Backway to CK on 12/1

[BillR]

Let's get a run going up to Crown King before it gets too cold to enjoy the patio at the bar.;) Early Dec. should be great! (It'll be ALOT warmer than up here!:D)

Date: Saturday 12/1
Time: meet at 8am
Directions: Exit I-17(heading north) at the Carefree Hwy 74. Head west roughly 11 miles and turn north (right) on Castle Hot Springs Rd (right past mile marker 19). Follow the paved road 5-6 miles. Turn left at the T and the pavement turns to dirt soon afterwards. That is the meeting spot.

Sign up here so we can get a good head count.

[YGOHOME]

Looking forward to it... will be a good fun time.

[YGOHOME]

Hey Bill... I just realized that the Annual BBQ over at Hunter's parking lot is on Dec 1st too.

I'm still up for crown king run on the 1st and if we have a small group its still possible to attend the Hunter BBQ.... i'd be super tired but that the great thing about BBQs... relaxing :D

Or we could reschedule this CK run for the following weekend... more people would probably sign up for the run if it were rescheduled.

Either way though I'm cool with.

Ben

[JeepTJ98]

I am in either on the 1st or the next weekend... cant get enough crown king... ;)

[BillR]

Hey Bill... I just realized that the Annual BBQ over at Hunter's parking lot is on Dec 1st too.

I'm still up for crown king run on the 1st and if we have a small group its still possible to attend the Hunter BBQ.... i'd be super tired but that the great thing about BBQs... relaxing :D

Or we could reschedule this CK run for the following weekend... more people would probably sign up for the run if it were rescheduled.

Either way though I'm cool with.

Ben
I'm good with either weekend. The weather should still be REALLY nice on the 8th so we can do lunch on the patio at CK.
Your call...

[BillR]

I am in either on the 1st or the next weekend... cant get enough crown king... ;)
x1000!:D

[YGOHOME]

Okay, Lets plan for the 8th then... :D

I'll plan on leading.

[BillR]

Okay, Lets plan for the 8th then... :D

I'll plan on leading.
8th it is!
Have fun at the BBQ. I'll spend that day getting my trailer ready for the trip.
Any ideas where to park a tow rig?

[YGOHOME]

i think there is a boat launch and trailer parking if you turn right at the T instead of left. But I don't know that for sure. Some people with trailers loaded with quads go a little further down the dirt road and there are some places along there for trailers but I don't know exactly where that is. If you get there a little early you can check it out or maybe someone else here knows.

Ben

[KennethS]

There are several areas where folks park trailers off Cow Road(?) before you get to the Crown King turn off. I think there's a parking location near the junction of Cow Road and Crown King Trail, too.

[Fire Ball]

Crap, BBQ on the first, skiing on the 8th.

[BillR]

I'd rather find a parking spot for the rig closer to the freeway, since I'll be loading up and heading back up the hill.
Suggestions? Even somewhere near Black Canyon City would work great...

[TomHatch]

I park in the parking lot at the Carefree Highway and I17. If you are coming from Flagstaff you could park somewhere in Cordes Junction. To get back to your rig you will take the Senator Highway from Crown King to Mayer to Cordes Junction (its better than the dusty ride from CK to Bumble Bee!!!).

I may come along.

[YGOHOME]

also, something to consider... I don't know if there will be any snow up there in Dec, but if there is... snow or ice can make it very difficult to get up that last ledge just before the switch backs if you don't have lockers. And the angle is such that winching or strapping isn't really an option there unless you have rocker protection for that rock thats on the drivers side at the top of the ledge corner

I want to mention that now cuz it would suck to have to turn anyone back around after making it that far. A stock tj tried to make that ledge back in feb when the ledge was slushy and icy in the shade of the trees and after several failed attempts and getting a running start they managed to tear a front brake hose and broke their tie rod... after the repair using my spare tie rod and vice grips they turned back around for their long drive back down the trail.

[BillR]

also, something to consider... I don't know if there will be any snow up there in Dec, but if there is... snow or ice can make it very difficult to get up that last ledge just before the switch backs if you don't have lockers. And the angle is such that winching or strapping isn't really an option there unless you have rocker protection for that rock thats on the drivers side at the top of the ledge corner

I want to mention that now cuz it would suck to have to turn anyone back around after making it that far. A stock tj tried to make that ledge back in feb when the ledge was slushy and icy in the shade of the trees and after several failed attempts and getting a running start they managed to tear a front brake hose and broke their tie rod... after the repair using my spare tie rod and vice grips they turned back around for their long drive back down the trail.
Snow? Ice? NOW you're talking!!:D

[JeepTJ98]

also, something to consider... I don't know if there will be any snow up there in Dec, but if there is... snow or ice can make it very difficult to get up that last ledge just before the switch backs if you don't have lockers. And the angle is such that winching or strapping isn't really an option there unless you have rocker protection for that rock thats on the drivers side at the top of the ledge corner

I want to mention that now cuz it would suck to have to turn anyone back around after making it that far. A stock tj tried to make that ledge back in feb when the ledge was slushy and icy in the shade of the trees and after several failed attempts and getting a running start they managed to tear a front brake hose and broke their tie rod... after the repair using my spare tie rod and vice grips they turned back around for their long drive back down the trail.

