Arizona Fall VX Gathering II...Trip report

[Triathlete]

My wife and I (Triathlete) arrived at the Worlds Smallest Musuem at 9:30 am after cruising up from Tucson With Jeff (TucsonVX). Hung out till the whole gang arrived...Bob (VXCaver), Victor (VCamilo) and Sara, and all the way from New York Val (impalerv)!
After eatting some good food from the Buckboard City Cafe we checked out the musuem and the waterfall avenue. Some pretty creative use of "stuff" to make some waterfalls! About 11:00 we all mounted our mighty VX's and rolled out of town in search of the trail head. We hit the trail and soon found that the summer rain (which apparently was quite heavy this year) had made the trail a "LITTLE" tougher than I remember it being last year! We slowly mae our way through one obstacle after another. One in particular had a few wanting to have a trail leader linching! ;eeky; Val had got a little stuck when some jeep people showed up. They told us that we might want to turn around becausethe trail just keeps getting worse.It must be a jeep thing! With there creative help we got Val over the obstacle and moved out of the way to let the jeepers go through (they were going down we were going up...apparently we were doing it the harder way). At this point we also found that a Mohave Green Rattlesnake, the most venomous type in Arizona, had been hanging out in VERY close proximity to where we had been standing. He apparently wanted to cross the trail there and we were in his way...rattles blasting we got the point! We decided to walk the trail a bit and make a group decision as to weather the trail was going to be too hard...after all we were in VX's not wimpy jeeps! Okay so those highly modified and built jeeps were far from wimpy! We didn't see anything that looked like it was going to keep us from going forward so we decided to go for it. We trudged along to the top of Hackberry Creek and decided to set up camp there. It took us as long to get to this point (about 1/2 way) as it did for us to do the whole trail last year. Val didn't relize we were going to camp but his fellow VX'ers had enough food to share, an extra blanket and we taught him a new (to him) way to make his VX into a somewhat comfy bed...back seats folded down flat. At a bit over 6 foot it wasn't the best but it got the job done. We sat around and shared some stories then got some sleep. Couldn't have asked for better sleep weather. Woke up ate some camp breakfast, took some pics then packed up camp. Once on the trail we found that the tough parts weren't completely behind us yet. We slowly crept along the trail and with some creative driving and at some points a little gas pedal made our way to the end of the trail. No serious damage was sustained by anyone other than a few new dents in the skid plates and some new Arizona pin stripes complements of the very over grown (yep, lots of rain causes this also) brush. After airing up we headed back into town and got some pizza...Thank You Very Much Val for picking up the tab! We then said our goodbyes...Val, Victor and Sara then headed off towards Phoenix and Me, Bob, and Jeff caravaned back to Tucson. Thats my story and I'm sticking too it no matter what the others say :rolly2:
Pics will be up soon.


I'll let Bob tell the story of how he got lost on the road on the way to the pizza place! :laughy:

I hope everyone had a good time...and I didn't scare anyone away from the next trip! :bwgy:

[Triathlete]

The meeting spot...The Worlds Smallest Musuem and the crazy "waterfalls"
The tire waterfall with the wife...
http://pstr-r01.ygpweb.aol.com/data/pictures/03/00E/6E/AD/63/05/-aIzZgsC9Yxku4IWOp9hOABU7IgzIDDN0300.jpg
Wheelbarrow falls...
http://pstr-d05.ygpweb.aol.com/data/pictures/01/002/40/BD/F5/62/QU6ucbf3le4L-taommxwyUHxuZcTlhfa0300.jpg
The musuem...
http://pstr-d05.ygpweb.aol.com/data/pictures/01/003/00/8C/B5/80/+oK+7AI75RxaBeqyddNhGxCG-y95kWcj0300.jpg
Musuem display...Three stooges beer!
http://pstr-d04.ygpweb.aol.com/data/pictures/01/00A/11/4B/19/33/smrb8byHFotiNNRzFCP5WfLMjI6kvqm20300.jpg
Presidential campaign buttons for "winners" and "losers" for every year since 1948...
http://pstr-d05.ygpweb.aol.com/data/pictures/01/009/2B/BD/25/3E/5DxRq-5O6cibYtwnmm8KTA3JKnI680Xc0300.jpg

