Northology Adventures February 2022

A MIDWEST OUTDOOR OVERLAND ADVENTURE PUBLICATION

NORTHOLOGY ADVENTURES FEBRUARY 2022 WINTER SUBARU CAMPING OVERLAND TRAILER BUILD UP JEEPING ON THE ROAD MOTOR VEHICLE USE MAPS

WISCONSIN OVERLAND // WJOG // DOGSLEDDING

06 MITTEN TREK

THE GEAR BUNKER CABINS & CAMPING

Upper peninsula wandering

CALENDAR

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26

OVERLAND TRAILER BUILD

PAWS OVER LAND

Plan your work, work your plan

A mushy ode to sled dogs

34

40

VEHICLE USAGE

BUSINESS PROFILE

National Forest MVUMs

Got Your Six Coffee Co

03 68 67

INTERACTIVE CONTENT Or, how to read this magazine!

Clicking on the video play icons allow you to watch the embedded videos directly on the page. There are also live links that will briefly highlight when you turn the page to indicate the linked content and you can click on underscored text and the ads too- thanks for reading and sharing! -Cindy Northology Adventures Magazine has made all

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ROADSIDE REPORTS

SNOVERLAND

of any kind caused by this magazine or errors in the

Michigan boy goes west.

Wisconsin Overland Camp

whole be reprinted or reproduced without a written

efforts to make sure that content is accurate on the date of publication. The views expressed reflect the author(s) opinions and are not necessarily the views of the publisher or editor. All content is published in a good faith. Northology Adventures does not guarantee or accept liability for any loss or damage accuracy of claims made by the advertisers.All rights reserved and nothing can be partially or in consent. By using links in this magazine, you acknowledge that and agree that Northology cannot be held responsible and shall not be liable

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SOLO RIDE

WJOG JEEP CAMP

Winter bike reflections

New location, same fun

for content of other websites and advertisements.

MIDLAND RADIO LAUNCHES NEW MXT500 | 50 WATT MICROMOBILE

BY OVERLAND ADDICT

AT THE MOORE EXPO

recovery room lounge

A PLACE TO RELAX AND UNWIND Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the MOORE Expo, in the North East corner of the East Hall you will find the Recovery Room Lounge. The relaxing space features comfortable indoor patio seating, live entertainment, local map reading, and refreshing cocktails served by trained mixologists. Everyone is welcome to come enjoy themselves, connect with friends afar, and create new friendships that will last a lifetime.

MITTEN TREK

I did a short solo trip to the UP. I stayed the night at Fayette Historic State Park and I had the entire place to myself... I also visited Tahquamenon Falls, Munising Falls and the Eben Ice Caves.

THE CAR

The Car: It is a Subaru Crosstrek modified to go offroad and to carry all my gear. It is because of this car I decided to get into camping more. Once I got my first rooftop tent almost 4 years ago I got addicted to exploring the UP whether it was solo or with friends.

The Gear: For winter camping my focus is to keep warm and make my setup as quick as possible. Last winter I had a softshell rooftop tent and what that means is I have to zip on a cover after I close the tent. That always led to me having to climb on top of it to close/zip it because the fabric becomes stiff in the winter.

This year I swapped it out for a hardshell tent which is much easier to close than a softshell (no zippers). I also use a diesel heater to warm up my tent all night and I

like to keep it around 50-60°F and the heater uses about a half tank (about a half gallon). I carry extra fuel in a rotopax which I mount to the outside of my car.

The drawer system I have in the back of my car is a new addition and it comes in handy for storing a lot of my camping gear and kitchen supplies. I also have a 12v fridge I use for longer camping trips to keep food and drinks cold. I keep the fridge charged with a power station which can last a couple of days without needing to be topped off.

THE GEAR

MITTEN

TREK

I hate cooking especially in the winter so I like to bring something that is quick and easy (canned food). I use a Jetboil genesis stove with a 5lb propane tank.

The swing out tire carrier comes in handy since I have mounted a drop down table on it so I can quickly cook on that. For cookware I just have a little solo cookset that I use. Then I go hide in my tent where its warm so my food doesn't freeze while I am eating it.

COOKING

THE TRIP Fayette Historic State Park Once a bustling industrial community that manufactured charcoal pig iron between 1867 and 1891, Fayette offers visitors historic buildings set among the unmatched serenity of a Lake Michigan harbor, white cliffs and verdant forests.

