First of all, this weekend had a wrench thrown into it as the week started when we found out that we would not be working, but fortunately almost everyone that had signed up still made the trip out and I believe that everyone still had fun in the snow.

Saturday morning came pretty early, and before Suzzy was able to get the YJ completely off the trailer, we were reminded about a failure from the last time we were out. Thankfully Charles was able to re weld my shock mount before beginning the day. By the time we were ready to go everyone had arrived and was almost ready to go.

The group consisted of:

Suzzy and Me (Green YJ)
Chip Woods (Silver TJ)
Barb, Dan, Josie, and Jackson Peck (Red JK)
Charles and Jamie Galpin (Red d90)
Kieth and Garrett Robertson (White JK)
Mike Anderson (Yellow TJ)

Since we already got to strap two different rigs in the parking lot, we knew it had to be an omen of what was to come. We started off easy and took the Trail B over to run Trail 1. The snow this year was very much different from the last few years when we have gone for this run. There was a thin layer of ice on top of the snow, that once it was broken reveled very loose powder with little to no traction, until it got packed down enough. Both Trails B and 1 had already been run and did not present any problems. We then proceeded to Trail 2. The first section of that had also been run and went smoothly. When we got to the second section, the trail was untouched. Suzzy did not have much trouble with it, but did have to back up a couple of times. No one else seemed to have issues. From there we headed to the South property. On our way there I saw the sign for the 101 course. I though it might be good for some of the newer drivers, so figured we would give it a try. A couple of hundred yards in, the tracks stopped. But since we did so well with the untouched Trail 2, we went on. We go to a point where we weren't going anywhere, so I took the wheel from Suzzy and got us going further. Not sure if that was a good thing since all I managed to do was to get us even more stuck another 100 yards down a hill where no other vehicle were to help get me out. After a couple of choice winch points, I was able to get myself out. From there we headed down the S trail until we came upon another group that was turning around because the trail had not been cleared. We decided to go forward anyway. We did not get too much further than the other group before my rear driveshaft gave up and died. It was quite fun getting a one wheel drive YJ back to camp, but with the help of Keith and Charles, we did it. Once back to camp, Dan stayed to help me and the others went to play on the comp course until it was time for dinner. Dan and I were successful getting a new U-joint in my shaft, but while I was reinstalling it, I noticed that the whole CV had exploded. So the YJ was dead. At this point it was almost time for dinner. For dinner we all went to the Red Lion and everyone got stuffed. After the long day, the hotel goers went there and from what I understand, the campers only stayed up for a couple of beverages before calling it a night.

For Sunday the group consisted of:

Dan and Jackson Peck and Myself (Camo CJ)
Chip Woods (Silver TJ)
Barb and Josie Peck and Suzzy (Red JK)
Charles and Jamie Galpin (Red d90)
Kieth and Garrett Robertson (White JK)
Mike Anderson (Yellow TJ)

So Dan and I discussed going back over to the S trail that broke me the day before and give it another try. It took a while (long time), but Dan was able to blaze the rest of the trail. And all of the others made it through with only a couple of issues that were easily fixed with straps. I was very impressed with the newer drivers in stock and mostly stock vehicles. The entire day went well, I can not remember taking a day and a half to run a green trail, but everyone had fun and no more breaking occurred. We also had an unofficial snowball fight while stopping for a photo op. I believe it was everyone against Dan, and Charles is now afraid of Barb.

We got back to camp after stopping to admire the view of the valley where everyone broke camp, aired up and reconnected or loaded up their trailers. It was another great weekend. Next year maybe we'll get to work again.