We wanted to give back this year and registerd for the annual SOLVE cleanup inthe Tillamook State Forest. They do and annual cleanup each year and it amazes me how much stuff we actually get out of the area. i would have NEVER thought until my 1st year participating.
Friday morning we loaded up the sleeper and headed out to gab a spot in the forest.
We Landed at Woods Point and quickly set up our tarp city.
It was a bit later than we wanted, but still a decent hour. tessa went to cook up some foods, and keith (RubyMopar660) and i set off to gather up some fire wood. I got my saw to run for about 5 min, after that, it coughed a couple times, then the motor seized! Damn! of all the things... i was less than pleased to say the least. after a bowl of foods, i decided to run to tillamook to the fred meyer and grab a new one. no worries. Until the shelve was empty, and all other stores were closed. AWW, BUNK! so away we went. Tessa found some rounds while we were gone, i quickly split them up and we enjoyed a fire for a couple hrs. there was work to be done in the AM and we wanted to call it an early night anyways.
It would behoove you to Register with a screen name, just sayN ;)
The Next morning, we arose, made coffee, loaded the kiddos and foods, and set off to the meetup point for the cleanup.
There was actually quite the turnout this year! we should be able to make a dent for sure!!!
Rodger needed the trailer from our group, but already had gathered a rather large support group for the stash of tires they were about to yank from the woods, Stephane had her area covered, so we headed out to cover the University Firepower Road and trail system. Ben had met us at the staging area and was going to be tagging along for the day to help, he brought his brother Will out as well. It was a pleasure leading you two around, and having you help. it was greatly appreciated, and really invaluable!
After a few sections of powerline Jahmal flagged us down. he wanted to gather the rigs in the area and get together to grab some big ticket items. A stash of tires along a dead end section of road was up 1st. One FLat Bed Later and we were back down the road.
Then back down the road and trail. We were working the section from powerline headed to Horse camp. There were a few spots, but less than we expected to see. Still stupid some of the things we dug out.
We came to an uphill clear cut section where there was a lot of shooting remnants, we stopped to pick them up when Gwen decided to take a turn at running down the hill. It did not end well for her... Tough girl.
We had found a good clear cut area with lots of pre cut rounds tough. this was good as we stopped back here on the way back to camp and loaded up the trailer with good pre cut wood. Problem Solved! We headed back past LYDA camp, and back to the meatup point, right as everybody else was rolling in! Great timing from all the groups out there.
Cool tow pig on the way back to camp, had to take a pic!
Then we chilled and waited for the Steel Panther to arrive. Foods were made, beverages were had, good times to boot.
Trails were the plan for the AM, easy start, whenevers people got up. We wanted to hit Hoodraiser, to HogsBack, then the RockyUp Hill Bypass. Then as far down Archers FireBreak as we could get.
Trail Chores!
Lined up and ready to roll Out!
HoodRaiser was the 1st trail to get our feet wet, Ben was new to his rig and offroading, David was on his second trip in the 4x4 world with the subie. we wanted to take it easy.
that went smoothly so we took a shot at hogsback, the subie was a bit low and long for it so we sent him around as the two jeeps and 4runner took a crack at it. All went well! and we set off for the second section through the trees.
RubyMopar660
BenDryer
Had to stop at the view point!
We were making great time, the group decided to head of in search of Archers, This is where things would turn quickly. We got turned around a couple times on the newly revised Rocky Uphill Bypass section, but once at the bottom we were good to go. Passed can opener, and hit the hillclimb on archers. The yoda did amazing! on 15psi and one E-locker, it walked right up everything all day long. Impressive for stock trim. sent the subie up the hill climb bypass. Even it was impressive to see in the mirror!
We were now cruzing down the muddier sections closer to waterfall when we got into some rutted up sections. I led the yoda down, then it was the subies turn.
Now, before i tell the rest, let me describe a few KEY phrases NOT to use, while on, or preparing for a wheeling trip. We used them all. And may have deserved what was coming next.
1: On my last group post to FB about the event i ended with " keep the rubber side down" and "sya on da flip side"
2: As we started this section i say to david, "look, now you can tell everybody you took the subie down a black diamond trail"
3:Right before david came down the hill he asks over the radio. "theres like, no way i can flip over or anything right?"
4:I replied no, just stay in the rutts, "does it feel like it dragging rally hard in the mud?" No was the response. I said then just comeon down nice and easy, keep your momentum. The reply.
5:"But it looks so much cooler if i side hill like this" as he tries to climb up the side of the ruts a little.
None of this seemed to help after the next happened.
From there all i can see is the car rolling further and further up the side of the hill, and almost into a flop. I start hollering on the radio, STOP STOP STOP!!!!! It was too late, all i could do was watch the subit take one bounce off the passenger side, and land right on its top. I did not believe my eyes, until I herd that all too familial crunching sound. I called to kill the engine, and ran back as fast as i could. The dogs we out, and david was alright! Thank God!
Blackie lost a dueclaw and david was a little ruffed up but all and all things were ok. Now to figure out a plan to upright the subie. My girl got great footage of the whole thing so i was able to make a vid of the process. ill let that do the talking their.
after it was on all 4s and safely stable, we got everything cleaned up, checked fluids and headed off for camp. nice and easy, slow does it, the plan was to take as long as it took to get it back safely. it was fast! the car was in great shape after. just a push down in the center of the roof that broke the front glass, some sheet metal, and glass damage. The structure of the car, suspension, and drivetrain were all still in good working order. david decided to clean up a bit more, and try to drive it back to portland! Yep! The bitch drove home! Crazy strong cassis, I don't know that my xj would have fared that well.
A testimate to going prepared. Never going alone, and always keeping safety the number one priority! If nothing else, your livelihood is what matters most.
I Am So Proud of how the group handled the situation. Kept everybody safe the whole time, watched each other for the missed steps, and asked questions when stepping into the unknown. This could have gone a whole lot different with a different set of people. i could not be more proud to have met you guys, and to have had you there for this. Thank you!
once back at camp, we toasted to our success! (nobody died!) oh LOL. and started to pack up. it was sunday and was to be a late night back.
400 tires, 3 full roofing dumpsters, and a flipped subie later. The 1st RideRevival SOLVE@TSF Cleanup campout has came and went. Thankyou to all the came out and helped. It was a pleasure having you. hope we can get together again soon.
Until the next one!
John&Fam