[Triathlete]

Everyone eatting lunch on the patio...
http://pstr-r02.ygpweb.aol.com/data/pictures/02/017/7F/FB/15/F3/I7xA5450fWlITSquGpz2VHlbdp+jPo3e0300.jpg
The line up...
http://pstr-r02.ygpweb.aol.com/data/pictures/02/018/69/EF/58/DD/iubX5rUkmTQ8MWTFeg8ymePGaAJ2OSZ60300.jpg
And the fun begins...
http://pstr-d05.ygpweb.aol.com/data/pictures/01/00E/78/56/09/1E/gn20t0wq1lujNt43V5kcZpTODf25G27L0300.jpg
Bob having "FUN"...
http://pstr-d05.ygpweb.aol.com/data/pictures/01/008/7D/73/94/F1/yn7zXzEwoMuKb8xNqsf38X+iImLX2VdL0300.jpg

[Triathlete]

Jeff trying to avoid the brush
http://pstr-d04.ygpweb.aol.com/data/pictures/01/00C/34/4A/BB/F8/XUxAZFCogw01m+Tc5slLueW+xuHmTMYQ0300.jpg
Val getting a first hand education about Az. trails...
http://pstr-d04.ygpweb.aol.com/data/pictures/01/005/76/86/72/C0/skMowcgZWH6rlg9ajW5pN1lfXClHw8w40300.jpg
Victor flexing...
http://pstr-r02.ygpweb.aol.com/data/pictures/02/017/0F/F7/BE/31/MwKLX2hmgxMox-PCC5OxcM+wOttQqPHh0300.jpg
Me "rockhopping"
http://pstr-d05.ygpweb.aol.com/data/pictures/01/004/30/23/22/26/Az54GE4cGeqeuu+6msbLV6fA-jOttY4I0300.jpg

[Triathlete]

The trail starts to get "interesting"
http://pstr-d05.ygpweb.aol.com/data/pictures/01/00E/58/83/0B/09/iQpk6q7F3vb-XUXAGbPlr53taZpkqmUm0300.jpg
Hello Bob!
http://pstr-d04.ygpweb.aol.com/data/pictures/01/00E/54/C8/CC/01/AB8vlyUrtb+7wH3kbJ4lVpWgTiZtqCYr0300.jpg

http://pstr-r01.ygpweb.aol.com/data/pictures/03/001/65/EC/CC/CE/GhOpI1nd8uj9Vdmsc5b4ENmHwj6k9ler0300.jpg
"No Bob, I won't move ALL the rocks out of your way!"
http://pstr-r02.ygpweb.aol.com/data/pictures/02/01E/22/DD/DE/E1/cJ6K-T3fmOyTRzLlltiMiu-BFwjwvx+w0300.jpg

[Triathlete]

Random trail pic...
http://pstr-r01.ygpweb.aol.com/data/pictures/03/004/7F/FB/A4/00/SALH5H+CuXcBMdblLIktlLhBOvlg9FUU0300.jpg
Love my newish tires (actually got them for Moab)...
http://pstr-d04.ygpweb.aol.com/data/pictures/01/00D/2B/AA/8B/52/A12ej6OnEHc14mGB99VT03QBCbRfyiri0300.jpg
Snaking our way up Hackberry Creek...
http://pstr-d05.ygpweb.aol.com/data/pictures/01/005/1E/77/95/F7/+YVoOGfRANGbj+a8ky33fSuSUV7fqbxq0300.jpg
Val doing a little flexing...
http://pstr-r01.ygpweb.aol.com/data/pictures/03/001/1F/7B/2D/33/cd+MLsD6009ef7aXWPZxxOWyWXYs+-U90300.jpg

