January Run - Pony Express Trail

[Israel]

We will be running the pony express trail for our January run on the 26th of this month. Details to come!

[justme]

For us non-Utahn's... Where is this Pony Express Trail? Thanks!

[DrMoab]

For us non-Utahn's... Where is this Pony Express Trail? Thanks!
It runs through several states but the area they are looking at running starts west of Tooele and you can stay on it pretty much to Wendover.

[WEJOXJ]

Sweet! Here's a link, still trying to find a better map online however.

http://www.thingstodo.com/states/UT/blm/ponyexpress.html

[reddevil]

That will be a fun run! I hope I can make it.

[Brad M.]

I won't be able to make this one, already had something else planned for that weekend. Ya'll have fun. Catch ya another time.

[Flash]

Once again, a trail i real want to go on.........jeep not worth to drive from here to Lehi let alone a long trail...........Diesel is in pieces and trailer baried in snow:D ............But will see how thing pan out.

It would be way cool to run all the way to Wendover......yeah I know several day trip...........

Do to problem with my truck........I probably won't make it :tear:

Flash.

[justme]

How would you rate this trail in regard to difficulty? Is it safe to invite stock friends along?

[Israel]

How would you rate this trail in regard to difficulty? Is it safe to invite stock friends along?

Perfectly safe. It may get a little muddy, but I'm sure it wouldn't be enough to cause too much greif.

[Flash]

Perfectly safe. It may get a little muddy, but I'm sure it wouldn't be enough to cause too much greif.


Hmmm so, that means i could bring my wifes, Floored Exploder, Sport :idea: Track?.......... as a last resort, of course:)




Flash

[Israel]

Hmmm so, that means i could bring my wifes, Floored Exploder, Sport :idea: Track?.......... as a last resort, of course:)




Flash

You bet!

[Clint]

Hmmm so, that means i could bring my wifes, Floored Exploder, Sport :idea: Track?.......... as a last resort, of course:)




Flash

Sure...long as your OK with being laughed at... LOL :D

[DrMoab]

Hmmm so, that means i could bring my wifes, Floored Exploder, Sport :idea: Track?.......... as a last resort, of course:)

I'm bringing Shorter Bus-Wally-Stinky III along. If it could make it your Exploder should. Well...maybe it could keep up.

[Flash]

I'm bringing Shorter Bus-Wally-Stinky III along. If it could make it your Exploder should. Well...maybe it could keep up.

It sets lower then yours with the running boards:wow:

But they got de-virgin ized Thanksgiving before last:D


Flash

[DaveW]

Gordon, the pony express trail is a dirt road. Even an exploder can make it.:)

[Flash]

Gordon, the pony express trail is a dirt road. Even an exploder can make it.:)

guess I should change the oil, for good luck.:thumbup:

[XJumpmaster]

We will be joining two other clubs on this run. Zutah and Utah4x4.

Here are a few details...

When: 26 January 2008 (See item "J" in special notes)
Meeting Time: 0800
Meeting Place: Smith's Food & Drug on the corner of Rt 68 (Redwood Rd) & Rt 73 (Main Street)
Trail: Pony Express Trail from 5 Mile Pass to Wendover via Gold Hill
Distance: Total trip distance from Start to end Wendover Nevada is 207 miles (can take 5 to 11 hours)
Rating: Easy to Difficult

