 |
Archived Newsletter |
 |
July 2001
For more trip information, see TRIPS. |
CONTENTS |
|
TRIP REPORT LOCKWOOD/MILLER JEEP TRAIL After gathering everyone from the Flying J over to the Lake of the Woods campground and signing in all the guests, we headed down the highway to the staging area for Lockwood Creek. At the staging area we aired down and split into two groups, one to do Lockwood/Miller (the hard run), and the other to do Frazier Mountain (the easy run). I was to lead them over the hard stuff, and Dale Rice was to lead the less adventurous. There were 17 vehicles in all, and 12 went with me and the other 5 with Dale. The "easy" group stayed around to see us up the hill, and it turned into an hour's worth of entertainment for them. Just ahead of us (nearly blocking the trail) were 3 Jeeps getting ready to go up the first hill. They had just finished repairing the rear U-joint on one of them. This gave me time to go up and spot the climb. Earlier reports had said it was more difficult than last year. More erosion from the rocks on the upper part had deepened the approach, making lockers almost a must. The first Jeep of the other group made it up easily (locked up front and rear). The second Jeep, which was just repaired, was just locked up in the rear. It made it up about half the way and broke the u-joint again! He backed down and the first of the group turned around and joined him. Take note Wrangler owners! It seems like it was the U-joint straps that broke. There's the weakest link. This worried me as I'm only locked up in the rear as well. With my wife spotting (vested interest in my well being) I made it up after a short hesitation near the top. To make it, you had to hug the wall on the left then make a hard right between two large rocks. After I made it, Suzy stayed behind to spot for the next couple of vehicles while I pulled ahead to make room. Todd Kelly was the only one with us with open diffs. He got stuck and it took a while to free him. Dave Trice was ahead of him and he tried a couple of times to strap him off the rock but he was stuck between two rocks and couldn't move in either direction. The rear diff was against the cover, and the left front tire was tight against another rock. Finally we had Dave pull tension with the strap while I hi-lifted the left rear and got some rocks under it enough to raise it a couple of inches. This let him turn the front wheel enough to clear the rock in front. Then Dave snatched him out. The only other person to have a problem was Andy. We were ready to strap him, but he begged for one more try and redeemed himself! It turned out that he trashed his Traclock, and has since replaced it with an ARB. Without any further stops, we ate lunch at 1:00 in the usual spot by the creek at the base of Miller. At 1:30 we began the ascent up Miller Jeep trail to Alamo Mountain. I've always wanted to go all the way up without stopping, but alas, it was not to be. Instead of straddling the notch, Dave Trice decided to try the harder line and hi-centered on one of the hard sections. This caused some delay as several attempts were made to back him off. Finally, he made it and no one else had a problem. I was expecting problems out of a couple of people. Todd Kelly because he was open, and Sherman, because of his "history." But both did great! This is the first time Sherman has made it all the way without a problem (he laid it on it's side one year!). Way to go Sherman! His new Wrangler is working out pretty good, right Sherman? Members for my run were: Steve & Michelle Frank, Jay & Ellen Jiminez, Mike & Carol Kelly, Bob & Pat Matula, Tom (birthday boy) Morey with Heather and Amanda, Rick & Suzy Schaffer, Dennis Sullivan, Dave and Grace Trice, Sherman Wallace and son James, and the newlyweds, now, not then, Andy and Elaine Vique (HA - I got to say it first!) Guests were: Howard & Barbara Johnson, Todd Kelly (he left his wife home to work!) P.S. We got nailed for an Adventure Pass in order to exit the Hungry Valley SVRA- But that's another ugly story.
POST RUN POTLUCK/BBQ I would like to thank Jon & Dale Rice for hosting the BBQ/potluck after our Miller run at their place at Pine Mountain Club. All the food was great, especially the steaks that the Rices provided. They were sure EXCELLENT, even after chef Ricardo Hones had his way with them. Those of you that didn't stay for it really missed out! Thanks for the fun little run up Frazier Mountain for the less adventuresome.
JULY MEETING Since the meeting irk the park was so much fun, we are doing it again. This month we will be meeting at Simon Bolivar Park on Del Amo in Lakewood. Come early we will be roasting hot dogs and have other goodies to munch on.
FRAZIER MOUNTAIN After watching the morning's entertainment of the "hard core" going up the first hill of Miller, it further gave validity to some for the decision to do the "easy" run. The west Frazier Mountain Route is an easy trail with many scenic vistas. At the "Y' we took the West Frazier Tie to the top. This proved a little more challenging with the steep hills to climb and rocks or tree roots to maneuver. The view at the top included Pyramid Lake, Hungry Valley (at no charge), and Antelope Valley in the distance. We found some shade and took our lunch break about 12:30. Heading back down the "Tie," the hills seemed a little steeper and the rocks a little larger. Ric Jones' "adopted son" Matt, who was driving, was said to have a good case of sweaty palms. Although Kevin's T-shirt read "I'd rather push a Land Rover than drive a Jeep," it didn't prove necessary, lucky for him! With an attitude like that he wouldn't get much help! It's good to see a little brand rivalry. It's usually the Jeepers making fun of other vehicles. Back at the "Y" we turned right and took a newly re-opened trail out to Lockwood Valley Road. It's good to see a trail reopened instead of closed. At the pavement, Kevin and Wayne headed home and the rest of us headed to our place to get ready for the BBQ. Members on this run were Jon & Dale Rice, Bob Day & Sally Kinsey, and Ric Jones with guest Man Brillinger. Guests: Kevin Tahir with Wayne Lewis, and Nick Hess with Matt Neiman. Jon and I were very pleased to have so many club members and guests join us for the BBQ/Potluck. 21 people and one dog made the evening a fun closure to a great day. Thanks for all the participation and help, and a special thanks to Chef Ric for taking over the BBQ duty.
With all the excitement on the Miller run we didn't get a chance to sing happy birthday to Tom Morey and his daughter. Happy belated birthday. Actually I think the reason he didn't stay for the BBQ is that he thought we would sing to him. SMART MAN!
RUN SAFETY REQUIREMENTSPlease check to make sure that you meet these minimum requirements. Click here. |
Copyright© 1999-2004 Fun In The Sun Fourwheelers. All Rights Reserved.