[Triathlete]

http://pstr-r01.ygpweb.aol.com/data/pictures/04/039/7C/3E/44/5A/opmvdZKqrfoc5vvHywGJCp9BotYJCpFn0300.jpg
Camping VX style...
http://pstr-r01.ygpweb.aol.com/data/pictures/03/00C/79/BE/61/98/quckBa2erTYCk82azlkY9L1HrUlvUrU00300.jpg
Our neighbors for the night...
http://pstr-d04.ygpweb.aol.com/data/pictures/01/004/26/48/57/87/ifL02tYcUQI6urtUFZdDCf61d8-tzOWW0300.jpg

http://pstr-d05.ygpweb.aol.com/data/pictures/01/009/52/14/F5/F5/7aCPFSYDm30MYGpad8VMWGfNhJggp6Mu0300.jpg

[Triathlete]

The sun setting...
http://pstr-r03.ygpweb.aol.com/data/pictures/03/02D/5F/E2/C1/71/at+C-caC6s6efH8ZYXLwOCI7DHvZ59aM0300.jpg

http://pstr-r03.ygpweb.aol.com/data/pictures/03/028/4F/DF/A3/B9/YzP38C78ALAmHpzHp8nCNzN5vggd057-0300.jpg

http://pstr-d05.ygpweb.aol.com/data/pictures/01/006/4B/12/65/C7/izRA88gGZh6rXYZv2nz0s9E-zq7c+Fe70300.jpg
The goodyear blimp aerial view...
http://pstr-d04.ygpweb.aol.com/data/pictures/01/007/73/D7/DF/55/mWDo5Nk02+24vDPAyJEYJy8npyxV0ESI0300.jpg

[Triathlete]

Day 2 begins easy enough...
http://pstr-r02.ygpweb.aol.com/data/pictures/02/01D/4F/FF/76/BE/aoO1-VbNaJZ0wkVYoFtpDdfl0A9Wxq-N0300.jpg
The beautifull desert...
http://pstr-d05.ygpweb.aol.com/data/pictures/01/002/50/D0/FC/1A/Em4Nz05sM8qHl9RdgurDDMbqH8MaIHG30300.jpg
The rear view...
http://pstr-r02.ygpweb.aol.com/data/pictures/02/01D/6D/EF/AA/76/T0IR+kU5opFDN6mNXZ6fllt-Uxz51sMN0300.jpg
Did Victor drive down this?
http://pstr-r01.ygpweb.aol.com/data/pictures/03/00D/4D/F2/EA/44/9nUhrT6kILLOiwvjQAXzE7HC08CZKOE-0300.jpg

[Triathlete]

Going up...
http://pstr-r03.ygpweb.aol.com/data/pictures/03/02A/37/FC/55/EA/czgXfpV9ZZnr189TDYlbzTPLLnCBYAzI0300.jpg

http://pstr-r03.ygpweb.aol.com/data/pictures/03/024/7C/D5/15/C4/Jlp28rgrvUOBA4K4Rf+EltjDN4Bv0IcT0300.jpg
Its just a "little" bump Bob!
http://pstr-r03.ygpweb.aol.com/data/pictures/03/024/6F/7D/6E/66/QKHtiXgGdivUtWM7X13W5oz8x5XLUAQZ0300.jpg
Group shot...
http://pstr-r03.ygpweb.aol.com/data/pictures/03/023/5F/FA/12/F0/BmJwMezQxTJrxAJocdval+rWBP5FEkai0300.jpg
Beautifull ***-ends...
http://pstr-d05.ygpweb.aol.com/data/pictures/01/002/26/D4/C0/96/T-9JvGI1ODcz5IyeB95ppnXCiA-Zi7aS0300.jpg

[Triathlete]

Little creatures of the sun...
http://pstr-r01.ygpweb.aol.com/data/pictures/03/008/5A/DE/E6/54/w35fQijmPO0+0cwrn3KmwBAAcAvqJRyh0300.jpg
One last hill...
http://pstr-r03.ygpweb.aol.com/data/pictures/03/027/4B/DF/F1/C9/54bg7hHiR+ONnt7lcV-9IZeGSth6bbSS0300.jpg
Thats it for me...I'm sure the others got some good shots to add!