Special Notes:
A. Tires - Any tire other than street tires, if it snows...there will be mud.....lots of mud. No tire will really help you, but street tires will definitely cause you a night of sleeping on the trail.
B. Tow Hooks - Also recommended would be mounted tow hooks (front & rear)
C. Communication - C.B., it kind of sucks when you’re on a trail that long and you don’t have a clue what’s going on because you didn’t bother to complete one of the cheapest mods you could have done.
D. Fire Extinguisher.
E. Chains - Highly recommended for Dugway Pass. Dugway pass was just simply ugly in 2004 and a roll over there would make Potato Salad Hill look tame.
F. Survival Gear - Three day supply of cold weather gear, due to the remoteness of the trail.
G. Extra Fuel - If it runs long, as it tends to do in snow, you will need extra gas. Please ensure that it is secured on the OUTSIDE of your vehicle.
H. Winch – Though not mandatory, it is absolutely a huge plus. Three years ago all but two folks required a hook and some more than one simultaneously.
I. Hotel Accommodations – No we don’t go for a group rate, to difficult to coordinate, especially for a trip that is on a floating date. You’re on your own here. I can tell you though that it is rather difficult to get a hotel room reserved on a moments notice during this time of the year. Your better off booking one now with the mindset that you may need to cancel it.
J. Date of trip changes – what is suppose to happen is if there isn’t enough snow the date moves to the next date. The last couple of year’s folks have got impatient and decided to go anyway, even after being fore warned that they would be bored to death if there wasn’t snow. Each of those years we had bummed out drivers due to this.
K. The trail itself can get all sorts of ugly in the snow, particularly between Dugway Pass and Simpson's Springs which oddly enough the latter is the flattest section on the entire trail, but when you slide off it takes a minimum of two winches (one pulling forward & one sideways) to get you back up on the crown of the road.
L. Extra Windshield washer fluid
M. First Aid kit
Note – Keep in mind in the event that the trail run becomes the Donner party of this millennium we take the most newest rookie and use their rig as the sacrificial burning vehicle to keep warm. If there isn’t a rescue party within a few days we then look for the person with the most meat on their bones for………..well you can figure that one out.
_________________


Looks like it could get muddy! LOL

[Brad M.]

We will be joining two other clubs on this run. Zutah and Utah4x4.

Here are a few details...

When: 26 January 2008 (See item "J" in special notes)
Meeting Time: 0800
Meeting Place: Smith's Food & Drug on the corner of Rt 68 (Redwood Rd) & Rt 73 (Main Street)
Trail: Pony Express Trail from 5 Mile Pass to Wendover via Gold Hill
Distance: Total trip distance from Start to end Wendover Nevada is 207 miles (can take 5 to 11 hours)
Rating: Easy to Difficult

Special Notes:
A. Tires - Any tire other than street tires, if it snows...there will be mud.....lots of mud. No tire will really help you, but street tires will definitely cause you a night of sleeping on the trail.
B. Tow Hooks - Also recommended would be mounted tow hooks (front & rear)
C. Communication - C.B., it kind of sucks when you’re on a trail that long and you don’t have a clue what’s going on because you didn’t bother to complete one of the cheapest mods you could have done.
D. Fire Extinguisher.
E. Chains - Highly recommended for Dugway Pass. Dugway pass was just simply ugly in 2004 and a roll over there would make Potato Salad Hill look tame.
F. Survival Gear - Three day supply of cold weather gear, due to the remoteness of the trail.
G. Extra Fuel - If it runs long, as it tends to do in snow, you will need extra gas. Please ensure that it is secured on the OUTSIDE of your vehicle.
H. Winch – Though not mandatory, it is absolutely a huge plus. Three years ago all but two folks required a hook and some more than one simultaneously.
I. Hotel Accommodations – No we don’t go for a group rate, to difficult to coordinate, especially for a trip that is on a floating date. You’re on your own here. I can tell you though that it is rather difficult to get a hotel room reserved on a moments notice during this time of the year. Your better off booking one now with the mindset that you may need to cancel it.
J. Date of trip changes – what is suppose to happen is if there isn’t enough snow the date moves to the next date. The last couple of year’s folks have got impatient and decided to go anyway, even after being fore warned that they would be bored to death if there wasn’t snow. Each of those years we had bummed out drivers due to this.
K. The trail itself can get all sorts of ugly in the snow, particularly between Dugway Pass and Simpson's Springs which oddly enough the latter is the flattest section on the entire trail, but when you slide off it takes a minimum of two winches (one pulling forward & one sideways) to get you back up on the crown of the road.
L. Extra Windshield washer fluid
M. First Aid kit
Note – Keep in mind in the event that the trail run becomes the Donner party of this millennium we take the most newest rookie and use their rig as the sacrificial burning vehicle to keep warm. If there isn’t a rescue party within a few days we then look for the person with the most meat on their bones for………..well you can figure that one out.
_________________


Looks like it could get muddy! LOL

Josh, I love it! You're a great salesman. If I were a stocker I think I would have wet myself just reading this ha ha. :D :D

