MARCH 21st RUN

[XJBANKER]

We are going to start planning the run for March. The 21st looks to be the best weekend for it. Between Sand Dunes and Moab dates. This will be a New Member friendly run so people dont be scared of coming along. More info to come soon.

[DrMoab]

I guess it's time to start getting this together.

I told the guys in charge that I would put this run together and lead it.

I have a couple ideas, you guys tell me which sounds better.

The first idea I have is doing a Western mountain overlook run. Out on the west side of the GSL there are several mountains which give you some awesome views over the lake and also the salt flats. Black Mountain, which is just north of Delle and Cedar Mountain which is west of there by about five miles. Black mountain has a lot of old mining claims to explore. Doing this we can do a loop which would take us over these two mountains with plenty dirt road exploring.

The second idea was to follow pretty close our path that we did a couple of years ago on our noob run. This would take us out past 5 mile pass, south to Black Canyon, over the top and then down into the tintic mining area.

Lets have a discussion of which area sounds the most appealing to you guys.

[MTNTECH]

Know of any "links" to the areas that we could view to get a better idea of the runs?

[DrMoab]

Know of any "links" to the areas that we could view to get a better idea of the runs?

Not really...all of them are kind of off the beaten path. Its not well traveled areas or popular...which is why I like that country.

[slcpunk74]

Know of any "links" to the areas that we could view to get a better idea of the runs?
sorry too late...

[luv2offroad]

I don't care which one, I'll just be happy to finally get out and do some off-roading in my new jeep. I haven't taken it off-roading yet.

[DaveW]

I vote for the western mountain overlook run.
Are you thinking of the black mountain on the north end of the lake?
Have not been out there yet...

[DrMoab]

I vote for the western mountain overlook run.
Are you thinking of the black mountain on the north end of the lake?
Have not been out there yet...

Its just north of Delle off of I-80

[DaveW]

Its just north of Delle off of I-80
Got ya. Just to common of a name.

So common that there are 2 peaks (40.898, 112.830 and 40.847, -112.799) marked as Black Mountain on 4 miles from each other on that range.:)

The one to the south has a dirt road going to the top. Must be that one.

[XJBANKER]

Either one sounds great. I am just excited to go. Ryan do you have any pictures from your last trip?

[DrMoab]

Nothing that would impress. It was a very dark and smoggy day when we were out there last.

[XJEEPER]

Never wheeled in the area, Black Mtn sounds fun.

[DrMoab]

Never wheeled in the area, Black Mtn sounds fun.

Just so everyone understands, this isn't a hard core type trip. Just dirt road exploring. Although I used low Range to get to the top of that mountain. It's steep a d it's narrow a d it's a long way to the bottom.

[XJEEPER]

Just so everyone understands, this isn't a hard core type trip. Just dirt road exploring. Although I used low Range to get to the top of that mountain. It's steep a d it's narrow a d it's a long way to the bottom.


a d it sou ds like fu too!

[DeadEyeJ]

a d it sou ds like fu too!

We love you, Jeff.

[DrMoab]

a d it sou ds like fu too!

It's called iPhone fat fingered touch screen retardation. It's a problem sweeping the nation.

[jmaxj]

Just so everyone understands, this isn't a hard core type trip. Just dirt road exploring. Although I used low Range to get to the top of that mountain. It's steep a d it's narrow a d it's a long way to the bottom.

does that mean i gotta hurry up and get a t-case in my mj then?

[kidarkitect]

I'd like to come along if possible. Barring any mechanical or work conflicts. How and where would I meet up with the group going?

[DrMoab]

Lets meet at the Flying J off exit 99 of I80 at 9:00AM

They have a big parking lot to the west of thier store. Also people can top off there with fuel and grab any goodies for the day.

[Clint]

I might make this....

[DrMoab]

I might make this....

I'm counting on it. :D

[XJBANKER]

Maybe I will bring my new off road trailer to test it out.

[DaveW]

Maybe I will bring my new off road trailer to test it out.

You just want to show off and make us jealous!!! :D

Do bring, I want to see it.

