Well, that was an experience. This was the first time out there where we actually tried to do some (semi difficult ) trails. This time we were driving something I myself welded together so, hmmm. Yes I was a bit leery.
The lack of pictures is due to the fact we were really having a hard time of things. Seemed like we always attacked a trail from the difficult side, only to get ourselves committed to even harder black trails. The trail map at KS rocks park leaves a whole lot to be desired. The trail ratings are all messed up. The trail skill indicators do not match the printed map. They told me it was because the trails have changed. Well, it seems pretty easy to change the printed map if you can make all new signs---just sayin
PRINT A NEW MAP!!!!!
Also, please created some turn arounds where a green trail commits you to a black. each of these small areas could loose a few trees-- Kthanx.
And I go on---some trails are not marked on both ends. So, you get all lost and committed into some real hairy stuff. We headed down a green trail right off only to get down to a point where it is a black climb out, or a "marked as blue" swamp with silt and 2 foot deep ruts. All combined with tight trees. When I say tight, I mean tight. I literally tried to shove a tree out of my way once hoping to get a gliding glance type movement to the side and ended up with tree rain all over the inside of the truck and us. Most of the time if there are trees, and you do clear them it is only by a fraction of an inch. when going slow this is called "technical. But when they are on both sides and you are going up a nice ledge on top of a greasy hill, things get weird.
Some of the trails are mis rated. We tried going down a trail which had "green markers" and was marked green on the trail. Down off on a side trail were 2 jeeps, and we met the other drivers in the middle of what I can only describe as poor trail management. The only safe looking green loop on the map has a spring--river flowing right down it and a silt puddle right in the middle that will eat the shoes off your feet. If you tried to get a truck down in there sorry on ya.
There is a creek flowing right along this area which could be widened, and should have been a long time ago. This would allow the actual trail to dry.
Heck, we were all pretty much lost the whole time.
This park has a day full of challenges for just about any rig, but it would be nice to know where you are.
All of this combined for some pretty interesting wheeling and not many pictures. I mean we stopped every 10 minutes at least, with a challenge that took some head scratching to get out of. All in all nobody got hurt, and, aside from Pwhite backing into a tree , me backing into Gamn to adjust his bumper for him, and some slider--bumper-tree marks we came thru it all good. No carnage to report. Although there should have been.
I hope someone was taking pictures but this is all I have.
I guess it is actually good wheeling when you don't think about the camera.
It was fun out there watching Mark wheel the crap out his rig. Most of the stuff was just to high or tight for Phillip to get through although if his truck was just a tad shorter he could hang with anyone. I think he hauled about as many pounds of tow strap as Eric did. Levi rode with the most interesting truck in the bunch so I hope he got some pictures. Oh, interesting truck-
:
( just ribbing yeah) Gregg got to shake off his new 5 speed conversion, and nothing broke, so, I would say the event paid off over and over.
Afterward we ate some fried chicken at the chicken shack. The service was "mom and pop with the kids thrown in " style, but the food was pretty good. After a day of wheelin it made a turd and that's what counts huh?
Then we all came back tot he farm for an attempted bonfire. Well, it didn;t burn too good. Cybergasm and I couldn't even finish off a pint of tequila either. Dangit I was pooped.
I feel fortunate to have been part of it. You guys are great! Thanks for the friendship, and sorry I have been grouchy lately. ( I have been kinda pushy lately--I noticed it, didn't like it and am trying to change it--so yeah)
ooops editing pics now
LIned up and almost ready
OK, I caught Gregg jumping while Phillip kicked the jcakstnd-chock out from Gregg's truck. Heck it even startled me.
Group meeting with Trail volunteer
Silly dog
Dang I think I hit puddle. Oh my
Muddy trucks
Tree pusher
More dirty trucks
'nother tree pusher
yeh it got pretty hot and the humidity was about 101% so any shade was good. Since the park is so small the shelters can be a good area to leave large items also.