Taquamenon Falls State Park Tahquamenon Falls State Park encompasses close to 50,000 acres stretching over 13 miles. Most of this is undeveloped woodland without roads, buildings or power lines. The centerpiece of the park, and the very reason for its existence, is the Tahquamenon River with its waterfalls.

Munising Falls Walk the paved 800-foot trail up a cool shaded canyon along Munising Creek to the base of the falls. Two sets of stairs lead to platforms for additional views of the 50-foot waterfall as it drops over a sandstone cliff. Watch for ferns, wildflowers, and an occasional mink. In winter, the waterfall exhibits dramatic ice formations.

Each year I'm always changing stuff to make my experience easier as I learn what I need and don't need when I camp.

MOD LIST & GEAR PHOTO GALLERY & PRINTS

MITTEN

TREK

Got Your Six Coffee Co. #BrewingBetterDays gotyoursixcoffee.com

David Zemla BUILDING A TIME MACHINE OF MY OWN CONSTRUCTION Bug Out Hauler Build - Part Two Many moons ago I was told by a gentleman far

Next step was ‘working the plan’ and that

smarter than myself to ‘plan your work and

would begin with a basic mockup. I’d be book

work your plan’. Even as a dumb teen the

ending a 3500lb 4” drop trailer axle with 35”

sentiment felt right and I’ve applied it to much

Kenda Klevers that match the Gladiator tow

of what I do including a ground up trailer build.

vehicle. Tires are mounted on factory steelies

Last month I shared the Bug Out Hauler plan

(actually the spare rim for a JT) and have a

here in Northology Adventures and this month

substantial positive offset. Not really an issue

we’ll cover the first thirty days of work.

on the Jeep, but on a trailer it pushes the already massive rubber pretty far inboard. The

In my real life, I’m pretty much a desk jockey,

end result was an odd sized platform defined

so I love the opportunity to build things. What I

by the inner spacing of the tires minus a few

don’t love are deadlines (work life already has

inches allowing for things to move around.

enough of those!), but like it or not this build is

The upside was an outside width that

underway with the May 20th Overland Expo

intentionally matched the Jeep’s track.

West as a hard deadline. Nothing like a 3000+ mile trip to prove out your work!

Axle position on the trailer was key and required a fair bit of study. Trailers are most

With that in mind, I’ve put together detailed

stable with a bias towards the tongue, but

drawings, a parts list and a month by month

how does one discern where that happy spot

calendar before any metal was cut. Not sexy,

is? I first looked at what I’d be carrying. Two

but it would keep the build on track and one

Honda Groms, roughly 500 lbs, 20 gallons of

would hope, avoid the last minute chaos that

water at 8.3 lbs per gallon adds another

can ruin a trip. The work was now planned.

170lbs, the slideout kitchen/battery box

With any new build you have to ask yourself what you want and do not want.

should roll in around 300 lbs and the RTT another 200. Add in some incidentals the load sits at 1200 lbs. Combine that with roughly 300 lbs of steel and we’re at 1500 lbs. Not including the 300 lbs of wheels and axle for this exercise as they do not really add or subtract from tongue weight.

Popular opinion is 10% of the trailer weight on the tongue so tongue weight should come in around 150lbs. Some of the load would be in a fixed location, like the kitchen and the bikes.

The tent and water tank had a little flexibility and would be moved around to create a roughly 60% bias toward the tongue. The longer the tongue the more weight I can move forward (think of it as a lever). Even with the kitchen, I still have 36” of tongue with virtually no weight on it. Before you send “smartest man on the internet” DM’s, please keep in mind, I am not an engineer, so I’m working with the guidance of others on proper trailer weight bias, but I’m pretty comfortable with their input.

The main chassis is constructed of 2”x4” .120 wall steel tube. Strong enough for the job, but not overly weighty. The design has changed a bit since last month and the floor is now expanded steel (weight savings) and the rack pivots on spherical rod ends to avoid potential binding when raising or lowering one end at a time. The lower slider tubes are 2” and the upper 1.75”, both .120 wall. The uppers feature a number of holes in each, allowing the rack to be located via pop pins in several positions. Full height would largely be for loading, mid location to accommodate larger motorcycles and bottom with the Honda Groms on the trailer. The lowest is also the camping position as my camping partner is a 70lb Lab. Once everything was mocked up, the entire assembly was tacked together. The tent will end up at the back of the rack and the water tank is just forward of the axle. If I did the math correctly, it should balance out very nicely. A simple pivoting jack will hold the front up and the rear will be supported by fold down stabilizers when it’s in camp. I should be able to unhook from the tow vehicle and still have a stable platform.

