Alpine Loop 2026 - aka - DJ, NoNameX and Emed’s Excellent Adventure - Final Update (4 Viewers)

[SROak]

And it looks like you have about a dozen winning photos for:
"What have you done in your GX today?"
"GX Photo of the Month"

 

[KirkF350]

Awesome photos and write up! We just did the loop a week ago on our side by sides. I was amazed how many current GXs we saw on the trails. You guys are hard core. I couldn’t stomach the thought of spending that kind of money and off roading. I say that but have 50% of what I spent on the GX into my side by side. lol
Again, great write up!!

 

[Emergencymed]

And it looks like you have about a dozen winning photos for:
"What have you done in your GX today?"
"GX Photo of the Month"

Thanks for the generous words..

 

[Emergencymed]

Yesterday’s trek took us out to South Mineral Springs Falls - where aqua blue water makes its way into a trickling stream.

The sights of the alpine Forrest, smell of fresh pine while having our Brie and crackers sitting on a fallen log were entirely resetting. A special place to reminisce and retreat mentally when looking back on this wonderful trip.

NoNameX drove out to Lake City for the day and we reconnected with our friend DJsled to make the drive up to clear lake.

The wonderful thing about the GX 550 in either the OT trim or having a decent lift done on another comparable vehicle (GX, LC250, older LC, Forerunner etc) is accessibility to places that you would otherwise never see. These vehicles are an E-ticket entry pass to unseen areas in the mountains, dunes, etc. And with a modicum of skill (learning to prep your vehicle and watch tire lines carefully), it opens ANY owner to a whole new world of exploring God’s creation with someone you love.

Even with its lower clearance, the Defender made it up to Clearlake unscathed.

It required some slow navigation up a fairly rocky path on shelf roads, with a couple of off camber turns and one or two pinch points along the way. The walk away - you don’t need to be in a 2026 GX Overtrail plus to have this experience. You just have to be able to invest in creating a capable rig, and pushing your limits in what you are willing to “safely” explore.

DJ’s sled crawled up like a mountain goat without any issue.

Just magnificent views from the pass.

 

[Emergencymed]

On our way down from Clearlake we elected to take a short two mile detour to the end of South Mineral Springs road. From the end of this rocky path, fording water in a few spots, you come to another type of “village.” From the road, you can make out the handiwork of natures architects, the beavers . It’s quite remarkable to see the dams and water ways that have been made by these creatures.

 

[Emergencymed]

Driving back from the days travels it began to rain, and we came upon a couple who were walking back from a 6 mile hike. They were soaking wet, as was their little shivering canine. The young man holding the little wet dog looked miserable.

We did not miss an opportunity to garner karma. And so we stopped, rearranged the back of the Defender and loaded up this soaked trio. The young man was a coal miner from a town 2 hours away and the young lady an LVN, and the pocket pup was named “Dolly.”

Matthew 7:12 reads, “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.”

Some day it may be my wife and I that are stranded, and I hope that others would see our tribulation through their eyes.

And this story is one that I feel is important to share with a group of fellow GX owners.. What is it that defines who we are? Is it our possessions, or what we do in circumstances that life brings our way that are our true wealth?

We got back to Silverton and connected with NoNamex and his wife.. NoNameX having full outdoor kitchen capabilities, we prepped and cooked up my “milder” outdoor version of: “Shrimp and Scallop Fra Diavolo” ..

We borrowed a pot from a campground neighbor from Kentucky to boil up GF pasta (not my favorite).. and invited neighbors to come and “break bread together..”

David Bennett (from one of other GX forums) and his wife joined us for a hot meal on a cold afternoon. He had just returned from a jaunt in his 2017 LX 550.

Everyone ate their fill and leftovers distributed.

For dessert, my wife cut mango for everyone to enjoy..

It was a satisfying end to an enjoyable sojourn.

Today - Telluride - unfortunately the Offir pass is closed. So will plan to make the best of experiencing this amazing part of this beautiful state, with hospitable inhabitants.

 

[Emergencymed]

Updates from NonameX - who took Cinnamon pass and visited American basin the previous day - beautiful stretches of unspoiled land surrounded by the crests of the San Juan Mountains:

Cascades at the American basin:

Aquamarine pools below water falls below Animas.

 

[Emergencymed]

With Offir pass closed - DJsled hooked up his trailer and drove out to another camp ground near Telluride.

Prior to heading to Telluride ourselves - NoNameX, Emed and spouses connected for another haute cuisine experience under his Alu-cab batwing awning.

