Camp Jeep 2005

Skyclad · Apr 24, 2005

Howdy folks,

I got picked up as a trail guide this year for Camp Jeep in Pennsylvania. Thought that I would pas along some of the information that I have.

I know that there was a bit of complaining that the trail selection at previous Camp Jeep event was too easy. This is my first Camp Jeep, so I do not know what it was like before, but it was described to me as kind of like drving through somebody's back yard with a mildly rocky hilll at the end.

Well, the coordinators up here in PA have been listening to the complaints. There will be a selection of trails ranging from "Scenic" up to a level 9 trail. I have been told that it compairs favorably with Rattlers Tail at Paragon. My rig is not up to that kind of terrain yet, so I can not give you a first hand report.

The trails that I have worked on have been in the intermediate range, 5-7 rating. A bit of mud, a few rock gardens and more than one tight squeeze between the trees.

Anyway, just thought that I would pass along what info I have. It would be nice to see a few more Grands up there to show the other Jeeps how to wheel in style.

rubicondave33 · Apr 24, 2005

I'll be there this year, but I'm bringing my Rubicon.... sorry.

Skyclad · Apr 25, 2005

No worries... I should be easy to find. I will be the only trail guide with an Orvis Edition ZJ.

Now for an update of the trails that I have seen for Camp Jeep. We did not actually drive the trails we cleared today. Reason being that we cleared the Ridge and the Lake trails today. The Lake trail is going to be interesting. Mostly rocks, with a little bit of transition trail to more rocks.

The Ridge certainly seems like it deserves its rating. My Grand does not meet the vehicle requirements to run the Ridge (33" tires and at least one locker). We got the trail cleared today, and added a new section to it. I pretty much guarentee some carnage on this trail. It starts with a rock garden...and I mean large rocks...and then just keeps throwing more rock at you. There are few bypasses, and just one escape route along the entire run. I don't know the exact length, but I would guess that it is a couple of miles at least. Of this distance, there is only one long section that is going between the rocks, and it really isn't all that long. A few hundred yards maybe. All the other between rock sections are pretty short.

I was silly and didn't think to take my camera with me to gets pictures for you. Sorry about that. Take my word for it though, there are difficult trails this year at Camp Jeep.

BigD · Apr 25, 2005

I'll be the trail guide with the Non-orvis ZJ, nice to see you there Skyclad. Just wish my frickin' chainsaw could keep a chain on it. hahaha. Looking forward to seeing Grands at Camp Jeep. I will tell you that Sky Clad is absolutely correct that the rock gardens we saw yseterday will be difficult. I do believe that one of the trails we cleared yesterday will be an invitation only trail and will be a 1/2 day ride, as I dont think they will be able to run that trail in 2 hours.

BigD

corlissb · May 2, 2005

Well, we will be there! My wife, kids (son 4 daughter almost 1) and I will be going for the first time. I used to have a Rubicon but had to sell it since our daughter was born. Now the WJ will have to be my offroader.

We are signed up for
Fri Aug 12 10-1 Scenic Trail I
Sat Aug 13 1-4 Intermediate Trail D.

I don't know what I signed up for since all I had for information was the times and dificulty level. By then I'll have Factory Skids, tow hooks and Kevin's sliders. Hopefully 245/75 R16 Bridgestone Dueler A/T Revos will be enough. They obviously don't appear to be as good as MT/Rs on the Rubicon.

I'll be the Silver WJ (See Avitar) with the kid-seats in the back!

I CANT WAIT!!!

Skyclad · May 3, 2005

Welcome to the wonderful world of Grands...

Unfortunately, I do not know most of the trail designations by letter yet. I will see if I can get a better listing out here.

I do know that the Scenic I trail is called Lehigh Gourge to the locals. That was one of the ttrails that was pre-run yesterday, though I was not with that group. I don't see you having any difficulties though, as I did see one of the trail guides take an Expition on that pre-run (his Jeep is broken at the moment...poor guy).