Good to know because i am stock in my tj.... I feel pretty confident I can do it though... anyone plan on camping?

[BillR]

Good to know because i am stock in my tj.... I feel pretty confident I can do it though... anyone plan on camping?
Your call...:cool:
I won't be camping. I'm trailering mine down the hill.

[Clay]

I plan on being there with my stock 99 Sahara. I went with Bill to the broken Arrow ride on the tenth. Very enjoyable. Thanks for posting that one Bill. Not very efficient with the website yet so I hope this is what you are talking about when you say to confirm that you are coming.

I will be there by eight am on the eighth day of December. Don't think my daughter wants to go, but a coworker does so I will have at least one passenger with me.

[YGOHOME]

this will be a blast. I'm really looking forward to it. And welcome to the virtualjeepclub cbrid01.

I'll be going to a concert later that evening in downtown phx so I probably won't hang out alot once we get into crown king... but of course I'll stick around long enough to get a souvineer or two and get some of their homemade java icecream... its the best I've tasted.

also, incase anyone doesn't have one already, a tow hook would be a great thing to have on the front of the jeeps... occaisionally someone will need strapping over a little ledge or two and without towhooks in the front that little task can be a challenge

see you all on the 8th

[Clay]

this will be a blast. I'm really looking forward to it. And welcome to the virtualjeepclub cbrid01.

I'll be going to a concert later that evening in downtown phx so I probably won't hang out alot once we get into crown king... but of course I'll stick around long enough to get a souvineer or two and get some of their homemade java icecream... its the best I've tasted.

also, incase anyone doesn't have one already, a tow hook would be a great thing to have on the front of the jeeps... occaisionally someone will need strapping over a little ledge or two and without towhooks in the front that little task can be a challenge

see you all on the 8th


I have noticed that there are pictures of jeeps near everybody's postings. I noticed that the color of the jeep next to my user ID is green. Now I could scratch my head and wonder how you folks knew my jeep is green or assume that the green jeep signifies a green horn or a new person to the club. So what do the number of jeeps next to a user id stand for?

[YGOHOME]

I think the more time you post up in the forums here the more jeeps you get next to your user id. it starts with the green army willys and progresses thru to the current jeep JK model I think

[rockclimber]

Have been looking for a CK run since I missed the big one a while back. I am ready for this one. Count me in for the 8th and I will have my wife with me.

Chad

[BillR]

Bringing this BTT. It's going to a fun trip. Don't forget the date change to 12/8!:)

[Symon623]

Bill,
there are lots of places to park your TR/trailer on the CK road between Bumble Bee and I17. this would bew ideal for you if you drive from there to Lake Pleasant then come down through Cleator/BB and there's your trailer and your half way up sunset point already. Not sure how SL or SS your rig is?

If you opt for this? exit I17 at New River (first exit south of Table Mesa) and go west, it'll put you on SR74 (Carefree Hwy) 2 miles east of the lake. It's a good smooth 55 MPH road. Hell of a shortcut.

I was just up there Saturday. Lots of Dust, windy and bloody cold but the wind and cold were the current waether pattern.

Have a great time

[BillR]

Thanks for the tip!
Are these parking places fairly safe? (I don't want to find a burned hulk when I get there...):)

Bill,
there are lots of places to park your TR/trailer on the CK road between Bumble Bee and I17. this would bew ideal for you if you drive from there to Lake Pleasant then come down through Cleator/BB and there's your trailer and your half way up sunset point already. Not sure how SL or SS your rig is?

If you opt for this? exit I17 at New River (first exit south of Table Mesa) and go west, it'll put you on SR74 (Carefree Hwy) 2 miles east of the lake. It's a good smooth 55 MPH road. Hell of a shortcut.

I was just up there Saturday. Lots of Dust, windy and bloody cold but the wind and cold were the current waether pattern.

Have a great time

[Symon623]

Thanks for the tip!
Are these parking places fairly safe? (I don't want to find a burned hulk when I get there...):)

That I can't garentee, i saw lots of trucks and trailers out there, most were quad guys. I think it'll be fine. I'd do it. but it's still your call.

