Finding Solitude in the San Rafael Swell of Utah
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- Опубликовано: 7 сен 2024
- In this episode we discover the beauty and isolation of the San Rafael Swell. We visit the Wedge Overlook, the Buckhorn Wash Pictograph Panel, and stay at the BLM San Rafael Swinging Bridge Campground. We also share information on how we air down our tires when driving on rough dirt roads.
Links to items mentioned in our videos (and my camera gear) can be found on my
Amazon Storefront. As a participant in the Amazon Associates Program we earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you, when you shop from this Amazon portal. www.amazon.com/...
Staun Automatic Tire Deflators: www.amazon.com...
Rhino Heavy Duty Tire Pressure Gauge: www.amazon.com...
Music in this video is from a subscription with Epidemic Sound:
The Mercy of the Wind - Million Eyes
Lens Flare 1 - Peter Sandberg
Desert Wind - Jon Algar
Native Land - Dream Cave
A Friend with a Broken House - John Utah
Bad Shipments - Laurence Lee Murphy
They told me they’ll be watching your channel tonight!
I always get hungry watching your videos!
Always always a pleasure watching your videos ~ beautifully created
Thank you for the video. Have a blessed day.
Your recipes are great! Please share more cooking ideas 👏 Thank you for sharing your beautiful videos 🥰
Seriously learned a lot about tire pressure in this one, which is a good thing!
I'm headed to the Wedge for some boondocking at the end of Feb! Awesome video. Thanks.
Thanks for your hard work editing. The use of Google Maps helped tell the story. As always, greetings from Alabama!
i appreciate you sharing about the amount of dispersed camping available , when i go somewhere new i get nervous of getting shut out of a place to stay ! again as usual, thanks, tommy montana
You said the name right!
Beautifully made video.
Very nicely done from beginning to end! Your editing, cinematography, tips, and cooking make for a really fun video every time. Add John’s happy dance and we have the Oscar!
That view while riding your bikes. Wow! We should have come west this fall for sure. Oh well. A few more months to wait. Apple pie looked delicious but you and Lynn sure are shy about your happy dances. Much more from NC.
Yes, but John is perfecting his Owen impersonation.
Thanks for capturing many of the sites you visited on Google Earth! Nice touch. Thanks too for the Staun Tire deflator rec. We should be getting the RIP kit and new BFG tires installed soon! We shall add the deflators to our list! Now, if we can just go somewhere~
Wow. There won't be anything left to do to your van. FYI, the deflators have to be "set" to the pressure you intend to air down to. Email me if you have any questions about how to do that.
@@FromShetoMe Will do. Thanks! Just loving your Utah videos. You do such a great job. All the best! Happy Thanksgiving!
Cool iron statues
Yes and in the middle of nowhere.
Your video editing is phenomenal, it tells a great story congratulations!
Debbie, I just discovered “ Travelling Togs”. They show us beautiful Scotland in a similar language to the way you and John show us the American West. I’ve just watched their most recent two videos and they are beautiful. Highly recommend to you.
Thanks. Will check them out.
I'm just loving your travel videos, (can't get enough) they are making me very eager to get over to the US and spend the whole time travelling in a van/rig, maybe in a couple of years when I retire. We have a '98 Laika here in Scotland which we've had for 5 years now. Thank you, safe and happy travels Iain
Thank you! We envy you in Scotland. Have done quite a bit of cycling over there on 2 trips back in the day. Our daughter-in-law is from Irvine/Glasgow area.
@@FromShetoMe fantastic, likewise, I've toured most of the western states a few times, but in a car. I have friends in SD, Carlsbad & family in Seattle so try to visit regularly 😁
I find your videos so enjoyable - the music, scenery, cooking how-tos, humor... Keep 'em coming ;-) .....PeAcE!!
Dusty dusty dusty! Nice video and great find, especially for $3.00! Like the deflator kit so will have to check to see if I can find one.