Next up is the water system and adjacent to the tank will live a basic RV water pump plumbed to a filter and a Y fitting sending one end to the sink and the other to a fitting on the side of the trailer for a future shower. Electrical gets a bit more complex and includes a solar panel, controller, 12v to 12v battery maintainer and a bevy of switches controlling it all. Naturally a few USB ports, but have not decided if it’ll need a 120v inverter. Most of the electrical shenanigans will live in the lower part of the kitchen box on a slider shelf for easy access.

My tent choices are all over the place, but will have to be decided in the next few weeks as the crossbars on the rack will need to be welded in to match the mounting points of whatever tent ends up sitting on it. What’s the challenge? RTT’s are spendy, so I definitely want to get this right, I’m also factoring in keeping it warm inside (More of a challenge with the XL versions) and of course weight distribution. My guts are telling me to grab another Smittybilt style unit (tons of brands with pretty much the same tent). I had my last one for five plus years and it did fairly well. The cool kids are all running iCampers and other fanciness, so this one is still undecided.

NORTH WOODS GOODS CUSTOM MADE SPECIALLY FOR US TO SHARE

OUR LOVE OF THE WOODS WITH YOU NORTHOLOGYADVENTURES.COM

WELDING, AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR, SANDBLASTING, PAINTING, RUST PREVENTION, FABRICATION

Roughly thirty days into the build and I’m pretty happy with the progress. It’s technically towable and most of the wacky things I sketched have worked out. The plan has certainly evolved, but not wildly., Each weekend the design gets tweaked a bit, maybe better refined, maybe just less dumb. I find great value in drawing the project out, but real life can often open your eyes to other possibilities.

Next month I’ll wrap the balance of the tubes, buy a tent and awning and weld in the expanded steel flooring. The slide out kitchen build will follow.

Plan your work, work your plan, but don’t be afraid to tweak it. See you in thirty days!

Haul your boats, bikes and camping gear in one eye-catching, affordable package.

C U S T O M

B U I L T

T E A R D R O P

C A M P I N G

T R A I L E R S

TCTeardrops.com

Wausau, Wisconsin

PAWS OVER LAND CINDY POPE I suspect that anyone who loves dogs and loves to be outside in the winter will at some point be curious about dog sledding. I was introduced to Jack London at a young age and learning about the heroics of sled dogs Balto and Togo during the 1925 serum run to Nome captivated my imagination.

The Iditarod race is regarded as a symbolic link to the early history of the Alaska and is connected to many traditions commemorating the legacy of dog mushing and the overland run by the sled dog teams almost 100 years ago. The race start is set for Anchorage on March 5, 2022, marking the 50th anniversary of the "Last Great Race."

Enjoy this dog sledding photo essay and check out the races nearby and places you can go to experience some mushing for yourself!

JIM KRUEGER, GETTY IMAGES Dogsled team nearing a checkpoint in the Beargrease dogsled race, Two Harbors, MN

“... AND WHO KNOWS WHAT ROMANCE, WHAT ADVENTURE, WHAT LOVE, IS LURKING AROUND THE NEXT TURN OF THE ROAD, READY TO LEAP OUT ON US IF WE'LL ONLY TRAVEL THAT FAR?” – JACK LONDON.

THE EVERETT COLLECTION

"In 1534, Jacques Cartier discovered the Gaspé Peninsula and claimed the land in the name of Francis I of France. For the better part of a century the Iroquois and French clashed in a series of attacks and reprisals. For this reason, Samuel de Champlain arranged to have young French men live with the natives, to learn their language and customs and help the French adapt to life in North America. These men, known as coureurs des bois (runners of the woods), were the first European mushers in North America, extended French influence south and west and in 1609, New France

controlled all the Canadian Shield.

In 1680, the intendant of New France, Jacques Duchesneau de la Doussinière et d'Ambault, estimated that there was not one family in New France who did not have a "son, brother, uncle or nephew" among the coureurs des bois. During the winter, sled became the ordinary transportation in the north of New France. In 1760, the British Army completed the conquest of Canada and gained control of the Canadian Shield. Many coureurs des bois accepted British rule and continued to use the sled dog. The French term Marche! became Mush! in English."

