Central AZ, 12/19/09

[datrupr]

OK, since we never made it to our destination last time we went on black Friday, I decided to call a couple of good friends and do the run again. I was really impressed with FR41, as it is a very scenic trail and while it is not difficult, it keeps you going slow enough to enjoy the scenery. This time I wanted to make it to Sheep Bridge. Jacki has never seen it and niether has Bryan. I thought they would enjoy it. So, we met up at Table Mesa Rd. on the East side of I-17. We aired down and made introductions, as I was really the only common bond among the travellers. At about 9:15 we hit the trail. With a couple of stops for photos and to play around on the rocks, we made it to Sheep Bridge by about 1:45pm. We enjoyed lunch and casual conversation under the shade of the Cottonwood's on the banks of the Verde River. N ow, my initial plan was to cross the river and head back to town via Horseshoe Dam rd. and Bartlett Lake Rd. Well, I got a little concerned earlier in the day when I saw snow covering the peaks in the distance, and sadly, my fears were confirmed. The river was flowing fairly fast and it was indeed deep. Too deep for the Montero and Bryan's stock JK Rubicon. We turned around and headed back via FR24 back into Carefree. We got home at about 6:30pm and over all traveled 85 miles on dirt. It was indeed a good day. Sadly, I think this will be our last trip until the baby comes. The last two times we went out, after the trip Jacki was experiencing very bad cramps in her lower abdomen. we are not sure if it is because of the stting so much or actually from the rough going. We are going to talk to the doctor about it on our next visit in a couple of weeks. And yes, Jacki as back to 100% again and the baby likes to play drums on his mother's insides. Now, since I posted pics of pretty much the same trail a few weeks ago, there aren't as many. But I'll do the best I can. Also, Bryan got a few good shots in too, once I get them from him I'll post those up as well.

Bryan trying to not get the Rubicon all muddy:

Wil climbing a fun little loose hill:

I love the rock out croppings everywhere. It is like someone picked them up and stacked them:

The rigs. The Sierra Expeditions Tacoma, Bryan's JK Rubicon, and the ever more impressive Montero:

Trying to flex out the new suspension a bit:

Wil letting one of my passengers play in the dirt:

Proof that Sierra Expeditions is king of the hill:

I let Jacki drive the Montero a bit on the dirt:

Wil still letting one of my passengers play a bit:

Stay tuned, more to come.

 

[datrupr]

So, once we finishd FR41 and made it to FR24, Wil suggested a little two track route, while it might be a bit longer to our destination, it was a fun side trail. Indeed it was fun. Again, not very challenging, but a blast to drive none the less. It was a simple loop that brought us back to the 24 a few miles north. So, back on to the 24 to FR269 and make our way to the Verde River.

Along the route, there were a number of junked vehicles. I wonder if recovery is possible just for the sake of cleaning it up?

This one has been there for quite some time:

These two, however, are fairly recent. I was up there about two years ago and niether of these trucks were there then:

So, as mentioned. We had lunch on the bank of the river. My plan was to cross the river and head out to the east and a bit south of how we came in. I pull up to the bank of the river, stop, get out, and go check out the river. While it doesn't look like it is flowing that fast, it does look pretty deep. I call Wil over to join me and have a look. He mistakenly takes this as me inviting him to cross. Now, I'm sorry about the mis-understanding, Wil, but it gave me a good idea of just how deep the river really was. With the hood of the Tacoma submerged and the bed being pushed down stream with the current, both Bryan and I said "NO" to the crossing. I did not have my camera out for the first crossing, but as I was getting it out of the truck for Wil's return, I hear across the radio a scared Wil saying, "I don't think I want to do that again". To which I reply, "Well, you have to get back somehow". A brave Wil and his terrified passengers (Wil's passengers started off as my passengers. They are friends of Jacki and I, and have never been off road before) bravely delve the depths of the Verde River in December one more time:

Happy to report, Wil, his passengers, and the Tacoma all made the second trip across. I did get a nasty email from Wendy on Monday asking me why I convinced Wil that he could be a U-Boat commander. OK, I do jest on that last part. I did get a fun email form Wendy though. So, all back on dry land, I let Jacki drive a bit through a shallow crossing of the river:

After that, it was an uneventful drive home. Thanks for viewing, I hope you enjoyed.

 

[93BLAZER]

Great pics as usual. I have been on that road a number of times. If I remember correctly, the road from I-17 to Sheeps crossing was hella rocky and very slow going. I doubt that has changed.

Do you have any pics from the horseshoe dam area?
Again looked like a great trip.

 

[Sexy6Chick]

:Wow1:

 

[Larry]

Awesome pictures but I have a question.....So at Overland Training do they teach you to ford water crossings at wide open throttle? :xxrotflma

That is a big wake to not be at WOT with a 3.4L. Makes for a neat picture though as well as hydro locked engines (even ones equipped with snorkles), damaged electronics, damaged ignition systems, etc. That would be bad in the boonies.

 

[ttora4runner]

Nice write-up Aaron looks like you guys had a good time.

Wil your a brave one! :Wow1:

 

[datrupr]

Do you have any pics from the horseshoe dam area?
Again looked like a great trip.

