what my YJ did this summer

[SPDRMNKY]

The wife, kid, and I are off tomorrow for a cross country road trip (flat towing the YJ). We're gonna see friends and family we haven't seen in years, and hit some trails/sights along the way.

We'll post progress pics and funny stories here. A short list includes FL, TX (gag), AZ, CO, OR, MT, WY, MN, OH, and back to NC...including stops at such locales as Grand Canyon, Moab, Mosquito Pass, Blue Mtns, and Uwharrie.

We don't have a schedule so much as we have time to enjoy the great USA.

Might see some of you along the way...we'll be hard to miss. On the road I'll be on CB channel 19 and the same go-by.

Call it the last big adventure before I have to grow up and get a real job!

Cheers!:D

[fullautodave]

If you make it to Cody Wyoming before August 16th, I can show you some senic if not difficult trails near here.

Dave

[StrongWind]

Here's a place worth stopping in Texas - Just east of Dallas/north of I-20 in Gilmer, Texas.
1,800 acre strip mine converted by the state for an offroad park.
I've made many trips up there - worth a day to run the trails.

http://www.barnwellmountainra.com/

Operated by Texas Motorized Trails Coalition

http://www.texasmotorizedtrails.com/

[The Duke]

If you need any tips on what to see, let me know. I have been to most every National Park west of the Mississippi and east of California. If you are stumped at what to do or see, I would be glad to help, or post pics for you to see if you want to do it. Recommended hikes as well.

How long are you going to be gone?

Don't forget to put your t-case in neutral and you tranny in 5th. Make sure you put the key in the ignition and unlock the steering wheel.

Keep us up to date with pics, etc, and have fun!


Unfortunately, finances forbade my annual excursion this summer. :(

[SPDRMNKY]

We're off!

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC01642.jpg

cheers!:D

[1995Sierra]

Sounds like a sweet trip!... oh and KICK ASS chevy tow vehicle and jeep for that matter :thumbsup:

[DrLewall]

Where ya gonna live when you get back? Obviously you've sold the house to pay for the fuel on this trip, right?

[Rykker]

when and where you headed through mn?

[loaf]

Where ya gonna live when you get back? Obviously you've sold the house to pay for the fuel on this trip, right?

Either that or I want to know about this not real job that gave him all the loot! Or did you marry into it? ;) If so, nice score! :thumbsup: :D

[sooner_magic]

Kinda weak front bumper, wouldnt ya think?... ;)

[SPDRMNKY]

Either that or I want to know about this not real job that gave him all the loot! Or did you marry into it? ;) If so, nice score! :thumbsup: :D

the mrs. and I have been blessed with selling a house in FL right after hurricane Ivan, and then there was that 13 months I spent getting shot at and blown up...but not paying taxes

other than that, we're just crazy

but holy cow...everytime i fill up the pump auto-offs at $75, and I have to restart just to complete the fill...:(

[SPDRMNKY]

not much of YJ interest yet...we stopped in GA to visit a buddy from Iraq, and are now in FL visiting relatives

Jeep is towing well, and we're maintaining about 60 mph to save fuel

better stores when we get farther west! cheers!:D

[The Duke]

but holy cow...everytime i fill up the pump auto-offs at $75, and I have to restart just to complete the fill...:(

That pisses me off too. Do they want to sell the freakin gas or not?:mad:

[Lavman]

WOW! What a great way to see the USA and bond with the family, have an awesome (and safe) trip!

I like your truck set-up, real sweet :D

[PB2]

We'll post progress pics and funny stories here. A short list includes FL, TX (gag), AZ, CO, OR, MT, WY, MN, OH, and back to NC...including stops at such locales as Grand Canyon, Moab, Mosquito Pass, Blue Mtns, and Uwharrie.

How you gonna get from Texas to Arizona without going through New Mexico?

[The Duke]

How you gonna get from Texas to Arizona without going through New Mexico?
Like this:
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc48/theduke324/NM.jpg

:D :D :p

[Solar2002]

LMAO!!! :lmao:

[PB2]

Like this:
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc48/theduke324/NM.jpg

:D :D :p

LMAOPMP

[SPDRMNKY]

ya'll are killin' me...yeah...NM...my 4th grade teacher would be so disappointed in my geography skills

on to replies and a quick summary...