Link is on my Amazon storefront: www.amazon.com/shop/fromshetome
Done! Thank you.
The light transition around 9:45 was splendid. Thanks again for sharing your adventures.
Happy day when you post a video. So beautiful and I like that you are out in more remote areas. I too appreciate your cooking segments. You are an amazing person and I feel so lucky to be apart of your travels.
Thank you so much
Coooooool! Liked it. Thanks
Debbie-I just have to say how much I enjoy your videos. The quality is amazing; the use of graphics, the gorgeous soundtracks, your voice overs, the drone work and camera work, it’s truly transforming-I feel like I’m there seeing what you and John are seeing. Oh, and the editing is so good. An example today was the sun moving off the cliff face and then the cut to your group sitting around the campfire. Wow. I hope you continue to enjoy publishing on the Tube ‘cause I sure do appreciate what you create for us.
Thanks so much. I go through periods where I am hyper critical and then I get comments like yours. Probably because I watch channels like The Nomadic Movement, Trent and Allie, Eamon and Bec. I really want to get to that level.
I’ll check out Nomadic Movement, haven’t seen them. But Trent and Allie and Eamon and Beck? Cmon, you’re every bit as good and better, to me, because I’m so simpatico with your content. And it’s not because I’m a geezer, though I am.😎
Your ride on the swell produced some epic imagery. Good times!!
Kool D & J.
Nice video! I especially like how you show the spots you're at on the map and the cooking segments.
As an older RV’r confined to fairly short trips around North Georgia, I thoroughly enjoy your journeys and your sharing your and John’s adventures. Thank you for the work you put into your ‘play’! Greatly appreciated. ❤️
Wow is right, driving along that canyon. Beautiful! Nice looking apple crumble, making me hungry as usual on your videos.
Thank you! Thank you! We purchased an omnia oven. Got it a couple of days ago. Cook 3 things so far but plan to practise over winter. What a great device. Not quite as intimidating as the instant pot. Happy trails!
Hi Ken! It has become my favorite device. You also asked about the Moon Shade. The parent company is called Moon Fab.
@@FromShetoMe Anna here, I would like to say THANK YOU for such professional RUclips channel! After purchasing the Omnia oven, I was looking for ideas and some of these demos or videos are hilarious and disappointing. I get it, it’s hard work but you are professional and amazing and I can’t say enough about you. I keep telling my friends to watch you, so are so darn amazing! Thank you again!
@@kenbeddie8798 Thanks Anna! I’m getting the hang of the oven and loving it. Let me know if I can help at all.
Wish you guys weren’t so far away.
@@FromShetoMe Anna here, our plan over winter is to cook in the omnia oven every two weeks. As I have success, I will share with you. I am learning to appreciate everyone’s RUclips channel. I forget that some are using there iPhones, so of course things are rough. I’ve been feeling bad. Did you get the recipe book with your oven? If not, I’m happy to share those recipes. Take care, be careful! I look forward to seeing you and John every week. One day we could have a visit via messenger video. Cheers!
@@kenbeddie8798 I think I got the recipe book but frankly, my office is such a mess right now that I'd have to hunt it down. Is your bookstore still open?
A beautiful and informative video. As you and John were riding your bikes down the backroads, I all of a sudden felt very small. The cliffs and mesas are so beautiful. I am keeping track of many of the beautiful sites you have shared. Hopefully next April, March we will return to Utah to explore these treasures. I look forward to each of your wonderful videos.
Thanks Don. If you ever have questions, feel free to email me. energymaven@gmail.com
@@FromShetoMe thanks, I’m sure as we get closer to spring, I will surely have a few questions. It’s sounds kind of funny, talking about spring already, but here on Marco island it’s a tropical climate, so you really don’t have much of a winter at all, so spring always seems like it is right around the corner.
Wow! Tire deflator. Who knew. Should have known it would come from you two. Great cooking, scenery, etc. Don’t respond....takes too much time for you. We just want you to know how much we appreciate you.
