The Camp Gruber run was really good for me. I didn’t have any breakdowns for the first time. Oh, did I fail to mention I didn’t take the ToyLet any further out than the campground? I guess I should have followed up on my promise to put fuel injection on it, considering the new Holley Truck Avenger only avenged its owner.
I guess the best way I can write an article is to relay some of the conversations on the trails:
Here is a comment I heard from Tony Scalf, “there aren’t ever any pictures of the Scout”. After thinking about his comment and trying to figure out why, I have determined there are two main reasons why. The first? Tony is always in the lead and has already done the action before the cameras arrive. The second ? You have to play to get pictures . Well , he did play and I was able to get a few good pictures of the Scout for him climbing the wall.
Glen and his wife (sure wish I could remember her name ) were visiting from Florida in his stock Jeep Cherokee . Unfortunately , they probably felt like Tony . You know no pictures . Considering they were stock maybe why their activities were limited . However , they were able to take almost all the same trails . We only lost them once. The little two way radios don’t want to reach quite as far as they traveled away from the group but were quickly relocated.
Where are all the pictures of Jimmy Martin’s Toyota? I’ve decided he would rather have his picture taken instead of his truck. He’s always too busy helping others maneuver the trails he knows so well to get time to play. Anyway, I didn’t wantJimmy to feel left out, so I have included a picture of his Toyota also.
Oh boy, now I get to tell you about the tree climber. J R Auwen took the right front tire of his Blazer about four feet up a tree. I wasn’t quick enough with the camera to catch him that high, but here is where he was almost back to the ground. It took a little effort, but he was able to get the Blazer out of the bind it was in so he could shift gears again. He also tackled climbing the wall and was eventually successful, only after digging ruts as an additional challenge for his followers. The other problems he encountered? I can’t remember them all so I will just go on to the next story.
And then, as the story goes, I should have noticed I could get better pictures at the wall from the other side. After hearing there was air under the driver tire, I did move to the other side for much better pictures. Here is Scott Brown in his Jeep at the wall. Well, maybe that is one of those moments to say “you had to be there” to appreciate he moment. Then, it was time to tackle Rogers Hill. Sorry Tony, I was at the back and didn’t get there with my camera in time. You had already made the climb.
And of course, Dave Loessin in his TOYOTA had no problem climbing the wall, even after the holes were dug for added difficulty. Then on to a bit of a challenge, he took his TOYOTA right on up Rogers Hill. Did I mention I’m a little bit partial to Toyotas?
Okay, now on to the tough stuff. Dave took his Toyota followed by Scott in his Jeep up The Gorge. This was by far the biggest challenge of the day. There was a little rock moving for the Toyota, and a little (lot) more rock moving and log moving for the Jeep. I heard someone mention wheel base issues. Oh well, everyone has an excuse. Did I mention I’m a little bit partial to Toyotas?
If I remember correctly, I think the only new dents received were from J R’s Blazer backing into the head light of Glen’s Jeep at the convenience store during the lunch break.
As we were heading back for camp, we stopped by the scenic overlook. That is where a bunch of grown men were exercising their testosterone levels to see who could through a rock over the trees and into the water. Flat rocks thrown like a skipped rock didn’t even seem to help. don’t recall anyone hitting the water. It was then time to load up and head for Charlie’s Chicken for the buffet. Who would have guessed we would arrive just in time for live music. Do you know how hard it is to discuss your days activities over an AARP duet singing “Give me that old time religion” in a small room over speakers?
All things considered, it was a good trip, even the entertainment at dinner. Thanks for all the laughs and excitement.
Did I mention how hot it wasn’t and that I am a little bit partial to Toyotas?