Well this is it for Rich, due to this horrific dive in the pool of mud, he damaged his transfer case and got water in the in engine. Bad break for Rich. There's the mud thing, the Jeep thing and the rock thing. After all, we are the Maryland Rock Raiders 4x4 Club! Mark did very well for not having much experience on trails. He handle the rocks with much ease. It's about getting to the top through the rocks and with out damages. Taking it slow, gently and steadily , you will arrive without much of a glitch. Our nice warm campfire was a welcome in the damp cold night. We talked about many things and admired the flames from the fire. Then it was time to tuck in. Once again a hardy Thank You to Rich for providing the fire logs. |
Rich, Tico and Mark Mark and Tico were first timers to Rausch Creek this Saturday evening June 5th. We met as scheduled at the McDonald fast food located in Lutherville, MD. We got some grub and off we went. Contacting our northern contact Rich in PA. We drove steady at 50-55 MPH and made great time to our destination; Exit 100 of I-81 North in PA. While there, we refueled and waited for Rich to meet up with us. Thereafter we headed out to Rausch Creek which was several miles away to set up our tents. Man was it raining, so much for the weatherman's report of rain stopping about noon that day! Rich bought some starter logs and we made a nice camp fire and set up our tents, with Mark having difficulty both in his selection where to pitching his tent and putting it together. I had learned my lesson from a previous experience. I put up a tarp over the spot I was going to put my tent, that way I would not get my tent wet nor would I be working in the rain. I felt sorry for Mark and Rich, they did not think the same.
We sat around the camp fire and talked for several minutes , mostly planning our run for Sunday. After a while we turned in for the night. The next morning I (Tico) was waken by Rich starting his Jeep up. Rich's sweat shirt had gotten wet and he used the Jeeps heater to dry it. In no time flat it was. After checking in at the main office we headed out on the green trail. Rich was very knowledgeable about the various trails and acted as our trail guide. There were many challenging moments, but it is perfect for stock Jeeps and intermediate runners. Sadly, Rich decided to show us how certain hole pits are challenging and difficult, only to find himself buried in a pool of muddy water up to his door seal in one of them. While trying to get out he damaged his Jeep. I winched him out, but not before getting my rear plate holder crushed by a tree while pulling back.
Rich tried to repair the Jeep on location, but he could not. He lost his ability to engage his transfer case and got water in the engine, Sorry old chap! He will be down for a week or two. Mark did extremely well for not having any experience doing the off road before joining our club. He avoided getting strapped or winched. Great job! As for me, well I hung out there like the rest, took plenty of pictures that I hope everyone enjoys.
Now having been to Rausch Creek, I want more! Next trip is planned for the June 27th, where we will meet up with the East Coast 4x4 Experience club from PA. I have been told that there are a bunch of you out there ready to attend this next event. If so, I need a head count of who is going in order to coordinate the run. Well, enough of my talking, enjoy the fotos.  Yes you can start a fire in the woods, even if the wood in the area is soaked, just bring those special logs from the supermarket that you would use in your fire place. They work Great! We pitched our tents in Camp area C. This picture was taken on Sunday. Oh! There was no breakfast, no cooking eggs or toast, just the food you brought with you. Here we are packing our stuff and getting ready to take on the days event. |
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Heading up the rocky road. Quick, bail out! The ship is sinking. Not really, just taking on water becasue Rich didn't have his drain plugs. Cruising through the woods, going bumpity bump and taking in the scene. The day was early, exciting and eventful. Thanks to Rich and his personal tour of the Rausch Creek facility in the East wing. Here we are getting poor Rich winched out of this hole. After playing hard and breaking a few things, it's time to repair them. But the secret is, drive carefully and prevent from damages. Remember use common sense. |
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