Moab 2008

Easter Crawl

This year’s Easter Jeep Safari brought some new challenges to both new and existing Edge members alike! That coupled with unbeatable weather made for a very memorable trip.

The week started with Artimus kicking things off with Rose Garden Hill on Monday. Art, Cheryl and Chloe boarded the trusty WJ…with the guidance of the Red Rockers they tackled one of Moab’s most notorious hill climbs! The trail was fun and not terribly challenging until they encountered the Primo Obstacle…Rose Garden Hill, according to Art. After encountering tons of loose rock and ledges on the way up the carnage began… While climbing a very though section, a loud bang rang out from near the front of RPM’S Grand Cherokee. After realizing the toughest section was yet to come, the best option was to be pulled DOWN the hill as opposed to UP. This was very tough given the narrow trail and the major obstacles that were just encountered on the way up. Slowly they made it all the way down, and limped it back to town. Fortunately they were able to find parts and help in camp to repair the broken front axle on the WJ.

Wednesday’s trail was Fins and Things with Traski joining Art for the run with the Red Rockers… The Fins-N-Things were not in short supply. This trail has more ups and downs than our Denver Broncos!!! Artimus had an added element to excitement to the trail by not having 4 wheel drive! He won best obstacle of the trail picture at Action Shots by taking his WJ up Kenny’s Climb in 2 wheel drive. He completed it with just the two rear wheels on the ground during part of the climb!!!

Thursday we made our way around 7 mile rim! The views are simply breathtaking near the top of the rim. We all gathered for some great photo opps as well as a much needed 10-100 break. We continued on with an amazing variety of terrain. We found rock ledges to climb, vast sections of slick rock. Nearly ¾ of the way thorough the trail is probably the most interesting section though! As you look forward, you’re thinking to yourself “wow those tracks on the side of that rock look interesting”. Soon you realize that the trail is nearly vertical ahead of you!!! Wowzers, over a 28 degree angle will get a vehicle with any amount of lift a little “Pucker Power”! After you nearly wet yourself, its time to dry off on “Wipe out Hill”! Wicked going down, but even wickeder going up! The rest of the trail is beautiful and varied as you drop down lots of shelves, cross soft sand, and continue though a couple of streams. What a trail and what at trip… Worth every minute!!! Cant wait til’ next year!!! Cheers!!! Christoper…