And I you! 😊
Wow, the Wedge Overlook and this whole area looks like so much fun! Really enjoyed this video - thanks as always for creating your videos!
another great video. I love the cooking segment and riding the bikes; speed racer. Lol. Scenery is beautiful. Good information on tire pressure release things. Didn’t know they made those. Always learning something new. Safe travels.
Owen would have done the Happy Dance for you, for sure! That looked yummy! It makes me proud any time I see a project done by the CCC. My Granddaddy was in the CCCs in the mountains of NC. I love the fact that we have so many of our State and National Park facilities because of those great men! Thanks for taking us along on the bike ride! Such a great video! Thanks and have a great week! ❤️ (Jane in SC)
So right about the CCC!
Excellent video of very beautiful scenery. Thank you very much for recording your trip, including the food session. Greetings from Bavaria, Germany.
I'ver never seen those automatic tire deflators before. Interesting. And a very nice area. Added to my list.
If you get deflators, research them out. ARB (as you see in the video) is a good choice.
Excellent video, as usual. Your story-telling is very professional, educational and your videography is superb. Missed seeing you wearing the cowboy hat!
Hello young lady. Attended school in castle dale, there is a beer called Buckhorn (poormans beer)
I spent a week in that area a few years ago, but I camped across the river from the campground where it was free. Those pictographs are spooky looking, but very beautiful.
Not sure when you filmed this but we were at this location literally the day before you posted this video (and we were at and around Goblin Valley SP the day before). There is no solitude there currently. Both areas were OVERRUN with people. Literally campers all the way up the canyon from the Bridge campground to the Wedge Overlook and every spot in the Wedge Overlook campground was full. Same thing in and around Goblin Valley (as well as adjacent BLM lands north and south of I-70 in those areas)...dispersed campers EVERYWHERE. We're from CO and have spent time in this area about two years ago in November, and only saw a handful of people camping and nearly no cars on the State Highways in the area. Apparently since COVID (and the camping boom), this area is overrun with people/campers, so don't go there anytime soon expecting "solitude". Nearby Moab and Arches/Canyonlands are even worse. Having said that, the area(s) are spectacular. The Wedge Overlook and Goblin Valley SP are hidden gems that are not well known, and the pictograph panel they show on this video is among the best you'll ever see, and much more impressive then the Temple Mountain pictographs near Goblin Valley.
We were probably a few weeks ahead of your visit. For sure. things were getting zooed out. Hope things return to normal soon.
The Swell. One of my most favorite places (I have a lot of those places lol). We would ride mules and horses out on the swell. Spend weeks.
Sometimes I feel like I shouldn't be sharing these spots for fear they get overrun like Moab. You are lucky to have such a beautiful back yard.
@@FromShetoMe I worry about that as well. The overrunning thing. But, I also love seeing people out and enjoying nature (as long as they pick up their trash).
I love this state. I don't go to Moab often due to the people. I have some hidden places I don't share 🙂 but you have to have 4x4 to get to them.
Yet another must see site for next year in my travels. Great video tour.
Debbie &John, nite trip, but when you mentioned swinging bridge, I had been on a few, but they were for pedestrians, but ONCE. in SO AMERICA, I was driven on one which did SWING, I thought I would need a change of underwear ! I may have told you only ANTARTICA was left, & @ my age, I’ll skip it too. you know the salinity of the ARTICis very light, as compared TO anywhere else ! Happy trails to you , Cheers 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
Agree, I like my bridges solid.
Really enjoy your videos and the places you go. I probably wouldn't have found them except through you guys. I bookmark the places so it's very helpful having them in the description. I would like to make a request if possible... I'm a solo female in a truck and 24 ft. Travel trailer and would love to visit some of these places but I'm not sure about the roads with my rig and getting stuck etc. ... if you could mention when going down these roads if they are suitable for bigger rigs it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much and can't wait for your next adventure.
