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Solar Sailor
Приєднався 18 лис 2013
Videos depicting tests of my mobile solar camping project. Also included are day trips.
Section 16 Trail Hike 06-24-24
I hiked the 6 mile loop of Section 16 Trail that borders the south end of Red Rock Canyon Park. The trail loop starts in that park but ends in Bear Creek Canyon Park. The trail is part of the Ring the Peak Trail, which is a network of connected trails that circle Pikes Peak. I hiked the Section 16 loop clockwise which makes it 2 miles uphill and 4 miles downhill. Once I got to the top of the ridge, amazing views of a steep forested canyon with mountain borders opened up. That view was with me in changing perspectives the rest of the hike. I haven't been enjoying my usual number of Colorado outings this year and this was my first longer hike. (I spent May & June trying to get a job and staying at home to receive potential calls for interviews.) This trail impressed my and may be my go to hike locally now.
Переглядів: 37
Відео
Garden of the Gods 12-03-23
Переглядів 3958 місяців тому
After a fresh snowfall in Colorado Springs, I went hiking through Garden of the Gods. Snow was still falling at the beginning of the hike. Not long after, the sun broke through spotty blue skies. Snow melts fast at elevation where the sun is stronger. I had to hike a little faster and document a little faster to capture it all before ended. Eventually the sun lost to the cloud cover and the pro...
Iron Mountain Hike 11-20-23
Переглядів 429 місяців тому
I hiked through Red Rock Canyon Park and picked up The Intemann Trail on the south end of the park. I hiked roughly west along the trail to summit Iron Mountain which overlooks the town of Manitou Springs. Throughout the video I mistakenly thought I was summiting Red Mountain. All of November was warm and this day saw a high of 63 degrees Fahrenheit. I probably hiked a few unnecessary miles but...
Seven Bridges Trail 10-26-23
Переглядів 8110 місяців тому
I went hiking in North Cheyenne Canon Park along Seven Bridges Trail. It follows North Cheyenne Canon Creek with 7 bridge crossings. I didn't cross all the bridges this time. Instead, I stopped at bridge #3 then hiked the small mountain directly south of the creek. I have summitted this mountain twice before but it's been years ago. It's a very steep start for about 1/8 mile then the slope ease...
Red Rock Canyon Park 10-23-23
Переглядів 4510 місяців тому
I went hiking in Red Rock Canyon Open Space in Colorado Springs, CO. Last time I documented the eastern half of the park and this time I focused on the west side. I was hoping to see some fall colors. Although the bushes and grass had mostly went from green to brown, the trees in the park still had fall colors on them. The park is a natural extension of Garden of the Gods and has an abundance o...
US 550 Drive to Silverton & Area 10-03-23
Переглядів 15110 місяців тому
This is the second part of a 1 day trip on US 500 (aka. The Million Dollar Highway). All day the backdrop for my experience was the dazzling frosted autumn forestry of the San Juan Mountains. First I drove along CR31 to explore the Red Mountain Mining District and also the popular Yankee Girl Mine. There are 20 mine ruins in this whole valley and one could make a whole day out of seeking them. ...
US 550 Drive to Ouray & Ironton Townsite 10-03-23
Переглядів 14410 місяців тому
I drove US 550 aka The Million Dollar Highway through Ouray, CO and explored the valley of the Red Mountain Mining District. Fresh snow the day before left a frosting upon the entire dazzling scene of trees in every stage of fall colors. I walked 1.5 hours and didn't see one mining ruin. What I did see was fall mountain scenery that I will likely never top. Oddly, I found the Ironton Townsite, ...
Ute Creek Trail Hike & Scenic Tarryall Road 08-17-23
Переглядів 205Рік тому
I attempted to hike to Bison Peak in the Tarryall Mountains. I hiked along Ute Creek Trail through the Lost Creek Wilderness Area. The 6 mile trail at an average 20% grade was too much for me. I was unrealistic about what I could do while in poor physical condition. My rationale was that if I took it slow, that I could overcome my poor conditioning. Once physical exhaustion becomes an unsafe fa...
