 Ever since Camp Jeep 2003, Clarke and I have been working hard to prepare for and get our Jeeps rigged up for this years selection as guides. After much turmoil and damages to our Jeeps we both got our wishes. He was selected on the 4th pick and I was number #165, the last pick. Clarke and I left Baltimore about 6 PM on Friday night and man; it was raining like no tomorrow. We arrived at the Oak Ridge Estates about 10 PM and setting a tent in the middle of the rain without any trees near by was not easy. Clarke had brought a tent that it was a snap to put together. But the rain over whelmed the night.
The next morning I was up and about at 5:30 AM, Breakfast was simple; Ritz crackers, a Banana and a chocolate milk. Muuummmm, doesn't that sound yummy? Right! We reported to the staging area by 7AM and checked in. Clarke didnt sleep much, probably from my snoring and the noise generated by another trail guide driving his Jeep in the back ground of our tents, very inconsiderate. Clarkes wish came true when he got assigned trail "I" and I ended up assigned to the playground. I must tell you, I was not a happy after spending about 4K getting my vehicle ready for this event.. I complained, but it didnt do much good. So, I accepted the assignment and follow the plan of the day. There was te usual hurry up and wait and the briefings about what we can and how we should handle certain situation. Once all the instructions where given, the day got going. We headed to our assigned areas, Clarke ran trail "I" formerly #7 and I went to the pay ground. We had another small briefing and we walked our course and learned about our assign stations. We are stationary instructors, because this is a self tour event. It turns out that it's designed after the Jeep 101 course, only on this one you run your own vehicle and is given a realistic effect. Much as what we experience when we are out on the trails with our individual clubs.
We got in our vehicles and ran the course. We where not but 2 minutes into the course and difficulties began at the second station, the rock crawling. Three vehicles found it very hard to negotiate the obstacle, so the rest of us took the by pass. As we continued the course it got more interesting with every obstacle. This is not an easy course and I can see the Jeep campers will truly have a realistic taste of the real off road adventures.
After we met our obligations we had the privilege to run other trails on teams of 5. A group of us took on trail number 2, a very advance trail that you needed at a minimum size 33 tires. It began we the crossing of the creek and that was challenging considering all the rain we got the night before. You will see pictures showing you that.
Enjoy the pictures from the days event.  The play ground Outer circle proved to be a challenging one for several guides as seen here. Above you see a YJ take on the logs, also part of the play ground. A new course that DaimlerChrysler wanted this year. This is the beginning of trail 2 now known as "B" Trail. Not for the inexperienced or ill equipped vehicles, you need 33" tires as a minimum. If you have lockers it helps a lot. Oooppss! Didn't mean to knock this one down. It looks like the Jeep knocked this tree down, but it's actually leaning against another. It did make for a good picture. Don't you think. Fitting through the tight places. |