If you make it to Cody Wyoming before August 16th, I can show you some senic if not difficult trails near here.

Dave

that'd be cool...we'll see how things are goin' farther on

Here's a place worth stopping in Texas - Just east of Dallas/north of I-20 in Gilmer, Texas.
1,800 acre strip mine converted by the state for an offroad park.
I've made many trips up there - worth a day to run the trails.


that looks like a sweet ORV park...we're tryin' to figure out the "out of FL" leg of the trip now...trouble is that park is at the 1.5day point...we'll see

when and where you headed through mn?

MN will be in August sometime...we'll be south of minne/stp

Kinda weak front bumper, wouldnt ya think?...

yes...totally weak!
-----------------------------------------------------------
mostly just been makin' tracks...seein' family and friends

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC01993.jpg
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC02003.jpg
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC02005.jpg
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC02014.jpg

stopped on side of road near Eglin AFB

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC02039.jpg
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC02042.jpg

don't you just love the droopy water jug up in the rack?!?!

another 4 days will get us to the Grand Canyon

it's hot and fuel is expensive!

cheers!

[The Duke]

Looks like you are having a blast. Wishing I was you :p

[sunshinejeep]

@SPDRMNKY

Cool pics, your Chevy is really big!!! Your Jeep behind the Chevy - that`s crazy... such a long vehicle... :eek:

Have a nice travel and enjoy the Grand Canyon (I was there 13 years ago... The view is impressive!!!)

Greetings from Germany,
SUNNY

[SPDRMNKY]

well, after FL we made tracks and got west of the Mississippi River as fast as possible...

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC02058.jpg
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC02062.jpg
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC02066.jpg
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC02072.jpg

fixed a mudflap problem at a rest stop along the way
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC01643.jpg

15 hours later we pulled into Barnwell Mountain Recreation Area just north of Gilmer, TX. Credit goes to StrongWind for recommending this place! :D

[SPDRMNKY]

We setup camp in the dark and racked out...woke up to a storm blowing in and a morning of rain...didn't get real wet, but found a couple leaks in the tent...nothing some camp dry won't cure
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC01646.jpg

we ran a few of the easy and moderate trails before and after lunch...the rain made things pretty greasy, but we still had a lot of fun.

trails...we ran "dezi's way" backward...no pics but it was narrow and steep...it was good to hear the old leaf springs cycling...creak, clunk, creak, clunk...

"omega" is the perimeter trail, and takes you around most of the east end of the park
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC01649.jpg
there's even some muddy spots down in the bottom
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC01650.jpg
we came back out on top on "linda gail" trail and stopped for lunch
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC01654.jpg

we made camp at the first site (electric camp), but should have pressed on to some of the sites farther in...
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC01667.jpg

after lunch we ran "on any sunday", and a few access roads...
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC01668.jpg

[SPDRMNKY]

we looked at "greenlane", but the near vertical exit made us turn around...maybe when we're not alone

onboard air worked like a champ...then i noticed there was an air station at the pavilion
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC01670.jpg

signage was excellent on all the trails we ran
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC01672.jpg

my daughter enjoyed herself too
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC01677.jpg

camp was much drier the second night
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC01682.jpg

as we were packing up sunday morning, some guy rolled his jeep on "greenlane" (the one we turned around on) right near our camp...everyone was ok, but his XJ was pretty beat up...we helped him get rightside up and back to the access road...no pics

all in all we had a lot of fun...next time we'd pick a different camping spot, and get there in time to enjoy three days of wheeling...we'd even make a trip from NC just to go there...it's a really well done ORV park

only problem of note is the canopy on the tow rig started to sag from the weight in the rack...so we had to reconfigure and lighten the load...anybody want to buy a topper?
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC02083.jpg

next stop the Grand Canyon!

cheers!:D

[StrongWind]

well, after FL we made tracks and got west of the Mississippi River as fast as possible...

15 hours later we pulled into Barnwell Mountain Recreation Area just north of Gilmer, TX. Credit goes to StrongWind for recommending this place! :D

Welcome to Texas. Glad y'all liked Barnwell - it gets kinda slimy when it rains - otherwise you're pulling red dust out of everything. Pretty decent place to wheel. Sorry we couldn't join you...always looking for an excuse to wheel.

