packman73
SILVER Star
FJ Summit....
- Thread starter packman73
- Start date
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Yep! I'm baaaack! It was a long drive, but the scenery made it all worth it. We left Tuesday at 11AM, got to Golden Colorado around 7PM (8PM our time), and then we rolled into Ouray around 4PM.
The scenery around Ouray, if you've never been there, is absolutely breath taking! I've never actually been IN the mountains and stayed there before. The air smells of fresh pine, the clouds look like they are within arm's reach, and the mountains and waterfalls, as beautiful as they are, are everywhere.
Now for the trails:
Thursday: In the morning we headed up Alpine Loop, which as we were told, was a very long trail consisting of Engineer's Pass, and Cinnamon Pass. Little did we know that it would take over 8 hours to complete! Engineer's pass had me and my friend, Andy, by the short and curlies! The edge of the trail was probably three feet or less from the side of our rig - three feet closer than I was thinking it would be, and three feet closer than I wanted it to be! One time while going up Engineer's Pass while still in the timber, we slipped toward the cliff on some wet rocks, and we thought for sure we were going to tumble to our death. Thankfully, the guy behind us said we looked fine, and we should slowly turn the steering wheel to the right. "TO THE RIGHT???!!! THAT'S WHERE THE CLIFF IS!!!" He again said we would be fine, so I put my trust (and life) in his hands, turned the wheel to the right, and slowly accelerated and continued along the trail. Needless to say the adrenaline was excessively flowing at that point, and my concentration level was at an all time high. Once on top of Engineer's Pass, the view (albeit cloudy) was incredible. We stayed up there for a few minutes, long enough for a group shot, and then we proceeded down and to Cinnamon Pass, which was a little bit scary. I think however, after Engineer's Pass smacking me in the face with her slippery rock trickery, and dreadful cliffs, Cinnamon Pass was a bit of a breeze, and we ended up getting back into Ouray from Silverton around 5PM, and didn't do much besides grab a few drinks, and some dinner, as tomorrow was Black Bear Pass - the scariest trial, or so everyone said.
Friday: Chickened out on Black Bear (
), and stayed in town to do some souvenir shopping, and to see what else the town had to offer. After a late lunch, we ended up in a saloon called the Silver Eagle around 3:30 in the afternoon. This was our second trip to the SE and the bartender/owner is a real, what's the word I'm looking for, dick. That is, until you get to know him, which is a real treat in itselft. Our first trip in there was Thursday night while looking for a bite to eat. "Do you server food?" we asked. "Nope" the bartender replied. So we thought we should at least get something so we both ordered a drink. As we're sitting there at the bar in this old style saloon, and reading all his signs/rules about the place, Andy's cell phone rings, he answers, and the bartender immediately says to Andy, "Sir, you'll have to take that outside" and points to the one sign we missed, that read: No Cell Phones! Ooookay...? It was almost like that episode of Seinfeld, the Soup Nazi episode... Saloon Nazi had cometh! We took off after those drinks and returned later Friday like I mentioned, with a better attitude, and the willingness to understand this guy, and why he was such a hard ass. We did get to know him a bit, and had probably a bit too much to drink in the process.
Saturday: We met up w/ our group to do California and Corkscrew Pass @ 8AM Saturday morning. This trail was much more relaxed, with a few cliffs and rock obstacles to climb. I don't know if they weren't as bad as on Engineer's Pass (I erased that day from the memory banks!), or if we were getting used to the trails and the heights, but this trail was fun. 100% fun! It only took 5.5 hours too, so we got back to Ouray around 1PM and took it easy for the rest of the day, as the altitude (I think) was starting to get to me, and I knew I had to drive 15 hours straight through to Des Moines in the morning, which I wasn't looking forward to.
Sunday: We got to the group photo on main street Ouray around 6:45, and line up with all the other FJ's (probably 150 at least?). And out of all those FJ's, who pulls up next to us? MyYoda! LOL! It was good to talk to them, and to listen to theri experiences, but I think they too were ready for the activites to be over and to get on home. The photos were done being taken right at 7:30 that morning, and that's when we hit the road for our 15 hour trek home. I pulled into my drive way at 11:30 that night, and was exhausted, and if it wasn't for my wife, I wouldn't have woken up for the storm that came barreling in around 3AM.
