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Tall Dog- 2002 Safari
by Laurie
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Tall Dog took its toll on the handful of Jeepers who braved the rain
soaked trails on May 17. The day started with a warm breakfast at the VFW, a hearty
pep talk given by the trail leaders including a demonstration of the warning whistle.
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| Morning conditions were actually ideal as we dropped down onto the trail.
Immediately, the tone was set when Dan Dinelli’s copper penny, was laid on its
side. Dan still feels the tip could have been avoided if the whistle was blown
:) But, thanks to the expertise of the trail guides only a few moments were needed
to get us back on our way. All were enjoying the windy, twisting fern grotto that
stretched and limbered suspensions on the vehicles. |
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Soon appeared the mysterious cavern of the Cannonball Loop. Despite subtle
hesitation a unanimous decision was made and we all turned into the loop, eager
to take on the challenge! As the Jeeps clawed through, a slow rain began. One
by one the tree savers unraveled. The whine of winches became as common a noise
as the rumble of the engines. As morning turned to afternoon, several more Jeeps
were observed stuck in holes, more on their sides than on their tires. |
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With rain, at times pouring down, climbing out of the loop to
the remaining Tall dog trail, proved a challenge. Tom Wombles, happy to eliminate
a tree hazard, on a down hill run (which his left front side was resting against)
fired up his chain saw and gracefully dropped the tree across the hood of his
Jeep. Shortly after, Dave Stecker mastered an up hill run, kissing a tree
with his left front side and hood. Walking up and down the slick trails on foot
became as hazardous as the driving. Blue jeans became brown jeans due to multiple
slips. Extra layers were added for warmth and lunch was eaten under the protection
of soft tops.
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The final climb of the day required multiple winch spots to achieve its summit.
As the end of the trail became visible, all participants - wet, cold and covered
in a layer of mud - couldn’t think of a better place to be than “ in the woods,
Jeeping”
Note: Dan Dinelli’s Jeep spent a long, peaceful night
alone on Cannonball Loop with a starter gone bad. A special thanks is sent to
Junior and Tom who helped Dan retrieve it on Saturday.
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