La Salle Pass Drive & Badger Flats Camp 08-16-23
Переглядів 334Рік тому
I attempted to camp near La Salle Pass in the Puma Hills near Lake George, Colorado. The area I chose is Pike National Forest and had a loop with many camp sites. They are all closed as part of the USFS trying to centralize camping in the Badger Flats area. It helps mitigate fire dangers and also keeps OHV traffic and camp sites from conflict. So I had a couple choices when I found my site clos...
San Juan Range Camp & Scenic Return 08-08 to 08-09-23
Переглядів 52Рік тому
Earlier in the day, I had toured 3 nearby waterfalls. I found a campsite in the San Juan Mountains, right next to North Clear Creek and not far from the Silver Thread Byway (HWY149). Usually I seek more open views for a campsite, but camping creekside and nestled in trees was a nice change. I still saw 3 different groups pass through, but overall had the site all to myself. The next day I drove...
San Juan Range Waterfall Drive 08-08-23
Переглядів 96Рік тому
In the San Juan Mountains, I drove the Silver Thread Byway (HWY 149) via South Fork with the intention of seeing waterfalls and then camping. Along the way, I visited 3 large waterfalls: South Clear Creek Falls, Rex Falls, and North Clear Creek Falls. All had parking right off HWY 149 and the hikes were short enough for even beginners. Before even reaching the falls, was the beautiful canyon ca...
Rainbow Trail to Crystal Falls Hike 08-05-23
Переглядів 108Рік тому
A friend and I go hiking in the Sangre De Cristo mountains along Rainbow Trail #1336 and took it to Crystal Falls. Rainbow Trail is a 105 mile trail that runs from Salida, CO, east along the Sangre de Cristo foothills, and over Music Pass into the Great Sand Dunes. There are many entry points and we started at the Grape Creek Trailhead. Hiking to Crystal Falls is only a 3.5 mile walk with a 725...
Red Canyon Park 07-22-23
Переглядів 345Рік тому
A friend and I go hiking in Red Canyon Park north of Canon City, CO. It is a 600 acre BLM park that has sandstone cliffs, a creek, and 7 campsites. The park has decent bathrooms and picnic areas but no hiking trails. We were improvising our trail as we went. We started by hiking to the tops of a couple cliff walls to see the view from atop. Then we hiked through a dried creek bed under tall san...
Almagre Mountain Hike 07-12-23
Переглядів 107Рік тому
I hiked 7 miles (1-way) to the top of Almagre Mountain using CR370C to CR379. Almagre is the 3rd highest mountain in the Pikes Peak area and rises above tree line. The road I hiked is a 4WD road and is horrible for hiking due to it's chewed up condition. Miles of steep inclines don't help. I was so wiped out by the time I got to the top that I napped a half an hour. The area at the summit is co...
Horsethief Falls Trail 06-19-23
Переглядів 95Рік тому
I went on a short 3 mile round trip hike to Horsethief Falls via trail 704AOA. Lots of Spring snow and heavy June rains led to Oil Creek running strong. I found more than 1 nameless waterfall going up to the main attraction. Horsethief Falls is a 3 tier waterfall. The bottom tier was frozen over with 2' of ice/snow. The middle tier was partially frozen. The upper tier was clear. I spent some ti...
Paint Mines Interpretive Park 11-07-21
Переглядів 782 роки тому
Paint Mines Interpretive Park 11-07-21
Eleven Mile Canyon Drive & Hike 10-24-21
Переглядів 3,5 тис.2 роки тому
Eleven Mile Canyon Drive & Hike 10-24-21
. Nice👍 I try to go at first light. Fewer cars parking in the middle of the road. I stopped using the bike lane after innumerable flats from burrs. They go through layers of Kevlar like warm butter.
It be nice for hand pumps for water in the Leadville camps
I’ve been down old stage Road /Gold Camp Road. I drove it from Colorado Springs to where it dumps out on the county Road 81… Is the cut off to go to this mountain near St. Peter’s dome? If you could give me some information how I could drive to that location I would appreciate it… I was looking at Forest Road 376 thinking that that would go through… Any information you have would be very helpful… Grace and Peace Peter
If you search CR 8/Gold Camp Road on Google Maps, you will find Eagle Rock Saran Wrap Trailhead 96. That is where you park to hike to Almagre Mountain. You can also drive to Almagre but it is deeply rutted & boulder filled. The trailhead has no markers and I drove past it & had to backtrack. About 1 mile down the road/trail you will enter a clearing that splits 3 ways. They all take you to High Park but the center route is the most direct. I hope this helps you locate the trailhead. I respond slowly because I rarely get comments on my videos. Enjoy exploring!
