OR2010 - Diamond Anniversary

Opening day activities included a refreshing micro brewery tour at New Belgium in Ft. Collins, followed by a New York strip and corn on the cob barbecue.  We camped at Horsetooth Reservoir and Dianna, Louie, Ros and Don joined us for a campfire dinner and Louie camped with me that night.  Dianna brought us a fine selection of seafood, crab, steaks, green chili, fresh tortillas, veggies, assorted cheeses and lunch meats.  We ate gourmet meals while being outdoors.  The scenery was gorgeous and the 4-wheeling was challenging.  Day 1 included Moody Hill and Crystal Mountain.  Day 2 was done at Left Hand Canyon's Big Mother Hill, Fireman Hill and Left Hand Canyon trails.  On Lefty, we helped right a rolled over Jeep.  Day 3 was embarrassing - even with a GPS and even though I had done the trail twice before, it took us several tries to find the right trail.  Nonetheless, the views we had on the wrong trails (South of Breckenridge by Mosquito Pass) were stunning.  Finally, we did Wheeler Lake trail.  The trail was quite rocky and it felt like I was in a fight with Mike Tyson at the end of it.  We had lunch in the small town of Alma. 

OR2010 - Trail Highlights

For many years, I have tried to complete one very off-camber ledge on Moody Hill, always stopping before completing it and taking a less steep line.  With the help of Big Mac and Rock Jock, I got further than ever on the obstacle.  But at 30 degrees when the left front tire came off the ground and the right rear was heading for a hole, we knew it was time to stop.  It seems that one obstacle is beyond the capabilities of my YJ with 35" tires and leaf springs.  Another obstacle on Crystal Mountain that always stopped me was the Rock Garden.  This time, with two tow straps securing Koko Head in case she rolled backward, I made it!  The first attempt got the front wheels pulling away from the rock obstacle and the Jeep would have rolled without the safety harness.  On the second attempt, with a slightly different line, Koko Head Jeep made it without the tow straps pulling her back to the ground.  So, this obstacle is also at the limit of what the vehicle can do.  Exhilarating!  Enjoy the photos, below and Click Here for some video highlights.