[justme]

Eleven hours! Wow! I didn't expect we were going all the way to Wendover. Are there any folks just making a shorter trip of it either by hitting a target spot and turning around, or a loop of some sort? (I'm not at all familiar with this run, obviously). :roll:

[Clint]

Eleven hours! Wow! I didn't expect we were going all the way to Wendover. Are there any folks just making a shorter trip of it either by hitting a target spot and turning around, or a loop of some sort? (I'm not at all familiar with this run, obviously). :roll:


The loop portion of the trail is to go to Wendover. You could bug out any time I'm sure. Just go back the way you came. Once you get towards Nevada there is alot of cool stuff to see though.

[XJumpmaster]

Zutah club will actually be leading this trail. This was copied and pasted from their forum. LOL

I'm sure, like Clint said, we can bug out at any time.

[luv2offroad]

We will be joining two other clubs on this run. Zutah and Utah4x4.

Here are a few details...

When: 26 January 2008 (See item "J" in special notes)
Meeting Time: 0800
Meeting Place: Smith's Food & Drug on the corner of Rt 68 (Redwood Rd) & Rt 73 (Main Street)
Trail: Pony Express Trail from 5 Mile Pass to Wendover via Gold Hill
Distance: Total trip distance from Start to end Wendover Nevada is 207 miles (can take 5 to 11 hours)
Rating: Easy to Difficult

Special Notes:
A. Tires - Any tire other than street tires, if it snows...there will be mud.....lots of mud. No tire will really help you, but street tires will definitely cause you a night of sleeping on the trail.
B. Tow Hooks - Also recommended would be mounted tow hooks (front & rear)
C. Communication - C.B., it kind of sucks when you’re on a trail that long and you don’t have a clue what’s going on because you didn’t bother to complete one of the cheapest mods you could have done.
D. Fire Extinguisher.
E. Chains - Highly recommended for Dugway Pass. Dugway pass was just simply ugly in 2004 and a roll over there would make Potato Salad Hill look tame.
F. Survival Gear - Three day supply of cold weather gear, due to the remoteness of the trail.
G. Extra Fuel - If it runs long, as it tends to do in snow, you will need extra gas. Please ensure that it is secured on the OUTSIDE of your vehicle.
H. Winch – Though not mandatory, it is absolutely a huge plus. Three years ago all but two folks required a hook and some more than one simultaneously.
I. Hotel Accommodations – No we don’t go for a group rate, to difficult to coordinate, especially for a trip that is on a floating date. You’re on your own here. I can tell you though that it is rather difficult to get a hotel room reserved on a moments notice during this time of the year. Your better off booking one now with the mindset that you may need to cancel it.
J. Date of trip changes – what is suppose to happen is if there isn’t enough snow the date moves to the next date. The last couple of year’s folks have got impatient and decided to go anyway, even after being fore warned that they would be bored to death if there wasn’t snow. Each of those years we had bummed out drivers due to this.
K. The trail itself can get all sorts of ugly in the snow, particularly between Dugway Pass and Simpson's Springs which oddly enough the latter is the flattest section on the entire trail, but when you slide off it takes a minimum of two winches (one pulling forward & one sideways) to get you back up on the crown of the road.
L. Extra Windshield washer fluid
M. First Aid kit
Note – Keep in mind in the event that the trail run becomes the Donner party of this millennium we take the most newest rookie and use their rig as the sacrificial burning vehicle to keep warm. If there isn’t a rescue party within a few days we then look for the person with the most meat on their bones for………..well you can figure that one out.
_________________


Looks like it could get muddy! LOL

Sheesh, talk about scaring away any newbies! :helpme: That trail is not that bad. Of course, I don't offroad in the winter time so any time I've been on that trail it's been nice and sunny. But I certainly didn't make hotel reservations, bring 3 days supply of rations, etc. In fact, I've only been on the trail by myself.

