July 1, 2005    The Official Newsletter of the New Mexico 4-Wheelers    www.nm4w.org

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President Leon Duggar opened the meeting at 6:18 pm.

Members Present: The following family units were represented by at least one member: Rector, Peeples, Sierra, Simenson, Meier, Greven, Duggar, Tanner, Werkmeister (Mark/Deb), Bontly, Miller (Bobby/Susan), Wolf, Thompson, Kelso, Eklund, Juarez, Baca, Lavy, Kaushe, Hurt, and Miller (Don).

Guests: The guest attendance list I have is blank, and so is my memory from the evening.  If you were there as a guest, my apologies.

Not only did Mr. Wolf not make any motion to have the minutes from the last meeting read, but Sheriff Rector had no fines to assess.  Jeff did review the points award schedule, however.

The Treasurer, Susan Miller, reported the bank balance as $1,341.32.

The Historian, Rich Capener, was absent, but was represented by one of the club photo albums.

The Trip Chairman, Jason Lavy, made a brief report regarding the club day at Gordy’s Hill.  The Peeples shared some excellent ice cream.  Glenn announced a trip planned for Cedro Peak.  Chuck reminded the huddled masses of the Silverton, CO trip for September 17-23.

The Director of Environmental Affairs, Bob Norton, was absent.  Mark Werkmeister testified that there was a planned upcoming meeting with the BLM regarding Gordy’s Hill routes.  Work on the trails may be given a rest over the hot summer.

Mark Wolf gave us a stand-in performance for Program Chairman, Jerry Marx, and reminded us of the shirts, etc. for sale.  Wolfie ran a credible raffle.

The Secretary, Don Miller, recorded the meeting.

Old Business:  Chuck reported that the New Member 4X4 101 booklets were nearing completion.  Thanks to all who have contributed labor and ideas.

New Business:  The Club Election of Officers is scheduled for the next (July) meeting.  Those nominated and/or volunteering are:  President--Mark Werkmeister, Vice President--Jeff Rector, Historian--Laurye Tanner, Treasurer--Paul Thompson, Secretary--Lauri Rector, Environmental--Bob Norton, Program Chairman--Leon Duggar, Trip Chairman--Jason Lavy.  There is still time right until the July meeting for more nominees and volunteers.

Leon reminded us that he is the Events Chairman for SWFWDA (Southwest Four Wheel Drive Association).  He asked for ideas and help for something akin to a 4X4 101 event to be scheduled at the Chili Challenge 2006.  All ideas, questions, and help will be greatly appreciated.  This would be an “extra” for the event and sponsored by the NM4Wheelers.

4 Wheel Parts is opening a store in Albuquerque with a grand opening event on 6/18.  Everyone was invited to show up and show off their Jeeps.  Bronco’s etc. would be accepted on a space available basis.

The meeting was adjourned at 6:51 pm.

It all started less than two weeks before the event.  Paul Thompson sent an e-mail to the club officers volunteering to “lead a trail” if anyone wanted to go to the Jemez for the weekend.  Well, I don’t know about you, but I know how to read between the lines!  So I immediately posted to the web site schedule page, “Paul Thompson to Host NM4W Annual Memorial Day Weekend Campout Extravaganza”!  And then at the club meeting on 21 May, Chuck informed everyone that Paul was planning a 4x4 Golf Tournament, Horseshoe Toss, Treasure Hunt, Poker Run, Trash Pick-Up, Mountain Tennis, a Lady’s Only Ride, two Potluck Dinners, and an Ice Cream Social—Whoo Hoo!!  Of course, Paul wasn’t at the meeting to “clarify” otherwise; but that HIS problem, not OURS! 