@@SolarSailor1967 YES THIS DEFINITELY HAS HELPED… THANK YOU SO MUCH HAVE A BLESSED EVENING GRACE AND PEACE PETER
What a wonderful winter park and these red rocks! The landscape is very beautiful!👍👍
Think you for watching!
I used to live down by Manitou, and would regularly drive up there and hike the trail. I was always fascinated by the family home on the property. The one room where the wall paper was stripped back and you can see newspaper clippings of fashion that a little girl must have clipped back in the late 1800s. Gotta get back out there some time in the next few years, its not gonna last forever. Also had a buddy who worked at the mines nearby. Was always fascinating to learn of the operations and contrast it against the history that sits in the nearby hills. Just got further in the video. Have they barred entry into the family home now? You used to be able to go in and explore the labyrinthine rooms. Rumored to have been built as such so visiting dignitaries would have a door to the outside and could entertain "ladies of the night" without alerting any of the other dignitaries visiting the property. Similar to the tunnels under Old Colorado City that would allow businessmen to go underground to the other aide of the street so they wouldn't been seen entering the places of ill repute.
This was my first time there after 24 years in Colorado Springs. You have a good eye for detail. The family home has the doors & windows covered with chicken wire. It was torn open but I was afraid to go in. It is a cool contrast to have a modern mining operation adjacent to this historical area. I saw online that nearby Goldfield is listed as a ghost town on Wikipedia. It seemed occupied when I was there. Thank you for watching!
Beautiful! Your video on 4 12v batteries was excellent and just what I needed! Thanks!
I can hear the snow crunching beneath your feet 😮 ! Cool ! COLD ! commenting from Australia 😂 sweltering
Found your channel randomly. I like that you dont post every 2 days like other travellers - too much plus makes me jealous. Real people on smaller channels are my fav. Thanks 🎉
What a fascinating and beautiful place ( your version of Sedona )! Thank you for showing us this 😊
I'm so lucky to live close. Thank you for watching.
How can i find places like this to camp in Colorado?
3 Mi past Silverton is mineral Creek dispersed area and it's incredible
Enjoyed the gorgeous Fall scenery along 160, 550 and Lime Creek.
Thank you for sharing this video. We are going to same area tomorrow. 😊
Thanks for taking to somewhere I have never been
It was new for me too. Thank you for watching.
Thanks for the video. I will be there in five weeks and share your excitement at the old mining relics
Thank you for watching. Any research of Colorsdo history leads to mining. These wooden structures will all be gone in a few decades. Enjoy your visit.
Creede CO is rich in mining history. They have the Bachelor Loop Road, a tour of old mine sites. They also have the Last Chance mine tour that I missed due to Covid. They also have a mining museum in town. This link is from the Bachelor Loop and touches on the main sites: ua-cam.com/video/-ptS64l4haA/v-deo.htmlsi=CchyY-dA3XHikYbD
Hi, I noticed you have the comments turned off on the video on how to connect the 4 batteries and achieve a balanced charge and usage. I use it as reference, for me its one of the better ones on the web. Anyway, I have a similar 4 battery bank and I wired them just like yours. My question is if I put them on a straight line, can I add to each end another battery for a total of six and still be a balanced load. Have you done that?
Hello. Thank you for watching. I disabled comments to avoid having to give technical advice. There are better sources for technical advice than myself. I am merely presenting a theory that I believe. If others don't believe the theory, that's fine. I'm not interested in arguing. I'm sorry that I can't advise you on your project. I don't want people getting hurt or property damage. Thank you for watching & enjoy your project.
We used to live close to there at Ranch of the Rockies off of Trout Creek Pass before moving to Florida. Lot of history in this area.
It must have been a dream to live in the area. It seems that most Colorado history funnels into mining, ranching, or railroading.
Thank you so much for this wonderful Video. I was stationed in Ft Carson 2 times and 11 mile Canyon and 11 mile Reservoir use to be my favorite Places to fish or just to relax. You have brought some very special Memories to live. THANK YOU SO MUCH.
can you give more detail as to where this is? GPS or exit number off I-70? We are looking at a spot off I-70 exit 133 deep creek campground. Wondering if this is close, in case we need a backup plan.
