Our winter vacation 2007/2008

[Big_D]

My family and I just got back from our winter vacation. We left sunny Southern California on 12/22/07 and visited family in Nebraska and Iowa over Christmas. On the way back we did some skiing in Colorado near Boulder and then enjoyed some hiking at Arches and Canyonlands National Parks near Moab Utah. We had ZERO problems with our Pilot. I never saw so much snow and our Pilot gripped the road with confidence. I bought Z-Chains and never needed to use them.


Total number of days>13
Total Miles Traveled >3680 miles
Average Fuel Economy>18.5 mpg (usually cruising at 78mph)
Best Fuel Economy >21.3 (slow speeds thru snowy mountain terrain)
Worst Fuel Economy >15.7 (nasty headwind, steep inclines)

Here are some snapshots of the highlights:

Eldora Ski Resort near Boulder


On the way back from a great day of skiing...no chains necessary


Copper Mountain


Canyonlands National Park


Mesa Arch

[Big_D]

I also wanted to mention that there were 5 of us plus our Yorkie travelling in our Pilot with all our belongings and we managed to fit it all without the need of a roof carrier.

Another Shot at Canyonlands National Park


My 3 daughters at the lookout at Dead Horse Point State Park


My wife and our faithful companion Teddy


Arches National Park - Delicate Arch (3 mile strenuous hike)


Landscape Arch - (1.2 mile easy hike)

[Big_D]

More pics at Arches National Park (its 22 degrees outside)

Partition Arch (2 mile strenuous hike)


Hiking at Devils Garden (some steep terrain)


North Window Arch (Easy walk)


Balancing Rock with La Salle Mountains in background

[boyfester]

Awesome pictures! I went to Arches two summers ago but this is the first time I've seen it with snow.

I really like the Mesa Arch picture. Was that in Canyonlands and was it a long hike to get to that area to take your picture?

[Pilot-Matt]

Looked like you had a wonderful family vacation. Thanks for sharing the beautiful pics.

[Big_D]

Originally posted by boyfester
Awesome pictures! I went to Arches two summers ago but this is the first time I've seen it with snow.

I really like the Mesa Arch picture. Was that in Canyonlands and was it a long hike to get to that area to take your picture?

Thanks, It was my second time at Arches and coincindently my first time was two summers ago also... on July 30th 2006.

Yes, Mesa Arch is located in Canyonlands and it was a pretty easy hike at 1.2 miles roundtrip. You can actually walk on top of it if you are a daredevil.

[OB3]

great set of pictures... i love road trips like this.
thanks for sharing

[colorider]

Great pictures!!! I love the one at Dead Horse Point State Park - one of my favorite places in Utah.

[Big_D]

Glad others enjoy some beautiful scenery in this wonderful country of ours.

Heres some more:

North Window Arch- Stairway to Heaven


Elephant Ridge - at Arches


Dead Horse Point - Icy River down there


Canyonlands Twisties


Canyonlands Viewpoint


Canyonlands Mesas


Canyonlands Floor

[ecsw]

Beautiful pictures.

I also came back from my 2nd long trip with my Pilot few days ago. I went to Southen California (where u live) with kids from Vancouver, BC.

It was less than 3000 miles compare to my almost 4000 miles 2 years ago with my Pilot. Problem free too.

I actually stoped by southen Oregon in one of the Honda deal to pick up a lots of Pilot supplies for 1/2 or 1/3 price compare to what they sell in here and tax free. Things like Pollen filter for $24 and VTM fluid for $25 or so and break pad for something like $55.

[Big_D]

Originally posted by ecsw
Beautiful pictures.

I also came back from my 2nd long trip with my Pilot few days ago. I went to Southen California (where u live) with kids from Vancouver, BC.

It was less than 3000 miles compare to my almost 4000 miles 2 years ago with my Pilot. Problem free too.

I actually stoped by southen Oregon in one of the Honda deal to pick up a lots of Pilot supplies for 1/2 or 1/3 price compare to what they sell in here and tax free. Things like Pollen filter for $24 and VTM fluid for $25 or so and break pad for something like $55.

Good to hear you enjoyed your trip! Maybe a thread with some pics is in order. Where is So Cal did you go? I heard it was windy over Christmas, but overall good temps. When I got back it rained for 3 days.

Good Idea to stock up on parts and save $$$. I took my Pilot in for a oil change and tire rotation when I got back. I did my own VTM fluid change before I left.

I hoard parts for my NSX since it is such a low production car. The long oil filters were recently being discontinued and I bought a case of them. I have a set of rotors and brake pads and s/s lines sitting in the garage also. Plus alot of mouldings and clips and stuff that breaks when you take off the interior panels.

[tonymitss5]

Nice pictures! I like the Yorkie too! We have a Westie that we plan on taking to FL on a nice road trip next month... we will see how that goes