Mojave Road 2016.....what a trip!

I heard about this. I am glad nobody got hurt. Every trip has a uniqueness about it-even if you have been there many times. Looks like this one was no different.
How high was the Mojave River?

Upper crossing was complete dry.....lower crossing (meaning closer to Afton Canyon campground) was near it's highest, similar to last time.

Thanks,
Fred
Explorer 1

The desert tends to attract some rather strange people, some of which start their own memorial to various things. Here are a few that are now along the Mojave Road:

First there is the FROG collection:




Followed by the toy jeep memorial:




Then there's the "boggle head" collection:



And finally the "Christmas" collection:




Thanks,
Fred
Explorer 1

I was entering a curve in soft and sandy terrain, which was obscured by the dust cloud generated by the vehicle in front of me. As a result, I misjudged the curve and came in too fast. Rather than over compensating on the turn (because I didn't want to roll), I decided to mow over the shrubs edging the curve. I believe, though I'm not 100% certain, the impact with the first larger shrub caused my tire to fail, which forced the vehicle to dig into the sand and roll. I wouldn't say it was a violent rollover. No big crashing sounds.

My daughter remained cool and calm until exciting the Jeep on her own, and seeing me restrained by the seatbelt. That scared her. Fortunately, Roz quickly cut me loose.

It was impressive and humbling to see everyone jump into action with the recovery. Within no time my vehicle was upright and capable of finishing the day's driving. I made it home with no problems.

I had no experience driving in sand prior to this trip, and should definitely have allowed much more space between me and the vehicle in front. I also think I'll do trails like these with my sway bar on for a little better responsiveness. My jeep is "floaty," and some stiffer coils might also have helped prevent the roll by providing resistance to the momentum. (Going slower would definitely have prevented the roll.)

For those curious about my wife's reaction, I have to say it was about as good as it could be. In fact, she told me she knew I rolled because it was on her heart to pray for it the whole day it happened. In her own words, she had "peace about it." It was a cool little bookend to the whole experience.

As for the Jeep, I replaced the windshield and passenger window. Thanks to Cody for the referral, two guys came to my house and installed two new windows (not used) for $180. Fernando and I will work on straightening the roof later this week.

Thanks to everyone who helped me get on the road again!

Oh! Per Roz's recommendation, I think I'm naming the Jeep, "Flip."

Im so glad you two are OK Joseph! I'm curious if this unexpected adventure made your daughter more or less excited about the trip and prospect of more offroading with you?

I propose we start our own memorial. We can take broken vehicle parts every year and place them in the same place year after year.