Reflection: Overall, the FJ Summit is really something you have to experience to gain an appreciation for. The city of Ouray and surrounding country is, like I said, breath taking, the people there for the Summit are nothing short of some of the friendliest people you'll ever meet. Maybe not next year, but I'll definitely be going back. It was a great time!
(Sorry for no pics. They'll come as soon as I have them all organized)
Oh, and I got the stickers, Art. Thanks buddy!!!
The scenery around Ouray, if you've never been there, is absolutely breath taking! I've never actually been IN the mountains and stayed there before. The air smells of fresh pine, the clouds look like they are within arm's reach, and the mountains and waterfalls, as beautiful as they are, are everywhere.
Now for the trails:
Thursday: In the morning we headed up Alpine Loop, which as we were told, was a very long trail consisting of Engineer's Pass, and Cinnamon Pass. Little did we know that it would take over 8 hours to complete! Engineer's pass had me and my friend, Andy, by the short and curlies! The edge of the trail was probably three feet or less from the side of our rig - three feet closer than I was thinking it would be, and three feet closer than I wanted it to be! One time while going up Engineer's Pass while still in the timber, we slipped toward the cliff on some wet rocks, and we thought for sure we were going to tumble to our death. Thankfully, the guy behind us said we looked fine, and we should slowly turn the steering wheel to the right. "TO THE RIGHT???!!! THAT'S WHERE THE CLIFF IS!!!" He again said we would be fine, so I put my trust (and life) in his hands, turned the wheel to the right, and slowly accelerated and continued along the trail. Needless to say the adrenaline was excessively flowing at that point, and my concentration level was at an all time high. Once on top of Engineer's Pass, the view (albeit cloudy) was incredible. We stayed up there for a few minutes, long enough for a group shot, and then we proceeded down and to Cinnamon Pass, which was a little bit scary. I think however, after Engineer's Pass smacking me in the face with her slippery rock trickery, and dreadful cliffs, Cinnamon Pass was a bit of a breeze, and we ended up getting back into Ouray from Silverton around 5PM, and didn't do much besides grab a few drinks, and some dinner, as tomorrow was Black Bear Pass - the scariest trial, or so everyone said.
Friday: Chickened out on Black Bear (
), and stayed in town to do some souvenir shopping, and to see what else the town had to offer. After a late lunch, we ended up in a saloon called the Silver Eagle around 3:30 in the afternoon. This was our second trip to the SE and the bartender/owner is a real, what's the word I'm looking for, dick. That is, until you get to know him, which is a real treat in itselft. Our first trip in there was Thursday night while looking for a bite to eat. "Do you server food?" we asked. "Nope" the bartender replied. So we thought we should at least get something so we both ordered a drink. As we're sitting there at the bar in this old style saloon, and reading all his signs/rules about the place, Andy's cell phone rings, he answers, and the bartender immediately says to Andy, "Sir, you'll have to take that outside" and points to the one sign we missed, that read: No Cell Phones! Ooookay...? It was almost like that episode of Seinfeld, the Soup Nazi episode... Saloon Nazi had cometh! We took off after those drinks and returned later Friday like I mentioned, with a better attitude, and the willingness to understand this guy, and why he was such a hard ass. We did get to know him a bit, and had probably a bit too much to drink in the process.Saturday: We met up w/ our group to do California and Corkscrew Pass @ 8AM Saturday morning. This trail was much more relaxed, with a few cliffs and rock obstacles to climb. I don't know if they weren't as bad as on Engineer's Pass (I erased that day from the memory banks!), or if we were getting used to the trails and the heights, but this trail was fun. 100% fun! It only took 5.5 hours too, so we got back to Ouray around 1PM and took it easy for the rest of the day, as the altitude (I think) was starting to get to me, and I knew I had to drive 15 hours straight through to Des Moines in the morning, which I wasn't looking forward to.
