Camping 'n Wheeling
March 12, 2005

Welding 'n Wheeling
February 19, 2005

Five Mile Pass
January 22, 2005

On the 22nd of January, the UTAH Offroad & Outdoors Club gathered at Camp Floyd State Park - near Five Mile Pass. The event began with one of the members replacing a U-joint about 15 miles before the designated meeting area. It was obvious enough that it was "our" group, and most of us pulled over until the drive shaft was installed and caravanned the rest of the way to the meeting area.

Steve Jackson kicked off the event with introductions, pictures, and a few minutes of meet-n-greet. A few of the group members were able to re-acquaint with one another, while the rest met for the first time in person. The group was able to hit it off quickly, as most off roaders have many things in common aside from off road adventuring. It was obvious that the group was family oriented, as there were 7 children, 3 spouses, and 3 dogs.

The vehicles were as follows: (1) Jeep TJ , (1) Mitsubishi Montero Sport , (1) Nissan Xterra, (1) Land Rover Series IIA, (1) Full Size Ford Bronco, (3) International Scout IIs, and (1) International Scout 800.

After socializing for a few minutes, we lined up and followed Steve to a trail with an old abandoned building. Listed on the map as "ruins", it was somewhat anti-climactic, especially for the kids. Next, the train headed to a trail head that leads to the ghost town of Manning. Unfortunately, the forest service is in the process of finishing a reclamation project on the road, and it was gated.

In an effort to please our "inner child", the group started up a narrow series of trails, or more accurately pathways, hoping to end up back on the road to Manning. Unfortunately, the trail narrowed, and became less and less appealing to the group. At one point, Sean's locked and loaded TJ mis-placed the passenger side wheels, and started sliding down a precarious hill. ARB air lockers proved unhelpful, as there was no bite to the tires on the upside of the slope. Luckily, it was easy work once the tow straps came out.

Back on course, the group-ocracy decided to head back to the trail head, and look for obstacles, play in the mud, and eat. On the way down, Chris's full sized Bronco obtained some custom body work from a not so conspicuous branch, and also tore a sidewall. The group was able to put on the spare, and everyone made it out okay. Chris, lacking a useable spare, decided to head out.

John and his Xterra found the next area, a pit. This amphitheater-like area was a lot of fun with outstanding inclines that afforded a couple of our members the opportunity to get high-centered. The earth was soft, and in the end, the machines prevailed. The group enjoyed the pit for a while, and pulled over to chat. The dogs were able to get acquainted, and the kids had an opportunity to play in the pit. One of the Scout IIs developed a power steering leak, but the pump was quickly quenched with some DOT 3 brake fluid. It was determined that we would check out one more area, and call it a day. When we left the pit, Tyler and his Series IIA (along with passengers Jason Morton, his wife Karla and dog Scout), and Drew (with his 3 children) and his Montero decided to call it quits.

Our last effort, proved our most worthy. We decided to head out to the 3+ rated Rattlesnake Gulch trail, to really put forth some effort. We ended up not finding it, but had an extremely enjoyable time trying. Steep inclines and declines, a mix of mud, rock, loose soil, and shale provided a great variety in trail terrain. Most were very pleased to see the ability of their vehicles, and our veterans lead the way with confidence. The remaining group crawled its way up the rim of the mountain, and stopped at a favorable place to discuss the remainder of the day. It was decided to head back down to the network of dirt roads, and after some scouting, the most favorable way was determined.

Dennis "Kamikaze" Jones scouted the trail, and was the first to descend. It began with some very steep declines, followed by a narrow canyon that offered many off-camber opportunities. All the vehicles made it out unscathed. The general attitude was high, and most found a new respect for the ability of their vehicles. Most found new limits, and attained well deserved esteem for the veterans who pushed the rest of the group.

The day ended for most at a different Five Mile Pass trailhead, the originally sought Rattle Snake Gulch road. The tenacious John and his Xterra went on alone, in search of another ghost town.

The area was outstanding, the company even better. Friendships were gained, and everyone unanimously agreed that another event is in order.

Special thanks to Steve Jackson, the organizer of UOOC, and creator of UtahOffroad.com. Even bigger thanks to everyone who came out to support the inaugural event! If you are looking for a quality, fun group to associate with, UOOC will certainly fit that bill.

View the full photo album for the January get-together here.