Big Bend National Park - 1st Big Adventure

[Fair Oaks Mustang]

Took our Bronco out to Big Bend this last week for its 1st big adventure. Up to this point we had done nothing offroad with it. She performed like a champ and my wife and I are completely hooked and already looking for our next trip. We spent 3 days exploring the back roads with the highlight being the 26 mile point to point Old Ore Road. It took about 3 hours to complete. In hindsight I wish we had taken more time on the trail to explore the different points of interest...but I was too concerned with getting through it safely. My fuel gauge doesn't work so I was panicked about running out. Black Gap Road was closed due to flooding...that is definitely on the bucket list to go back and do in the future...it is the only trail in the park that is on the badge of honor list.

 

[DirtDonk]

Great trip report!
Along with loving pictures, we especially love pictures of outings in the wilderness.

Need to find some friends and travel in small packs so you don’t have as much to worry about in the future.
That, or just do what we always automatically did in the old days. That was carry a 5 gallon canna gas with you.
We were always looking for creative ways to carry one around on the back of the bronco. There were whole industries created around that concept.

 

[Yeller]

Love Big Bend. I need to go back!

Black Gap is a fun trail.

 

[BGBronco]

Great pictures. And that monster cup holder, WOW!

 

[Fair Oaks Mustang]

Great pictures. And that monster cup holder, WOW!

Haha...I credit my wife for finding them on Amazon. They held firm with all of the bouncing around on the trails.

 

[Howard2x4x4]

Looks to be a well thought-out and capable Bronco, kudos! Thanks for sharing your adventure! Howard in beautiful west Michigan

 

[Fair Oaks Mustang]

Looks to be a well thought-out and capable Bronco, kudos! Thanks for sharing your adventure! Howard in beautiful west Michigan

Thank you Howard! I'd like to take full credit, but I got it last year and the previous owner did about 80% of the build...and then got married. Bronco sat for 5 years. When I got it, it just needed the last little bits and pieces to get it on the road. Biggest challenge was sorting out the suspension. Needed an alignment, more leaf springs out back and new shocks on all four corners. It had a head gasket leak so my son and I took that as an opportunity to install a new top end on the engine. This winter we are going to pull it and build a new short block as well. It has been a lot of fun.

 

[gnsteam]

Thanks for sharing your adventure. Big bend is on my short list for exploration.

 

[Yeller]

Thanks for sharing your adventure. Big bend is on my short list for exploration.

You have a short list? I'm jealous LOL

 

[kbooth5]

Hit me up next time you go out that way, I live in Midland and it’s not a far jaunt to get out there. The state park side has a lot more back roads to explore I have been told, but I haven’t made the time to try yet!

 

[Fair Oaks Mustang]

Hit me up next time you go out that way, I live in Midland and it’s not a far jaunt to get out there. The state park side has a lot more back roads to explore I have been told, but I haven’t made the time to try yet!

We talked to a guy up there about the state park and he highly recommended it. However, he said it took a few hours to get back to them.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Apogee]

Very cool...love the stretched wheelbase and I'm glad you got everything sorted out to enjoy the adventure. Some extra fuel capacity and then you can shed your range anxiety and all will be well with the world

 

[sprdv1]

Love Big Bend. I need to go back!

Black Gap is a fun trail.

take me brother

 

[sprdv1]

Very cool...love the stretched wheelbase and I'm glad you got everything sorted out to enjoy the adventure. Some extra fuel capacity and then you can shed your range anxiety and all will be well with the world

absolutely..

 

[sprdv1]

Took our Bronco out to Big Bend this last week for its 1st big adventure. Up to this point we had done nothing offroad with it. She performed like a champ and my wife and I are completely hooked and already looking for our next trip. We spent 3 days exploring the back roads with the highlight being the 26 mile point to point Old Ore Road. It took about 3 hours to complete. In hindsight I wish we had taken more time on the trail to explore the different points of interest...but I was too concerned with getting through it safely. My fuel gauge doesn't work so I was panicked about running out. Black Gap Road was closed due to flooding...that is definitely on the bucket list to go back and do in the future...it is the only trail in the park that is on the badge of honor list.
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Awesome shots. Thanks for sharing