-Wikipedia

COUREURS DES BOIS

MUSHING EVENTS Selected Sled Dog Races in Michigan, Minnesota & Wisconsin february 5

Lake Minnetonka Klondike Dog Derby

february 12-13

Doty Dog Days Doty Township, WI Winter Sled Dog Race and Festival

february 17-21

UP 200 Midnight Run Jack Pine 30

Marquette, Grand Marais, Gwinn, MI

March 4, 5, 6

Copper Dog 150

Calumet, Eagle Harbor, and Copper Harbor

Excelsior, MN

GO MUSHING Where to go dog sledding in Michigan, Minnesota & Wisconsin

Husky Haven Sled Dogs

Shingleton, MI

Tree Tops Resort

Gaylord, MI

Wolfsong Adventures

Bayfield, WI

Chilly Dogs Sled Dog Trips

Ely, MN

EXPEDITION SERIES The Expedition Series is a succession of yearly multiday trips to extend beyond the ‘Overlanding Weekend," challenging participants to work as a team, traveling from an origination point to a destination.

This year we've teamed up with KORC (Keweenaw Outdoor Recreation Coalition) to raise funds, and awareness through our Expedition. "The Keweenaw Outdoor Recreation Coalition was created in 2019 to bring together a variety of user groups with one shared goal: Protect Keweenaw's vast landscapes for everyone, forever. Whether you bike, snowmobile, hunt, hike, or birdwatch, we need your help to make this vision a reality."

To learn about participation or sponsorship opportunities, visit orbisoverlanding.com

VEHICLE USAGE IN THE NATIONAL FOREST

HALT, WHO GOES THERE? What is the Forest Service Road System?

The Forest Service Road System constitutes an important component of the Nation's rural road

"The National Forest Road System consists of more

system. It provides access for resource protection

than 380,000 miles of roads. The types of roads

and for commercial activities or public uses such as

range from permanent, double-lane, paved highways

timber harvesting, recreation outfitting, mining, and

to single-lane, low-standard roads intended only for

grazing. In addition, the system provides access for

use by high-clearance vehicles, such as pickup trucks.

recreational activities such as hunting, fishing, skiing,

At this time, a significant portion of this system is

bird watching, camping, hiking, and driving for

closed or use-restricted to protect resources.

pleasure." -USDA Forest Service Road Management

VEHICLE RESTRICTIONS & LEGAL DEFINITIONS

Are you street legal?

Users have a responsibility to know whether the vehicle they are using is allowed in the National Forest.

The U.S. Forest Service classifies every vehicle in terms of “street legal” and “non-street legal”. A street legal vehicle is simply a vehicle that can legally drive on public roads within that state. This also means it has to be legally registered in that state, and meets all other legal, licensing & insurance requirements.

Where can street legal vehicles go?

The only way to know which roads are open to all vehicles, and which roads are off-limits to non-street legal, is to look at a “Motor Vehicle Use Map," or MVUM. Each national forest and grassland publishes its own Motor Vehicle Use Map. These maps are the legal document that shows the forest service roads where your street-legal vehicle is allowed to travel.

Note that if it is not on the MVUM, it is not a legal road.

Follow vehicle regulations Children under 8 years of age may not operate allterrain vehicles or motorcycles. An operator under 16 must have constant supervision by an adult over the age of 18.

No passengers are allowed on all-terrain vehicles, unless vehicles are designed to carry passengers.

All vehicles must be registered and licensed. Nonstreet legal "red sticker" vehicles have a limited operating period on the forest.

Obey all traffic signs. State traffic laws apply to all national forest roads; violations are reported to the state department of motor vehicles.

Within campgrounds and other recreation sites, use cars, motorbikes, motorcycles, or other motor vehicles only for entering or leaving, unless directed otherwise.

Park only in designated parking areas.

Do not block, restrict, or interfere with the use of roads, trails and gates.

Spark arresters, mufflers, and brakes are required for motorized vehicles.

Don’t drink and ride. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited on all trail systems or in recreation areas.

When can you go?

Many forest roads open to street-legal vehicles are not open year-round. Many close for spring thaw, to protect wildlife or vegetation in specific seasons, to allow for other trail uses (think snowmobile trails) and various other management and environmental purposes. Responsible use entails knowing where and when a forest road is open.