[TJ04]

Hey it looks like you guys had a great time! I hear you guys came across some wimpy Jeeps. I was one of them! ;) No offense taken, it's all in good fun! :) At least you guys are enjoying what we Jeepers love to do, and that's wheeling in the great outdoors.

Glad to see you guys made it out okay. Did that other guy end up staying with you or did he leave? I was leaning right on that boulder where that rattler was. Talk about a close call! :eek:

Powerline/Hackberry Creek is one of my favorite trails and I run it at least once a month. It's amazing what the rains have done to the trail in just a two month period.

You may have heard that sadly this trail may not be open to the public in the near future due to a proposed copper mine in the area. If a bill is passed to give this protected national forest land to the copper industry it will come true.

The area is also a favorite spot for rock climbers. Did you get to see Devil's Canyon from the short side trip just east of the green valley. Awesome views! This is where rock climbers and mountaineers come from all over the world to climb those massive rock columns. You won't catch me doing that! :eek:

Anyway here is a link to where you can write to your congressman and let him or her know why they should not give this land to the copper industry.

http://www.friendsofqueencreek.com/FoQC_news.htm

Hopefully all of us who enjoy trails like this can make a difference.

So when you see one of us WIMPY JEEPS on the trail, just give us a big wave! You know it's a Jeep thing don't ya! ;)

Oh here's a link to some pics from our trip

http://photobucket.com/albums/b208/ddawg_/

Happy Wheeling and remember Tread Lightly,
TJ04

[VCAMILO]

Oh! yeah! I remeber you guys... Wimpy Jeeps? Who said that... yeah Val stayed with us and we ran the loop. Thanks for posting you pictures TJ04. Happy trails. ;)

Vic ( on of the VX guys)

[VXcaver]

First off... I didn't get lost on the way to Pizza! I just missunderremembered the route for a moment!

Great trip! A real character builder! I think we (stock vxs) were in a little over our heads in a few spots, but overall the trail was doable and very exciting. And the camping spot was peaceful and full of evidence of Native American habitation.

I won't add to Billy's trip report, except those who love the backcountry should get involved in helping protect this area, as TJ04 has brought to our attention the proposed copper mine. For those who haven't seen what copper mining does to a region, I'll see if I can dig up some photos from my archives. Arizonans are fortunate to have a state full of beautiful, largely unspoiled lands, and copper mining is just about the worst imaginable outcome for a place like this.

A few more pics:

Impalerv centered on a rock...
http://www.digitalbrushstrokes.com/images/vx/centered.jpg

Jeff TucsonVX climbing the crumbly rock ledge, not seeing his vehicle slipping over the edge, until now...!
http://www.digitalbrushstrokes.com/images/vx/jeff.jpg

Victor rock climbing, no rope needed.
http://www.digitalbrushstrokes.com/images/vx/victor1.jpg

Impalerv negotiating the rocks -
http://www.digitalbrushstrokes.com/images/vx/val1.jpg

Our campsite in an incredible valley.
http://www.digitalbrushstrokes.com/images/vx/campsite2.jpg

Me, Victor borrowed my camera, thanks Victor!
http://www.digitalbrushstrokes.com/images/vx/vxcaver2.jpg

And this strange one I found on my camera of Billy taking a picture at sunset. Hmmm?
http://www.digitalbrushstrokes.com/images/vx/ufo.jpg

[Triathlete]

TJ04...nice seeing you guys out there. I know you know my statements are all in good jest! I have many jeep friends! We appreciated your help out on the trail. Your expierienced minds were thinking a little better than ours. Val made the whole trip with us. Didn't take the side trip. Pretty much took the Az Backroads route. And yeah, you got a little close to that rattler before he decided to give warning. Did all of you guys go up and over the section of trail that goes up near the powerlines? That looked pretty whicked! Also thanks for the info on the impending mine intrusion. They were already drilling near the Superior entrance where we entered/exited. It would be a real shame to see that trail turned into a huge pit. Again thanks.

