| Frank Raines SVRA
Our
trip to Frank Raines was planned long ago. The previous summer, Dave,
Jimmy and I ran the trail
in 100 degree heat and wanted to take on the challenge with more people
and more water. By the beginning of January, we had rounded up a
considerable amount of people for such a tight trail. The list of
attendees grew to 16 trucks long, although only about 11 of them would
actually take on the creek trail.
| Eric Thompson - 69
Bronco |
Ryan McAllistar - 84
4Runner |
| Mark Harris - 71
Bronco |
Marty Delaguardie -
85 Toyota PU |
| Dan Wilson - 79
Bronco |
'Bill' - 95 Z-71 |
| Bryan Kale - 81
Bronco |
Kenny Dunster - 79
Chevy PU |
| John Denholm - 89
Bronco |
Donnavan Bronk - 94
Jeep YJ |
| Damon Haas - 94
Bronco |
|
 |
After
introductions, airing down and checking out each others trucks, we
made our way to the mouth of the 'Creek Trail'. We were pleased to
find that there was just the right amount of water in the creek
thanks to the rains of the previous week. It was rarely over 1'
deep, but was there to make things slick and more
challenging. |
|
Duke had just gotten finished building up his jeep for this
trip. He added a Pro Comp 4" lift and EZ-Lockers in both
ends. (Sidenote: If you get a chance, ask Dave about his EZ-Locker
experience) The front driveshaft would not turn in fourwheel
drive. His transfer case was recently rebuilt and we all suspect
that something was not put back together quite right. I was
driving point and Duke was behind me. There was no way that I was
going to reverse back through the small sluice, so we tried to
pull the Jeep by hand. We eventually got it off to the side of the
trail and we were back on our way. |
|
Here
are some shots of Bryan, Bill, Damon, and Dan in the first obstacle. The
creek trail looks kindly on high ground clearance, traction aiding
differentials, and driver skill. My hat goes off to the drivers with
stock-height trucks on this trail. You really have to pick a good line
and know the underside of your vehicle well. We did spend some time
stacking rocks for these guys, but having 31" tires makes this
trail very difficult.
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