The MVUMs display the CNNF's designated network of roads and trails for public motor vehicle use. The MVUM is your tool for knowing where you can legally operate your motor vehicle. Hard copy maps are available by contacting any local Forest Office and online at https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/cnnf/maps-pubs

"Avenza Maps™ is a mobile map app that allows you to download maps for offline use on your iOS and Android smartphone or tablet. Use your device's built-in GPS to track your location on any map. Plot and record information about locations, import and export placemarks, measure distance and area, and even plot photos. You can easily browse and purchase maps from all over the world using the convenient Avenza Map Store —online or in-app."

"Plan your next overlanding trip like the pros with the best offroad and overland maps, all in one app. Know what to expect from the 4x4 roads ahead with topo maps from USGS and USFS, overlaid with motor vehicle use restrictions, property ownership, and more."

Everything you need to know — from landowner details, to trail open dates, to weather forecasts — is all in one App designed by off-roaders, for off-roaders.

THE POWER OF COFFEE

Interview with Eric Hadley Name of business: GOT YOUR SIX COFFEE CO Founded in: DECEMBER 2016 Owner: ERIC HADLEY Location: SPRINGFIELD MO Website: WWW.GOTYOURSIXCOFFEE.COM Email: INFO@GOTYOURSIXCOFFEE.COM

Please tell us what your role in GY6CC is and what you do there: I am the CEO/Founder ...aka Chief Cook, Bottle Washer, Marketing Specialist, Sales Rep, Photographer, Designer, Accountant and Social Media Engineer Why did you start a coffee company?

GY6CC was born out of a desire and necessity. I saw an opportunity to use the power of coffee as a catalyst to make a difference in this country.

What is special about GY6CC? What is your

Why and when did you start marketing to

purpose and mission? We are special

ovelanders? I have been an overlander since

because we are unlike any others. Our

before “overlanding” was a thing. Back in the

mission is based off Brewing Better Days for

early 90’s it was camping. We would pile

our country by using the power of coffee to

into a truck and drive a couple hours to the

support those who, to us, are the glue that

next state over for a camping trip. While on

keeps this country together. Every day

the adventure we would visit now diners,

amazing individuals all across the country

check out local historical sites, camp, fish,

don a uniform of service. To us we are

hike, swim. We would cook our own meals

brewing better days and using the power of

out of soggy water logged igloo coolers...

coffee to serve those who serve.

Over time, things just evolved. It then morphed into wheeling, and rock crawling

What plans do you have for your company?

where we would outfit our rigs to better

Where do you see it in 5 years? 10 years?

perform during the adventure. Then all of a

For the past 5 years we have been proving

sudden vehicle based adventure travel

the mission day in and day out. In the next

became a thing... a term if you will when

5, 10, 15 years we are planning to continue

Overlanding was born. I have always been

this mission. The only difference is that as

one for adventure and travel. I have driven

we grow, our capabilities grow.

all over this country and even traveled to 59

different countries during my time with Military Sealift Command. Before I started Got Your Six Coffee Co I was working on a full size overland rig. This is after having tricked out 2 different jeeps an 04 TJ and a 2012 four door JK. During that time I was working for Transocean in the offshore oil industry and worked my way into a dream vehicle of mine which was a full size diesel pickup. Shortly after acquiring a 2016 Ram 2500 Mega Cab Cummins Turbo Diesel I was laid off from the downturn of the oil industry. Its at that point, 2.5 years after watching large numbers of my co-workers getting laid off that I found myself without a job. It was at that point when I should have let the truck go but instead, the stubborn individual in me who had worked so hard to get the truck just couldnt seem to let it go.

So 7 months later when I started GY6CC I figured out a way to use the truck as a tool to support our mission.

Since then, I have just been following the advise of a mentor of mine, Clay Croft, who once said, “Turn your passions into a career and you will never work another day in your life”. Since this is a passion of mine and since the truck serves dual purposes it

Why do overlanders love coffee so much?

That's easy!! Coffee Fuels Adventure and Overlanding is at its core is vehicle based adventure travel.

Do you participate in overlanding

makes it easy.

activities? Absolutely, like I said above,

What overlanding events are you planning

a passion of mine. Even down to the idea

on participating in 2022? 2022 is going to be an epic year for us. We are planning to be at Overland Expo West with Snowmaster, Overland Expo Mountain with Redarc, we will be at MOORE Expo since that is in our home town of Springfield MO, We are planning to attend Rendezvous of the Ozarks, we are planning for our second year at KOAR, we are working with our sponsors and partners to be at SEMA this year and in the middle of all that we are planning a couple weekend getaways along with an epic family road trip.

overlanding and everything that it entails is that you work and maintain your rigs.