[TJ04]

Likewise Triathelete! We should do a run together sometime. I'm planning a run to the Coke Ovens/Box Canyon trail when it cools off a little? It's a great trail that stock 4X4 vehicles can do fine. You and your group are welcome to tag along. I'll let you know when it will be later on. It will probably be more towards the end of October to early November.

Only me and another guy went up that nasty section. The others took the bypass. I have made it up that one obstacle several times in the past but have not been able to the last two times I've been up there. It's amazing how water can move huge boulders around. I had to winch myself and the other guy up that obstacle before proceeding up the Boulder garden. We had a blast!

I give you guys a lot of credit for taking those VX's where you did! Great pics!

Hopefully I'll see you guys on the trail again!

Until next time, Wheel On VX'ers!! ;)

TJ04

[Triathlete]

So, which of these best describes this trail?


3.5 Challenging 4WD trail: Challenging trails on which low range 4WD is required. You will encounter a variety of more difficult challenges (loose rocks, large potholes, steep inclines, and large rocks) on these trails. Not recommended with stock 4WD vehicle. Traction device (limited slip) in rear differential, aggressive tread and low air pressure highly recommended. Higher than stock ground clearance is advisable. Moderate experience and driving skill advised. Likely paint damage, possible rocker-panel damage

OR


4.0 Difficult trail: These trails traverse very rugged terrain; low-range 4WD is required. Higher than stock ground clearance is required. Aggressive tread and low air pressure are required. Traction Devices (Lockers or limited-slip) in the differentials (front and rear), lift, and larger tires are highly recommended. These trails require above average Off-Road driving skills. High-Lift jacks and winches would also be helpful. There will likely be paint damage and possible vehicle body and/or mechanical damage

OR


4.5 Extreme trail: These trails cross extremely rugged terrain with very steep inclines, large boulders, and potentially dangerous situations. These trails require modified vehicles, including lift, lockers, and over-sized tires. A High level of Off-Road driving skill is required. There will likely be paint damage, possible vehicle body and/or mechanical damage. There are possibilities of rollovers. Winches are recommended.

;Dy; ;eeky; :smack:

[Triathlete]

TJ04, I'll keep that trip in mind. We ran that trail about a year ago and at that time it wasn't bad at all. Heck, e even had a jeep with us! J/K! If its the last weekend of Oct I'll be missing it though since I'll be in your backyard racing (Tempe actually).
Do you guys have a website that you generally hang out on?

[TJ04]

I would rate the trail a 3.5 to 3.5+, the obstacle and boulder garden after it is a good 4.

We hang out on http://www.virtualjeepclub.com/

You'll find out that we are a friendly group and have several non jeepers. Just be prepared for some friendly razzing. We do it all the time after a run, it's all part of the fun! ;)

[Triathlete]

That was one of the first web sites I found when I started wheeling! And as you can tell we do our share of razzing also! Other places I can be found are Pirate, wheeling Arizona and the 4x4wire all under the same name.

[TJ04]

That's cool, I'm Desertdawg on the AZVJC.

I'll be in Tucson Oct 15th running Char Gap. I heard it's a good trail. Looking forward to it.

Is that the Rock & Roll marathon in Tempe your racing or something else?

How long have you been in Tucson? I retired from the Air Force at DM. Used to live off of Cortaro Rd. That area sure has changed!

[Triathlete]

Will be doing the SOMA Half Ironman. I am on the far SW side of Tucson. Lived here over 30 years.

