OR2008 and OR2009

OR2008 - The Sierras

After a very long and interesting transmission replacement with Big Mac, we readied Little Buck for OR2008 in the Sierras.  Having previously put in a used transmission in Colorado, I soon learned it too was faulty.  Big Mac and Skipper met me in SLC with a trailer and solid F350 Dually to tow Little Buck to Lee’s place for yet another transmission replacement.  Well, the new transmission had the wrong linkage and a variety of other challenges, none the least of which was my lack of time in Citrus Heights.  But, we managed to complete the project and took Little Buck on her maiden off-road adventure, without having had time to properly test our work.  Although breaking down before the trails started due to a transmission fluid leak and burned up drive shaft (who knew you needed to lube them every few thousand miles?) and then almost rolling on a very steep decent on Snake Lake and Little Deer Lake trails, Little Buck kept up with Blue Agave and Ice-Man’s yet-to-be-named Jeep Unlimited. Listening to Big Mac’s powerful V8 powering through the snow and watching those Mickey Thompsons spin was a lot of fun. 

OR2009 - Moab and Pritchett Canyon

Big Mac planned the pinnacle OR20xx event this year in Moab.  Big Mac, Rock Jock, Rock Pile, Navigator, Air Jordan, Sandman, Scorpion, Thrasher and me (Squirrel) pit man and machine against the Moab terrain.  As Air Jordan put it, the first 50 yards on the first trail on the first day was better than any wheeling he had done in 5 years.  Cliff Hanger had thrills and challenges for sure.  Still, the best was yet to come.  Pritchett Canyon is arguably the most difficult trail in Moab, excepting things that are not meant for even modified rigs like Suicidal Tendencies.  With extraordinary effort, lots of winching and good luck, we were able to get through the trail – not before many of us contemplated a fate being stuck on the mountain for the night or trying to reverse course.  It should tell you something when during the most popular time of year, we did not encounter one other vehicle on the trail.  In 15 years of 4-wheeling, Pritchett gave me all the thrills I had ever hoped for off-road.  Even Little Buck survived the arduous trek.