[kidarkitect]

Does no tow points = problem for this trip? I've gotta hitch in the back but no points in the front yet

[DrMoab]

Does no tow points = problem for this trip? I've gotta hitch in the back but no points in the front yet

I think you should be fine. There isn't much out there to worry about...unless we get two feet of snow.

[luv2offroad]

Does no tow points = problem for this trip? I've gotta hitch in the back but no points in the front yet

No. Heck I've been on several runs with the group without tow hooks or trailer hitch. :D

I've remedied that situation though -- got a new jeep.

[XJEEPER]

Didn't I sell you some towhooks brackets a couple of years ago? :dunno:

[kidarkitect]

no, i'm holding out for an arb or rigidco bumper. the only person ive met in person so far is gravesdigger who i bought my rear axle from.

I just wanted to check because I know that is an important thing to have and some (most) trails its just better not to go on without.

as for another jeep- that would probably cause a divorce, lol.

[luv2offroad]

Didn't I sell you some towhooks brackets a couple of years ago? :dunno:

You did but they wouldn't work on my 95 xj. And now they are on the 98 xj. :) Fit much better on that one.

[slcpunk74]

It's called iPhone fat fingered touch screen retardation. It's a problem sweeping the nation.

Ha ha well it goes the same for fat fingers and the samsung eternity touch screen.

Im in for this run as long as my granps is not doing any worse.

[MTNTECH]

Maybe I will bring my new off road trailer to test it out.

Now you have to bring it, next major mod I am thinking on is a ORT to go with the RTT.

[slcpunk74]

Oh snap! I just remembered Im sending my front shocks in and Im running my buddies lightly valved bilsteins that will be 2" shorter so depending on how bad they ride I guess I might not make it unless I can find a sub.

[XJBANKER]

You just want to show off and make us jealous!!! :D

Do bring, I want to see it.

I am just hopeing that it will be here before then.

[kidarkitect]

crap, i didn't turn in my time off request in time... wont be able to make it this time. I'm bummed I was really looking forward to meeting some of you guys in person and get out to test the new setup

[mnoeltne]

My wife and I will be there. We met a few of you last August at the GeoStash event.

We'll probably show up a little early and do the breakfast buffet at the Flying J restaurant, then meet ya'all out front at 9am.

See ya

[luv2offroad]

Lets meet at the Flying J off exit 99 of I80 at 9:00AM

They have a big parking lot to the west of thier store. Also people can top off there with fuel and grab any goodies for the day.


For those of us who are not Flying J frequenters (or any of out out of towners) could be get a physical address for this Flying J. Sorry, I don't speak exit #'ees

[DrMoab]

For those of us who are not Flying J frequenters (or any of out out of towners) could be get a physical address for this Flying J. Sorry, I don't speak exit #'ees

It's easy. Go west on I-80. Take the Tooele exit, there is only one. It's Exit 99. The first light you come to is where the Flying J is. You can't miss it...its HUGE!

[luv2offroad]

It's easy. Go west on I-80. Take the Tooele exit, there is only one. It's Exit 99. The first light you come to is where the Flying J is. You can't miss it...its HUGE!

Oh, that's why I didn't know where that Flying J was. When I take that exit, I always stop at the truck stop with the AA's. They have the cleanest bathrooms ever.

[DrMoab]

Oh, that's why I didn't know where that Flying J was. When I take that exit, I always stop at the truck stop with the AA's. They have the cleanest bathrooms ever.

Whats an AA?

[ROOK1]

Whats an AA?

The reason why they are the cleanest. :D

[luv2offroad]

Whats an AA?

HA! My daughter says it's a TA truck stop. What do I know? I just stop there when I'm in Tooele.

[DrMoab]

HA! My daughter says it's a TA truck stop. What do I know? I just stop there when I'm in Tooele.

Flying J's are much nicer. They actually give you your own tiled in stall with a real wood door. You don't even need to worry about Politicians tapping their feet in the next stall.

[luv2offroad]

The TA bathrooms are the same. We women don't have to worry about that politician foot tapping thing. HA! See you at the Flying J. Then I'll let you know who has the cleanest bathrooms. :D

[X1994J]

What time do you guys estimate being back by so I can plan for it?Probably going to have the kids with. What kind of stuff is there to explore out there? Ghost towns? What type of things. Thanks.

