Monday, October 31, 2016

Metal Masher...October Fun Part 3

Gopher Flats
Moab, UT
October 2016

 Sunday, October 23rd, was highway clean-up day for MFFW Club.  With bags in hand, several members and visitors picked up 30+ bags of trash along the 3 mile stretch just north of Arches NP (on Hwy 191north) that club adopted.  

 With work done, it was time to go play and Metal Masher was the trail of choice.  

This nearly 12 mile loop is rated difficult due to large boulder climbs (thank goodness for by-passes) with names like Rock Chucker and Widow Maker.  
It was another clear October day with blue skies, white fluffy clouds, and spectacular views along the way. 

Dee... 
 Susan...










 ...and Corky make the climb up Rock Chucker look easy !








The overlook, about 5 miles in, is a favorite stop for everyone even if you have done the trail many times.


Looking north...
 ...and looking south.
My favorite part of the trail is the section that comes just after the overlook.  Its a narrow shelf road that heads west with views looking toward Hwy 313 that goes to Canyonlands NP.



Widow Maker is the last big...ummm, humongous...obsatcle on Metal Masher.  

Only 3 rigs ( Dee, Susan and Glen) had a chance to make it up this 8 foot+ climb so the rest of us followed Carole on the bypass and parked at the top to watch.


 Dee was first and made it up in Blanche with no worries.

 
 Next up was Susan.  After a few tries and an impressive wheel stand, she opted for a strap. 

 Last was Glen.  Chris and Charlene look on as Glen gets lined up.
Glen makes everything look so easy. Such a treat to watch him rock crawl.
I can't believe October is coming to an end.  Time sure flies !
Happy Halloween...
Until next time, let the good-times-roll !
  HAPPY TRAILS ! 
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18 comments:

  1. Jim and SandieOctober 31, 2016 at 10:30 AM

    Just looking at your puctures makes my stomach turn over. But I'm glad you're having fun.

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    Replies
    1. Joe and GayOctober 31, 2016 at 8:00 PM

      I call it scary fun Sandie...my stomach actually does a flip every now and then!

      Delete
  2. Jodee GravelOctober 31, 2016 at 6:25 PM

    Looking easy is in the eye of the beholder :-) But fun for sure!! Great pics of a great day.

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  3. John and Pam (ohtheplacestheygo.wordpress.com)October 31, 2016 at 7:08 PM

    Wow! That was some awesome rock crawling! So scary. Your photos are great, Gay:) Love your gorgeous scenery shots. So pretty:)

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    Replies
    1. Joe and GayOctober 31, 2016 at 8:02 PM

      Thanks Pam...the clouds have been so pretty. Makes everything else pop!

      Delete
  4. Big DudeNovember 1, 2016 at 6:53 AM

    Hard to believe thE vehicles can tackle those places and even harder to believe that you're in them :-)

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    1. Joe and GayNovember 1, 2016 at 4:44 PM

      It's been such a fun ride learning all that these jeeps can do. We are very fortunate to be surrounded by great friends who do this all the time and have taken time to teach us.

      Delete
  5. Metamorphosis LisaNovember 1, 2016 at 8:21 AM

    Love that your club has adopted a section of highway!

    It's mind boggling that a vehicle can climb that stuff!

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    Replies
    1. Joe and GayNovember 1, 2016 at 4:47 PM

      We pick up trash on Hwy 191 twice a year....spring and fall. We usually have lots of volunteers and can get it done in less than 3 hours. This fall it was especially trashy!

      Delete
  6. Wanderin'November 1, 2016 at 8:30 AM

    Amazing. I've said this over and over but no way would I be able to have my vehicle go over those rocks. I'd be scared to death! However, the pictures are fabulous.

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    1. Joe and GayNovember 1, 2016 at 4:50 PM

      All the jeeps that do these obstacles are not stock jeeps...they have lots of modifications and are built to crawl these boulders. There are lots of obstacles we can't do in our jeep, but it's always fun to watch and cheer for the ones who can.

      Delete
  7. our awesome travelsNovember 1, 2016 at 2:18 PM

    Hmm that sure is amazing what those vehicles do. Not something I think I could do I had a hard enough time on our scenic drive today on the La Sal Mountain loop road. The scenrey is still so amazing.

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    1. Joe and GayNovember 1, 2016 at 4:51 PM

      I haven't checked the weather for the LaSals...it's a beautiful ride...did you see snow?

      Delete
    2. our awesome travelsNovember 1, 2016 at 5:48 PM

      No snow , but it was a great tour thanks for the recommendation.

      Delete
    3. Joe and GayNovember 1, 2016 at 7:06 PM

      So glad you enjoyed the ride...you're welcome!

      Delete
  8. AnonymousNovember 1, 2016 at 9:40 PM

    That is what I call working with a lots of fun! Scary rides but really fun.

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    Replies
    1. Joe and GayNovember 2, 2016 at 7:05 AM

      Thank goodness for go-arounds MonaLiza...Pearl isn't quite "big" enough for some of those obstacles!

      Delete

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