vehicle when it moves. Rock pilers have a bad habit of getting run over if the spotter isn’t paying attention.
-Watch your step. Spotters spend a fair bit of time walking backward or moving around on instinct while watching their vehicle. While not always possible, it’s better to stop your
vehicle and find a spot to stand than to split our focus between walking uncertain ground and providing guidance. Seek the best way to protect yourself and the driver throughout the
run.
John Marshall spotting the group.
A while back, I was speaking with John Marshall, owner of Coyote Adventure Safari and Coyote Land Tours about this spotting article. John is a certified Off-Road Driving Instructor (I4WDTA) and has been guiding, off-roading, and training folks for 30 years. Here are a few things that came up in our conversation.
“I feel that 100% of commands should be delivered by both hand signals and verbal commands. To avoid any confusion, some words are eliminated from the start such as “right” and “left”. They become “passenger” and “driver”, to indicate the direction of a wheel adjustment. “No” and “go” can be confused, so I use “stop” instead of “no” (along with a hand signal). This understanding between the spotter and driver eliminates confusion with verbal directions. To further reduce confusion, I keep my hand signals high and uniform. Both hands up to passenger side, to driver side or directly overhead lets my driver know which direction I want them to move in. I use small “karate chop” type movements meaning come forward in whichever direction my hands are pointing. I find that most people over`compensate when directed to turn their wheel. Before starting out, I let them know that I will give verbal cues to quantify how far they should turn. “A click” is equal to a quarter turn of the wheel, so I will use my hand signal and also say “1 click to passenger” etc. I never tell my drivers to straighten out because they may not know how, due to the amount of information they are processing while driving over challenging terrain. I take their tires back to a forward position by using the hand signals and “click” commands, for example, “Two clicks passenger”. This way, the driver makes small, incremental adjustments to the wheel which increases the overall level of safety. I provide a steady stream of verbal cues along with my hand signals and ask that the driver has his window down and is focusing on my directions.”
.
John spotting his son on the Rubicon Trail, illustrating the importance of holding hands up high so the driver can clearly see the intended signals over their hood.
The bottom line for spotting is making sure that the driver and spotter are on the same page in terms of the use of particular hand signals and verbal cues. Expectations about the relationship between the spotter and driver should be set beforehand and safety should be set as the ultimate priority. If you want to learn more about, or brush up on your spotting skills, take a 4WD training class from a certified International 4-Wheel Drive trainer in your area. Then get out there and…
TAP into Adventure!
TAP sends Special Thanks to:
Jim Allen for letting us use the contents of The Four -Wheeler’s Bible2nd edition for this article. The Four-Wheeler’s Bible can be purchased at Amazon.com and is TAP recommended.
John Marshall, certified I4WDTA and owner of Coyote Adventure Safariand Coyote Land Tours for sharing his wisdom with us.
Bernhard Leitner of Leitner Designs for his spotting photo at Hungry Bear.