[MoabXJeeper]

I've remedied that situation though -- got a new jeep.

I think your daughter had some influence on that decision? :D

[luv2offroad]

I think your daughter had some influence on that decision? :D

Yes, I do think that had a lot to do with my decision to purchase a different jeep.

[TooeleXJ]

FYI...it looks like there will be a few rigs from Utah4x4 to join you all. I will be out of town...have fun

[DrMoab]

What time do you guys estimate being back by so I can plan for it?Probably going to have the kids with. What kind of stuff is there to explore out there? Ghost towns? What type of things. Thanks.

There is a bit of old mine relics out that way. For the most part this will be a run mostly for the views.

As far as time goes, I really don't know. We will be close to the freeway a lot of the time so if anyone needed to bug out early it shouldn't be an issue.

[X1994J]

Sounds great. Thanks. I will be there for sure, Plus one other, possibly two other Jeeps. :cheers:

[fosforito_one]

So I'm back and the cherokee is ROCK'N but Im pretty sure I have my first drill this weekend since comming home so I dont think I will be able to make it to this weekends run. I will keep checking online for future trips though.

Also if anyone is in the UT valley area and likes to play in the foot hills or other near by areas hit me up and we can go get some!:cheers:

[xjblue]

I'll be riding shotgun again with Kyle this time, and sounds like his friend who's XJ they just lifted will be coming too.

They don't have CB's yet, I can bring a couple GMRS radio's or try and find my old handheld and see if we can get it to work.

[luv2offroad]

*****This event is tomorrow*****

Meet at 9AM at Flying J in Tooele.
CB Channel 34

[DaveW]

See you in the morning...

[DrMoab]

Anyone want to caravan from my house? Leaving 8:15 sharp.

[XJEEPER]

Prolly be by about that time, but I'm bringing the whole fam......don't wait for me, just check your blind spot.

[luv2offroad]

We had a GREAT turnout for our annual Newb run -- 18 total vehicles to start out. The scenery was --uhmmm -- dusty, shall we say. The land out there could use a little bit of rain. Several dropped off for various reasons along the way, but most made it through to the end. Everyone seemed to have a good time. No casualties. Thanks Clint for coming all the way from Flagstaff to take over the helm of the trip!!

Exiting at Delle
http://i212.photobucket.com/albums/cc305/luv2offroad2/Delle%2003%2009/DelleExit.jpg

http://i212.photobucket.com/albums/cc305/luv2offroad2/Delle%2003%2009/DelleExit2.jpg


Beginning of trail -- air down time.
http://i212.photobucket.com/albums/cc305/luv2offroad2/Delle%2003%2009/Roundup.jpg

http://i212.photobucket.com/albums/cc305/luv2offroad2/Delle%2003%2009/Roundup2.jpg

http://i212.photobucket.com/albums/cc305/luv2offroad2/Delle%2003%2009/Roundup3.jpg

We were promised great scenery -- but this is what we saw. Tons of DUST!! There were some points where we had to slow down to keep from possibly hitting the jeep in front of us because we couldn't see them.
http://i212.photobucket.com/albums/cc305/luv2offroad2/Delle%2003%2009/MoreScenery.jpg

Stop #1 -- everyone climbed the hill to look at the views of the valleys around.
http://i212.photobucket.com/albums/cc305/luv2offroad2/Delle%2003%2009/Stop1.jpg

http://i212.photobucket.com/albums/cc305/luv2offroad2/Delle%2003%2009/Morestop1.jpg

Lunch time
http://i212.photobucket.com/albums/cc305/luv2offroad2/Delle%2003%2009/Lunch.jpg

http://i212.photobucket.com/albums/cc305/luv2offroad2/Delle%2003%2009/Lunch2.jpg

End of the trail for some of us. (Notice Dave that Von still has that sticker on his side mirror. Obviously he never knew it was there.)
http://i212.photobucket.com/albums/cc305/luv2offroad2/Delle%2003%2009/Endoftrip.jpg

Now we will spend the next week trying to get all the dust out of every nook and cranny of our jeeps -- inside and out.

