There was a lot of snow in parts Jim had to strap and pull almost everyone up one section, overall a hell of a fun day though. Thanks again Jim!
There was a lot of snow in parts Jim had to strap and pull almost everyone up one section, overall a hell of a fun day though. Thanks again Jim!
Summary: Great group of folks. GREAT weather - a fantastic day to be outside. Enough snow to be interesting but, generally, not too much to slam the door in our face - though we did get turned back (typical snow run - go until you can't go-no-mo) and had adversity getting up a steep hill - to get out.
Years back, Chris (member #1), sold me his chains - they were put to solid use today. I put'm on in the parking lot with a couple - really - chains already? Well I'm not impressed with my tires so I figure - why not - put'm on where there's easy space to do so because otherwise it's - go until you get stuck and then wrestle'm on in deep snow (not too fun).
While some played at Little Moab (covered in snow - we were first tracks!) I went further in the trail - first tracks. I enjoy breaking trail (cue Norelco Santa - brings out the kid to play). Much of the trail was below diff as I noticed only one diff drag though from Little Moab there was some uphill. I had to back up and forge forth a few times.
With me trekking down the trail I said I'd be back in 10 but I guess others wanted to get moving too and 1/2 of the group caught up to me at an intersection. We waited for the remaining half and trekked up to another high point intersection - uphills causing issue for some. Past our second stop we quickly dropped down a steep dog-leg with the plan to reach another intersection for the second half of the loop back to the trailhead. Fifty feet before the desired interseciton an 18" deadfall was across the trail. Fortunately the chain saw (early season / after strong wind storm - bring it) was along and several of us dispatched it (10 / maybe 15 minutes start to end). After the intersection the snow was up to the bottom of my axles - heavy diff divots. I spent perhaps 8 mintues forward / backward about 50 times to go 100 feet. I tossed in the towel but this meant us getting up the steep incline. Brandon & Terese tried but kept sliding back. I worked my way to the front and gave it a whack - it took me two (or was it three) tries - front and back locked, chains on the front, decent wheel spin and momentum.
Once at the top I was able to strap pull others that needed it - not all did. This took us a while - but with the great weather - there was no rush. Up from the hill we headed back to Little Moab - chatted for ten and hit the trailhead.
Brian (March 16th, 2019),goSlo (March 17th, 2019),JandDGreens (March 17th, 2019),TJS86TOY (March 17th, 2019)
I'm all a twitter with anticipation....
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In a never ending search for the proper mix of dirt & rock !
Awesome day today! I'll be putting up footage and pictures here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/eLYcJt75HafU8Ywy5
I'll leave it open for others to add their content as they want. Thanks again to everyone who went today for helping me, I learned a lot.
Highlight photos here with a full set at this link:
www.JimWilliamson.net/automobile/2019-03-16--trail--anniversary-run--little-moab/
Working along the South Platte River
Some good snow on the trees (much will be melted by the afternoon's pass)
Snow's not too deep here...
Two stuck trucks
Ahhhh - breaking trail. In the flats, I was able to readily keep moving. With an uphill, I might have to make a couple attempts.
Where I turned around. This section was a continued forward-back to make any progress - a foot or two at a time. Note the differential divot in the center...
I must say this was one of my favorite days out with the group. Thanks Greg for letting me tag along, and also to the group as a whole for such a wonderful day. We couldn't have better conditions to be out playing for the day. I figure my rig will be down for a lot of work, (suspension, armor and axles mods) for at least a couple of months. I am hoping to have it ready for the anniversary run but, if not I will probably attend the camp-out so I can hike a near by trail I have been eyeing.
Again Thanks to all!!!!
Here are a few pics. before I put the camera away for the day.
Looks beautiful! I love that area, wish I didn’t live so far away! I might be up for next weekend though....
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2005 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon TJ
2021 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon Xtreme Recon edition
2023 Ford F150 Raptor
Thanks to all for the pics and reports. (Very nice write-up, Jim)! I can't wait to try that trail... sans the snow!
Love all the pics! Wish i was there! Thanks for the post.
Good fun! Had a great time.
Wow, ton of snow!!!! Thanks for the pics, and for your hard work getting everyone back out, Jim.
It was a good team effort. The chains were nice to have (otherwise slow winching would have been the course for the first one or two vehicles) - but many pitched in to get the job done efficiently. It was good to experience / be a part of.
I have no pic of the obstacle and I'm hoping someone posts either a pic or perhaps some vid - vehicles trying and sliding back at least.
For those that were on the Ballard Road run
www.FrontRange4x4.com/forums/showthread.php?27264-Ballard-Road-Sunday-1-20
where we had the left turn then uphill ice issue (perhaps fifty foot distance to climb) - this hill was perhaps four to six times longer. We could get a good run at it though there was a bump about 1/3 of the way up and then a left bend 2/3 of the way up (as I recall). Most would get jammed up / stopped right at the bend.
Who has pictures and video?
EDIT: Ty has one vid already up...
https://photos.google.com/share/AF1Q...hyLWprTzlCcnhn
FINOCJ (March 17th, 2019)
Thanks to all who come out for the day.
I know it was a crap shoot.....
We had a great time.
Enjoy breaking trail as well. So we hit a few of the climbs first....
Tossing snow balls all the way....some into the truck!
Was nice to have a set of chains in the group for sure.
Jim was able to break the slick layer off.
We did not make it full up the mentioned climb....
We did clear the dog leg left but lost wheel speed shortly after.
Out come the straps. And Jim's bumper.....
Of the 9 put for the day 3 of 9 made it no strap.
A hemi grand (Tyler), TJ in his little runner, and one more.....
but even the Razer got the strap so in all not to bad.
No bust parts, winch out once but not long.
In All a great day.
Will see what pics There's has.
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Crazy- You call me crazy, but you wouldn't know crazy if Charles Manson was eating Fruit Loops on your front porch. Suiciadl tendancies- intatutionalized
Here is some footage of winch and strap action
https://youtu.be/ckhah64s3Lg
Looks like a lot of fun! Good job getting everyone out, Jim!
Great day! Thanks to everyone for all of the hard work, especially Jim.
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Chris in Florida