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It all started out pretty much uneventful. Left Teraflex at 8AM and headed for the canyon.  We were to meet most of the group in the Tibble parking lot.  I should have known it would be a high traffic day, nice hot Saturday and all, but the parking lot was completely full by 8:30AM.  We lined up farther up the trail and counted Jeeps.  I think we wound up with about 15, give or take.  We got started a little after 9AM and headed for Forest Lake, the first stop on our adventure.  About a half mile into the trip I got a call on the powerful CB radio, that we had a man down.  I turned the lead over to Travis Clark (a trained Teraflex technician), and the CB mic over to Dave Martin.  Dave is noted for his rambling–no, provocative trail commentary.  He took the time to describe the vehicles we were passing parked on the road, as well as a heads up on any large rocks or holes in the trail we would be encountering.  Mr Microphone kept us informed and up to date.  Unfortunately I was headed in the other direction, so I was not privy to his verbal diarrhea for too long.  One can only imagine my loss as his comforting voice faded into static.  Oh I’m just kidding, that was for his wife Catrina.  I could hear her trying to keep him under control,in the back ground.  Good times.  Ok, back to our story. Link’s amazing scrambler had lost all power to his engine.  I jumpered the fuel pump and got it running for another 20 ft, but that was all she wrote.  Computer was pronounced DOA.  We abandoned ship, loaded the survivors in Mike Ware’s JK and we were off again.

We headed back up the trail past many dust filled camp sites dodging ATV’s and the occasional Neon.  We made the turn across the river and started up the kinda fun rocks and ruts leading up the Forest Lake.  Once we were in the very narrow nowhere-to-pass section of the trail, we came head to head with the rest of our group coming down the trail.  Nice.  Overcome with boredom waiting for the rest of us, they headed back down the trail on the way to Mineral Basin.  We moved things around and finally got everyone going up, up and those going…you get the picture.  When we arrived at the lake, all the trials were forgotten.  It is an amazing place.  The mountains surrounding the lake were still green and the lake quite full.  Spectacular setting, we were inspired, so we ate lunch. The kids and Scott played with their RC Crawlers for a while and we headed back down.  Our group hoped to catch the others on the way up to the Basin so we hustled back down.

I towed Link back to the parking lot at Tibble. As we hit the pavement, there was all kinds of action going on.  At least 5 ambulances/fire trucks, police Units ( they like to call them “units”, kinda cool) and of course LIFE FLIGHT.  Up ahead we saw Travis’ comp rig and Dave Martins Jk.  Now what?

So here’s the scoop. Group A had just achieved the river crossing and main road.  They were chillin there watching some ATV’s cross the river and head up the Forest Lake Trail. Suddenly a young lady on an ATV endoed and did not get up. Team Teraflex was there.  She had no feeling in her legs and was hurt bad.  There was no cell service so Travis unleashed his stroked 4.5liter inline 6 and achieved warp speed down the canyon to the ranger station to call for help.  Meanwhile they loaded the injured girl into Dave’s JK (due to its smooth ride and his driving skill), and they headed down to the Tibble parking lot.  Link is an ER Doctor and went down to help.  He knew the pilot to Life Flight and was brought up to speed on her condition.  She was immobilized, stabilized, and ready to fly, so Dr Link was not needed.  It was cool to see everyone step up and help where ever they could.  Thanks to all.  No further word on her condition.  We will post anything we hear.

Link is a skilled towee.  He understands the keep the rope tight concept, so the tow down the canyon was a breeze.  Cleverly he had taken his top off the jeep for the trip so he was able to enjoy the 103 degree valley temps along with the blast furnace effect of the freeway wind all the way back to the shop.  All this and he still had a positive attitude.  Good on ya!  I dropped Link and son off at their house and headed home.  The day was done….but wait there was a call on the cell phone coming in from Mike Ware.  Yup, he was stuck at the Timp ranger station with a broken track bar.  Connor and I loaded up the trusty Dodge, trailer in tow, and made a rescue run.  Mike and his son John are regulars on the trail runs with us.  They are a lot of fun, the trip was quick, and we were back home by 7:30.

Not what we expected, but nonetheless another full on adventure was had.  I apologize to anyone that got lost in the shuffle.  I hope everyone had a good time.  I did, but then I’m a glutton for punishment.  Next up is the Manti Sheep trail, Aug 21-22.  Its an overnighter due to the distance.  If you haven’t been in the Manti area be sure to make this one, it is amazing.  The trail can be done with a stock jeep, so nothing too tough–just scenic and fun.

Until next time!

Wood out

Check out the rest of the trail pictures HERE

PS don’t forget the  Big rally to the Capital AUG 8.  Lets help keep our public lands open!