Good suggestion, I will try to remember to do that.
Thank you for bring us along your journey. Great adventure! ..Great skill in editing and sounds. Can you do two video per week instead one? have to wait the next 7 days to see your new video? lol
LOL, I think that would kill me and drive John nuts.
I noticed your moon shade, do you explain in a previous video how you mount it to van? I am thinking you use that in windy areas..
I can’t remember but it comes with magnets and suction cups and if it is too windy for just the magnets I can add on the suction cups. We really like it.
Just LOVE everything about your stories! What is the name of the cobbler mix? It looks so good!!
Louisiana Fruit Cobbler Mix.
Thank you once again! Great video. I’m curious if you have a background or an area of expertise that has contributed to your excellent video production? Or are you just naturally talented? ✌️
LOL, no experience in anything related to photography but I’ve been attempting to learn for over 2 years now. And I spent years observing others hoping to pick up tips before taking the plunge. So if I can do it anyone can.
Curious why you are using Moonshade and not the Fiama awning. We have a PW Plateau TS.
There are two main drawbacks to the Fiamma Awning. The first is that it sits so high on the vehicle that it doesn’t provide shade as the sun is setting. The second is that it is so sensitive to wind that it retracts with the slightest breezes. I know it can be adjusted but we don’t want to risk damaging it. The moon shade can be used on either side and on the back which we have done. You can angle it so that it provides better shade later in the day. And as one of our viewers mentioned, you can hang curtains from the sides for even more shade.
@@FromShetoMe Thank You. We have a Moon Shade too and have used it to shade the fridge side in hot weather. So far, no problems with our Fiama.
What type of bike racks do you have? And...how long have you had your tire rack on? Has there been any issues with the back doors with the weight on it? Thanks for the awesome videos.
Hollywood bike rack. 1.5 years for the tire and no issues.
Hollywood bike rack. 1.5 years for the tire and no issues.
I love all your videos....fangirl. You and John are so playful with each other, it is fun to watch. I am learning so much about not fearing to drive down a road that looks almost undriveable. I was wondering how do you know which roads you can go down with your vehicle? And, do you have a map file on Google?
Google in the satellite view can be helpful but also reading reviews. People usually mention the condition of the road. If in doubt, we back out.
I want a HAPPY DANCE!!!
Had a question... how does the van do with all that rocky road?
Do you have any items dislodge inside or are there other issues to deal with?
Thanks for posting!
Rocky roads are never comfortable but definitely better when we aired down. On this trip we had a few screws in the cabinets come out and one of our latches isn't working. I hope they'll b e covered under warranty.
Thanks for another great video!
Curious if your friends in the other van have any type of suspension package on their rig...
Could those roads be driven with the standard factory set up?
Any 2 wheel drive vehicle can handle the main road. Some of the lesser roads can be a challenge, especially if sandy. Our friend’s van is the stock suspension.
Please research the roads. Being a local, we spend a bit of time pulling people out (when we are out on the trails).
Also, be sure to watch the weather. Out on the swell rain can change a road.
@@stout_tossme7541 Excellent advice. One of our favorite RUclips channels is Matt's Offroad Recovery.
@@FromShetoMe such a great guy. I have watched his videos since he started. Love it! I even got a Yacum (spelling) rope! Lol
Matter of fact, I tugged a rig out of a mudhole similar to yours using the new kinetic rope (the couple in the rig was not at fault, we got a sudden burst of rain and it caught them trying to get back to pavement).
Anyway, I absolutely love your videos.
@@FromShetoMe Yes MATTS OFF-ROAD RECOVERY, is one of mu faves, MOST are RENTALS, not all, but HOT DRY SAND is a TRAP, but they do not AIR DOWN also have no way to RE INFLATE , CHEERS 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
I just came across your video last night and I've watched it 3 times already. We pull a 24ft Winnebago Micro Minnie and leave out of Prescott AZ. Where would you suggest be the best place to set up a Boondocking camp for a few days. Keep up your wonderful videos, thank you!
