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By the time we got there hail was already coming down. We aired down, disconnected, and had a trail meeting. Being earth day, and this a trail clean up, Bob handed out garbage bags to the attending vehicles. We then walked over to the rock “Monster Rock”. It’s a big rock and wet it was. We heard stories of those who made it and those who rolled twice in two different vehicles. We all chose to go up the easier way up the far side which was a little tougher than the by pass.
A short ways up the trail we came to the second obstacle; a set of rock ledges. We spent some time there. It was wet and the ledge grew from past rides. Our fearless trail leader was first to attempt but was soon pulling cable. Bob made that ledge. Damian climbed the tree with his right wheel but might have made it also. Bill and this author chose the by pass. Mr. Silverman, I think, made it up both ledges. It seems this section of trail is a little different than it was in the past as both the upper ledge and the by pass are probable winch spots, especially in the rain. Joe winched a spot on the by pass, then ended up giving Bill and Jane a quick tug. Andy was having a great time. He jumped out, declared the stuck and pulled line; with a little help from Bob.
A little further up the trail Bob all most threw himself and Joan head over as the Howler went down a ledge and rear wheels left the ground. A smart move to accelerate out saved the flip. The rest of the trial was wet and slippery but with the expert trial spotting by John we all made it the rest of the way with no major problems. Toward the end of the trail is a steep, curved, down hill. It looked bad to most of us but Mark decided he would sled down and did.
Lunch, one of my favorite parts of the day, was held at the turn around in the rain. A tarpaulin was strung between two trucks making it quite dry. The ride out was easier; mostly down hill after the initial slippery climb. Half the trucks went up the steep curve and all made it with lots of spinning wheels. The line stopped now and then to pick up garbage, a lost muffler, and a tire. The day finished off with some pictures and a clean up of the trail head. This has got to be one of the best club rides on the calendar and even more fun in the rain. With no breakage, damage, or rolls we aired up and drove back home with big smiles.