Be safe and keep the pics coming! SW

[The Duke]

Looks like ya had fun. Keep the reports coming!

[SPDRMNKY]

been off the grid for a while...

well, we made it through TX, NM, AZ (including Grand Canyon), UT, and are now chilling in CO. will post pics soon...there was some wheeling to be found along the way...and will update as we check out CO

cheers!
:D

[SPDRMNKY]

here's the update

so after TX we moved on to NM
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC02101.jpg

we followed part of old Rte 66
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC02136.jpg

we stopped at a place called Bluewater Lake SP...nice camp ground
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC01686.jpg

we found a little back road around the lake, and a sign that inspired us
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC01727.jpg

the road led us over a couple ridges, where we found a place to swim that wasn't crowded
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC01713.jpg

this is why it's called Bluewater Lake
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC01725.jpg

[SPDRMNKY]

on the way back my wife snapped some pics...nothing serious, but without swaybar discos and with both panhard bars still in place we got some air time
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC01718.jpg

and my wife learned how to tilt the camera for cooler pics
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC01724.jpg

the MT Claws did well...got a little chunkage on the tread because I didn't air down at first, and a little rock bruising
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC01729.jpg

i love my onboard air
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC02187.jpg

we stayed an extra day at BWSP and saw Banderas volcano
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC02147.jpg

and the natural ice cave...no BS!
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC02162.jpg

[SPDRMNKY]

AZ brought us closer to the Grand Canyon
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC02210.jpg

we made a detour off the interstate to see the painted desert and petrified forest
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC02212.jpg

well worth the detour, and we will go back
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC02278.jpg

finally, the Grand Canyon!!...specifically the North Rim...we avoided the busier South Rim
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC02565.jpg
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC02357.jpg

we camped at DeMotte SP
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC01747.jpg

[SPDRMNKY]

there are plenty of forest service roads outside the GCNP that give great views of the GC
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC01746.jpg
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC02473.jpg
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC02522.jpg

we stopped to check out a fire tower, but couldn't see the GC from the top
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC01733.jpg

my daughter got pretty dusty riding around, but enjoyed herself
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC01737.jpg

we even traveled a fire road that was billed as a 4x4 road only...no terrain to speak of, but some great little canyons and meadows
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC02535.jpg

we ended up driving from the north rim all the way to Denver, CO in one day...not our initial plan, but all the hotels were full from Grand Junction on, and we wanted a shower after a week of camping

we ended up bypassing Moab on this trip...we'll go back

we are currently at my wife's parents, and will be venturing out on some CO trails this week

cheers!

[SPDRMNKY]

almost forgot...not a uber cool vid, but we'll give it a try...this is an access road to a camp spot that overlooks the GC...the camera angle is all wrong, but it's a steep hill with some serious drainage ruts made worse by folks with a heavy right foot

i'm a fan of the idle technique, and i love my locker

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/th_M4V02562.jpg (http://s249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/?action=view&current=M4V02562.flv)

cheers!

[Knuckelhead]

:thumbsup:I like the pic's...

[The Duke]

Nice. Was wondering when your next update was going to be.

Did you get to do any hiking?

What is next on the list?

[tater'sTJ]

Looks like y'all are having fun. Great pics, I'm a bit jealous.

[Ben Crawford]

Man that looks like an awesome trip. I will go ahead and add that to my bucket list.

[longboy]

How long are you in CO?

[sunshinejeep]

I like to look at your pics, the environment is fantastic!!!

[SPDRMNKY]

How long are you in CO?

about 10 more days...heading out today...pics to follow...

cheers!:D

[SPDRMNKY]

well, yesterday found us heading up Webster Pass...a friend of my wife's parents (a jeeper from way back) agreed to show us around
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC02602.jpg

the sign at the start of the road wasn't promising, but we thought we'd just see how far we could get
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC02606.jpg

we aired down early because the road was rough as a cob
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC02611.jpg

we met this sweet Willy's heading out
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC02618.jpg

this is the gate to Red Cone...another trail...closed
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC02620.jpg

there were a couple old mines along the way
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC02624.jpg