Do you do any other outdoor activities?

YES!!! I love to hike, fish and hunt. I love to push my fears and expand my horizons by rock climbing. On top of all of that I love to shoot! Everything from hunting, training to stuff like competitive shooting.

What is your personal setup for making coffee at camp? Out on the trail I tend to keep it simple with an old school, Bass Pro Shops 12 cup percolator.

for about 16-20 weeks before oxidation happens. The oils and moisture in the bean starts to evaporate off and with it you loose those freshly roasted flavors and nuances.

You still get the caffeine but you loose what makes our coffee special. You loose the freshness.

What other products do you offer? We have a variety of candles, I.F.A.C.K’s (Individual First Aid Coffee Kits - Chocolate Covered Coffee Beans, Patches, Stickers, Drinkware, French Press Coffee Makers, we have hassle free coffee subscriptions and we even have the ability to become a part of the family with our founding members program.

What is unique about your coffee? One of the things that I have learned over my years with Got Your Six Coffee Co is that alot of people are not aware about the details or intricusys of coffee. People dont seem to understand that on average, when you go to the store to buy a bag of coffee off the shelf that statistically speaking the coffee has been in the bag for 7 to 8 months. That is so far past when coffee is considered to be fresh. Would you buy a steak that is weeks past its expiration date? NO!! The difference between steak and coffee is that you can still brew coffee for almost 2 years out if kept in the right conditions. You can brew it, you will still get the caffeine that people are looking for... that “pick-me-up” if you will.

Most people (65%) doctor up their coffee by putting cream & sugar in it to make it taste the way they prefer anyone so alot of the time people dont even realize. What sets up apart is that we roast fresh. When you drink our coffee you are going to get the inherent flavors, smells and nuances that make coffee fresh. Each bean has natural flavors built into it which can be showcased during the roasting process. That freshness is only good

What is one thing about GY6CC or your products that surprises people? I’d have to say the taste and flavor. It has happened numerous times now where we offered a sample to someone and they hesitated saying that they don't drink coffee because they don't like the taste... Then they become coffee subscribers. Yes, it is about the coffee but then again its not about the coffee. It's about so much more. Become a part of the team that is Brewing Better Days.

BECOME A LEGEND

Aftermarket Trail Tail Lighting, Storage Consoles, Panels, Switches, Skid Plates And More.

Join the Northology Adventures Facebook group to continue discussions on topics & articles each month

OVERLAND PIONEERS + REDARC The best destinations are those that require a testing journey... Episode 21 of REDARC's NO LIMITS series is about scenic landscapes, muddy tracks, and coming together to enjoy a piece of history, through the eyes of Overland Pioneers. How far can REDARC take you?

ON THE GO WITH UPJEEPING

ROADSIDE REPORTS Mon, Jan 24th 2022

Mark left Michigan in mid January & is reporting from the road on an epic trip across the south and west .

Photo break along Box Canyon Rd.

MECCA HILLS WILDERNESS

BY UP JEEPING While wandering sunny southern California I kept an eye on my Gaia GPS for interesting side roads. One such side road excursion caught my attention, Box Canyon Rd. This was a 2 lane twisty blacktop road that made its way from Mecca, CA up to the south entrance of Joshua Tree National Park. An added bonus of this route was access to several easy 4 wheel drive routes.

Mecca Hills wilderness encompasses around 26,000 acres and is managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). After doing some research on this area you could easily spend a few days exploring here. There are steep narrow canyons, sandy washes, and caves known locally as grottoes to explore.

Little Box Canyon Trail is an easy rated 5 mile long 4 wheel drive trail that meanders up a small sand filled canyon and dumps you out along an easy section of the Meccacopia Trail. Besides a little sand it was an easy trail, but I did get some desert pinstripes. The rest of the Meccacopia Trail was much tighter, I wouldn't take a large vehicle through it!

A good time to check the map.

This seems like an old west ambush might have taken place here.

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Following tracks along Box Canyon Rd.