Actually, it didn’t really matter much to me what the plan was for the weekend, I just wanted to get out of town for a little while.  And Paul promised me that the weather wasn’t going to be cold like it was last year.  So I packed up the camper, loaded the Jeep on the trailer, and left early Friday morning to meet Paul and Mary for our trek up to the mountains.  Susan didn’t come, but she talked me into bringing Howard and Dax (two of our cats).  In hindsight, I’m not sure that was such a good idea, but we all did our best.  Actually, the only real problems occurred during that miserable 6-mile stretch of washboard road leading into Porter Landing.  After Dax threw-up on the rear seat, he proceeded to poop on my briefcase on the floor of the front seat.  Then he spent the rest of the trip slobbering profusely.  Every time he whipped his head around, he would fling a big slimy wad of slobber across the cab.  Gross!  Howard, on the other hand, was back in the camper . . . and he wanted out!  He knew where the door was, but he didn’t know how to open it.  So he climbed up the screen . . . all the way to the ceiling!  I now know from experience, that if you hang a 15-pound cat on a screen door, and then violently bounce the whole assembly up and down, the screen is going to suffer serious damage!  But after we arrived at camp, it didn’t take the cats very long to settle down (or for me to clean up their mess).  Whew . . . what a trip!  (In the photo, Howard (right) comforts Dax after their wild ride)

Chuck & Ethyl May had arrived the night before and were out for a walk when we arrived.  Instead of the truck camper, they brought their beautiful new 25-foot 5^th wheel.  I always thought that Chuck was just kidded when he whined about his Lance being a few inches smaller than mine.  Well that son of a gun.  Now I’m gonna have to go out and look for me a 26-foot 5^th wheel!

Paul & Chuck went out exploring that afternoon, Mary and Ethyl May visited together, and I just relaxed after a short, but busy week at work.  Later that evening, new club members Gary & Jennifer Markel and family joined us, as did Bill Cline and the Rectors.  Jeff and Lauri brought their new mobile condominium with them, complete with deluxe living accommodations and combination covered veranda/parking garage.  Jeff treated us to some entertainment while trying to find a level area to park their “estate”.  After enjoying some time around the campfire, we all retired for the evening.

Saturday morning, Frank & Donna Whiston joined us just for the day.  Paul led us on a very scenic trail through the dense forest.  All that rain we received during the past few months was very evident.  We stopped and had lunch by a swiftly flowing stream.  The trail was pretty exciting, in my opinion.  I was expecting to be on a well-maintained forest road all day, but the trail we rode was actually a lot of fun.  We hit a few places where trees had fallen across the trail, but Jeff’s new chainsaw made short work of clearing the way ahead for us.  Upon our return, former club members Preston & Melissa Garner, and Jane Bell, joined us for the potluck dinner.  As always, there was MUCH good food to eat, and none of us were shy about getting our fill!  We spent the rest of the evening sitting around the campfire telling lies.  During this time, we experienced a short rain shower.  After the fourth drop had fallen, most of us desert dwellers had either run for cover in our campers, or retrieved umbrellas.  It was a sorry sight!  What a bunch of wusses.

For Sunday’s ride, Paul asked me if I would lead us on the Log Skidder trail.  I reminded him that since he was in charge of the entire event, he would have to assume responsibility of any fines the Sheriff tried to impose upon me for anything I did while in the lead position.  Actually, Paul led us to the Log Skidder, and I took over after that.  As usual, we spent a fair amount of time examining the old piece of machinery and taking pictures.  As in years past, we noted how freely the front pinion shaft and axle still turned.  And how with a few “minor” repairs and a little lubrication, we could probably get the thing operational again.  In the end, we headed back down the mountain, satisfied that the Log Skidder would probably still be there for further examination next year.  That evening, after a somewhat smaller dinner than the previous night, we enjoyed ice cream and all the fixin’s, thanks to the Peeples and Thompsons.  Once again, another brief rain shower disrupted our campfire and sent everyone running in different directions for cover and/or umbrellas.  But it ended just as quickly as it had started.  (In the photo to the left, note the precise dry circle on the ground beneath this moisture-averse “desert dweller”, desperately trying to protect herself from the light drizzle).  (Sorry Mary, I didn’t want to post this picture!  Paul made me!   -ed.)

Overall, it was a really nice weekend!  The weather was very pleasant, the area wasn’t over crowded, and it was great just to get away and spend this time among such good friends. 

28 May 05--Beef Basin and Elephant Hill

Saturday morning was an early start for everyone.  Sara and I had to get a little earlier start due to some driveline issues, so we left about 30 minutes before the rest of the group.  We met up with the group at Newspaper Rock around 7:30 am near the Canyonlands entrance.  There were 7 vehicles with Bob Telepak (XJ), Bob Norton (XJ), Mike Hartshorne and his 81 year old mother Lorraine (XJ), Larry Massey (XJ), Bob & Carla DeGroft (TJ), Larry & Carol Koblinski (Rubicon Unlimited), and us in our ZJ.  After everyone had collected their stuff and taken photos of Newspaper Rock, we proceeded to the trail head. 

