LIVE from the 2007 Trail Team Kokopelli Expedition!

[woody]

Originally Posted by FJCRUZR

Sylvain journal entry
11/6/07

ahh
How do I start

haha
The views are just incredible. As my first time out west, we couldn't have picked a better place to go ride. The day started after a well-needed sleep at the hotel in Grand Junction, met up with the gang in the parking lot, and got the speech from the head honcho 'Gustaf' from the Trail Teams. It was quite a pleasure to finally meet the people from the forum, and put a face to the name which you used to read about and talk to about various topics. We also had the pleasure to meet with the owner of Campa Trailers, and get to know him as he rode the trail with us.

The Trail Team got everyone organized, and then we got started.

After we loaded the well-needed firewood, we hit the road. Then the wow effect started. As we got to the head of the trail, we all lined up for a group picture and planned our day route on the Kokopelli Trail. I rode shotgun most of the day, so I could take in as much of the scenery as I could, as it was breathtaking. We made it to Knowles overlook, and enjoyed the view of a canyon with the Colorado River running through it. I took a walk down closer to the canyon wall to get a better look at the river, as it was quite exhilarating. On my way back up to join up with the rest of the group, I realized I was running out of breath real quick, due to the elevation. I got back in the truck, got back on the trail, to continue our journey. It was shortly after then that we have to stop for Bob's truck not running right. So we left, Bob, Robbie, Troy, Gary and Mike to attend to the problem. We contained on the trail, Gustaf was narrating some of the things that we encountered such as various types of plants and vegetation, along with some of the things to look for and avoid when we stop and walk around in order to protect the environment. This is by far one of the cleanest trails I have been on. The trail was pretty easy for the most part, with some areas of light difficulties. Everyone from stock to heavily modified, mostly Toyotas, and a couple Land Rovers made the journey look easy, with some good driving with the leadership of our host, the East Coast Trail Team. We could not make it to our planned destination, Dewey bridge, as it was getting late in the day. We wanted to be able to set up camp in the daylight. We knew that without sunlight, it would get quite cold. The Temperature was expected to go down to the low 30's during the night. After setting up camp, everyone gathered up around the campfire, and thanks to the trail teams, enjoyed some great chili for dinner. Then continued talking about our day, along with various stories about other rides we have been on around the country.

So thank you Trail Teams for putting this event together, and allowing all of us to share this experience.

Good morning Gang!

Thanks to Sylvain for typing up the first day journal entry.....Fuel Pump Bob got his rig runnin again, and thr group all camped at Fish Ford.

However, despite Slyvain's prediction, it was actually somewheres between 17 and 19 degrees last nite, depending on which side of camp you were on...

one pic from camp this morning.....it's a balmy 29 right now!!

[Clutchee]

Yawl have fun....Wish I was there....work trip canceled

Guess theres always next year

[Goebeler]

Keep the pics coming! What an amazing trip!



Have fun and be safe.

Goebs

[powderpig]

Well it was nice to tag along for the last two days on my way to AZ. What a great group of fun loving guys and gals. So far only Fuel pump Bob and Woody 80 has broken something. Well what did Woody's truck break you may ask. The air intake hose, creating a fun problem for the drivers of the fine rig. Well a bit of duct tape and off they went like it was a new crusier. The night was warmer and the star were vivid. The Iron Chief competion was tough, Steve, Chet and myself had a tough job picking the best dish. Afterwards the vultures decended on the leftovers, all had a great meal.
Any how I will leave the suspence of who won the prize and what it was to Woody's post when he gets a good signal. I do hope the Trail Teams will able to put a few more of these on next year to have more gatherings of wandering cruiser heads seeing the wonders of North America.
Later Robbie

[Yoda1]

Originally Posted by powderpig

Well it was nice to tag along for the last two days on my way to AZ. What a great group of fun loving guys and gals. So far only Fuel pump Bob and Woody 80 has broken something. Well what did Woody's truck break you may ask. The air intake hose, creating a fun problem for the drivers of the fine rig. Well a bit of duct tape and off they went like it was a new crusier. The night was warmer and the star were vivid. The Iron Chief competion was tough, Steve, Chet and myself had a tough job picking the best dish. Afterwards the vultures decended on the leftovers, all had a great meal.
Any how I will leave the suspence of who won the prize and what it was to Woody's post when he gets a good signal. I do hope the Trail Teams will able to put a few more of these on next year to have more gatherings of wandering cruiser heads seeing the wonders of North America.
Later Robbie

Was it to much Hot Air on Woodys part that caused the proplem!!!!!!!

[bkfj40]

looks like everyone is having a good time....


bk

[woody]

Originally Posted by Waggoner5

Chapter Report - Wednesday November 7th 2007

Trail Team Expedition Day 2

We started the day at 7:00am and 17 degrees so everyone was moving a little slow to say the least. After doughnuts and Frosted Flakes, we all pulled out at 9:00am sharp. Gustav quickly pointed out a heard of "Thompsons Gazell". Better know to us US citizens as pronghorn. With no rubber boots, the pronghorn were safe.

After a short stretch of asphalt, and a little bit of cat hearding, we were back on the Kokapelli trail. By noon, we were heading across the Colorado river by way of the Dewey bridge to our lunch stop on the Delores river. The trail was fairly tame but redeemed itself numerous times with the vistas around every turn. Two river crossings added some excitement almost swallowing the LR3. All others made it through unscathed. Fuel Pump took the senic route looking for the 2nd crossing; however, he did make it through in 2-wheel drive. The Taco cleared the bank with a little more speed and style also in 2wd. The FJs ran everything with no issues and plenty of style as well.

