Unexpected Colorado Part 2: Adventuring Without a Plan

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  • Опубліковано 15 вер 2023
  • After realizing I needed to scrap all of the plans I'd made for Colorado, I find myself wandering around some national forest lands nowhere near the soaring peaks I had hoped to explore. Fortunately, Colorado's beauty extends well beyond its iconic mountain range.
    Watch the rest of the Unexpected Colorado series:
    Part 1 • Unexpected Colorado Pa...
    Part 3 • Unexpected Colorado Pa...
    Part 4 • Unexpected Colorado Pa...
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 93

  • @montechie
    @montechie 10 місяців тому +11

    Sometimes misadventures are the best adventures!

  • @frankmabry3641
    @frankmabry3641 10 місяців тому +3

    Unplanned adventures are always the best.

  • @daneboro6847
    @daneboro6847 10 місяців тому +4

    Donald you're a great narrator, love watching your videos, you can make any situation into a positive one👍

  • @dcdefranco
    @dcdefranco 10 місяців тому +4

    Those Forest Service Road maps are the best.

  • @MrKeenaz
    @MrKeenaz 10 місяців тому +3

    Donald you say thank you for watching. I say thank you for posting and putting in so much time and effort to bringing myself and others around the world these beautiful videos of your country. Regards from, Mario 🇦🇺

  • @courtneychambers9214
    @courtneychambers9214 10 місяців тому +3

    Man, Colorado is stunning! Definitely want to find time to explore out there. And I really have to give you props on all the nice driving shots you provide. It's exhausting hopping in and out.

  • @jeffreypreiss8191
    @jeffreypreiss8191 10 місяців тому +1

    Glad you are enjoying your unplanned adventures. Colorado has so much to offer. Enjoy. Look forward to your next video.

  • @kenuber4014
    @kenuber4014 10 місяців тому +2

    Nice! Thanks for the adventure Donald.

  • @24Alisonall
    @24Alisonall 10 місяців тому +2

    Another wonderful video! Especially liked the drone shot going up the rock formation and the view from the top that opened up the expansive view beyond! Breathtaking. Thank you as always, for great videos!

  • @offgridrecon
    @offgridrecon 10 місяців тому +3

    Great content! Elevation is no joke, take it easy. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

  • @scottalpine
    @scottalpine 10 місяців тому

    The no plan trips can be spectacular and can lead to some unexpected nice surprises and challenges but definitely also memories.

  • @PatsTravels
    @PatsTravels 10 місяців тому +2

    You rebounded quite well from the altitude sickness and probably ended up in an even more beautiful place because of it. Thanks for sharing the journey

  • @forgedfromfreedom
    @forgedfromfreedom 10 місяців тому +2

    Welcome to Colorado, Don. We are in the heart of the San Juans, near Ouray. It is Heaven on Earth here for any camper/Overlander.

  • @largemarge1603
    @largemarge1603 10 місяців тому +2

    I allow the commercials to run while I read the comments.
    I hope this helps!

  • @sutton13151
    @sutton13151 10 місяців тому +2

    Plans are just guidelines giving you confidence you know what your doing. Lol

  • @OverlandAdventureTimes
    @OverlandAdventureTimes 10 місяців тому +2

    Not a bad "2nd place" at all! Beautiful spot!

  • @RVingwithG
    @RVingwithG 10 місяців тому +2

    Fun trip. 🎉🎉🎉Great EDITING 😮😊😊

  • @YouTubeTyler
    @YouTubeTyler 10 місяців тому +2

    Beautiful. Well done.

  • @gavincregan7892
    @gavincregan7892 10 місяців тому +1

    That was some awesome filming.

  • @swidahooverlanding2867
    @swidahooverlanding2867 10 місяців тому +2

    Looks like a great missadventure after all! George.

  • @Bluto4r
    @Bluto4r 28 днів тому

    We had a similar experience in Colorado last summer. Had an epic site at around 9000ft. Abandoned the camper for lower ground. Went back up the next day, picked up the camper and scooted on to Pueblo sp to continue an epic trip.