Fortunately, I got bumped off the list with item #1 -- I'm driving on baldies. :D

[Israel]

I'm sure there will be plenty of passenger seats available if the stockers want to plan for it and decide on the conditions later on. Just be sure to bring your own 3 days of rations. :D

[Flash]

I'm sure there will be plenty of passenger seats available if the stockers want to plan for it and decide on the conditions later on. Just be sure to bring your own 3 days of rations. :D

Wow, don't thing the Ford is ready for that...........I guess will see how the weather turns out between now and then.
Besides it would be said to be the one that held every one up,............becouse it had a permit tow rope attached:D
I wonder if it even has tow hooks????????????probably not.:rattle:

Flash

[XJEEPER]

ih8mud

[justme]

The Utah backroads book says that route start to finish is 130 Miles. Are we going a different route than the book?
My brake system is shot, so I may be a passenger with Michael this time. We don't currently have a way to safely bring extra gasoline. Where's the best place to get those metal gas cans & racks to hold them?

[XJumpmaster]

I seriously doubt that we will go all the way to Wendover. We might kickout at Fish Springs.

[Popeye]

I drive a part of this twice a week, and you can drive any thing down the road though it is a little rough and muddy this time of year. There is alot of small trails in the area to explore and see also, that you couldn't get a car down, but anything with 30's no problem. As far as going to wendover that is a really long drive unless you dont stop, eat or explore. I would love to do this again, and probably have a explore friend come along if we can get off work.

[luv2offroad]

The Utah backroads book says that route start to finish is 130 Miles. Are we going a different route than the book?
My brake system is shot, so I may be a passenger with Michael this time. We don't currently have a way to safely bring extra gasoline. Where's the best place to get those metal gas cans & racks to hold them?

That's because the Utah backroads book is only giving you the information for the Utah portion of it. The Utah portion is a fairly short and easy drive. But if you go all the way to Wendover it is a very lloonngg drive.

[SCW]

I've driven 90% of this route with a minivan. Once we left a tailpipe, but it was hanging low before hand. :D

Not an issue for stockers as all.

[luv2offroad]

I think you guys will have PLENTY of snow for this run!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[TRNDRVR]

ih8mudI do too....



and I'm from Portland. :doh:

[DrMoab]

I do too....



and I'm from Portland. :doh:
Im beginning to wonder if you hate wheeling all together. I think the last time I was on a trail with you was in Moab...4 years ago.

[seven]

I was thinking of making this run with you guys if that was alright. How many are going to go? and what if I don't know exactly where route 68 and 73 is ? I know salt lake a little bit and wondered is this downtown SLC?

[Israel]

I was thinking of making this run with you guys if that was alright. How many are going to go? and what if I don't know exactly where route 68 and 73 is ? I know salt lake a little bit and wondered is this downtown SLC?

You are definitely welcome to come with us. We're actually tagging along with two other groups. The meeting spot is actually closer to Lehi than it is SLC. Here are some details Josh posted earlier.

We will be joining two other clubs on this run. Zutah and Utah4x4.

Here are a few details...

When: 26 January 2008 (See item "J" in special notes)
Meeting Time: 0800
Meeting Place: Smith's Food & Drug on the corner of Rt 68 (Redwood Rd) & Rt 73 (Main Street)
Trail: Pony Express Trail from 5 Mile Pass to Wendover via Gold Hill
Distance: Total trip distance from Start to end Wendover Nevada is 207 miles (can take 5 to 11 hours)
Rating: Easy to Difficult

[seven]

I am still lost on the address. is this north or south of camp williams on redwood? and how far. I would be guessing south but I am unsure?

[seven]

I found it on yahoo maps. I had wondered if it was the intersection that I was thinking of, and it was. I have explored south of there to a place that I was told was called muddy puddy and there was a cave we explored. Hopefully will see you there

[DrMoab]

I found it on yahoo maps. I had wondered if it was the intersection that I was thinking of, and it was. I have explored south of there to a place that I was told was called muddy puddy and there was a cave we explored. Hopefully will see you there
That cave has now been sealed by the state. Nobody can access it anymore. What a shame.

[Israel]

So let's hear a roll call of who's coming.

I'll be there in my sexy green ZJ with rubicon wheels and MTRs

[seven]

Looks Like a most likely(90%) whoever else is coming please post up rig color and decription so I hopefully will recognize. I will be in 99 xj with roof rack and rubicon wheels and tires and a blue color.