Sunday: We got to the group photo on main street Ouray around 6:45, and line up with all the other FJ's (probably 150 at least?). And out of all those FJ's, who pulls up next to us? MyYoda! LOL! It was good to talk to them, and to listen to theri experiences, but I think they too were ready for the activites to be over and to get on home. The photos were done being taken right at 7:30 that morning, and that's when we hit the road for our 15 hour trek home. I pulled into my drive way at 11:30 that night, and was exhausted, and if it wasn't for my wife, I wouldn't have woken up for the storm that came barreling in around 3AM.
Reflection: Overall, the FJ Summit is really something you have to experience to gain an appreciation for. The city of Ouray and surrounding country is, like I said, breath taking, the people there for the Summit are nothing short of some of the friendliest people you'll ever meet. Maybe not next year, but I'll definitely be going back. It was a great time!
(Sorry for no pics. They'll come as soon as I have them all organized)
Oh, and I got the stickers, Art. Thanks buddy!!!
Silly question...but do you now officially have the bug?
Glad to hear that you had a good time and took some time to enjoy and support the local economy...and learned what pucker factor is...
You know, I think I do. I keep wanting to take the FJ out and get it dirty, even though I can't get it clean now after Ouray. LOL!
Now, I gotta convince my wife I NEED to go to the TCC event next month... Wish me luck.
Pics still to come. I was busy tonight.
packman73
SILVER Star
- Thread starter
- #5
You know, I think I do. I keep wanting to take the FJ out and get it dirty, even though I can't get it clean now after Ouray. LOL!
Now, I gotta convince my wife I NEED to go to the TCC event next month... Wish me luck.
Pics still to come. I was busy tonight.
Oh, you need to come to the Tall Corn Cruiser Classic...heck it's only $80 and it's only an hour away...
The Summit was an awesome experience! Definately well worth every penny of gas money spent. We left home very early Monday morning and arrived in time to set up our tents in the dark. 
Tuesday we hit Hot Springs pool and just checked out the town. Here is our run down of events & pictures.
Wednesday we did a pre-run of Corkscrew Gulch with some crazy guys from CA & Utah. We did that trail around 20mph - a much different experience than we were used to.
zannegirl/Black Bear Pass/Ouray - Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
Thursday we did Imogene. WOW! I am afraid of heights and I wasn't sure I would live through this one. You feel like you are hanging off a cliff for 75% of the trail. I am sure that is not the case...but that's what it felt like to me! I drove the 2nd half of the way down which was a mistake. Randy kept telling me to go LEFT which was closer to the edge and I told him NO WAY. It is shocking I didn't bash in the passenger side of the FJ trying to stay safe. Needless to say, he drove the remainder of the trails.
zannegirl/Imogene Pass - Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
Friday we were on Corkscrew/California Gulch again. This one was at a much more normal pace! Lots of fun, saw a bunch of marmots on this trail. We headed into Silverton after this one and met up for lunch with some new friends we made.
zannegirl/Corkscrew Gulch Pass - Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
Saturday we conquered Black Bear Pass. After hearing how dangerous/scary it was for 2 days, I wanted to back out but Randy said he was going with or without me. There is a lot of hype about this one...Randy said the switchbacks coming back down were scary for the driver, but we had Tim Scully spotting us and there were no problems. Our group ate lunch in Telluride after we finished then some of us took Last Dollar Road back to Ouray.
zannegirl/Black Bear Pass - Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
If you have ever considered attending the summit...think about it for next year. We had a blast!
Tuesday we hit Hot Springs pool and just checked out the town. Here is our run down of events & pictures.Wednesday we did a pre-run of Corkscrew Gulch with some crazy guys from CA & Utah. We did that trail around 20mph - a much different experience than we were used to.
zannegirl/Black Bear Pass/Ouray - Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
Thursday we did Imogene. WOW! I am afraid of heights and I wasn't sure I would live through this one. You feel like you are hanging off a cliff for 75% of the trail. I am sure that is not the case...but that's what it felt like to me! I drove the 2nd half of the way down which was a mistake. Randy kept telling me to go LEFT which was closer to the edge and I told him NO WAY. It is shocking I didn't bash in the passenger side of the FJ trying to stay safe. Needless to say, he drove the remainder of the trails.