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MONTHLY ADVENTURE MAGAZINE // TRAIL ADVOCACY & STEWARDSHIP // CONTENT & DESIGN SERVICES WINTER EVENTS // BASECAMP GATHERINGS // ADVENTURE EVENTS // WOMEN'S OFFROAD CAMP EVENT

Mon, Jan 24th 2022

SALTON SEA

Have you ever camped on the shores of an

to provide water to the valley for farming.

inland sea? It was getting late in the afternoon,

Water from spring floods broke through the

and in Southern California this time of year it

canal headgates and flowed into the valley for

gets dark unreasonably early. This meant that

2 years before they could stop it, creating the

for tonight, I'd have a less than epic spot to

lake. It would have dried up but over the years

camp. Turns out I was in for a surprise! The

farmers continued to use water for irrigation

Salton Sea, according to the California

and let the excess run off into the lake, which

Department of Parks and Recreation, is one of

would cause major issues in the future. Words

the lowest places on Earth! My GPS verified

like "toxic dust" and "outbreak" come up often.

that I was camping at 221 feet below sea level, which to date, is the lowest elevation I've

The history and geology of this area is

driven to! The highest elevations I've driven to

fascinating, and goes back thousands and

would be Mosquito Pass from this past

even millions of years. There are several good

summer at 13,208 feet, and Pikes Peak a few

documentaries online that go into greater

years earlier at 14,115 feet.

detail. So much for getting a random, uninteresting camping spot. Turns out all you

The current lake was formed in 1905 when

need to do is dig a little deeper and always

farmers diverted the flow of the Colorado river

keep looking.

Next month's issue- dispatch on life from the lakebedUltra Racing's King of the Hammers event.

winter campout Lakeside freezeup with Wisconsin Overland Members of the Wisconsin Overland Facebook group gathered for the third annual Snoverland event. Folks travel from all over the midwest to spend a weekend camping in the Nicolet National Forest, riding trails and compare camp recipes, methods for staying warm and debating on who's rig was most successful in the deep snow of northern Wisconsin.

Photos by Cindy Pope, Ben Wicklund, Doug McBride & Mick Page

the purest form of solo riding PHOTO: BEN WICKLUND

"Winter biking is great, often people forget how scenic the winter season can be. I often say it's the best time to ride if you're riding for views. Take all those areas that are too boring to ride during the summer and ride them. The snow adds enough challenge to keep things exciting. Come summer the usual areas are all new to you and your fitness level is still at a level high enough to conquer them. The snow adds a unique character to the riding environment.

The trees no longer block your view, likewise the insects and other trail users also no longer block up the trails. It's like the purest form of solo riding. When the snow hits and you're the first person making tracks though the virgin environment it doesn't matter where it is, on a city bike path or a in some desolate woods. It just feels so good to paint those first tire marks, it remains in your mind as one of the greatest cycling moments." -Ben Wicklund

Places to ride Noquemanon Trail Network, Marquette, MI Dickinson Trail Network, Norway, MI Maasto Hiihto and Churning Rapids, MI Munising Bay Trail Network, Munising, MI Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area, MN CAMBA Trails, WI Winman Trails, Vilas County, WI Sidie Hollow, Vernon County, WI Atwood Park, Rockford, IL Palos Trail System, Cook County, IL

Winter biking

Don't leave ruts!

Make sure you are riding at least a 3.8" tire and if you are leaving a rut, adjust your tire pressure or try again when conditions are better.

Tire pressure

Central Wisconsin Offroad Cycling Coaltion (CWOCC) recommends "1-4 psi for a “soft groomed surface,” and 6-8 psi for “hard surface and base.” You may have to adjust depending on weight."

Open trails Make sure the trail is open to fatbikes.

Check the info & signage at the trailhead, not all nordic, snowshoe or snowmobile trails are open to fabikes.

Have fun!

REMINDER

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WINTER JEEP CAMP Wisconsin Jeep Owners Group gathers for camping, trail rides & fun

A COLD TRADITION MOUNTAIN, WISCONSIN

The Wisconsin Jeep Owners Group met for their annual winter campout event in Mountain, Wisconsin last month. Jill and Chris Carr planned the event, and Brandon Webb and Danielle Phillips were kind enough to volunteer their family hunting grounds to host camp. Chris, Cindy Pope, Ryan Rezek and Ben Hoenstein led trail rides for those who wanted a group to go out with. There were close to 200 people in attendance and everyone enjoyed trail rides, giveaways and a huge bonfire.