Mark

[justme]

Michael and & will be there. I'm thinking of just being a passenger in his jeep this time. Mine's gotten to be such a drag on the freeway. Michaels is an '88 Red Cherokee Chief with a large grill guard, and Baja Claws. (He's building a can rack on the back today for that extra gasoline required on this trip). I'm assuming this is the same parking lot we met in last month to go to Little Moab. If I'm wrong, let me know. See ya there!

[justme]

By the way... the stores in Evanston are out of metal gas cans. Would Cabelas have them, or is there a store that would between Parleys and Lehi -- and also be open @ 7:00 am?

[XJBANKER]

By the way... the stores in Evanston are out of metal gas cans. Would Cabelas have them, or is there a store that would between Parleys and Lehi -- and also be open @ 7:00 am?

Possibly the Army supply on State street and about 4500 south. Dont remember the actual address. also you could try and find an ace hardware, they usually carry them. I know that the one in Kaysville had them over Christmas. Call around before you go.

[MTNTECH]

By the way... the stores in Evanston are out of metal gas cans. Would Cabelas have them, or is there a store that would between Parleys and Lehi -- and also be open @ 7:00 am?

Sportsman's Warehouse, just off I-15 at 7200 south and east about 1 block south side of the road. Have the 5 gal metal and 6 gal plastic gas cans. Here's the store locator address:

165 W. 7200 S.
Midvale, UT 84047 - 3722
United States

[justme]

Thanks you guys!
After calling about a dozen places, Sportsmans Warehouse is the only place that carries them anymore. They have 4 left. Darn place doesn't open until 9:00, so I'm gonna bug my son-in-law to pick one up for me today. Thanks!

[XJSpencer]

Have fun tomorrow guys.

I've got my once monthly Saturday meeting.

[WEJOXJ]

Indeed have fun....

Have a nasty test on Monday, and will be studying. Have to, just the way it goes. Was really excited about the trail too.

Favor to ask someone: Would you mind marking waypoints on your GPS for me, at least to Simpson Springs or however far you go if you end before then? Just bought one would appreciate it. Guessing with the meetup point that the caravan will start by 5-Mile?

Thanks.

[WEJOXJ]

Nevermind on the GPS thing, but thanks anyway.

[Israel]

Nevermind on the GPS thing, but thanks anyway.

I could get some if I remember to turn it on.

[XJumpmaster]

Wish I could go, but we're still adjusting to Isaac's schedule. Israel, hope you can get some good pics!

[Israel]

7:55am - Arrive at Chevron across the street from Smiths. Get gas and food.
8:05am - See three built wranglers go by as I'm getting in ZJ. No Cherokees and the group is small so I'm not worried.
8:08am - Pull up in Smith's parking lot and wonder where everyone is at.
8:10am - Use cell phone to get on NAXJA and double check meeting location.
8:15am - Still no one. Beginning to think three wranglers are all that showed up and for whatever reason, they had to leave RIGHT AT 8:00am.
8:30am - Still no one. Realizing that no one from NAXJA is going to come and three wranglers are now a half hour ahead of me.
8:31am - Decided to go home and forget about the Pony Express trail.


So what happened with the rest of you NAXJA people? Did I miss you somehow? I hope no one showed up after me.

[jmaxj]

7:55am - Arrive at Chevron across the street from Smiths. Get gas and food.
8:05am - See three built wranglers go by as I'm getting in ZJ. No Cherokees and the group is small so I'm not worried.
8:08am - Pull up in Smith's parking lot and wonder where everyone is at.
8:10am - Use cell phone to get on NAXJA and double check meeting location.
8:15am - Still no one. Beginning to think three wranglers are all that showed up and for whatever reason, they had to leave RIGHT AT 8:00am.
8:30am - Still no one. Realizing that no one from NAXJA is going to come and three wranglers are now a half hour ahead of me.
8:31am - Decided to go home and forget about the Pony Express trail.


So what happened with the rest of you NAXJA people? Did I miss you somehow? I hope no one showed up after me.
i was sleeping in :D

[luv2offroad]

8:30am - Still no one. Realizing that no one from NAXJA is going to come and three wranglers are now a half hour ahead of me.
8:31am - Decided to go home and forget about the Pony Express trail.


