Four Corners 2006

[DaveB]

I've been toying with doing a small expedition sometime in the spring. It would be after Easter, but before the heat of summer kicks in, so likely sometime in early May.

The goal would be to drive down to Four Corners National Park, and then spend a couple of days in each of the 4 quadrants. For those who haven't heard of it, the Northwest Quadrant is basically Moab, the Southwest Quadrant is the Grand Canyon, the Northeast is Colorado, and the Southeast is New Mexico.

The trip would be over two weeks, with 2-3 days down and the same back up. We would do some camping, but also some cheap motels stays where possible.

There are tons of links online regarding the activities. Just Type in Four Corners Park in Google as a start, or Moab 4x4. Here's a link to a good starting point for exploring Moab trails: http://www.utah.com/offroad/moab_area.htm

Also, here's a description of the trail ratings from Moab thanks to Red Rock 4 Wheelers:

<b>Trail Difficulty Ratings</b>

1 All weather road; 4WD not needed.

1 1/2 Graded road; 4WD may be needed in poor weather.

2 Unimproved or rarely graded road. 4WD or extra clearance needed at times, with no special driving skills required.

2 1/2 Road rarely maintained, 4WD, good clearance, low gears often needed, with some extra care and a bit of driving experience useful.

3 Road in difficult terrain, rarely maintained, 4WD, good clearance, and low gears essential, with some driving skill and daring required.

3 1/2 Road in difficult terrain, probably maintained only by occasional users. Excellent stock truck or utility vehicle required, with considerable driving skill and daring needed.

4 Trail either never bladed or badly eroded. Stock vehicles are in jeopardy. Modifications for improved off-road performance and top driving skills needed.

4 + We can hardly improve on the original description written a few years ago by Jack Bickers: "with driving by World Class Yahoo Jeepers not much concerned with vehicle durability or personal safety." It is common to have as many as 10 percent of the vehicles experience major mechanical failures (gears, axles, driveshafts) on these trails.

I'm putting an order in for a few books from Amazon in the next couple of days. I'll bring them to our January meeting.

Let me know if you and your Rover are interested.

Dave

[Glenn D.]

Julie and I were considering a trip to moab this spring or early summer as well. Ive been before and its the most amazing trip. Hopefully we will make it again this year.

I would be my first time in a land rover....

[StuartL]

Dave,

I am very interested. I am sure Summer would like a nice run in the spring especially with the new Santana gerbox.

Pencil me in!

[DaveB]

Sorry, Pamela and I won't be able to do this run this year. We'd like to, and we plan to in the future, but too amny other things going on this spring. If you were hoping/planning on going, post here and you might find someone else still interested.

Dave