"It was super sad to see everyone gone today! From not having enough parking to completely empty ... (only) found 3 tiny pieces of garbage for close to 200 people, I can't be anymore happy with the respect there was!!! This was an awesome group!!"

-Danielle Philipps, site host

y d Sta ide an R & ark UTV P ATV,

The Field, Pembine, WI

A place to come, Park and Ride the Trails, setup your camper/tent and relax overnight after a fun day on the trails.

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TRAILS END CAMPGROUND RUSTIC CABINS & CAMPING 14203 M26 Copper Harbor, MI

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calendar Canoecopia 3/11-13 Madison, WI

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MOORE Expo 4/8-10/2022 Springfield, MO

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Overland Expo PNW July 8-10 Bend, OR

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Overland Expo West 5/20-22/2022 Flagstaff, AZ

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Keweenaw Overland Adventure Retreat 9/15-18/2022 Copper Harbor, MI

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ABOUT THIS FEATURE

Rustic Retreat Reviews We don't always camp and we definitely have standards when it comes to non-camp lodging. Chain hotels? No. Haunted houses? No. Never-remodeled-orupgraded-in-60-years? No. We do love the rustic, the quirky, the historic, the off-the-beaten-path stays. In this monthly feature we plan to review some of the places we have stayed and give you an honest opinion.

We are compiling a listing of our favorite Hipcamps, Air bnbs, cabins, lodges, yurts, whatever- if its fun, fresh or funky, we will let you know.

If you are an establishment owner, please reach out and let us know about your place, we want to find the unique and share it with other adventurous travelers!

If you are a traveler who wishes to submit review, please email us immediately!

NORTHOLOGY ADVENTURES

Lodging Directory Cabins, lodges, cottages Looking for a unique stay in the upper midwest? Ditching the tent for a day or two? Need a respite to relax & unwind?

We have your back- check out our list of one- of-a-kind lodging options, curated for the adventurous kind.

ILLINOIS White Pines Lodge Mt. Morris, IL MICHIGAN Aqua Log Cabins Lac LaBelle Fresh Coast Cabins Eagle Harbor, MI Keweenaw Mountain Lodge Copper Harbor, MI Trails End Camper Cabins Copper Harbor, MI The Outpost Big Bay, MI

Elk Creek Cabin

"A rustic retreat where you can escape the city lights, but yet are only a 15 min drive from the sought after destination of Eau Claire. Travel back in time to days before we had the modern amenities we have come to rely on." rustic, solar lighting, pit toilets private & close to town Proprietor on site woodstove heat sleeps 2-4

EAU CLAIRE, WIsconsin

Fresh Coast Cabins Fresh Coast Cabins offers the ultimate rustic Keweenaw cabin experience with the small details you would expect from a boutique hotel. fully equipped kitchens and bathrooms with showers community bonfire area Charcoal grills sleep up to 6 depending on selection

Eagle Harbor, MIchigan MINNESOTA The ReTreet House Two Harbors, MN WISCONSIN Elk Creek Cabin Elk Mound, WI Camp Lake Resort Mountain, WI

Camping WISCONSIN The Field Pembine, WI

Keweenaw Mountain Lodge A historic wilderness resort at the top of the Keweenaw. Ideal for individuals, families and groups who value history and outdoor activities.

1, 2 & 3 bedroom cabins Queen sized beds Mini-fridges & microwaves wood & gas fireplaces pet-friendly accomodations

copper harbor, michigan MICHIGAN Trails End Campground Copper Harbor, MI As our list grows, we will be adding info to help you find the coolest, most rustic, out-of-the-way stays in the upper midwest! Let us know if you have a place we need to check out!

Trails End Cabins Camper cabins at the end of the world.

Enjoy all that the Keweenaw has to offer from these rustic modern cabins.

Open year-round and close to Copper Harbor, Eagle Harbor & Lac LaBelle. solar lighting & 12v & USB charging stations pit toilets near cabins woodstove heat sleeps 1-6

Copper Harbor, Michigan

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Important dates for 2022 January 1- 30, returning vendor & sponsor registration February 1, 2022 -new vendor & sponsor registration opens March 1, tickets go on sale to the public May- TBA- gathering for KORC Cleanup September 15-18 Keweenaw Overland Adventure Retreat 2022 TBA - KORC/GLA Beach Cleanup KeweenawOverlandAdventureRetreat.com