[SPDRMNKY]

the day was gorgeous, and the country incredible
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC01752.jpg

learned quite a bit about the work the mile hi jeep club has done in the area
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC02633.jpg

drove through some glacier runoff
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC02641.jpg

and finally got stopped by this snow drift
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC01759.jpg

not a bad view though
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC01757.jpg
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC02653.jpg

[88jeepin]

how is ur jeep still so clean

[SPDRMNKY]

on the way back down we stopped at a campsite next to the creek for lunch
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC02681.jpg

found some fun ruts/rocks on an alternate road
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC02693.jpg

i still love my onboard air
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC02697.jpg

but i was shown up by an old York belt-driven compressor
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC02698.jpg

next time i think i'll let my daughter drive
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC02705.jpg

more fun later!

cheers! :D

[The Duke]

Looked like fun. You know you are making all of us jealous, right?

[SPDRMNKY]

how is ur jeep still so clean

I rain-x'd the entire thing...;)

Looked like fun. You know you are making all of us jealous, right?

wait until you see the snow drift picks from mosquito pass

cheers!:D

[longboy]

Nice! I was just camping up at Webster 2 weeks ago. Buncha quads and motorcycles up there, but the Jeep trails were still closed. Looks like you had a good time!

[sunshinejeep]

Looked like fun. You know you are making all of us jealous, right?

Oh yes, I think so too! :usa:


@SPDRMNKY

fantastic pics! :thumbsup:

[SPDRMNKY]

so mosquito pass is awesome!

we started out at my inlaw's place on a sunny 4th of July morning
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC02732.jpg

my father inlaw was towing his polaris out to the trailhead, and we followed in the YJ...followed mostly because gears and tire size don't allow speedracer performance
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC02733.jpg

my daughter loves napping in the jeep...something about the hum of mud tires?
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC02734.jpg

after going through Fairplay, CO, and heading toward Alma, CO, this was our turnoff
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC02736.jpg

the climb up mosquito pass was kinda uneventful...with great views
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/Christmas07JWhiteheadWeddingSmr0805.jpg

until we reached the old mine near the top that is...then we ran into this snow drift and the fun began
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/Christmas07JWhiteheadWeddingSmr0806.jpg

[SPDRMNKY]

i had earlier aired down to 15 psi for trail runnin'...now i aired down to 5 psi for the snow...just like the old days in Oregon


this is breakin' trail on the drift
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/th_mosquitodriftbreakingtrail.jpg (http://s249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/?action=view&current=mosquitodriftbreakingtrail.flv)

here are a few shots on the drift after making it across the first time
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC01764.jpg
(yes, the drift was about 8 feet deep under the jeep)
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC01780.jpg
(this one made me feel like i was in a jeep commercial)
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC02815.jpg

here's the second run up the drift...i went back to see if anyone wanted to ride
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/th_mosquitodriftsecondrun.jpg (http://s249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/?action=view&current=mosquitodriftsecondrun.flv)

after that i scouted the second drift...it was the only thing between me and the top of the pass
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC02825.jpg

[SPDRMNKY]

i made it to within 10 ft of the end of the second drift...then the snow turned to mush...given more time and/or waiting until things hardened up i probably would have made it
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC01790.jpg

but i didn't...though as of july 4th 2008 i had the highest vehicular ascent of the year from the alma side...still not as cool as a summit...though a heck of a lot of fun!!!

turning around
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/th_turningaround.jpg (http://s249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/?action=view&current=turningaround.flv)

this time my daughter helped me air up...she's getting pretty good with the tire pressure gauge
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC02895.jpg

mosquito pass was a blast for us all...plenty of people stopped to watch me drive up the drifts, and my daughter enjoyed her first experience with snow. my father inlaw didn't have much luck with his polaris on the snow, but he didn't air down either.

i had one guy in a TJ tell me that an Army guy (instead of an AF guy) would have made it all the way up the second drift (he's sitting at the bottom of the first drift)...I asked him if that was the way it was...he said yep...i told him that i'd follow him...he got really quiet...i laughed...he laughed

we stopped at an old mine site on the way down...pretty cool
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC01794.jpg

guess i was just a little too early on the CO passes this year...what with record snowfall and all...but the countryside and views were well worth the trips!!

hope your 4th was great!

cheers! :D

[MIJeep]

That is so awsome man, what georgous country.

What's your next stop?