[X1994J]

We had a great time! This was the first time i've been out with the naxja group, great bunch of people. My cousin and his in-laws felt a little out of place at first being the only two wranglers :bawl:..... but they had a good time and everyone made them feel part of the group. I'll keep working on converting them :cheers:. We had to head out a little early due to time restraints, no hard feelings I hope, just wanted to tell everyone thanks and we had a good time, we'll see you on the next run!

[DrMoab]

I feel bad about the dust. On a sparkling clear day the views from the tops of the peaks out there are outstanding.

But till someone figures out a weather switch...you take whats given to you I guess.

[XJBANKER]

We had a great time. Gabby was awesome in the Jeep. We even forgot the charger to the DVD player and she didn't care, just moooooooed at the cows instead. Thanks to everyone who showed up and a special thanks to Ryan and Clint for showing us a good time, views and getting us home safe.

[MoabXJeeper]

Nice pictures Rebeckah, (my jeep is in every picture except one, haha) and kudos for getting them up and posted so quickly! I had a great times and hope to be out with NAXJA again soon. Thanks to everyone for making it a great day!

[XJEEPER]

Thanks Clint and Ryan, for the scenic tour of the West Desert. Could have done without the dust and wind, but rain would have made it worse! (Mud hater) Good to see ya'll and met some new folk as well.

[tuxxj]

I just got in. Had a great time and got to see some new country and meet with some good people. I stayed out in Skull Valley geocaching and found 12 for the day. I didn't get back on to the freeway until 7:30. Thanx all for a great day.

[jmaxj]

looked like you guys had more fun than i did(wrenching on the jeep all day)and did i see a shiny red xj resembling giftons?

[XJEEPER]

Sportin' street tires and a chrome grill too, G was there in style.

[jmaxj]

Sportin' street tires and a chrome grill too, G was there in style.

he must have been lost:D

[JeeperG]

he must have been lost:D They see me rollin. :D

[MTNTECH]

Great run with good turnout, thanks for leading us Clint and Ryan. Had a good time even if it was a little dusty.

[xjblue]

It would be out of character for me to post pics already so here is just a link. :cool:

http://rides.webshots.com/album/570640383GfxynN?vhost=rides

BTW, before we got back to I-80 Kyle's rig sheered a rear ujoint strap. Thanks to mtntech for the plastic bag and zip ties and following us back as we did the "front wheel drive" thing home. Once back in the Salt Lake Valley before we got off of U-201 there started to be a random slippage from the drivetrain, it seemed to get more frequent so he went more easy on the gas and with less torque strain on the drivetrain we limped carefully all the way to his place in the south end of the valley without further incident.

[XJEEPER]

It would be out of character for me to post pics already so here is just a link. :cool:

http://rides.webshots.com/album/570640383GfxynN?vhost=rides

BTW, before we got back to I-80 Kyle's rig sheered a rear ujoint strap. Thanks to mtntech for the plastic bag and zip ties and following us back as we did the "front wheel drive" thing home. Once back in the Salt Lake Valley before we got off of U-201 there started to be a random slippage from the drivetrain, it seemed to get more frequent so he went more easy on the gas and with less torque strain on the drivetrain we limped carefully all the way to his place in the south end of the valley without further incident.

Yikes, random slippage doesn't sound good. Did the front wheel drive thing from Moab to Ogden once in my 89 ......which was once too many. Glad you made it back OK. Cool shots, as usual.

[Clint]

It was a good weekend. I was impressed with the turnout for a West Desert run! I hope that follows through to the next where there might be some good wheeling or pretty scenery :)
Also I think some of you enjoyed seeing some places you've never been and also seeing how desolate the West Desert of Utah really is. OH and now you've seen the area that the politicians are always talking about in Utah these days, there really is nothing out there ! Thanks guys it was fun.