So what happened with the rest of you NAXJA people? Did I miss you somehow? I hope no one showed up after me.

Michael and his mom were coming. I hope they didn't have jeep troubles. But it didn't sound like too many NAXJA people were planning on going anyway from the head count yesterday. Now I don't have to feel bad that I skipped out on a snow run. :laugh:

[XJBANKER]

I am still sitting at work so I am glad that I did not miss much.:bawl:

[Israel]

i was sleeping in :D

Slacker. :D

[seven]

I dont think you were at right location or maybe clock problems? Me, redchief and just me were at Smith's parking lot at 7:50. red chief had alternator problems at 7:55 and drove to checkers getting a new alt and belt passing chevron in process. Group left at 8:05 (roughly 15 rigs) and drove past chevron. I went to checkers to check on red cheif passing chevron and got him and left checkers around 8:15 and passed chevron one more time and then we had to play catch up to the group. That makes me feel a little better to know you tried. I was thinking I don't know about the IC group since the run was in the back yard of all the naxja people that live in SLC and Provo area's and then the only one's to show up are from Vernal and Evanston. The first pic shows what 90% of what the day was. we drove roughly halfway when michaels alternator siezed and took belt with it. We then took a little over an Hour fixing in on the side of road. While we were fixing it a pretty built red XJ with oregon plates drove by and did not stop. I was kind of put off since I thought it was part of owning a XJ that we would stop to see if we could help if we saw an XJ on side of road(maybe it is different in oregon). We then drove another 50 uneventful miles on dirt road. I was part of a group that decided to mutiny and jumped ship and we went actually off the main road. that is where the rest of pics come from. there was five of us that rebeled and we had a good time. we made wendover around 6:30 and went and had a buffet at montego bay. Then we drove back to SLC though some patches of nasty fog.

http://i27.tinypic.com/167vwr9.jpg

my rig with wife

http://i31.tinypic.com/2n0mw0g.jpg


red chief stuck flexing


http://i28.tinypic.com/fu5ok2.jpg

Poser shot of some of mutinous group

http://i30.tinypic.com/27wsllu.jpg


red chief on top

http://i31.tinypic.com/24q6a0k.jpg

[Israel]

I dont think you were at right location or maybe clock problems?

I was going off the time on my cell phone which should be spot on. Did anyone see a green ZJ at the Chevron? There's no way I could have been at the wrong place. I can't think of any other Smith's that are kitty-corner from a Chevron, especially in the Saratoga Springs area. The three wranglers must have been the last of the group, maybe they got stopped at the light which would explain why I didn't see any others. Well, I'm glad you all had fun and it wasn't cancelled. I'll have to set my clock ahead 15 minutes for the next trip out, I guess.

[jmaxj]

the red xj that drove by with oregon plates was probably jack(jackyl on here) weird he didn't stop though

[MoabXJeeper]

Have fun tomorrow guys.

I've got my once monthly on Saturday.
Fixed it for ya Spencer! Ha Ha

[MoabXJeeper]

the red xj that drove by with oregon plates was probably jack(jackyl on here) weird he didn't stop though

Yeah, I was thinking the same thing!

[XJSpencer]

Fixed it for ya Spencer! Ha Ha

What! Are you jealous that mine only lasts a day?:D

[justme]

Michael (RedChief) & I wanna thank everybody for your help and patience when the alternator went on the Pony Express Run! SEVEN & family -- thank you for waiting for us! Daniel & Seven thanks so much for all your work!
The jeep started making funny noises in Smiths parking lot. Thanks so much for whomever that guy was that picked up on it being the alternator making the noise so we were able to pick up a spare alternator & belt on our way outta town. We were crossing our fingers it wouldn't go out before Wendover, but 96 miles out , it did. It would have been a real drag for towing outta there.
Anyway, thank you everybody. We had a great time, expecially after the mutiny! I'll try to get a photo or two posted. Hey Israel, so sorry we missed each other. Michael and I were hurrying so much trying to catch up after Checker Auto, we didn't notice if anybody was still around.
It was great to meet everybody from the other clubs. I really enjoyed getting to know people face to face at dinner. Jeepers are sure a great group of folks!

