XJ front page LA Times

[Goatman]

Well, I made it to the front page of a major newspaper. :D

Actually, it's an article about our fight to reopen Surprise Canyon in Panamint Valley and Death Valley National Park. I got lucky and they used a pic of my rig as the photo shot. The article isn't too biased, I thought she at least presented both sides.

http://www.latimes.com/la-me-winchers23jun23,0,4327351.story

Our club, the Bakersfield Trailblazers, has maintained the trail and the cabins at Panamint City for over ten years, plus we lead the annual run up Surprise Canyon to Panamint City at the Panamint Valley Days event.

I sure hope we don't permanently loose that canyon. It is a totally unique wheeling experience.......there's nothing else like it. I'd love to lead another group of XJ's up there at some time. It would be well worth the drive from anywhere in the country to run Surprise and then head north to run the Rubicon......that would be a heck of a week. :D

[Ed A. Stevens]

Yes, it's a great photo shot of your XJ driving up the road. I think an XJ provides a nice twist to the claim of "the family sedans stopped dead in their tracks at the spectacular obstacle." The photo is a much better choice than a rock buggy, or even a traditional SWB 4x4.

http://images.latimes.com/media/photo/2003-06/8308467.jpg


I hope we can add future photo opportunities for the public on the same challenges?

[Kejtar]

Looking good :) :)

I must say that I like the article, and have only one thing to say:
Richard, your NAXJA sticker is too small, as I couldn't see it on the pic :D

Kejtar

[Jason A-33]

Great Stuff Richard. Keep up the fight!

I love the fact that they used your XJ for that shot. They could have used over 1000 CJ and YJ shots that are floating out there!

Got Groceries?

[Handlebars]

That is the only hardcore trail I would ever have the desire to tackle just because it allows access to such a beautiful and unique area. It sure would be nice if it opened up again! Is there any way I can help from out of state?

[Ed A. Stevens]

Originally posted by Handlebars
That is the only hardcore trail I would ever have the desire to tackle just because it allows access to such a beautiful and unique area. It sure would be nice if it opened up again! Is there any way I can help from out of state?

Soon enough, "Friends of Panamint Valley" will be incorporated under 501c3 to allow others to help keep the access open (to Surprise Canyon Road, and other Panamint valley routes).

Be assured, NAXJA will be updated on the process.

[woody]

Those words send shivers up my spine...

I thought the article was surprisingly well-balanced in presenting the concerns of the various parties: Gov't agencies', landowners, recreational users, and conservation groups. It's interesting that both a BLM officer and the Bakersfield Trailblazers are landowners... Best of luck in reversal of the closure...

There is no finer Jeeper & Jeep to represent the off-roading community to the world than Goatman! Congrats Richard!

We all need to strive to be active participants in efforts to keep our public lands open to multiple uses. This involves being good stewards of the lands as we recreate upon it, as well as supporting groups & clubs that help maintain them.

Even if you aren't interested in joining NAXJA, or never take your Jeep off-road, I challenge you to join or contribute to www.ufwda.org and a regional group in your area.

Thanks!

[Goatman]

Well said, Woody. And thanks for the nice comment.

Those who are not willing to join a club or support an organization need to at least appreciate the work that clubs and organizations do to protect our rights to access our own public lands.

It's a bummer that we have to be involved in these types of politics and activities, but if we do nothing they will win and we will loose access to many of our favorite places.

I want to take a whole bunch of XJ's up Surpise Canyon to Panamint City in the future. :D

[Lupine]

Hey Goat -

I may be able to assist in this issue. Check your PMs.