  • @kcgigs
    @kcgigs 10 місяців тому +2

    I recognize the locations, my home is surrounded by the Pike NF and I regularly explore the area

  • @utahjohnnymontana3373
    @utahjohnnymontana3373 10 місяців тому +2

    I agree, that was a top shelf campsite! You couldn't ask for anything better.
    The elevation may be low by CO standards but its still beautiful. I wouldn't consider this a failure; its a learning experience and the higher routes will happen next time.

  • @RawFeeding101
    @RawFeeding101 10 місяців тому

    Glad things turned around for you man!

  • @largemarge1603
    @largemarge1603 10 місяців тому

    03:13
    That is a nifty-neato custom vehicle 'wrap'!
    It looks so real!

  • @garretlewis4103
    @garretlewis4103 10 місяців тому +1

    Yeah, 8,000-9,000 feet is high by Virginia standards. That area was very cool. Went to check out Alamosa, CO for a job. It is flat there. Went running and definitely got out of breath. Forgot that even though it was flat, the elevation was something like 6,000-7,000 feet and I was not use to it.

  • @garyjennyfrost9485
    @garyjennyfrost9485 10 місяців тому

    Incredible campsite! The formations reminded me of months-old playdoh from my childhood days.

  • @marcericdavis
    @marcericdavis 10 місяців тому +1

    Nice trip recovery. :-) Looks fun.

  • @midnightadventureswa
    @midnightadventureswa 10 місяців тому +1

    Well done well done thanks for sharing.😊

  • @sagebrushbob2321
    @sagebrushbob2321 10 місяців тому +1

    Interesting fact: The little high altitude meadows and valleys you find between the high peaks got the name "parks" from mountain men back in the 1840's who reckoned that any place that beautiful should be a park.

  • @dustyroaddestinations
    @dustyroaddestinations 10 місяців тому

    You definitely found a great spot! I'm glad you mentioned the altitude sickness, something I haven't really thought of before so really good to know!

  • @shloppyshmo
    @shloppyshmo 9 місяців тому +1

    Dang, it is so cool to watch you over in my neck of the woods! I just camped in that area last night and then come home to this - what a treat!

  • @tjkrueger2655
    @tjkrueger2655 10 місяців тому +1

    Hey, that turned out to be a pretty sweet plan b... perfect campsite

  • @kevinmiller7184
    @kevinmiller7184 10 місяців тому

    Pretty awesome "Plan B." Elevation is a tricky business.

  • @ryanb2182
    @ryanb2182 10 місяців тому

    Looks like an amazing camp site. Glad you were able to change plans to drop some elevation.

  • @sk8xaq
    @sk8xaq 10 місяців тому +1

    That spot you found is Very Cool. Good going, that was an excellent turn of events, thanks to your perseverance. Thanks again for the heads up about altitude sickness.

  • @toddshook1765
    @toddshook1765 9 місяців тому

    You did not get where you wanted to go but found a place did not know you were looking for.
    Amazing to let fate and inspiration direct us.
    Great job.

  • @Erasehate2
    @Erasehate2 10 місяців тому +1

    Ahhh my stomping grounds. I got my lift on my xterra and did le salle pass right in that area.

  • @johndej
    @johndej 10 місяців тому +1

    Great video! You made some good choices I think. The scenery in Colorado is really amazing. I love those rock formations!

  • @JBlinky67
    @JBlinky67 10 місяців тому

    Wow! Fantastic video! I just wanted it to be longer! (Like always)

  • @frankansley7941
    @frankansley7941 10 місяців тому

    Got to watch out for that "foot traffic." 😁Loved all he drone shots. You have a very dirty truck (Ha-ha). Thanks for the video and glad you are doing better. Take care and be safe!

  • @the_mountains_our_calling4809
    @the_mountains_our_calling4809 10 місяців тому +1

    Such an awesome campsite you found!