[TucsonVX]

Let me get those small rocks out of your way
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/IMG_06341.JPG
Victor zig and zag among the rocks

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/IMG_0641.JPG

VX's with a one light wink

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/IMG_0643.JPG

Billy check's for loose rocks

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/IMG_0694.JPG

Victor grinds the rocks to dust

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/IMG_0717.JPG

Regina and Billy at the Tire fountain

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/IMG_0612.JPG

The sunset from our camp site.
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/MG_0667.JPG

[TucsonVX]

Larger tires do not make your vehical stock

[VCAMILO]

Thank you all for all the pictures...(my camera battery was dead)

[LeDonovan]

Billy (TriAthlete),

The first step is admitting there is a problem....Bob (VXCaver) and I have Tuscon Memorial working on a straight jacket mod that wouldn't be 100% restrictive and we sincerely pray that you'll give it a shot....recovery can be painful!

You guys are crazy and need to check Webster's for the definition of "trail"! I would have probably been in a straight jacket before Sunday afternoon, although my mom said it looked like a cake walk!! ;Do;

Will see you guys in Tuscon for the "easy" 17 mile trail before the year end!!

LeDonovan

[Triathlete]

I will be up in Tempe the weekend of the 29/30 to race. If any of you guys would like maybe we can get together for dinner. I'll post something up in a few days.

[VCAMILO]

I should be around... We should go do my Canyon Lake trail. Is about 35 mins from Tempe. Technical stuff w/no rocks and a huge rock wall to climb at the end. :)

[impalerv]

Sorry for the late reply. It's been a very busy week. Anyway, I want to thank you folks for showing a city slicker how it's done in the west. I'll try to get those pictures posted ASAP. Looking forward to the next outing. :grinr: :coolb: :coolg:

Drop me an email if you're planning to hang out in Phoenix.

[TJ04]

We should go do my Canyon Lake trail. Is about 35 mins from Tempe. Technical stuff w/no rocks and a huge rock wall to climb at the end.

VCamilo,

Where is this trail your talking about? Canyon Lake is my favorite lake. I didn't know there was a 4X4 trail around there.

[LeDonovan]

Have been on the 21 day road trip to h*** with the parents and arrived home to find I am locked out of the site...Come on Triathlete I know you are powerful, but please let me back in!!!! :rolleyes:

All kidding aside please forgive my kidding with you about the 4 wheel adventure! I am covering my inadequecies with humor so give a girl a break!!! When I saw the photos of a previous trip you guys did I honestly thought you must have "staged" your vehicles on those huge boulders as a photo op! SERIOUSLY!! I never thought people 4 wheeled like that and as the last trip approached I realized that you guys actually do this stuff for real!! Luckily my mommy saved me by arriving early and forcing me to cancel the weekend although honestly I don't know what you guys would have done with me up there and it was proabably best for you that I couldn't come.

Sorry to be so long winded but I just got back and realized when you didn't respond to my brotherly teasing, it must mean I was too much so please accept my apologies!!!

Hope to meet up with you Tuscon VXers before year end if possible! Sorry I missed you up here but I was 850 feet below the earth at Carlsbad!!! SEE....I'm not afraid of everything!!!!!

[Triathlete]

Oh, nothing to worry about...I take very little seriously! I am probably one of the biggest jokesters around.
Just bring your mom along next time and let her do the driving...LOL!
The trail was a little tougher this year though. We'll put something together for the winter that will be a bit more appealing to the off road newbies! Maybe some snow! ;ooy;


21 days on the road...how hard could that have been if you were in the VX? Sounds like quality VX time!

[VXcaver]

850 feet below the earth in Carlsbad?!! That's what I like to hear! I was just over there a few weeks ago too. If you get the urge to go a measly 200 feet below the earth in southern AZ let me know... I'm trying to figure out a weekend to do a cave trip with VCamillo and (maybe hopefully) Triathlete down here. :gring:

[LeDonovan]

Thank you and I'm doing the "I'm not worthy" dance right now!!! Looking forward to the snow...does anyone have a winch or should I put that on my Christmas list?? My VX is SOOooo bored and angry with me for not taking "her" anywhere fun! She had to stay above ground at Carlsbad. Rules, rules, rules....

Thanks and hope to see you soon!

[LeDonovan]

Sounds awesome VXCaver, and this time I won't have my mommy to protect me or offer me the easy way out!!! Let me know when...