PNW4WDA Trail Jamboree 2014

[TJDave]

On Sunday July 6th, Barb and I had everything loaded and ready to head for the Cheeze before noon. A new record. Cara-vanning with Desert Rat Prez Leonard, we rolled in to Jim Sprick Community Park around 2pm to find the camping spots under the big shade trees unoccupied. Score!

We went early to get a good spot and pre run a few trails before the event officially started on Wednesday. With just a few rigs, you can cover a lot of ground compared to an official Jamboree run.

The weather just uphill of the Nile Valley was not too bad at all. It was really nice and seemed cool compared to the molten inferno we just left behind.

Curtis (Oddball) showed up sometime on Monday, while we were all out playing, and set up behind the Desert Rat Camp.

Wednesday, Rob and Glenda (4 LOW) arrived. We helped them find a good spot by our camp also.

It was a full week of wheeling, eating, wrenching, good friends, and fun that was much needed.

I am still going through and downloading photos, but wanted to get a quick report started.

I will leave these here for now.

[TJDave]

No, we were not followed back to camp from Gold Creek Station Lounge. Just Ron's Trooper son stopping by to say hi to Dad. Of coarse, I had to do the popular Peakputter logo photo op.



We had a good size group rounded up around the trees.






Here is some pics from the pre-running days. We covered a lot of ground and even found a burnt up snowmobile! Earl's grandsons loaded as much of it as they could into their CJ. All the boys in camp had a great time that night tearing the motor apart.
















Cont.

[TJDave]

Jim Sprick Park was filling up fast and by Wednesday afternoon, it was packed.


A little pre running the rabbit holes section of the Naches Pass. It was also the first test run of another Jeep Gary H. had just picked up. Good thing, some upper control arm bolts decided they would leave the Jeep somewhere along the hillside section.
You can see the upper rear arms kind of hanging out on the red TJ.











With the only spare bolts to be had back at camp, Leonard made a couple quick control arm fasteners with large allen wrenches, and duct tape.
Worked like a champ and we were moving again.





Cont.

[TJDave]

With Wednesday nights introductions, driver's meeting and trail selections out of the way, our Thursday's official run for the Rats was the Manastash.
Merrick ran with us for a couple days and brought up different Rangers each day to see what it is all about and to answer questions along the way.

Each group/trail run is hosted by a PNW4WDA club with a lead vehicle, tail gunner, and two or three more rigs spread out among the group to offer assistance and spotting.

Staging






Up at the lookout, you can see what's left of the old fire watch tower foundation... Before satellite imagery made them obsolete.



What's this? A brand new Rubicon X coming up the Moon Rocks trail.




It's Rob (4 LOW) and Glenda! Their new little 2 door Rubi went right through everything they pointed it at all weekend.




Their friend Paul and his new JKU Rubi also did very well.


Hmm. ?!






Leonard goofing off


Earl and Sandi's grandson Brad goofing around


Brutus and Merrick having a little chat at the Funny rocks.


Always keeping an eye on the next Jeep at all turn offs


Back to camp for a shower, dinner, and fabulous prizes!


Cont.

[TJDave]

Friday's run was the Naches Pass Trail.
We ran to the cabin and had lunch. Then we went down the fire road (Pyramid Pass?) to the "Cliff" where they lowered the wagons down. From there, we ran the West side of the Naches Trail back up. What a blast, and what a difference in trail conditions.









Once on the West side, the trail becomes nothing but deep ruts, roots, and rocks. Even mud and wet ground. Fun!







Gary's new to him TJ flexed so well in this section, the Tereflex sway bar system it came with inverted. Then, the inverted sway bar arm went right through the inner sidewall of his tire on the next bump.


Back down to the Little Naches for a quick air up, shower, dinner, and fabulous prizes.


Cont.

[TJDave]

Saturday was the Little Rattlesnake. One of my favorites. It's getting a little worn down in places making it a little more off camber in sections than I remember in the last few years.
I did not take hardly any pics, but you can tell we were having some fun.









Back to camp for a shower, dinner, and more fabulous prizes.
Northridge 4x4 was just one of the major sponsors that gave a lot of stuff away. They also had their one ton axled JKU up there.
Yep, I admit it. I drooled over a JKU.






It was a great week. Pretty dusty in places. But the weather was perfect. Up in the high country in the heat of the day, where it was nice and cool. The sun dips behind the hill at the Park very early, really cooling it down fast. Can't wait to get back up there.

[scumby]

so what did you win this year?

[TJDave]

An ARB









Recovery bag

[iaccocca]

TJDave representing. Nice! Love the Peak Putter Trooper!

[Jeepscum]

It was good to see ya there Dave. The sponsor support and dinners very generous.

[TJDave]

It was good to see ya there Dave. The sponsor support and dinners very generous.

Good to see you too. Probably see you at PUAM?

[Grumpy]

Seems Jim Putman flopped his flatty on Aardvark

[TJDave]

Seems Jim Putman flopped his flatty on Aardvark

Yes he did. Flexalite had their display trailer set up in the main stage area. It had a big flat screen on the side of it. They had Putman's flop on video and spooled to play over and over again.

[Grumpy]

Mona Drake has it up on her FB page

[4 LOW]

Thanks to Dave for saving us a spot and helping us out on our first foray into the Wenatchee trees! It was a great time both on and off trail! Looking forward to PUaM!

[Jeepscum]

It was good to see ya there Dave. The sponsor support and dinners very generous.

Good to see you too. Probably see you at PUAM?

I will be there forsure.

[Danny]

Dave, looks like an awesome trip. Will have to try to make one of these next ear.

I did see both you and Curtis heading home while we were headed up to Cle Elum on Sunday....did you see us? Saw you between Yakvages and home and Curtis a little later.

[TJDave]

Yep. Saw the Taj towing the green machine. I waved!