  • @mtnbound2764
    @mtnbound2764 10 місяців тому +1

    Ive spent a good bit of time in pike ntl forest, beautifull area and great campsite! that is an under utilized area as it doesnt have the soaring peaks as some others do.

  • @IronmanV5
    @IronmanV5 10 місяців тому +2

    You found that wascally wabbit!

  • @AnytimeRVers
    @AnytimeRVers 10 місяців тому

    Thank God I live in Colorado. A campers dream.

  • @freerider604
    @freerider604 10 місяців тому

    Beautiful scenery! Excellent video!

  • @michaelprince77
    @michaelprince77 10 місяців тому +1

    Im definitely going to have to make a trip out there next year. Awesome camera work!

  • @Dutch1951x
    @Dutch1951x 10 місяців тому +1

    Great video! Thanks!

  • @Bikepro4x
    @Bikepro4x 10 місяців тому +1

    Love the Nissan content keep it coming! 😊

  • @philgriswold2133
    @philgriswold2133 10 місяців тому

    Nice Plan B.

  • @overlandnorth5341
    @overlandnorth5341 10 місяців тому

    I can't believe I just found your channel! It is awesome! Colorado is now on my bucket list! -Matt from Nor Cal

  • @louiskudlak2241
    @louiskudlak2241 10 місяців тому

    Beautiful buddy ❤️

  • @YUcare
    @YUcare 10 місяців тому

    I had no idea about altitude sickness like that. Always thought it was an Everest height thing.

  • @johnbob4545
    @johnbob4545 10 місяців тому

    I love that you're still driving Subie roads.

  • @almantinaa
    @almantinaa 9 місяців тому

    That is an awesome location for campspot with the rock formations. This kind of Colorado is also nice to see.

  • @BirdPhish
    @BirdPhish 10 місяців тому

    Plan B ...thanks for sharing Donald!

  • @PNWXOverland
    @PNWXOverland 10 місяців тому

    Morning buddy

  • @mikedevere
    @mikedevere 10 місяців тому

    Always enjoy your videos. Be great to see you with a little dog. They add so much to a drive. I know you have a cat, but they'll get on fine if you get a puppy. Beautiful scenery 😊

  • @DavidJohnson-yy4iu
    @DavidJohnson-yy4iu 10 місяців тому +1

    As hunting season gets underway, pretty much every one of those vacant camp sites will be occupied.

  • @scottminshall6420
    @scottminshall6420 10 місяців тому

    Great scenery Don. If you have not done it yet you need to do some camping up in Wyoming, some mind blowing scenery there as well.

  • @BrinkHouse
    @BrinkHouse 10 місяців тому +2

    Don, please invest in a dedicated microphone. As you're coming up on 100k subs I promise this will make a massive difference to the watchability and growth of your content. Audio is just as important as video! The poor audio quality is really starting to make it hard to get the full enjoyment out of these videos that I know you put so much work into. The Rode Wireless Go II is a popular option and not very expensive, maybe give it a look. Cheers and happy travels!

    • @softroadingthewest
      @softroadingthewest  10 місяців тому +2

      Already purchased following this trip. I obviously didn't have it for the two next Colorado episodes still to come, but future episodes should benefit from an audio gear upgrade.

  • @stphns1737
    @stphns1737 10 місяців тому +1

    Isn't it the best when the plans that don't work out lead to good days?

  • @edwardbenton4428
    @edwardbenton4428 10 місяців тому +1

    Next time you're considering higher elevation environs, think about a medication Diamox. ATB

  • @michaelnares1217
    @michaelnares1217 10 місяців тому

    I very rarely make comments on UA-cam even though it’s what I spend the most time watching. And this is the second time I m commenting on your channel. I really enjoy how many solo trips that you make and the quality of your filming just one constructive minor criticism that is I think easily corrected is the audio inside your cab needs to match your narration audio. But I love this Colorado video, great job.