[justme]

http://s120.photobucket.com/albums/o183/JEEPERS_2007/th_NAXJAJanuaryRunPonyExpress2008029.jpg (http://s120.photobucket.com/albums/o183/JEEPERS_2007/th_JanuaryRunPonyExpress2008029.jpg)

http://s120.photobucket.com/albums/o183/JEEPERS_2007/?albumview=slideshow (http://s120.photobucket.com/albums/o183/JEEPERS_2007/?albumview=slideshow)

[Jackal]

I dont think you were at right location or maybe clock problems? Me, redchief and just me were at Smith's parking lot at 7:50. red chief had alternator problems at 7:55 and drove to checkers getting a new alt and belt passing chevron in process. Group left at 8:05 (roughly 15 rigs) and drove past chevron. I went to checkers to check on red cheif passing chevron and got him and left checkers around 8:15 and passed chevron one more time and then we had to play catch up to the group. That makes me feel a little better to know you tried. I was thinking I don't know about the IC group since the run was in the back yard of all the naxja people that live in SLC and Provo area's and then the only one's to show up are from Vernal and Evanston. The first pic shows what 90% of what the day was. we drove roughly halfway when michaels alternator siezed and took belt with it. We then took a little over an Hour fixing in on the side of road. While we were fixing it a pretty built red XJ with oregon plates drove by and did not stop. I was kind of put off since I thought it was part of owning a XJ that we would stop to see if we could help if we saw an XJ on side of road(maybe it is different in oregon). We then drove another 50 uneventful miles on dirt road. I was part of a group that decided to mutiny and jumped ship and we went actually off the main road. that is where the rest of pics come from. there was five of us that rebeled and we had a good time. we made wendover around 6:30 and went and had a buffet at montego bay. Then we drove back to SLC though some patches of nasty fog.

http://i27.tinypic.com/167vwr9.jpg

my rig with wife

http://i31.tinypic.com/2n0mw0g.jpg


red chief stuck flexing


http://i28.tinypic.com/fu5ok2.jpg

Poser shot of some of mutinous group

http://i30.tinypic.com/27wsllu.jpg


red chief on top

http://i31.tinypic.com/24q6a0k.jpg

[Jackal]

the red xj that drove by with oregon plates was probably jack(jackyl on here) weird he didn't stop though

[Jackal]

That was me. I originally was not planning on making the run due to some previous commitments. Plans changed and I decided to do the Pony Express trail. I left the Chevron / Smiths crossroads at about 10:15 AM, hoping to catch up with the main group. About 100 miles down the road I spotted a mixture of about a dozen Jeeps, etc., parked off the side of the road. I slowed down, glanced at the vehicles and did not recognize any of them, nor did I see Leana or Michael. I thought perhaps they were taking a lunch break and casually waved to the group and got a causal wave back. No frantic waving of arms signally me to stop. I thought the NAXJA group was further ahead of me and was anxious to catch up with them which I never did because now they were behind me. IN hind site, yes, I should have stopped. At least I would have found out they were the group I was looking for. I did see another group of Jeeps etc., parked in the Fish Springs parking lot and didn't recognize any of them either.
I continued on through Gold Hill, into Wendover and back to SLC. Total round trip mileage: 355 miles.

[DrMoab]

http://s120.photobucket.com/albums/o183/JEEPERS_2007/th_NAXJAJanuaryRunPonyExpress2008029.jpg (http://s120.photobucket.com/albums/o183/JEEPERS_2007/th_JanuaryRunPonyExpress2008029.jpg)

http://s120.photobucket.com/albums/o183/JEEPERS_2007/?albumview=slideshow (http://s120.photobucket.com/albums/o183/JEEPERS_2007/?albumview=slideshow)
a little hint. WHen you make a photobucket account don't name a folder anything with naxja in it. If you want it to show up. If you do, shows up like your did above. IF you put them in a differnt album they will work fine.

[justme]

Okay, thanks. I fiddled with the silly thing for at least 30 minutes and couldn't figure it out.