zannegirl/Imogene Pass - Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
Friday we were on Corkscrew/California Gulch again. This one was at a much more normal pace! Lots of fun, saw a bunch of marmots on this trail. We headed into Silverton after this one and met up for lunch with some new friends we made.
zannegirl/Corkscrew Gulch Pass - Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
Saturday we conquered Black Bear Pass. After hearing how dangerous/scary it was for 2 days, I wanted to back out but Randy said he was going with or without me. There is a lot of hype about this one...Randy said the switchbacks coming back down were scary for the driver, but we had Tim Scully spotting us and there were no problems. Our group ate lunch in Telluride after we finished then some of us took Last Dollar Road back to Ouray.
zannegirl/Black Bear Pass - Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
If you have ever considered attending the summit...think about it for next year. We had a blast!
Yes, you do, Art. Every built Black Cherry I saw (minus Suzanne's w/ the black roof) I thought was you.
Here are my pictures.
Picasa Web Albums - CRAW - FJ Summit 2008
Here are my pictures.
Picasa Web Albums - CRAW - FJ Summit 2008
packman73
SILVER Star
- Thread starter
- #9
Great pics man! Glad to see that you went to the recovery techniques class with Chris. He's a great guy and knows his stuff. He did that same class for us last year at the TCCC. Great scenery!
What did you think of the event as a whole? Well organized? Worth the price of admission? Raffle?
Yeah, he really knows his stuff! I'm glad I went to two of the three techniques classes too.
The event as a whole...? Well, this was my first event, albeit a big one. I'm really not one to do all that is on the written schedule, so I can't comment too much on the raffle (didn't go), or the dinners (lines way too long), but keep in mind this is only the 2nd FJ Summit. That being said, I didn't mind paying the registration fee and not participating in every little thing they had planned for us. The money went towards a good event to help other FJ owners get together, and to get me on some beautiful trails. I took the approach that this was my vacation mixed in w/ the FJ Summit. Over all though, I'd have to say it's a great event. Everyone I talked to was having a good time and couldn't say enough about those that put on the event. The town, and scenery alone will have me going back, oh, and the trails. I can't wait to get back on them. With some skid plates, sliders, and maybe some better tires.
Suzanne and Randy could probably comment on the main events going on at the headquarters more so than I. When I talked to them Sunday morning at the final group photo, I got the impression they went to dinner every night, and they also said they went to the raffle.
I know it's not much help, but I hope it's some.
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We attended the majority of the events put on by the summit team. Dinner lines weren't too bad; we found it was a great way to meet new people. We made sure we had a snack beforehand and 'bevereges' on hand in case we had to wait.
The kids raffle was a zoo but the younger kids had a great time. Everyone won at least 2 items and received a bag with a shirt, stickers, & coloring book.
Main raffle was good, too. Lots & lots of good stuff. Unfortunately, we didn't win anything big.
However, with all the freebies handed out and what we did win in the raffle, we got more than our money back plus all the fun we experienced.
We didn't go to any of Chris' demonstrations; kids would have been bored. We did hang out with him one night when we were with Tom (yellow FJ from NE, was at TCCC last year) and his daughter Jamie (dark red Tacoma). Tom & Jamie are talking about coming to TCCC again this year...we told him they have to!
The summit is a huge event with LOTS to do. We did a lot of what was on the schedule but fit in some time to do a few things on our own or in small groups with other people. If we don't make it back out next year, it will be in 2010 for sure!
The kids raffle was a zoo but the younger kids had a great time. Everyone won at least 2 items and received a bag with a shirt, stickers, & coloring book.
Main raffle was good, too. Lots & lots of good stuff. Unfortunately, we didn't win anything big.
However, with all the freebies handed out and what we did win in the raffle, we got more than our money back plus all the fun we experienced.We didn't go to any of Chris' demonstrations; kids would have been bored. We did hang out with him one night when we were with Tom (yellow FJ from NE, was at TCCC last year) and his daughter Jamie (dark red Tacoma). Tom & Jamie are talking about coming to TCCC again this year...we told him they have to!
The summit is a huge event with LOTS to do. We did a lot of what was on the schedule but fit in some time to do a few things on our own or in small groups with other people. If we don't make it back out next year, it will be in 2010 for sure!