    • @softroadingthewest
      @softroadingthewest  10 місяців тому +1

      I agree! After reviewing the footage from this trip (which ended up with more bad audio moments than usual) I've since added some new audio equipment to help improve this. There are still two Colorado episodes to go that were filmed without this new gear, though if I remember right, I think both of those have quite a bit less talking in the truck. Hopefully in future series, you will notice an improvement. 👍

  • @bruceyyyyy
    @bruceyyyyy 10 місяців тому +1

    1:15 I can never hear that and not think of Matt's Off Road.

    • @mtnbound2764
      @mtnbound2764 10 місяців тому

      i immediately recognized it from MORR as well!

  • @SigmaWolfOutdoors
    @SigmaWolfOutdoors 10 місяців тому +1

    State atlas road maps are a great resource..ALWAYS ALWAYS has signal ...needs ZERO batteries ..is of great USE

  • @vancamping
    @vancamping 10 місяців тому +1

    I know it's not where you intended to be, but man nothing to complain about there, that location was terrific.
    Jason

  • @zackdemundo
    @zackdemundo 10 місяців тому +1

    Stunningly beautiful. Well shot so I felt like I was there. How is the bear situation there?

    • @softroadingthewest
      @softroadingthewest  10 місяців тому

      I saw numerous signs warning of bear, but I encountered none. I'm sure they're out there though.

  • @barnetts9812
    @barnetts9812 10 місяців тому +3

    Donald, off topic question. Do you miss your Subaru?

    • @softroadingthewest
      @softroadingthewest  10 місяців тому

      I miss how nimble it was, so easy to turn around anywhere, and it was a little better on gas. But in pretty much every other way, I am happier with the truck. 🙂

  • @kelsey809
    @kelsey809 10 місяців тому

    😊👍

  • @darrengray2309
    @darrengray2309 9 місяців тому

    I'm curious you do a few water crossings as well as dusty roads have you thought about putting a snorkel on?

    • @softroadingthewest
      @softroadingthewest  9 місяців тому

      Yes, that is definitely on the list, hoping to tackle that in the upcoming months so I've got it next summer.

  • @pala4833
    @pala4833 10 місяців тому +1

    Fun. How did you prepare le lapin?

  • @easttn_pro4x
    @easttn_pro4x 10 місяців тому

    I’m curious about the white on the top of your camper. Did it come that way from topo toppers or did you add it? I’m thinking about doing something similar on the top of my roof top tent because the black gets so hot in the direct sun.

    • @softroadingthewest
      @softroadingthewest  10 місяців тому +1

      Yes, Topo Toppers adds a white vinyl wrap to the top of their darker colored campers to reflect the sunlight. The difference is striking. Touching the roof from the inside where the vinyl is, it remains warm at most in the sun, while the nearby uncovered black metal will get too hot to touch.

    • @arcenciel2968
      @arcenciel2968 10 місяців тому

      @@softroadingthewest Donald, can you please ask them what this material is? Are you sure it’s vinyl?

    • @softroadingthewest
      @softroadingthewest  10 місяців тому

      @@arcenciel2968 When Topo installed my camper earlier this year and walked me through all the features, they pointed out the roof and told me they apply white vinyl to the top of their dark colored campers.

    • @arcenciel2968
      @arcenciel2968 10 місяців тому

      @@softroadingthewest Im trying to find a material with which I want to cover the wide aluminum frames of my boat windows. They get so hot in the sun you cannot touch them.
      But vinyl is a soft material, a bit elastic, like a thick cloth, I associate it with patio cushions; or is it some other type of vinyl?

    • @softroadingthewest
      @softroadingthewest  10 місяців тому +1

      @@arcenciel2968 Do a Google search on "vinyl vehicle wrap." 3M and other companies make this material for this purpose, it's very thin, durable, and is commonly used to completely cover entire cars.

  • @kylebybee9838
    @kylebybee9838 10 місяців тому

    How reliable has your Nissan truck been?

    • @softroadingthewest
      @softroadingthewest  10 місяців тому +2

      It's now been about 2½ years in which time I've put ~35,000 miles on it, and so far, entirely reliable. I've had it throw a few codes, minor sensor issues that haven't stopped the truck from actually going and that I've mostly been able to address myself.