[DrMoab]

Okay, thanks. I fiddled with the silly thing for at least 30 minutes and couldn't figure it out.
yeah for some reason it takes the little naxja and turns it into the bright red NAXJA which then puts it in bold fonts and whatever else. Just a weird glitch

[justme]

http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o183/JEEPERS_2007/PonyExpress/PonyExpressDogpile.jpg

[justme]

http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o183/JEEPERS_2007/PonyExpress/PonyExpressBreakdown.jpg

[justme]

http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o183/JEEPERS_2007/PonyExpress/SEVEN.jpg

[CJJ_98_XJ]

http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o183/JEEPERS_2007/PonyExpress/PonyExpressDogpile.jpg
As a mod/admin of Utah 4x4 Club, I just wanted to point out how we could all learn a lesson from a few of the pics posted, including this one, about staying on the trail. No need to fuel the greenies with more propaganda! I would have thought an organized groups like NAXJA would preach a bit more about proper land use than appears to be going on here.

Posing is fine and dandy, but it has it's place, on the trail. I can't pinpoint the exact location of this pic, but I'd be willing to bet my left ???????? that the road/trail/two-track did not drive right over that rock feature. We will only serve to be our own worst enemies when we can't properly use the land we are fighting for. Perhaps we don't all understand the "rules", but enough of us do that we shouldn't be seeing pics like this posted of illegal and improper use of public lands. Peer enforcement goes a long way here.

[reddevil]

Very well said, and I don't see how anyone could take offence to a gentle reproach.

[luv2offroad]

Thank you! I was thinking of the same thing when I saw the pics but wasn't quite sure how to approach that fact.

[seven]

I guess I am a little at fault since one of my rigs is in the pic. You are correct the trail does not go over the rocks, it drove right past it. and after thinking I guess it was probably wrong of our group to do. Being "off the trail" is still "off the trail" even if by a few feet. I wanted to make some justifications to make it right like "once the snow melts no one will know" or that "none of the rocks were harmed", however we still were "off the trail" and therefore were not treading lightly. I will try to be better in the future.


Neves

[justme]

OOPPSS It never even occurred to me we would be in the wrong on the snow. I've always thought of it like when I go skiing over territory that I wouldn't be allowed to hike on once the snow melts. It would be interesting to see if any tracks do show up in the springtime. Sorry!

[luv2offroad]

OOPPSS It never even occurred to me we would be in the wrong on the snow. I've always thought of it like when I go skiing over territory that I wouldn't be allowed to hike on once the snow melts. It would be interesting to see if any tracks do show up in the springtime. Sorry!

The difference is your jeep weighs a LOT MORE than you do. You skiing over non-hiking territory is not going to do a whole heck of a lot of damage. A multi-ton vehicle with mud-terrain tires will damage, even through some snow.

And it's not necessarily about whether you guys actually left some tracks or caused damage. The issue is that we as a national club promote treading lightly and respecting the land. But your pictures say otherwise. And any "tree hugger" will take that as an opportunity to flame the club, especially if they see the NAXJA logo on any of the vehicles.

[seven]

And it's not necessarily about whether you guys actually left some tracks or caused damage. The issue is that we as a national club promote treading lightly and respecting the land. But your pictures say otherwise. And any "tree hugger" will take that as an opportunity to flame the club, especially if they see the NAXJA logo on any of the vehicles.

As I thought about it this afternoon, this is the realization that happened to me. I don't think we hurt the land, however we were not treading lightly and staying on the trail. Which like luv2offroad stated goes against ourselves.

[Israel]

As I thought about it this afternoon, this is the realization that happened to me. I don't think we hurt the land, however we were not treading lightly and staying on the trail. Which like luv2offroad stated goes against ourselves.

I think that's the point exactly. Not following the policies for the area only helps to increase the rate of closures, even if there is no damage to the area.

Really, I blame myself. If I had only been 10 minutes earlier, I would have been there with you on the trail and would have reminded you to stay on the trail where we belong. :D

[XJSpencer]

I think that's the point exactly. Not following the policies for the area only helps to increase the rate of closures, even if there is no damage to the area.

Really, I blame myself. If I had only been 10 minutes earlier, I would have been there with you on the trail and would have reminded you to stay on the trail where we belong. :D

Well said! Like a true polititian. :D Narrowly dodged that bullet...

[Israel]

Like a true polititian. :D

:peace:"I am not a crook!":peace:

:D