Not cheap, but highly effective whether under blazing sun, or torrential downpours.

Side note: So far the Alucab awning is my favorite awning to date, though I have no intention of putting one on my vehicle at this time (we have an older and effective awning on our FJ100).

Back to brunch at the NoNameX outdoor “mobile” Fairmont Hotel ..

Eggs over easy, Honey smoked salmon, “Silverton potatoes,” and sautéed mushrooms with garlic and chives. And for dessert: golden melon, golden kiwis, and golden mango….

This trip gave new meaning to the phrase “eating out”

“Silverton potatoes”

The trick up NoNameX’s sleeve that made our outdoor cooking a lot more efficient was having access to his microwave, air fryer and “dometic” propane stove.

And as mentioned, being protected from the elements by NNMX’s Alucab batwing style awning made the cooking experience ever more civilized.

The start of our experience upon arrival in Telluride, was probably the average tourist experience… hopping on the “free” Gondola and walking to a couple of local shops.

A notable stop for Gelato was Dolce - the Passion fruit gelato being quite good!

Before getting back to our vehicle we chatted with a local who recommended searching for a parking lot past the end of town that would be a good spot to set up and make our lunch..

We found it fairly easily - (free parking) and off in the distance could make out an unusual bluish green waterfall, another bridal veil water fall, and bluish pools of water below the large parking lot at the start of a rocky trail.

NoNameX set up his mobile culinary cafe and gave me strict instructions- “GO EXPLORE” - “my wife and I are doing the cooking for lunch “. (On the menu, spicy salmon and udon. )

So being our last real day of 4WD exploring, we aired down and scooted up the path.

We stopped intermittently and interviewed the drivers of passing rigs for data on the paths

They cautioned us about two switch backs that had some challenges, but shared the best way to navigate them. They advised to at least get up the the base of bridal veil fails.

The coolest part of the trek was crossing this blue green waterfall, which I suspect acquired its color from oxidized coppe and other metals, imparting a blue green patina to the rocks below the water

The remainder of the path was doable, but required paying attention to lines.

At the base of the falls my radio squawked : “Romeo One this is Julliett One… Dinner is ready.. over…”

We didn’t waste any time getting back down the hill, and enjoyed a scrumptious meal prepared by our friends.

After eating, completing afternoon prayers, and airing up the Defender to 2.9 Bar, we were ready to get to our next destination, which for us was to Montrose and for NoNameX was to his next campsite.

It was a bittersweet goodbye, reminiscing about the excellent experience here in Colorado. But NNMX and I both committed that this would not be our last trip together.

As we were leaving the parking lot NNMX noted some animals moving in the distance.

We both stopped to take a few pictures.

And then like the end of a great romance story, NNMX hopped back onto his steed and galloped off into the sunset with his lovely bride at his side.

A delightful trip with new friends - the first of its kind for each of us, but definitely not the last! A few more notes to follow as DJsled, NoNameX and Emed head home in different directions.

 

[Emergencymed]

In my penultimate notes in this “Lexus GX travel thread,” I want to touch on the blessing of traveling with GOOD men and of the importance of taking the time away from work responsibilities to convene with nature and experience God’s creation.

My faith tradition teaches that you only know people “if you live with them, conduct business with them or travel with them.” It is in these circumstances that we come to see people’s tendencies and character.

I learned so much in our travels with DJsled and NoNameX about Colorado, Overlanding, and life lessons, like being a good husband.

Observing the affinity and dedication that each of these men had for their wives was very inspiring.

DJsled consistently tended to his wife’s needs during this trip as she
patiently accompanied us on a “very bumpy and at times precarious ride.” He put her needs above his desires at every step of our travels together.

And NoNameX was to his wife as the Muslim holy book describes, “like a clothing for one another.” Their closeness as a couple was illustrated in how they served each other with such love and concern.

When it came to meal time, they would ALWAYS eat from the same plate. I have never seen this before and it was very touching to observe. I hope to practice this custom more often myself. Intimacy and affection is additive.. and showing love is much more than expressing it with our lips.

We all express our love for our mates in different ways, and I observed this in my two new friends.

As spouses should be, they prioritized being with one another, and included one another in their pastimes in a manner that brought one another joy.

And in regard to experiencing the beauty of creation, I think there are few other places where “His handiwork” is appreciated with such grandeur and majesty as the Alpine San Juan mountains.

As I was closing my eyes last night NoNameX shared a picture of the night sky from his campground.