Our first obstacle was a small stream crossing.  Apparently, the stream normally has little water, but this time it was about 2 feet deep.  No one had a problem crossing it and we were moving quickly.  Most of the morning was a fairly easy forest road that went from the valley to a mountainous area.  We took a short side trail to the Big Pocket Overlook.  The view is pretty amazing and everyone stopped for photos.  For the most part, we did not have any problems until we got close to Beef Basin.  One Cherokee decided to bust a brake line and we had to do a quick trail repair.  After we got the line pinched off, we were able to continue to Beef Basin.

On the way to Beef Basin, we went through Ruin Park.  There are many Indian ruins, including a couple of towers and an old farm house.  It is amazing how well preserved the ruins are.  We were able to eat lunch at one of the more impressive tower ruins before proceeding on.

We entered Canyonlands from the south entrance, which is just a gate that has to be opened and closed, and Bob Telepak led us to one of the more interesting hikes I’ve been on.  The Joint Trail in Chesler Park was through a very narrow set of canyons, more like “cracks”.  At one point, most of us had to scoot sideways, because of the tight fit.  After the hike, we proceeded to leave Canyonlands.  On our way out, we made a short detour to look at Impossible Hill, one of the more treacherous trails in the Moab area.  I must go back sometime to drive it!  Because of time, we opted not to do the side trail to the Confluence Overlook where the Green and Colorado Rivers join.

We proceeded up the canyon towards our most formidable challenge of the day.  I had heard of Elephant Hill many times, but had not had the opportunity to actually drive it, but today that was going to change.  Elephant Hill is steep and has a few switchbacks to the top, one of which you back up in order to be positioned for the next switchback.  I have to admit, I was a little disappointed because they have had to stabilize a lot of the hill with asphalt, but it was still very enjoyable.

We finally rolled into Moab around 9:00 pm that night.  That’s right, 14 hours later.  We met at Dr. Bob’s house for a quick bite to eat and discussion of our next day's activities.  All in all, the Beef Basin-Elephant Hill trip was very enjoyable.  We had a little rain, but nothing that ruined the trail.

29 May 05--Behind the Reef

This morning we did not have to get up as early, and had planned a little shorter day than the previous.  There were 6 vehicles with Bob Telepak (XJ), Bob Norton (XJ), Larry Massey (XJ), Bob & Carla DeGroft (TJ), Larry & Carol Koblinski (Rubicon Unlimited), and us in our ZJ.  Behind the Reef is one of the trails that we have adopted, and Sara and I looked forward to running it for that reason.

The trip started with a 50-mile trip to the trail head.  Riding in an open-top Jeep, with the morning temps in the 50’s, made for a cool ride.  We headed north out of Moab to I-70.  From there we ran west for about 20 miles, and then turned south on Highway 24.  We followed the Reef south for 15 or so miles before turning into the Reef.  At this point, we could air down and head for the trail head.  Over all, the trail is fairly easy to moderate, but the entrance to the trail can be a little tricky with a nice off camber spot.  It acts like a gate keeper to help keep people that shouldn’t be there out.

After the trail start, the trail is some nice two-track.  You can see that the small 4 wheelers have been on this trail quite a bit.  There are a few dug ways (Utah-speak for switch backs) that can be a little nerve wracking for a novice wheeler, and there are also a couple of climbs that could give anyone trouble, but with a little momentum and steady throttle, they are actually quite easy. 

The last “obstacle” is a hill climb that is narrow and has a rather nice drop off on the left side.  After a little rock stacking and moving, we all proceeded to go up.  A few people were unsure about the climb out, but no one had much trouble getting up.  After the climb, we went to an overlook and took in the views of the valley before heading out.

On the way out, we followed a valley for a few miles.  Dr Bob had told us stories of wild horses racing the Jeeps.  Unfortunately, he forgot to arrange the racing for that day, but we did see a small herd of wild horses in the distance.  After looking through the binoculars, we decided that we should head to the highway.  Unknown to us, Dr. Bob had another treat for the group.  On our last turn to the highway, there was another small herd with a young foal not 100 feet from the road. 

