From the beginning we realized this would not be our typical run. The ground was saturated and more rain threatened. During registration, our first day filled in a record seventeen minutes. We had a group of eleven Jeeps traveling together. At least half of those head passed for red trail capability. Not our typical run for the old Ridge Rambler.

Hamer, lead guide, said we were heading out. He started to move and I started moving behind him. Suddenly he stopped. Unfortunately, I didn't. Body damage before we even left the parking lot. Not our typical run.

We had a great group of Jeepers. Two wives were driving to gain practice. They did a great job. Lots of folks already knew each other so we had plenty of GB chatter, with friendly suggestions and help when needed.

The rain came down but the spirits stayed up. We did actually cover a little bit of trail. The first log crossing was a partial washout and the hill after it was a bit of a challenge for street tires. Needless to say, it got a little slicker as each Jeep went through. There was no getting it stirred down to dry dirt. Coming out of Walnut Grove proved to be the bigger obstacle for street tires. We ended up needing a longer cable than Hamer had on his winch. No, not our typical run. When we got everyone out, we were all ready to head for the cabin. Having a dry place to take a break was nice.
After lunch we took a small amount of time to work on a starter and then headed back to see if any trail was usable in the continuing rain. Did not take long to discover what used to be a six inch depression was now a four foot deep ditch. Time to chain saw. Everyone helped carry logs to make it passable.

Unfortunately, the trail was becoming less and less passable for any but the very aggressive tires. The decision was made to cut out and end the day crossing "Seven Creek Road" on our way back to town. At the end of the lane, we spotted a Pike County Sheriff's car and a tow truck. Thinking there may have been an accident, we stopped to see if assistance was needed. They were attempting to recover a stolen vehicle from the woods at the edge of the field. Hamer and three others of our group remained to assist while I led the rest back to town.
A typical day on Ridge Rambler? No. An interesting day and one to remember. Just not typical.