I was on the H and HH trails yesterday, known as Cabin locally. It is one step up from the Scenic level, about a 3-4 rating. Scenic I is 1-2. The Cabin is a nice little trail, great for folks with little trail riding experience. There are a few spots that will be tricky for stockers. Stay on the good line, and there will be no problem; look in the mirror at the little guy and not notice that hole waiting to eat a tire, and you will be taking a second try or a strap. There is a nice short (optional) rock garden just to shake things up for those with a bit more trail, but I can't remember if that would be on the H or HH.

dean shirley · May 4, 2005

checking in as the OTHER non-orvis zj trail-guide :thumbsup:

the trails this year are going to rock.

sunday i was out on the lehigh gorge trail (trails I and J)... pretty sweet ride. it's an 'easy' trail (stock to 31's), but still a lot of fun. not a one of the "senic" (ala dirt/gravel road) trails - some rocks... some mud... some hills and LOTS of tight turns around trees. most likely the trail i will guiding at camp jeep since i only have 3" of lift and 31's and no lockers... but i don't mind. (and the guy with the expedition ended up riding with me... no way would it fit... but it would have been a good test since that might be a comander test-trail).

BigD · May 4, 2005

Hey Dean,

Glad to see you had fun on Sunday. My buddy was the guy with the Grand Wagoneer. Hope the drive back to Indiana was good.

Dennis

dean shirley · May 5, 2005

he was pretty cool. a few spots up in front of me.

the drive was LONG and BORING. i really need to get a cd player and an external antenna for the cb. they are a must for 9+ hours in the jeep.

Skyclad · May 6, 2005

Try Crutchfield for the CD player. I was rather impressed with the prices, shipping was quick and Crutchfield is very good about including everything you need to do the install, including a wiring diagram.

dean shirley · May 7, 2005

i've used c-field a lot in the past. used to have a pretty sweet 1600 watt system in my old t-bird... but right now the issues is not what i *want* or where to get it, it's just coming up with the money. the jeep needs a few things before it gets a cd player.

the plan is to have my laptop set up for gps by the june work weekend... which means i will have the comp to play music, so that will have to till after camp jeep.

corlissb · May 9, 2005

Lodging

Well, I went ahead and changed our lodging for Camp Jeep today. We were going to stay in the Delware Gap KOA in a Kamping Kabin. However, I found that Comfort Inn in Bartonsville (closer to Camp Jeep) still had some rooms.

Does anyone know about this hotel? Is it okay or did I just make a big mistake?

Skyclad · May 9, 2005

I don't know about any of the hotels, nor any other local lodging/camping. There are several of us that are going to be staying at the Hickory Run State Park. It is about 10 miles away from the CJ site. Here is the URL if you want to check it out:

http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/parks/hickoryrun.aspx

The BLWA crew has sites 249 - 255 (odd). Last I knew, which was close to a month ago, site 257 was still open. Of course, that may have changed, but the park would still be worthwhile to check out. The rates are good and it is not too far away. Only problem is PA does not officially permit alcohol in the state parks (notice I said officially, doesn't seem to be strongly enforced).

corlissb · May 9, 2005

Well, to preserve marital bliss, we are going to stay in a hotel. With a 4 year old and a 1 year old, camping, camp jeep and public showers don't mix.

Besides, if it is crappy weather, the Comfort inn has an indoor pool!

corlissb · Aug 2, 2005

I got my Camp Jeep stuff from UPS on Friday.

I CAN'T WAIT!!!

Skyclad · Aug 3, 2005

corlissb said:
I got my Camp Jeep stuff from UPS on Friday.

I CAN'T WAIT!!!

What trails are you running. I can be found guiding Trail D. :mrgreen:

Camp Jeep 2005

Skyclad

rubicondave33

Skyclad

BigD

corlissb

Skyclad

dean shirley

BigD

dean shirley

Skyclad

dean shirley

corlissb

Skyclad

corlissb

corlissb

Skyclad

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