[SPDRMNKY]

on the 5th of July we ran the slaughterhouse loop...friggin' awesome!!
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC02907.jpg
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC02908.jpg

not great views like the passes, but wicked steep, twisty, rocky trails...and the wild flowers were in full bloom so fun was had by the lady-types in attendance too
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC02919.jpg

my inlaws brought their polaris again
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC02916.jpg
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC02931.jpg

and we headed up trail
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC02920.jpg

[SPDRMNKY]

my daughter actually slept through about half of the loop
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC02949.jpg

this is a fun twisty section just after the loop Y-fork
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/th_dip01.jpg (http://s249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/?action=view&current=dip01.flv)

after that, we didn't snap too many pics or vids because we were all throughly engaged with the terrain...here's some of the lighter stuff
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/P1010005.jpg
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC02948.jpg
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC02952.jpg
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC02939.jpg

[SPDRMNKY]

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/th_dip02.jpg (http://s249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/?action=view&current=dip02.flv)

we didn't hit every obstacle, nor did we hit every line...i want to go back...but that'll be another cross country trip

we all had an absolute friggin' blast on slaughterhouse!! have i mentioned that i love my locker?

next stop is OR...my old stompin' grounds in the blue mtns...and probably some more snow wheelin'

cheers! :D

[SPDRMNKY]

made it to OR...funny story about that...did you know that fresh blacktop oil on tires that are hot from a day of driving will produce enough smoke/smell to make you think you've lost an axle bearing...yeah...

been helpin' out the folks the past few days...the tow rig is in the shop for some warranty work by the dealership I bought it at (just nuisance stuff like doors, horn, leaks)...should head out on some trails in a couple days...hope summer is treatin' ya'll right!

cheers!:D

[tater'sTJ]

Looks like your havin' a good time. Out of curiosity, what's you're total fuel bill so far? or have you been keeping track?

[SPDRMNKY]

If you make it to Cody Wyoming before August 16th, I can show you some senic if not difficult trails near here.

Dave

thought we might, but not gonna make it through Cody...gonna hit Sheridan for a day or two...see if it's a place we'd like to live someday

Looks like your havin' a good time. Out of curiosity, what's you're total fuel bill so far? or have you been keeping track?

haven't been tracking it...got all the receipts, but adding it up would take all the fun out of the vacation...we'll see when we get back home

<break>

my folks have a dinosaur internet connection, and there is no cell coverage here (almost heaven), so it'll be a few days until i can post pics from OR

basically all the snow is gone from this part of the blue mtns, but we found some great views...i'll post pics of those

next we're off to MT, WY and points farther east...we're halfway

cheers!:D

[SPDRMNKY]

finally have a good connection in MT so here's what happened in OR
---------------------------

spent a few days helping my folks tear down and rebuild their deck
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC03109.jpg

headed out one sunny morning with a bit of chill in the air

as we headed up the mountain the temp dropped to around 45F so we came back and put the top on the YJ
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC01810.jpg

we didn't find any snow, but the views were awesome, and the wildflowers were in full bloom
all these trails/fire roads are in the Umatilla Nat'l Forest
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC03134.jpg

first we hit one of my old hunting spots...the trails were pretty narrow
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC03125.jpg
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC03133.jpg
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC03129.jpg

[SPDRMNKY]

we ate lunch at a little overlook
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC01813.jpg

then headed up to Summit Rd
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC01816.jpg
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC03149.jpg
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC03153.jpg

after all those viewpoints, we finally found a little rock ledge to fart around on
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC03140.jpg
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC03144.jpg

so...no snow like I was hoping for, but it was good to get out on familiar trails

we're in MT now, and hope to get out on some trails...pics if we do

cheers!

[DrLewall]

Real pretty country! TNX for the eye candy!