After snapping a few shots, the group split up with a few of us heading up Black Dragon Canyon before hitting Green River for some grub.  Black Dragon Canyon is a deep narrow canyon that leads to a few petroglyphs.  It was a nice 45 minute detour, so we would not be eating too early.  We finished around 6:00 pm, a little earlier than the night before.

After the fun I had on the Jeep Jamboree to Red River last Fall, I decide to sign Rod and I up for another one – this time at Canyon de Chelly.  I could not go with the club last year, so this was a good opportunity.  The trip was rated as rather easy, so I figured I would be able to just relax and enjoy the scenery.  Boy, was I wrong!

There were 55 Jeeps on this trip.  There are two main canyons and the Jeeps were broken into two groups.  My group did Canyon de Chelly the first day and Canyon del Muerte (I hope that is spelled right) the second day.  Each half was broken into groups of 5 vehicles, since there had to be one Navajo guide per every 5 vehicles, and each group of vehicles had to be spaced 10 minutes apart.

I should have gotten the hint that this may be much different than I thought when I saw a Jeep stuck in the river as I was going to the rendezvous point. There was LOTS of water!  With all the snow this winter, the canyons were full.

Things went pretty well the first day.  No one in our group got stuck and we made it through everything okay.  We crossed a lot of water, but it was livable – we probably did about 50 water crossings that day.  We made lots of stops as the guide talked about all the sights.  The weather was perfect – in the 70’s and partly cloudy.  When we got back that night, we heard talk about how the other canyon was.  It seems that it had lots more water, mud, and steep ascents.

We set out the next day – another perfect weather day.  However, we were in water for a long time before we hit dry land.  To sum it up – we did 142 water crossings that day and most were considerably deeper than those of the day before.  One time, the hood of my Jeep dipped under the water and there was water coming in the floorboards.  Also, after all those Jeeps went through it the day before, there was a lot of mud and deep ruts.  I had to be strapped out 4 times and I almost tipped over once.  There were deep ruts on the steep bank coming out of the river so I was directed to the side of the ruts.  Unfortunately, my left tires fell into the rut anyway and my right tires were high on the side, so off I went to my left side.  Rod and I hung at a 45 degree angle for a while before we were rescued – we didn’t dare move!  I think the picture tells it all.  

One good thing was that the little red Jeep ran like a champ for the 2 days, although I must admit, my heart was in my throat many times.

The next morning, I went out to see the Jeep and I saw thick white goo coming out of my rear axle.  I had no idea what was going on and then I was told I had gotten water in my rear differential.  Well, I had no idea you could get water in differentials.  I have had quite an education since then and I realized I did not have any breather hoses on either differential.  Thank goodness I trailered it, so no permanent damage was done.  As of this writing, the Jeep is sitting in the garage with both differential covers off and the goo draining into buckets.  I am going to run hoses from the holes up as high as I can, so hopefully this never happens again.  I also sprung another leak – it seems an axle seal went.  I am going to try to fix this myself and hopefully learn a lot in the process.  Thanks to everyone that helped me with this – especially Tom Hurt and Wolfie.  It seems like every time I take the Jeep out, I learn something else I should have known, and I have some more money and time to put into it.  Maybe someday I will figure it all out… Nah!

I’ve led the Cedro Peak Trail numerous times during the past few years, and there’s usually been upwards of 20 vehicles that participate.  So I was surprised to have only 8 vehicles show up on such a beautiful June day.  But that’s okay, cuz we encountered quite a bit of other traffic on the trail in the way of mountain bikers.  It also surprised me that most of them were actually cordial, exchanging greeting with us.  There are a lot of Greenies in the East Mountains, and we usually get sneers from most of the non-motorized types on this trail.  Anyway, Jeff & Lauri came, each in their own Jeep.  Justin Simenson and fiancée Nina brought their two dogs, Nestle and Dropper.  “Mr. and Mrs. Kiester” and kids were in their full-size Blazer.  Marcia brought along a friend, Leonor.  And we had two guests: Dave and kids in his TJ; and Wynn in a really nice Scrambler.  Chuck was thinking about coming and bringing his Scrambler.  Good thing he changed his mind, cuz he would have been terribly embarrassed!  Wynn’s Scrambler never broke down once!  ;o)

Shortly after starting the trail, we arrived at the Big Hill.  This was Jeff’s first time to Cedro Peak and he was anxious to see what the big deal was with this supposed hard obstacle on an easy trail--I suggested to him that it was harder than it looked.  Four of us made the steep descent, not knowing if we would be able to make it back up.  I went first, followed by Jeff, then Marcia, and lastly Dave.  On the way back up, I managed to get precariously sideways, and way too tippy for my comfort.  Out came my winch cable for a safe recovery.  Jeff found the hill to be very challenging, but after trying a couple of different lines, he finally made it up (naturally). 

