Off-road Trip #1 for 2013

Time To Get Dirty

The London and Area Jeep Owners Club had it's 2nd or 3rd annual "Off-road 101" weekend.  It serves a few purposes...  The idea is to introduce new club members to some trails to learn what their vehicles are capable of.  Also, to learn the skills necessary to be able to navigate said trails in a safe and responsible manner.  Lastly, it's a chance to get out and see some slightly remote, or at least hard-to-access areas of Ontario and enjoy the company of like-minded people.  This year there were 15+ Jeeps and close 35 people in attendance.

Our camping base was located in Bobcaygeon.  It was a pretty basic campground set-up.  Nothing fancy, just functional.

The plan was to meet Friday at the campground and have a pot-luck supper and then go over a few basic tools and techniques used regularly when off-roading.  Once that was done there was an opportunity to look at some people's gear, vehicles and equipment to see what others use off-road.  Mainly though, it's just a big social time.

Saturday and Sunday were going to be spent out on two different trails.  That's the fun part!

Day 1 Trail

Weather forecast: Scattered showers, a bit of sun.

We left our campground around 9:15am Saturday morning and made the short trip to just outside Minden where the Powerline (or Hydro Line) Trail is located.  This is a great beginner's trail.  Drive in to the end of the trail, turn around and drive out.  It has a few fun obstacles that those who aren't quite as courageous can bypass; long water crossings, lots of small rock outcroppings to climb up and over, nothing too crazy.  But, it's an excellent introduction for new off-roaders and a chance to 'get your sea legs' or test out new modifications and accessories for the experienced drivers.

My buddy 'The Teacher' was up for his first off-roading experience in his own Jeep.  I love watching new off-roaders get bitten by the bug!  His wife considers me a bad influence.  She doesn't have a clue what's in store!!

Heading to the trailhead

Drew running his TJ without fenders

Cresting the first big climb

Dropping down the climb

The Teacher preparing to climb his first big obstacle

Brother KP and me heading back to the Jeep

Mike and Veronica learning what their Jeep can do!

A water crossing along the trail

The Teacher's Jeep, christened on the trails!

A very difficult climb.  The camera makes it look less steep than it really is.

These next two pictures are of one of the recoveries we had to do on the trail.  The silver Jeep 'Warthog' got really stuck playing in a mud hole.  I tried to pull him out uphill but couldn't get enough traction on the dirt.  I had Warthog's brother hook a strap to the front of me and with a couple of tugs we dragged him out of the hole.

Another hill to play around on

Day 2 Trail

Weather forecast:  Mosquitoes!  (They were thick and relentless in the woods!)

Again we left our campground Sunday morning around 8:30am.  We headed just down the road a few minutes to the start of Concession Lake trail.  This is one of my favourite trails.

The boys having a delicious and nutritious breakfast of Froot Loops and Nesquik cereals

On the trail the group trundled along over rocks and through puddles.  The trail was more entertaining than the previous day as obstacles come more frequently and the trail is a little less groomed than the one from the previous day.  I didn't take as many pictures as I normally do, but I did take some video footage.  The Teacher is compiling a video of the weekend's adventures.  I will have to share it when it is released.

Drew trying not to kiss the tree as he attempts a big climb

The clouds and mosquitoes cleared in the afternoon

Trail-side snacks.  LP dropped the tub they were in and they all landed on the ground.
He picked them up and was still willing to share them with everybody... 

Brother KP had the camera.  There were 11 pictures of this chair on it!   Funny to see
what kids take photos of when they are wandering around.

Heading Home

On the way home from Bobcaygeon I heard a few strange noises coming from the front end.  The noises got a bit louder so I pulled over and checked things out.  Drew was following along and stopped with us.  He suspected a U-joint or wheel bearing.  Sure enough, wheel bearing!  We called CAA and shortly after we were getting hooked up and towed back to London - one truck for the Jeep, one truck for the trailer!

After a few delays - not being able to disconnect the rear drive shaft for flat towing; not having a 2" ball hitch in either truck to tow the trailer; having to use dolly wheels on the Jeep; one tow truck not having running lights - we were finally headed home!

Oh, one more thing....

Brother KP lost his first tooth!