[SPDRMNKY]

well MT is behind us now, and we're in Sheridan, WY for a couple days...this is what happened in MT
----------------------------------------

we left OR, saw family in WA, and beat feet through ID
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC03188.jpg
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC03207.jpg

and arrived at my sis's house in MT in one piece
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/100_2184.jpg

but i must have "HANDYMAN" written on my forehead, because i got wrangled into helping my sis and bro-in-law build a storage shed...actually i think it was the promised and delivered beer and scotch that made me do it
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/100_2136.jpg

[SPDRMNKY]

but we did get out to what is locally called Electric Mountain...outside of Helena, MT

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC03338.jpg
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC03345.jpg
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC03352.jpg
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/100_0819.jpg
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/100_0835.jpg
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC03425.jpg

[SPDRMNKY]

there was even some farting around on mine tailings to be had
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC03360.jpg

we made it to the top...just before a nice summer shower
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC03387.jpg

then headed back down
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC03391.jpg

found this old GMC truck along the way...even the rear axle shafts had been stripped from this old gal
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC03408.jpg

there was a fun little water crossing at the bottom
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC03430.jpg
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/100_0869.jpg

and that was it! my bro-in-law followed along in his new dodge ram hemi-thing...and showed me how to go speedracer on pavement...

cheers!

[ZmarkZ]

awesome!

[EMS 34 20]

Awesome views you look like you had more fun than I did on Sunday

[DrLewall]

well MT is behind us now, and we're in Sheridan, WY for a couple days...this is what happened in MT
----------------------------------------

we left OR, saw family in WA, and beat feet through ID
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC03207.jpg



You "apparently" entered the ugly side of Idaho and I entered thru the "pretty" side.. :D
http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l60/DrLewall/Bike/sturgis/Digitals013.jpg

[Zephid15]

Wow, what a trip. I am going to have to do that kinda thing some day. So what was the total cost of the trip? any aprox. idea? you got pretty luckey and got to stay with a lot of friends and family.

[SPDRMNKY]

You "apparently" entered the ugly side of Idaho and I entered thru the "pretty" side.. :D

i should be ashamed, but i guess someone had to do it...:p

Wow, what a trip. I am going to have to do that kinda thing some day. So what was the total cost of the trip? any aprox. idea? you got pretty luckey and got to stay with a lot of friends and family.

the trip isn't over, so adding up the costs would take all the fun out of it

cheers!:D

[SPDRMNKY]

so a few days ago we left MT
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC03465.jpg
entered WY
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC03466.jpg
stopped in Sheridan for a couple days
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC03468.jpg
and looked at a few parcels of land
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC03491.jpg
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC03509.jpg
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC03510.jpg

[SPDRMNKY]

as we were leaving WY we saw this...?
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC03452.jpg

and then we made it to SD
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC03524.jpg

then the roads got thick with scooters
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC03531.jpg

you know Sturgis and all...and a rally at Mt. Rushmore
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC03534.jpg

but we stopped and saw the 4 stone faces
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC03538.jpg
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC03540.jpg

[SPDRMNKY]

then moved on through SD farming country
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC03558.jpg

then we saw this place...no idea what the horns are...and yes that's a yellow hammer
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC03559.jpg
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC03560.jpg
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC03561.jpg

the scooters started to thin out the next day...i think the pooch had the best seat in this one
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC03562.jpg

after a stop in Murdo, SD and dinner at the Star Family Restaurant we hit MN
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC03565.jpg

the kid got to visit with her great grandparents and great aunt/uncles...

[SPDRMNKY]

today was a short day...after we crossed the Mississip i (runnin' down my leg) River and entered WI, traffic got stooooooooopid...so we pulled off in the WI Dells and are spending the night
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC03580.jpg
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC03585.jpg

i'm three beers into a good night's sleep, and will not be setting an alarm tomorrow

the weekend will bring us to Uwharrie Nat'l Forest, NC and some more wheelin'

cheers! :D

[SPDRMNKY]

If you make it to Cody Wyoming before August 16th, I can show you some senic if not difficult trails near here.

Dave

Dave, I'm thinkin' we should have cruised through Cody instead of Sheridan...there were little to no trees in S-town, and no land available in the Bighorns...se la vee (or however you spell that)

[DrLewall]

COOL PIX! Tnx for the trip report!! So sorry, sorta, to have missed out on Sturgis this year..that is pretty country up there

[tinknocker]

when your driving down I-94 and you see the mars cheese castle, throw us a wave!!! we live 16 miles west on that exit!!!

[Matt87YJ]

Looks like you've had a lot of fun in the past few weeks! I gotta ask, who makes the front bumper on the YJ? Or is it a custom job?

[SPDRMNKY]

when your driving down I-94 and you see the mars cheese castle, throw us a wave!!! we live 16 miles west on that exit!!!

will do!!