In a word - magnificient. …

Our last day of exploring before returning to work and home responsibilities. A blessed Friday to all.

Emed.

 

[mlinkibikr]

Outstanding - that's how you do it in style!

 

[Emergencymed]

Our route back to Denver was suggested by DJsled, passing through Gunnison, and the Black Canyon National Park.

DJsled shared that taking the 50 would allow for dramatic views and possibly save some time. The 4WD journey to the San Juan Mountains was at its close, but the lessons continued.

My wife and I met these folks at the visitor center of “Black Canyon of Gunnison..” When the gentleman in the Harley cutoff walked past me, I joked, “Hey you must be on a Honda.” He looked over, and I smiled, winked, and asked him what Harley he was riding.

What ensued was an extensive conversation with “Gavin” senior about various brands and models of motorcycles… MC riders are seldom one dimensional as it applies to being on two wheels. Gavin Sr shared with me how he bought a Ducati motorcycle for his son “Gavin Jr” .. by coincidence a Ducati 696 - the same bike I bought for my wife for her birthday about 16 years ago..

Unfortunately, Gavin Jr’s motorcycle was stolen a year ago, and so he is now on a Harley softtail. Gavin Sr’s wife Tina was also along for the ride.. (7500 miles in thus far).

So far it’s a story about an American family from Ohio riding across the country on their Harleys (nothing extraordinary at first glance..)

Gavin Sr gestured towards his son who was walking with his mother at the end of the short trail overlooking one of the canyons.. “That’s Gavin Jr… in that cool James Deen leather jacket..”. There was a glimmer of pride in his eye when he mentioned his son.. …I would shortly find out why..

Wanting to get another view of the canyon, I made my way towards Gavin Jr… but as I did, I noticed something unusual about him… he had a slight shuffle in his gait / head tilted slightly to one side and jerkiness to the movements of his upper extremities.. And then Gavin Jr spoke.. and it was evident that he suffered from CP (cerebral palsy).., a condition that he likely endured since childhood..

Gavin had a condition that in my mind would make riding a motorcycle IMPOSSIBLE …

As any rider will tell you, motorcycling requires significant motor coordination and balance.. something that I could NOT conceive Gavin Jr being able to do.,

Walking back to the visitor center… my curiosity got the better of me.. and as I passed Gavin Sr for the second time .. I said, “pretty remarkable kid you have there..” … “he’s able to ride even with CP..”

The father said “yes Gavin is a high achiever… from a young age others have told us all the things he can’t do…. But we’ve ONLY taught him that he can…. Growing up, his father would NOT park in handicap spots, instead he would tell Gavin Jr, “life will not lower the bar for you.. so don’t expect anyone to do you any favors… walk the extra distance like everyone else, and let’s leave that spot for someone who needs it more…”

Gavin Sr, continued the story of his son… When attempting to get his swimming merit badge as a child - his father would not allow the teacher to give him a courtesy pass in his first year due to his disability.. it took Gavin Jr 3 years .. but he earned that badge!

Gavin Sr shared with me, “the best thing I ever did was to teach him to ride a motorcycle.. “. He added that Gavin Jr was homecoming king at his high school, and that he graduated from college with two degrees.”

Something we can all learn from both Gavin’s and pass on to our kids … , “life will not lower the bar or make things easier for us.”

Gavin’s story inspired me to wish to raise the bar for myself in work, home and in every effort. - and to pass that philosophy on to my kids!

Keep the rubber side down Gavin.

 

[Emergencymed]

Final pics from NoNameX having conquered Imogene pass this morning with his wife. NoNameX described the experience as “more challenging than Engineer pass” and rife with my least favorite road types - off camber, pinch point, washed out, rocky shelf roads.. with steep drop offs …

I had a good excuse for not joining NoNameX on the final challenge of this trip (inadequate ground clearance)… but quite honestly, Imogene gave me the willies… and Even if I had my GX with me .. I likely would not have attempted Imogene..

NoNameX is a braver man than I!!! Or it may be that he is just a more skilled and confident GX pilot!

In DJsleds case, being a local, Imogene was old hat…

One last “honorary picture” by Dave Bennett - who shot a pic of this majestic fellow this afternoon near Clear lake with his 1600 mm lens…

Again - a fantastic week here in Colorado, my first time back in 30 years, but hopefully not my last for another 30.

Next year …. ?? .. perhaps a fly and drive trip with NoNameX to the Arctic circle ..

Romeo 1 - out.