May 12, 2009

Quite the trooper

Sunday we went off-roading with a few others; we've run Coyote Falls a few times before, but this time Frank made the S-curve without a tow strap. We were proud!

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We bent the bumper this time.

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We busted our shock at the same place as last time. The rock in front of this Jeep is the culprit.

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Frank removed the shock and we continued onto another trail, Devil's Canyon. We've never done it before. All I heard, it was a short trail with a GREAT view. I missed the part about it being downright gnarly.

Heading to the trail

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Yeah, this is the way

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Frank had a challenging time making it up the first ridge, but he managed.

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Onto the canyon

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Crazy, I tell you.

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We keep on climbing

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Until we get a flat, punctured the side wall. Then, to make matters worse, we busted our U joint.

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What next? Pose until a plan is formed, he's isn't a small guy, either, he stands about 6'.

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We get ourselves down, and use a tow strap to get us to a semi-decent place to change the tire, and assess the damage.

Broken U joint

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Punctured tire

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Conditions were terrible at this point. It was the hottest part of the day, full sun, about 100 degrees, and we were running low on water. Not just us, but the whole group. The tire was a bitch to change because of the angle, height, whatever, you name it. They got it done, though. Since we busted the U joint we no longer had 4WD, we had to hope and pray 2WD and help of the winch would be enough to get us out. It took a lot, of everything, but we made it out. No one passed out, thank goodness! We relied on melted ice, and a gallon of water I stashed in the Jimmy, months ago.

We finally got to the top! Hooray!

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We'd have to go a little further to get the great view

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Despite the hassle, the near heat exhaustion and dehydration, and hundreds of dollars needed in repairs it was one helluva great time.

Can't wait to do it again.

2 comments:

Unknown said...

Y'all are crazy ;-) At least you had fun though!

Kellee said...

Haha! Sure did.