Camping spot for tonight and home of the first annual Iron Chef Expedition Version was at the beautiful Cowskin Campground. Thong Cao won the Iron Chef award with his Adobo Pork and Couscous. Excellent meals were prepared by all and we could have fed all of Utah judging by the amount of leftovers.

Gary and Mike

Good morning!

we had a much warmer nite last night....tho a few folks did appreciate that I had 4 extra sleeping bags along

Heading this morning to the "top of the world" for some scenery....the drive up here is great, with some challenging rock climbs and plenty of views.

Our group of 15 rigs is plenty, but I do wish more folks could be here for this!

[sleeoffroad]

Bob should have kept the 80

[Trollhole]

Great pics Woody.

[woody]

Top Of The World!!

[landcrusher909]

Originally Posted by woody

Top Of The World!!

the first time we saw the view was the first day we made it to moab , i thought my world is complete. great pics and what a great story. This Site Rocks Thanks Woody from myself and my family

[woody]

however, to reach such beauty, there is occasionally a price to pay....so, a damage update...


- Fuel Pump Bob sheared off the 6 studs and 2 pins for his rear full-float axle on his 60 series....fortunately, he carried some spare parts....

- Roger popped the rear diff in his blue FJ Cruiser....since he's the EMT of the group, we banded together to get him back on the trail. Fortunately, the East Coast Trail Team carries a spare rear diff for just such emergencies! I tried to stay out of the way, but Gustaf, Sylvain, Gary, Dan, Mike, Roger, and I all banded together to get 'er back on the trails.

damage pic....IIRC, we counted 8 GONE teeth, and some pinion damage too!

[euclid]

Originally Posted by woody

- Fuel Pump Bob sheared off the 6 studs and 2 pins for his rear full-float axle on his 60 series....fortunately, he carried some spare parts....

Tell him to put it in 4wd so he won't hold you up breaking his junk.

Originally Posted by woody

damage pic....IIRC, we counted 8 GONE teeth, and some pinion damage too!

[sleeoffroad]

Originally Posted by woody

- Fuel Pump Bob sheared off the 6 studs and 2 pins for his rear full-float axle on his 60 series....fortunately, he carried some spare parts....

Does he have a Lockrite/Ausie Locker in there?

[Chris Cole]

It was a rare pleasure to join you all for the first day and night of your expedition run on the Kokopelli Trail. Wish we could have been there for the whole trail. From the pictures of day two it looks like you had some carnage that allowed some extended appreciation of the fantastic scenery!

We are in Tucson and will be heading to Mexico for the Baja 1000. Perhaps this could be an expedition for next year. Attached is a picture from our Baja Expedition last year.

Kind Regards,

Chris Cole
Anne Pence

[woody]

WOW!

Awesome awesome week....we are at the Moab Brewery right now, enjoying some lunch....everyone made it to town without running outta fuel too, tho quite a few lights were on!

More pics coming....gotta finish my burger!

[stharris]

Originally Posted by woody

WOW!

Awesome awesome week....we are at the Moab Brewery right now, enjoying some lunch....everyone made it to town without running outta fuel too, tho quite a few lights were on!

More pics coming....gotta finish my burger!

Sounds like you all had a great time. Can't wait to hear/see more.
If I'm not traveling (like was the case this time), I'm definitely going to make it next time.

[LR3Dude]

Hi folks! I made it to the Land Rover dealership in Glenwood Springs at approx 5 minutes after 4, so I was right on target! The trip was rather white knuckle, as I had to make up lots of time.... 80 on a donut spare tire through the curves made for some interesting manouvers! My DSC light came on a few times, but, got there no problem.
After getting a new (used) tire put on, I hit the highway, and made it home EXACTLY 24 hours after leaving you folks at the Moab Brewery. I slept about 1.5 hours at a rest stop, and did eat 2 meals.

I am working on getting the pictures on line, some are quite amazing!

It was great meeting and wheeling with all of you, I hope we can do this again very soon!

Fred

[devo]

the kokopelli expedition was like being offered a big piece of cake. no way i was going to turn it down and it was great, i ate it up.

so once again i had a wonderful time. it was a pleasure meeting, eating, driving, and sharing a bunch of fire side hoo-ha with all of you folks.

i hope you all get home safely and that the wheels are turning for a follow up expedition.

happy holidays and have a warm winter.

fp bob


oh, and a big HONK for ya gustav!

[treerootCO]

awesome trip!

[treerootCO]

thank you Trail Team and thank you Woody! I should have gone to LA with Woody.

[LandCruiserPhil]

Thanks to the TTT’s for putting the Kokopelli Expedition together, never a dull moment. Also thanks to everyone for their patience with turtle trailer team. It was a pleasure putting more MUD names with the faces of some good people.

Made it home to AZ by 9PM without damage and 2 pounds of Utah dust. Now if I can only figure out where we went…this area is big.

[65swb45]

Originally Posted by woody

...

- Fuel Pump Bob sheared off the 6 studs and 2 pins for his rear full-float axle on his 60 series.... AGAIN! fortunately, he carried some spare parts....

!

Fixed it for ya Woody! Or did Bob not tell you that part of our Canyonlands adventure?

So is there gonna be a professional write up on this in an upcoming rag somewhere?

[woody]

3-4 folks are workin on various articles...I need to go thru my pics so I don't accidentally put any online that need to be in the rags....

took about 550 photos....figger 4-5 outta be decent...