From I-70 west, I turned off on Highway 6 (I-70 Frontage Road) which is the Dotsero exit. I follow that road to a roundabout where I turned right onto CR 301 (Colorado River Road). Then I turned left onto CR 600 (also called Deep Creek Road and Coffee Pot Road). I hope my description is correct & helpful.
@@SolarSailor1967 That is perfect! Thank you so much, that is exactly what we were looking for. Do you think it would be suitable for a dually and a 34' 5th wheel?
There are lots of potholes and uneven road once you reach the top of the canyon where most of the camping is. Last May, snow blocked the road, as you might have seen in my videos. Given those factors, I'll let you decide. My two videos: Dotsero Camp and Heart Lake Camp both depict how bad the roads can be.
@@SolarSailor1967 we found a good spot not too far from the start of the road. 14 maybe (it was actually 4)... we're not trying to get stuck in the snow. Lol
@@OurRoadLessTraveled sounds like you got lucky and found camping along Deep Creek. Those spots are always packed full when I've driven through. Glad you got to camp there.
Awesome Display !!!
Thank you for watching!
Wow, thats really epic
@@SolarSailor1967 hehe thank you for sharing, you have an awesome day
Love love this....
That is soooo kewl. Moving and lights. Nice and thanks for sharing.
You're welcome. Thanks for watching.
What is the distance of the loop around the park?
There are many loops in the park. I would recommend you look at Google Maps to choose the length of ride you prefer. The route in this video is 3.6 miles, not including the walk through the main formations.
I think I just decided where im buying land. That view gave me chills
@@SolarSailor1967 its not easy but if youre careful in your search and talk to good local realtors there are deals out there brother! Lots of areas in colorado have property owners that will take payments without a credit check. Keep your head up my man! I like your camping setup!
Those shelters you are seeing are for the squirrels.
Thanks. My wife and I will be in the area for a month, beginning next week. I plan on riding this route several times during our stay.
Hey thanks! We will be there tomorrow!
I really felt peacefulness and solitude of this trail. Shots are just stunning.
This set-up is straight 🔥🔥🔥
Thank you. I was so excited the first time I saw a video about someone's similar set up. I'm happy you enjoyed it.
Looks good. Nice upgrade to your original model.
Thank you for watching!
I miss colorado. I spent a couple weeks in leadville camping up in the mountains. I do miss it.
you are not chicken, you are just smart. No need to take a chance.
Hello, we are Shion and Matthew and just recently came across your channel! We have never heard of 7 bridges trail but it looks like an awesome place to check out and explore! We love hiking along creeks and waterfalls, etc.! Thanks for sharing!
It's a nice trail, close to Colorado Springs. It is heavily trafficked with hikers and pets. Thank you for watching.
Thanks for sharing. That waterfall was epic. And I like seeing people's truck setups for camping. Finally figured out a system that works for me.
thank you for making such a beautiful video.
Great video! I visit Creede a couple times a year. I never seem to get to visit all thats there. Great little town!
What’s the camping site you went to?
Like this video 👍👍 Nice 👍👍👍👍
May Episode 9 save Star Wars! Don’t be gullible on what a corporation says about you.
Looked like fun! Beauiful spot!😎
It used to have alot of camping directly north of Pikes Peak. Since the Waldo Canyon fire, half of the good sites have been gated off.
@@SolarSailor1967 Thanku for the info. I really love it up there😎
Great views. :) Will have to do that some time. Thanks. Michael
Thanks for putting out that fire. :) Yer a good man.
Nice little setup for a beginner. You need much shorter bolts on your batteries. And don't turn off the solar panels at night. And if you're going to be hooking and unhooking your solar panels a lot put Anderson connector on the cables. They are designed to be unplugged under a load.
Why not mount a big panel on top of your shell? That way the system would charge when you are driving, there's no moving the panel in and out, it will shade the camper from sunlight, less chance the panel will get damaged, can use a bigger panel, can use it to charge your car battery while driving (improve gas mileage), etc.
That is an option that I would consider if I was spending long periods or even permanently off grid. Currently I bungee the panel atop my sleeping mattress with styrofoam corner cushions on it & bedding over the top.