FM2CD VA at Big
Levels on Oct 30, 2004
So it was time for our last trip of the year and it
was an awesome one. Everyone was looking forward to the trip. Dale and I had
done our homework on this one. We went up there on a
scouting trip in late July. So we had seen the entire trail and had created
our own highly detailed maps from our GPS track logs. The following is the
tracklog from this past weekends trip:
We all met up at Shoneys on Rt 340 at 9AM. We had a good turnout for this trip;
8 Jeeps in total. After stuffing our bellies full with an
all-you-can-eat-breakfast, we rolled on over to the Super WallyWorld parking lot
for a group shot:
From left to right - Vics' XJ, Allens' XJ, Trevors' TJ, Jens' TJ, My XJ, Dales'
XJ, Jim & Sherrys' Unlimited, Ricks' TJ.
We then got in order and headed down to Big Levels. The running order was me in
the lead with the modded Jeeps behind me, followed by Dale (in the middle)
leading the stockers with Allen as our tailgunner. Dale, Allen and myself are
the only ones with CB's...the entire group used FRSes for communication. So the
three of us could have clear communications with each other, which worked out
quite well.
We stopped at a little water crossing about 1.5 miles shy of the trail head to
air down and disconnect as well as take our first wheeling pics of the day (Dale
took the pics so there's none of him crossing):
Me
Vic
Trevor
Jen
Jim & Sherry
Rick
Allen
We then got back onto Coal Rd and headed down to the trail head (BGLV02 on the
map). Once we pulled in, I called out for everyone to go into 4 Lo and guess
what?
Yep, he did it again...the T-case lever came right out in his hand. It took
about 15 minutes to get the center console out and fix it...the plan is to weld
it in this winter so it doesn't happen again.
We then proceeded down the trail and to the first obstacle (BLOBS2 on the map).
It had degraded since we were up there in July. Back then it was a simple hill
climb. Now it was all uneven and rocky...WOOHOO! So, we got out to let everyone
get a look at it.
Then we had at it..basically we let the lifted Jeeps just go for it and then
Dale and I spotted the stockers over. There is a bypass, but everyone took the
obstacle...good stuff.
Me
Oh no....they say he's got to go....GO! GO! GODZILLA!!!
Trevor. Yes campers...he did go airborne. Hopefully, I've got it on film.
Jen
Dale
Jim & Sherry
Rick
Allen
We then continued down the trail to the first split. If you look at the map you
can see the split highlighted in yellow. We had planned to take everyone up the
more direct way, but once I went about 50 yards in, I realized just how much it
had deteriorated. It was totally knarly (aww yea) and not stocker friendly. So
we split the group up. The lifted folks followed me and the stockers followed
Dale up the longer section, which was a bit easier. We met back up where the
trail rejoins...then we went to the overlook:
Good stuff...but now it was lunch time! So we stopped at the clearing where
three of the trails converge (BGLV07 on the map) and busted out the coolers. Of
course, while the big kids were taking a break from playing...the little kids
were unleashed from the Jeeps to play.
:
The rest of the trail is pretty easy stuff, a couple of rough spots but nothing
that couldn't be handled. There was lots of this though:
YEEEEEEEHAAAAAWWWW!
After a stop at "the bus" we headed out of the trail system. Damage...let's see:
A t-case lever pulled out, an XJ rocker panel pushed in, a busted JKS
disconnect, Trevors "Mystery Dent" (it's not really a mystery, he went
airborne...twice!) and the obligatory damage shot...I think it's time for me to
go flareless:
So let's see...is Godzilla happy?
Oh Yea...that is one happy Jeep right there...
Is our Trail Boss happy?
Well then, it's that time again: FM2CD VA has left the trail! This time we're
leaving for 2004. See y'all next year!
Rock On!
Steve
