There
was
a respectable turn-out for MogFest but the unstructured nature of
the gathering proved somewhat unruly on our trail rides. But, no
matter, everyone had fun.
The photos below are what we saw.
The
1017A in the camping configuration. I only had one set of steps,
so we had to share them between the trucks.
Next
morning, we saddled up for a trail ride. I rode with Kai in his
416 DOKA. Above, Matt helps Kai secure the bed before setting out.
Matt
and Nancy's Altar-proven 416.
We
headed toward the Calcite Mine area to see what was there. The
hills around Truckhaven are very, very barren.
The
road to the Calcite Mine area was not hard, but it was narrow in places.
Along
the
way, the group stopped to check out a side canyon.
The
canyon was very narrow at the mouth and it only got narrower as we went
upstream.
The
path entered a narrow slot canyon.
Upstream,
boulders
blocked our way requiring some scrambling to conquer.
When
we finished in the slot canyon, we headed to the end of the trail at
the Calcite mine.
There
were
a number of Pinzgauers in our group.
This
nice Jeep pickup was in the group behind us.
Note
the wind caves in the sandstone cliffs.
This
slot was part of the mine and yielded the actual calcite crystals.
Back
at camp, we were treated to a "harvest moon" that lit up our campsite.
Richard
and
Emily showed up in "Big Red" and unloaded same quads with the boom
crane.
The
VW
Synchros were camped in an area by themselves.
After
breakfast,
we headed out on another trail run. Above, a Syncho
owner gets a geometry lesson on the meaning of "approach angle".
With his front bumper dug deep in the sand, he was quite stuck.
Some
of
the trails in the Truckhaven area are steep and composed of loose
gravel.
From
the
top of the mesa, we got a nice view of the balance of our group.
The
Synchro
required a pull from behind to complete the extrication.
Matt
and
a buddy follow in his 416. Nancy was in Big Red with Richard.
I
don't
know who owns this Rover.
A
712
Pinz was in the rear of the group.
In
the
rear were 2 Haflingers and a 710 Pinz.
The
group
stopped for a brief equipment check at the top of the mesa.
Alan's 406 is visible on the right and Joe's 404 in the center.
For
every
steep upgrade is a steep downgrade on the other side.
The
hills
are much higher than they appear in the photos.
Matt
comes down through the slot.
Big
Red follows. You can judge the size of the hill by the size of
the 2450L.
Eric
and his nice Toyota FJ restored pickup.
This
jeep took many attempts to make it up this obstacle.
This
404 goes right up the obstacle without much effort at all.
Joe
O and his wife do the obstacle with no sweat.
Somebody's
idea of a joke. This street sign was planted at the top of the
obstacle.
The
balance of the group approach the obstacle.
This
404 radio box comes complete with a lounge deck.
This
explorer tried and tried and utimately beat the obstacle.
Alan
works his 406 along one of the many ridges in the area.
The
group assembles for a brief stop.
Richard
and Nancy roll up in Big Red.
Joe
and wife attempt another tough obstacle. This time, the obstacle
prevailed.
Kris
and Jaime from Wasilla, AK showed up it their custom 1300 camper.
The
by-standers ask Kris questions about his rig.
MogFest 2010 was fun, but to me it was less fun because it was "unhosted". It is very true that being the host is a thankless task, but having group meals provided a focus for folks to meet and greet. Perhaps next year.
A good time was had
by all and the weather was spectacular.
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Photos
and Text Copyright Bill Caid 2010, all rights reserved.
For your enjoyment only, not for commercial use.