Blanket Creek Run

(May 15, 2005)

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We all met at the Dinsmore store at 9am, probably the only mini mart and public bathroom (port-a -potty) in town! After everyone showed and stocked up on last minute provisions, we drove down a few miles to unload the trailers. There were about 14 rigs in all, and after a bit of rain the night before it looked like it was going to be a promising day of mud.  Coming all the way from Arcata...I thought that I was going to be late. In order to make up for lost time I decided to become a NASCAR driver and take the turns as quick as I dare. I was leaning into the turns pretty aggressive, which is fun with 10" of lift, 35' howling' tires, and no sway bar.  Tom Valee was trying to stay up with my Toyota as it teetered and swayed along highway 36.  He was just trying to break in the new lift that Rocky had installed the week before, and this was a perfect stretch to do just that.

         

            Before we officially got started, Mike inspected our gear to insure we have the proper equipment to make it home. Most of us came with what was listed on the "B-4 U GO" check list passed out at the last meeting. And yes, beer should count as water. Unfortunately there is always one in the group that just can't seem to come prepared!  We won't name any names...but we know that the best way to learn is by example and I am sure he will have everything next time!  No worries, everyone passed the test and was allowed to go play. We spent about 15 minutes getting our rigs aired down and geared up, strapping in any loose items that can potentially flop around or be launched at an unsuspecting target. I aired mine down to about 10 psi, and Cameron took his TJ down to about 5-6 psi. This was also the perfect opportunity to check out the "competition". It was interesting to see what modifications had been done to each truck, and with each truck there were always great trail stories. We mingled and talked, catching up on the latest off-road gossip.  When everyone was set to go, we retreated to our respective rigs and started the Blanket Creek adventure.

         

            Challenge number one... to bravely cross the icy untamed swirling rapids.  Ok, so I embellished a bit and it was really only 3 feet of water, but just ask Aaron and Bill how cold it was.  They did not so much as flinch as the water crept to the top of the fender practically engulfing his tires. They arrived on the other side only slightly saturated. Both flat fenders were entertaining to watch with no windshield and no cover over the transfer case.  After that we explored through various trails; nothing too extreme as we climbed altitude to about 4,500 feet.  I was expecting that this would be what the remainder of the trip would be like, but I was wrong. That's when we met our second, but probably fist real challenge of the day. Senteney Rock.  We all took it in stride and enjoyed the great view from the top of the valley. I would say on my personal "scale of steepness" it was about a 4, and a great warm up. We stopped for a moment and took advantage of the photo-op.

         

            Next we hit about a 4-5 hundred yard stretch of frosty white stuff. Snow always adds a unique element that can really frustrate a lot of drivers.  Steve and Jim led the way in their TJ and CJ5 as we held off and watched.  The snow was fresh at about 1-2 feet deep, and we were the first to set tracks.  Steve made it up with Stitch, the faithful English Mastiff following and cheering him on. Some folks needed some assistance to reach the top. The trucks that had front and rear lockers decided to make a path by packing the snow. This helped a lot, but some still had to rely on there winch and own power to pull them out.  The last part was probably the most grueling. Not everyone was able to take on this obstacle, "V" trenches, fallen trees and huge rocks made this path quite difficult.  Steve was familiar with the terrain and took me, Tom, & Cameron. They all had small jeeps that could maneuver around things a little easier than I could, so I was concerned about the ability of my Toyota. I took a moment to check out the line, debating how and if I was going to take it. Then I heard Steve say "Come on you can make it" (translation: get your ass in your truck and drive).  That was encouraging enough, and I climbed into the mighty Toyota to see what she was capable of. We made it all they way down to Blanket creek before we turned around and headed back. I thought to myself as we came back up how much easier it was then descending, and how I really had nothing to worry about. Unfortunately as we headed up Steve blew his right front tire so we all stopped and helped him out. Thankfully this was the only major casualty of the day. I admit at times I thought I was going to get some gnarly "trail presents", but all I left with were some scrapes on my fender and a CB antenna that went AWOL.

We ended the afternoon back at the starting point to swap stories and air back up our tires. It was a great morning, afternoon and evening trail ride. We got to experience a variety of landscapes and levels of difficulty that everyone could appreciate. I think I even convinced my girlfriend to join us on the next one!!

                                                                                             Wes Fahlgren

Below is an assortment of photos from the run.