No, we didn't make to the other side and din't get to see the Horseshoe Dam side. The water was just too deep for the Montero and Jeep to cross. It was pretty sketchy for Wil to cross as you can see. I might run it again from the Horseshoe Dam side in the spring or early summer. It is fun to come in from that side as well. The trail is still hella rocky and slow going but it is not challenging. Any stock 4X4 can run it. But the slow going makes it so you can take in the scenery.

So at Overland Training do they teach you to ford water crossings at wide open throttle?

I'm pretty sure they don't (I haven't taken any of their classes). I know it looks like a big bow wave, but in actuality Wil executed the crossing perfectly IMO. On the side that I am standing the water is pretty shallow, but from the side that Wil is entering the trail dips pretty deep into the water. Once I get the other photo posted you will see that Wil was running a nice bow wave and it looked like a text book crossing. The photo is a bit deceiving as it may appear that he is WOT, but due to the entrance it is actually very deep and the water came up over the hood and almost halfway up the windshield at a very steady pace.

Nice write-up Aaron looks like you guys had a good time.

Thanks, Taaron. It was a very good time and am looking forward to getting out again. Wil is a brave one. After he crossed it the first time and almost got stuck on the other bank, he was a little nervous to cross it again. All made it with no issues, including the Tacoma.

 

[FurthurOnTheFly]

Sorry we missed this! I've been itching to get out again and STILL haven't been out to that area. Great pics, good times!

That Trasharoo is looking good too! Its like a little backpack on the Montero!

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

FWIW - Coming in from the Horseshoe end is only 1/2hr of nice road once you cross the water below the dam. Check with SRP for flow prior to crossing.

DId you go to the hot spring/tub while you were there?

 

[TangoBlue]

Couple things come to mind.

I believe US Coast Guard regulations require vessels to carry a sufficient number of personal flotation devices for every passenger... I didn't see any blaze orange vests.

Did Wil make the announcement to his passengers that in the event of a water landing their seat cushions could be used as flotation devices?

Holy cow! What a picture - definitely suitable for framing! :bowdown:

 

[datrupr]

Phil, the hot tub is MIA. It was there a couple of years ago but I didn't see it this time.

Tango, the seat cushion floatation devices were moot. This was his passengers first ever time on an off-roading trip. The pucker factor was so high for them that the seat bottoms were thoughorly consumed by said passengers rear ends.

Heidi, again, sorry you and Josh couldn't make it. Any time you want to go let me know, I'd be happy to go again. And I love my Trasharoo!

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

Phil, the hot is MIA. It was there a couple of years ago but I didn't see it this time.

Tango, the seat cushion floatation devices were moot. This was his passengers first ever time on an off-roading trip. The pucker factor was so high for them that the seat bottoms were thoughorly consumed by said passengers rear ends.

Heidi, again, sorry you and Josh couldn't make it. Any time you want to go let me know, I'd be happy to go again. And I love my Trasharoo!

The hot spring is well hidden in the thick green on the bank...it was there back in July/09.

 

[datrupr]

Oh, it was pretty well over grown. I have seen it many times in the past. it was well hidden this trip. You couldn't even make out the trail to get to it.

 

[awalter]

Tango, the seat cushion floatation devices were moot. This was his passengers first ever time on an off-roading trip. The pucker factor was so high for them that the seat bottoms were thoughorly consumed by said passengers rear ends.

My guess is there might be some pucker marks on Wils seat cushion also.

Good trip report & pics.

Al

 

[flyingwil]

Way Cool...

Awesome pictures but I have a question.....So at Overland Training do they teach you to ford water crossings at wide open throttle? :xxrotflma

That is a big wake to not be at WOT with a 3.4L. Makes for a neat picture though as well as hydro locked engines (even ones equipped with snorkles), damaged electronics, damaged ignition systems, etc. That would be bad in the boonies.

Of course I was not at a WOT position. The river had a large dip due to the erosion of the river bed. Even in relatively shallow water, the nose of the vehicle can easily become submerged as the front wheels drop into a stream or water hole and the rear wheels still on high ground, and so was the case in this water crossing.

I'm pretty sure they don't (I haven't taken any of their classes). I know it looks like a big bow wave, but in actuality Wil executed the crossing perfectly IMO. On the side that I am standing the water is pretty shallow, but from the side that Wil is entering the trail dips pretty deep into the water. Once I get the other photo posted you will see that Wil was running a nice bow wave and it looked like a text book crossing. The photo is a bit deceiving as it may appear that he is WOT, but due to the entrance it is actually very deep and the water came up over the hood and almost halfway up the windshield at a very steady pace.

There are some other pictures out there, that I have yet to recieve, that would show the bow wave a bit better. I was in 4 Low and Low Drive on the Automatic Tranny. Once the front wheels dropped with rear wheels still on land it causes it too look like the picture Aaron took from head on.

Couple things come to mind.

I believe US Coast Guard regulations require vessels to carry a sufficient number of personal flotation devices for every passenger... I didn't see any blaze orange vests.

Did Wil make the announcement to his passengers that in the event of a water landing their seat cushions could be used as flotation devices?

Holy cow! What a picture - definitely suitable for framing! :bowdown:

LOL, it was a lot of fun.



Nice write up Aaron!