Sand - #^*#!

Nomad

Spent a couple of miserable days camped on the beach at Lake Powell (first two were just fine) - Wind came up a day early (35-50 mph). So strong I had trouble re-packing all the outside gear. So strong it skidded my solar panels out to full cord. Covered my outside carpet a half inch deep. And, I wasn't even down the beach were the sand's the most prevalent (thought I'd get stuck for sure down there). I now have sand dust everywhere, inside and out, TV and T@B.

So, wind died down a bit so thought I'd flee while the fleeing was good. Raised the levelers, stowed the leveling blocks, was ready to go - Ooooops, forgot the tire boot. Got down to unlock and discovered the lock cap had sprung open. Tried to insert the key, no go, lock filled with sand :-( ... The only way I could get the sand out was lay on the ground, squirt water into the lock and then suck out as much water and sand as I could. Rinse/repeat for 15 minutes. Finally got the key in and unlocked but now there was sand inside the sliding tubes. Had to get my hammer and beat them apart. The only alternative I could think of was to jack the T@B, remove the wheel with boot attached and put on the spare.

Looking back on it, I must have looked pretty funny laying there sucking on my boot lock. Nobody said anything but they had to have wondered what the heck I was doing.

Security or no, that boot ain't going on anywhere near sand or mud.

Verna

Thanks for the warning.  I guess I'm glad my lock cap stayed in place while I was in Arizona and Southern California. At least you were resourceful to be able to remedy the situation.

Nomad

A paper clip would have been handy to loosen the sand within - It's the only thing I can think of that would fit. I'd still have had to spray/suck but probably no as long

Verna

Maybe stop by an office supply store (or Walmart) and get a can of canned air to be able to spray the sand out of the keyhole?

Nomad

Ya - New tools are going in my tool bag

leenscottfl

If you can recreate that I will be happy to pay admission for a front row seat.

Nomad

leenscottfl - ain't gonna happen :-)

jkjenn

PXlated, were you boondocking? I have wondered if there were T@b driveable roads near Lake Powell to camp.

Maybe a piece of duct tape over the lock would keep it clean next time? I camped in my rooftop tent on my Jeep on a beach along Lake Erie once in a windstorm and it was nasty. I had sand everywhere for weeks.

Nomad

Jenn - It's a National Park campground called Lone Rock Beach (NW of Page and Wahweep). Not much for boondocking in the area. I spent one night at the Wahweep campground (NP-concessionare) and went up and figured out where I could actually drive without getting stuck/sunk in the sand - the SE end closest to the water was just too deep for the T@B - Had the Jeep in 4-wheel to get through some of it.
There aren't a whole lot of places to camp in the area - The Walmart lot had more campers than any I'd seen(escaping the wind) - There's a resort/spa (Amangiri) just up the road, rooms are $1,200-$1,800 a night I was told.

jkjenn

Thanks. Looks pretty crowded, too.

Nomad

I was hoping to go down to the north rim but the road down is still closed to Jacob Lake and it was still in the 20s at night down there so bagged it. At the south rim, Desert View campground doesn't even open until April 19th. Lots of campgrounds in that area and southern Utah open in May I found out.

judymac

And I am concerned about our trip next week and rain.  DH would put  a For Sale sign on ours.

leenscottfl

PX you may try Coral Pink Sand Dunes SP a few miles north of Kanab. Nice little campground we have tented in frequently.

Nomad

leenscottfl - Almost stopped there but it had that word "sand" in the name. Maybe next time when the memory has worn off - Love dunes.

jkjenn

I there is a fair amount of boondocking to be found in the greater Kanab area, too. UT state parks due seem top notch, though.

Nomad

About the only good thing about the sand storm is that it created a very hazy sunrise so I managed to get this image.

jkjenn

Great shot!

One of my best selling photos was the result of a sandstorm. Creates some awesome lighting effects.

leenscottfl

PX your pic makes me want to hook up and head west. Been since last fall.