It's all BLM land and we only saw a small portion of it. But check out the link for lots of great camping opportunities: www.blm.gov/visit/san-rafael-swell-recreation-area
They are all awesome.
@@FromShetoMe Thank you so much for your quick response I will check your link out. I also watched your adventure with your friend Lori in the Sierras. I use to go up to Mammoth quite regularly being a So Cal Guy. Relocated to Prescott 15 years ago. If you are ever back this way give us a shout. We have quite a large property you are always welcome.
@@backroadsxplorer572 Thanks. We need to get up your way. Maybe next year.
Your videos are so informative! I appreciate the map and labeling. Videos also filled with beautiful scenery and yummy food. Do you find you use the Moon Shade more than the awning that came installed? Shout out to LJMJ!
Yes, we use the MoonShade more.
@@FromShetoMe thank you! I appreciate the feedback as I consider what features I would like in a future van. Have a great weekend! 😀
You may have mentioned in a previous video, but if so, I can’t remember why you use the moon shade instead of the factory awning. Would you mind explaining again? Love all your videos!
There are two main drawbacks to the Fiama Awning. The first is that it sits so high on the vehicle that it doesn’t provide shade as the sun is setting. The second is that it is so sensitive to wind that it retracts with the slightest breezes. I know it can be adjusted but we don’t want to risk damaging it. The moon shade can be used on either side and on the back which we have done. You can angle it so that it provides better shade later in the day. And as one of our viewers pointed out you can hang curtains from the sides for even more shade.
Can you remind me of the brand name for the moon shade? Thank you.
I'm really loving this latest series!! Very nice travels! So, maybe this is a silly question, but you have to run that stove for upwards to an hour each time to use the oven. I wonder how much propane is used. Like is it a noticeable decrease of propane or not so much? Hum...I'm glad you watch Venture4WD. He's one of my favorites. Have you checked out Epic Family Road Trip? I like their channel as well. Keep working on your dance moves John!
We've been on the road for a month and propane level is at 53%. Of course, switching out the fridge has greatly reduced our consumption. I’m still figuring out the oven and realize I needed to increase the flame and that has reduced the cook time.
Will check out your YT recommendation. Thanks.
Perhaps I missed it on other videos but I noticed your awning. Could you tell me more? I rent my class b from CanaDream and they disable the installed awning. I have been using a tarp and poles but yours looks more sophisticated.
It’s called a moonshade and was originally a kick starter product. You can probably find a 10% off link on one of the bigger channels like Eamon and Bec or Trent and Allie or the Matneys. We really like it.
@@FromShetoMe a pleasure to hear from you... and so quickly. Thanks. I like the idea of using magnets to hold it in place. Seems like a great solution. All the beast.
Just be aware that magnets can scratch your paint. It also comes with suction cups and if it is really windy I will double up and use a suction cup in addition to the magnet.
@@FromShetoMe good point. I’m thinking of going with heavy duty suction cups and a tarp. Lighter, cheaper and with a 10x12 I can cover a picnic table. Probably about as easy to put up and take down. More compact for storage.
@@davidhoff3386 Sounds like a good plan. If you care to send pictures when you're done, please do so: energymaven@gmail.com
At what tire pressure do you air down to when traveling on gravel and dirt roads?
Front down 49 to 34 and rear from 71 to 48. Probably could go lower but need to learn more about the rims.
@@FromShetoMe Ok. Thanks for the response. I guess I ordered the correct air deflators.
Do you find the oven thingy better than your insta-pot or serves a different purpose?
Serves a different craving. I should have also brought the Instant pot on this trip.
Hi Debbie. Is there a way to contact you? Have a question but don’t think it’s appropriate to ask here. Thanks.
I left you a message on Instagram. 😊
energymaven@gmail.com
There won't be much solitude left in Utah if you keep hyping it for content. Please consider sharing your travels, not your locations.