[XJEEPER]

Didn't take many shots, due to the wind and dust. This is one of several Jeeps in front of me.
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w52/XJEEPER1/Trail%20Shots/IMG_1030.jpg

And several Jeeps behind me.....

http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w52/XJEEPER1/Trail%20Shots/IMG_1029.jpg

And some rocks, imbedded in another rock. (As you may have guessed, I'm not a geologist)
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w52/XJEEPER1/Trail%20Shots/IMG_1045.jpg

[xjblue]

a little write up I did,
written for sharing on other forums...


NAXJA IC NW Desert Run March 2009


The Intermountain Chapter of NAXJA (North American XJ/MJ Association) informal March / new member introduction run to the mountain ranges and desert valleys of northern Utah just west of the Great Salt Lake.

I rode shotgun with a friend for this one. We met up with the group on Saturday morning at the exit 99 flying J then re-grouped about an hour later at Delle.

The Delle exit eyes, and an excellent turn out.
http://inlinethumb41.webshots.com/39784/2041318500043863621S425x425Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2041318500043863621seJLOQ) http://inlinethumb56.webshots.com/44855/2385816150043863621S425x425Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2385816150043863621Yadbwm)

Our knowledgable leaders took us a short drive west then north through the dust and up countless fun switchbacks to our first point of interest, the comunications crowned top of Black Mountain on the south end of the Lakeside Mountains.
http://inlinethumb01.webshots.com/14976/2439657870043863621S425x425Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2439657870043863621qFTxch) http://inlinethumb27.webshots.com/17434/2895972760043863621S425x425Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2895972760043863621HxEEQa) http://inlinethumb20.webshots.com/30675/2180060530043863621S425x425Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2180060530043863621ZwpZkj)

http://inlinethumb33.webshots.com/24736/2877256600043863621S425x425Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2877256600043863621oQEeXy) http://inlinethumb36.webshots.com/44003/2032446540043863621S425x425Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2032446540043863621lkbjPC)

After enjoying the view before the dust clouds in front of a late winter storm blew in, we retraced our tracks to Delle for a pit stop then they led us off to the west this time on the south side of I-80. We turned south and ran along the slopes between Skull Valley and the Cedar range eating plenty of dust along the way.

[xjblue]

http://inlinethumb16.webshots.com/43087/2794270090043863621S425x425Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2794270090043863621cACrFq) http://inlinethumb11.webshots.com/25290/2413275990043863621S425x425Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2413275990043863621TWheXI)

Then we drove up in to the Cedar Mountains towards Hastings Pass, stopping along the way for lunch, a few in the group pressed on to make it a shorter day.

http://inlinethumb06.webshots.com/12613/2805381520043863621S425x425Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2805381520043863621AWyOFk) http://inlinethumb49.webshots.com/44208/2167510210043863621S425x425Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2167510210043863621weXsnE)

After lunch we were quickly through the pass and out on the west slope of the Cedars driving past grazing horses and one of the incinerator plants. They led us north again across I-80 and east along the frontage road, with more dust, then north right up the middle of Puddle Valley about halfway before angling west and towards the Grassy Mountains.

The winding two track road up and over the Grassy Mountains makes a nice loop and wasn't graded like the rest of our route had been. The views should be great, the Newfoundlands are normally viewable but all we could see in any direction was dust and dust clouds.

http://inlinethumb44.webshots.com/44523/2406355360043863621S425x425Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2406355360043863621lToaGS) http://inlinethumb02.webshots.com/41921/2747505050043863621S425x425Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2747505050043863621KZlRkd)

After we dropped back out of the Grassy Mountains further north we took the graded dirt roads basically east until arriving at the paved Puddle Valley Highway. Our group split up, many continuing on to drive around the east side of the Lakeside Mountains and others taking the pavement home, we did the latter and before reaching I-80 lost a rear driveline then drove home in front wheel drive. It was a great run, good sunshine and friends on a warm spring day and some new to me country wich is always the best, inspite of some dust.

http://inlinethumb37.webshots.com/43300/2941227940043863621S425x425Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2941227940043863621ehdILe) http://inlinethumb59.webshots.com/43834/2150879690043863621S425x425Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2150879690043863621jJCjEd)

More photos to see on the full album.
http://rides.webshots.com/album/570640383GfxynN?vhost=rides