Spring Break 2012

(Miami ain't got nothing on Moab.)

Post by Tracy

(Pictures and Videos at the bottom.)

This year for Spring Break, Mom, Dad, Jennifer, Tom, & I participated in the Moab Easter Jeep Safari.  Oh, what's that?  Haven't heard of it?  Well!  It's an event that occurs each year in Moab, Utah (a very, very beautiful and very, very dry part of our country) for off-roading enthusiasts and off-roading hopefuls (read: Dad).  He's been talking about wanting to do this for a few years now.  When Mom and Dad go on their various travels, they've been known to find back-country roads that twist and turn and ride up and down, where they'll wander off for a day of exploration.  None of us had ever before done any official, organized off-roading (and if you don't think off-roading can be organized, you've never met the Red Rock 4-Wheelers club, of which my dad is one of the newest members), but we all have enough thirst for adventure that we were willing to give this type of off-roading a try.

The off-roading trails are rated on a 1-10 scale.  1 is pretty scenic, a fairly easy ride that won't include anything treacherous.  10 pretty much guarantees that your vehicle will flip, and you're gonna need a lot more specialized equipment than just an average jeep.  (Yikes!) 

Dad chose 3 trails for us to do - one for each of the days we were in Moab.  We started with a 2 on Friday - "Chicken Corners," a 3 on Saturday - "3 D," and finished with a 4 on Sunday - "Fins and Things."  It worked out perfectly, since we pretty much determined 4 was our limit.  (If you're still interested in more details, check out the description of the trails for more of an idea.) 

Also - shout out to cousin Katie and her boyfriend Scott who came down from Montana for the weekend and joined us on the trail Saturday.  Our second Easter spent with them on this side of the U.S., and I am liking this tradition.

Our vehicles?  I could tell from the minute Dad sent out an email confirming our registration that he pumped to drive Big Blue out to the event (his older F250 pick-em-up truck).  Even with its lovely little backseat, we opted to rent a second vehicle for the occasion, a spiffy red Jeep.  Friday morning, off to the trails we went.

Each morning we met up with the right group for our trail.

Everyone wanted a chance to drive, so we divided up the days and all got a shot.

 Passengers held on for the ride.

Made sure to take in the beautiful scenery.  Enjoyed picnic lunches on the trails.

Played with the panoramic settings on Jen's digital camera.  Imagined what it would be like to have an identical twin with whom I still coordinate outfits at 28 years old.

Out on that trails.

Watched Big Blue behind us tackle some of the steeper climbs and descents.  There are both advantages and disadvantages to having a heavier vehicle.  Dad's motto, a la Tim Allen: "More power!" (Grunt, grunt, grunt!)

Jennifer tackled one of the toughest climbs with grace and poise (although the video Tom took while inside the vehicle includes some gasping and "eek"ing.)

And finally, Dad and Big Blue won a round of applause from the whole group (which made up for the winch breaking off the front bumper).

Great big thanks go out to Mom and Dad for an awesome trip (and some rad souvenier t-shirts!)