Marcia and Dave both gave it a really good try, but wisely took the cable before breaking their Jeeps.  As I pulled back onto the main trail, I noticed Lauri closing in behind me; but she was looking pretty rough around the edges, and then I realized it was Jeff driving Lauri’s Jeep.  There’s a small ledge that you must climb when leaving the Big Hill area, and Lauri didn’t have her Jeep in 4Lo, so the engine kept stalling.  But Jeff went to her rescue.  Lauri (now in Jeff’s Jeep) was a few vehicles back.  I was planning to “set her up”, but Jeff called for a stop to swap vehicles before I had a chance to follow through.  Here’s how it would have played out:

Glenn (over the CB): “There’s another optional hard obstacle coming up; easy to the left, hard to the right.”  “Jeff, where are you going?  You should probably take the easy route in Lauri’s Jeep.”  Jeff?  Are you sure you want to do that?!”  “Jeff?  Oh no!  Jeff, are you alright?!  Man, Lauri is gonna be PISSED!”  :o)

The Big Hill is actually easier to climb when the ground is a little wet.  But when the Big Hill is a little wet, Tablazon Canyon is practically underwater!  And I was very happy not to have to slip ‘n slide those couple of miles through the mud!  As we climbed out of the canyon and back into the woods, I wondered whether Mr. Kiester’s big Blazer was going to fit through the trees, but I know I saw him at lunch, so he must have made it.  Speaking of lunch, we stopped at our normal spot, near the top of the peak, and enjoyed the beautiful overlook of Tijeras down below.

The last optional obstacle is the steps near the end of the trail.  As Justin & Nina approached, Nestle caught a glimpse of some of the other Jeeps climbing the ledge.  He jumped out of the Jeep and told Justin, “if this is the kind of $hit you’re gonna do, I think I’ll just walk!”  After Justin convinced Nestle to get back into the Jeep, he proceeded to climb the ledge anyway.

With such a small group, we finished the ride pretty early, around 2 pm.  Marcia commented that finishing too early wasn’t necessarily a good thing, cuz she would have to go home and do chores.  I don’t know about Marcia, but I just goofed off for the rest of the day!

Aluminum Cans: Our club saves and recycles aluminum cans.  Money from the sale of cans goes into our club treasury.  Please bring your crushed aluminum cans to each meeting, and somebody will take them to the recycling center.

To Our Guests: If you attend a club meeting or event and provide us with your e-mail address, you will be added to our guest e-mail list, and will receive monthly notifications of when the Trail Tales newsletter is posted on our Club web site.  If you are interested in becoming a member of the New Mexico 4-Wheelers, please contact one of our officers for membership requirements, or visit our web site at www.nm4w.org/join-the-club.htm.

Trail Tales on the Web Site: In a continuing effort help save natural resources and to control costs, you are encouraged to read the Trail Tales newsletter on the Club Web Site in lieu of receiving a hard copy in the mail.  Around the first of each month, the current issue of Trail Tales is posted at www.nm4w.org/newsletters.htm and an e-mail notification is sent to all club members.  In addition, a minimum of 2 years of back issues of our newsletter is also available on the web site.  So if you want to help “save some trees”, please send an e-mail to TrailTales@nm4w.org stating that you do not need to receive the hard copy of the newsletter.  Thanks for your participation in this program.

Submission Due Date: The Trail Tales is published on the first of each month.  Submissions for each issue must be received by the Editor not later than the 25^th of the prior month.  Submissions can be sent to TrailTales@nm4w.org, or Trail Tales, 21 Rattlesnake Ridge, Tijeras, NM 87059.

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Trail Tales
21 Rattlesnake Ridge
Tijeras, NM 87059-7440

TrailTales@nm4w.org