Explorer 1
4 Wheel Friend
Old guy still having fun!
Posts: 3,072
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Post by Explorer 1 on Dec 5, 2023 17:47:21 GMT -8
Or this could be called the trip for "almost" 16 vehicles! If everyone who indicated that they were going, came, We would of had 16 vehicles. As it was, the night before we left we had 11 vehicles going. The numbers dropped faster than the temps in Caruthers Canyon on a winter night with a strong wind! Even before we left at 5 am Friday two vehicles that left Thursday afternoon to meet us at AVI casino made a unscheduled meeting!    I knew Murrie and his twin, Michael were close, but never imagined this close! |
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Explorer 1
4 Wheel Friend
Old guy still having fun!
Posts: 3,072
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Post by Explorer 1 on Dec 5, 2023 17:56:29 GMT -8
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Explorer 1
4 Wheel Friend
Old guy still having fun!
Posts: 3,072
|
Post by Explorer 1 on Dec 5, 2023 18:02:13 GMT -8
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Explorer 1
4 Wheel Friend
Old guy still having fun!
Posts: 3,072
|
Post by Explorer 1 on Dec 5, 2023 18:43:56 GMT -8
Next morning we lost 2 more vehicles a there was a Alternator failure and the ailing vehicle was escorted out by another vehicle to Needles for a new Alternator. Off we went to the Rock Spring drop off, sorry no movies did I take. Others did, perhaps they will post them. All did well and most even tried their skills on going up it too! Then on the woop de doos after crossing Kelso/Cima road, one of the younger more enthusiastic drivers, decided he wanted to prove his trucks suspension quality by holding back from the group and taking the many bumps at a higher then recommended speed. It wasn't long before one of his Coil over shocks broke and the spring dislodged against his front tire. Fortunately, he was just 198 miles away from home and AAA lost money on that membership. One less vehicle in the group! Here are the remaining ones posing at the mail box.  |
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Explorer 1
4 Wheel Friend
Old guy still having fun!
Posts: 3,072
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Post by Explorer 1 on Dec 5, 2023 18:53:20 GMT -8
Off we went and made contact with the two vehicles we lost with the alternator problem. The y were following behind us and would again join us at "Travelers Rest" on Soda Dry Lake.  It was nice to drive across the dry lake with a firm surface and very little dust!  After a night at Shaw pass with temps still at 40 degrees, but no wind which made a lot of difference, we were in for a treat. We got to drive a portion of the original Mojave Road that for as log as I've been driving it, has been closed. Just before the first water crossing when traveling west, there is a steel post and steel cable fence that forces you away from the riverbed and up driving next to the rail road track. Recent storms have washed away this fence and we were able to travel this section over to the cave that was a stop for those making their way either direction. There were still black fire marked near the entrance where they had fires.   |
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Explorer 1
4 Wheel Friend
Old guy still having fun!
Posts: 3,072
|
Post by Explorer 1 on Dec 5, 2023 18:55:56 GMT -8
No other issues and my last picture is where some of us waited for the group to firm up as we left the Mojave River wash and headed over to Interstate 15.  Any of you that have pictures or movies can post below, if you don't know how, I can explain it to you at the Thursday night shop if you wish. Thanks, Fred Explorer 1 |
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