Looks like you've had a lot of fun in the past few weeks! I gotta ask, who makes the front bumper on the YJ? Or is it a custom job?

LoD makes it, but read this before you get excited

http://www.quadratecforum.com/showthread.php?t=96701&highlight=customer+service

I wish I'd'a had it custom made

[The Duke]

You'll be passing the Waukesha and Brookfield exits about 3 hours out from the Dells. You can throw me a wave then ;)

[SPDRMNKY]

:wave:...made it to dayton, oh...closer to uwharrie:thumbsup:

[Jason Clark]

Looks like you guys are having a blast.

[SPDRMNKY]

so we made it to dayton, (and a couple days break) via the following...
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC03588.jpg
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC03597.jpg
it's ohio...too much light from the tow vehicle
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC03602.jpg

the next morning i went out to unhook the YJ for some running around town and noticed that the tire carrier sagged about 5" when i swung it out...so i tore that apart
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC01827.jpg
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC01828.jpg

and found that the pivot pin was pulling free of the welds on the bumper
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC01829.jpg

[SPDRMNKY]

this rear setup came with the YJ when i bought it this spring, and i was just running it until it broke...well, looks like now's the time...just wish it would have waited until we got home

anyway...crammed all the extra stuff into the tow rig and went in search of a welder
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC01830.jpg

after about 50 phone calls (no one has a welder in dayton, OH it seems...and they all send their welding to this one guy...who happened to be out of the area for a few days) we just drove by the local Jeep dealer

http://davedennis.fivestardealers.com/

and talked with the dealership body shop...the manager said all his folks were gone for the day, but if i swung by tomorrow he'd get the bumper welded up for me

swung by this morning and in about 15 mins the bumper was welded, had a quick coat of rattle paint, and i was on my way...it's nice to find helpful people when you're traveling

so i put everything back together
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC01831.jpg

and we're good to go for the last 500 miles
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC01832.jpg

i'll be getting a new rear bumper when i get home...and checking this one at every rest stop and gas station on the way...might even put a strap on it just in case...we'll see if it falls off at Uwharrie Nat'l Forest

cheers! :D

[SPDRMNKY]

while in dayton, oh we stopped by the AF museum...very cool place...though we missed seeing the XB-70
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC03651.jpg
my favorites are still the WWII era planes...like this little hot rod
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC03612.jpg
the amount of planes on display is truly amazing...but then again it's the AF museum
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC03648.jpg
they also had this outside...it was tested in Montana to move ICBMs around...
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC03642.jpg
and believe it or not, the AFM is a jeep history destination...ok...so there was only one jeep in the whole place...but it was cool!!
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC03617.jpg
and yes...there were nukes on display
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC03625.jpg

[SPDRMNKY]

after OH, we beat feet through WV and VA to get to NC and Uwharrie Nat'l Forest for a last bit of wheeling before we got home
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC03654.jpg
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC03659.jpg
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC03660.jpg

[SPDRMNKY]

we headed out Friday with some of the guys/gals from the home jeep club
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC03667.jpg
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC03672.jpg
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC03673.jpg
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC03675.jpg
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC03682.jpg
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC03686.jpg

[SPDRMNKY]

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC03689.jpg

we even played around on the big boys rock...but only on the small end
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/SN851485.jpg
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC03693.jpg

and we impact tested our welded rear bumper
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/th_M4V03669.jpg (http://s249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/?action=view&current=M4V03669.flv)

on the last day it rained, but not too hard
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC03701.jpg

and finally the trip was over
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC03703.jpg

[DrLewall]

ok..be sure to post your total milage..would like to know how far yout trip was..awesome trip report btw!

[SPDRMNKY]

it's definitely good to be home!!
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg240/SPDRMNKY/DSC03708.jpg

some quick stats because folks are curious

trip distance = 9,380 miles
trip fuel = 993 gallons
trip fuel economy = 9.4 MPG
(this does not count driving the jeep...just the tow rig)

so at an average cost of $4.10/gal for premium the fuel cost for the trip is...

$4,100...roughly

but you can't buy a plane ticket and stop all the places we did for that kind of money

it's been fun!!

cheers!:D

[Zephid15]

wow. i want to do that so badly.