I'm not sure what would be safer? closer or farther from the highway? :dizzy2:

[DLT]

I would enjoy going with you guys I was planning on going soon myself. I was working during the annual CK run.
Dave

[Duality]

man, I really want to go to this. The 1st would have been perfect but the 8th I have my CCW course.

:(

[YGOHOME]

Hi Everyone,

if the weather forecast for the 8th is anything like the one for this coming weekend (http://www.virtualjeepclub.com/showthread.php?t=28307) then I will be staying at home and won't be able to lead this run. :(

If the weather is stormy and wet on the 8th and you guys want to still go and don't have a leader... I can send to you directions/coordinates to all the turns, waypoints, trails, etc... I have all that in a Garmin GPS file (I can also send it to you in other file formats).

I was also planning on going this Saturday too, the 1st, just to speed through the trail "quickly" as a pre-run to see how conditions will be for when we all go on the 8th but I'm canceling that too because of weather :(

I'm sorry to put a "damper" on the plans. Hopefully you'll find another leader who doesn't mind mudslides or better yet it will all clear up for the weekend of the 8th and I'll see you all out there. Just wanted to post that I may not go out if weather isn't looking good.

Thanks!

Ben

[Tirith]

Hi Everyone,

if the weather forecast for the 8th is anything like the one for this coming weekend (http://www.virtualjeepclub.com/showthread.php?t=28307) then I will be staying at home and won't be able to lead this run. :(

If the weather is stormy and wet on the 8th and you guys want to still go and don't have a leader... I can send to you directions/coordinates to all the turns, waypoints, trails, etc... I have all that in a Garmin GPS file (I can also send it to you in other file formats).

I was also planning on going this Saturday too, the 1st, just to speed through the trail "quickly" as a pre-run to see how conditions will be for when we all go on the 8th but I'm canceling that too because of weather :(

I'm sorry to put a "damper" on the plans. Hopefully you'll find another leader who doesn't mind mudslides or better yet it will all clear up for the weekend of the 8th and I'll see you all out there. Just wanted to post that I may not go out if weather isn't looking good.

Thanks!

Ben


I plan on joining the run on the 8th. I suppose I could lead if YGOHOME decides to bail, but I'm afraid my feelings about this are about the same as his: if it is raining on the 8th like it is supposed to rain this weekend, I would prefer not to run it either. Too much of the trail can wash out, and parts of it can become dangerous. Plus I'm sure the trail would appreciate us not digging it up in the mud. :)

[DLT]

That will work for me also hope it clears up enough to go.
Dave

[Frisbie]

If its not raining on the 8th, it should be great fun after all the rain this weekend.Big storms can make a whole new world up there!

[BillR]

Sounds like we'll let the weather decide.
Let's hope for sunshine!

[mingoglia]

That's one trip that's fun in the rain. I ran it once on a quad and it rained until we got high enough and then it was snowing.... one of my most memorable runs off highway.

[BillR]

That's one trip that's fun in the rain. I ran it once on a quad and it rained until we got high enough and then it was snowing.... one of my most memorable runs off highway.
I personally LIKE wheeling in the rain. But I used to live in Michigan. If you let the weather affect your plans there, you'd stay home ALOT!:)
I don't know the way, so I'm good with what everyone else decides.

[YGOHOME]

its also kindof a scheduling thing... bad scheduling on my part cuz I forgot about a Chris Botti jazz concert I'm taking my neice to that day, sorry bout that. $100 per seat and she's really looking forward to it. So if I go I must be back by 4pm which means I need to reach CK by about 2pm which isn't a problem normally(takes about 4 or 5 hrs max with our small group from airdown to CK at a nice relaxing pace). with snow and rain I might be pushing my luck on time though and I want to enjoy the trail without rushing too fast.

it is beautiful with snow, me and spongebob ran it, just us two jeeps, back in feb just after a snow-fall beginning below the switch backs. we met a stock tj at the ledge at the start of the switch backs. we stopped to help him up the icy slushy ledge but then he gunned it and broke his tie rod in two and ripped out a brake line... ( http://www.virtualjeepclub.com/showpost.php?p=158040&postcount=6 ) I can't afford a repeat of that with my plans later in the evening.

If its clear weather I'll be there for sure. Otherwise, check with the other guys to see if one of them can commit to lead or help with the turns or I can send you gps map file with coords, waypoints, etc. with a gps you wouldn't have any trouble. (or, if you don't have a GPS I can meet you at the airdown and loan you my garmin 60csx that can run on AA batteries and last all day and I can give you a quick lesson on how to use it... its really easy)

sorry guys, I will feel real bad about this if I can't go. Its my dang memory, i'm losing it. lol

but hopefully the extended forecast is wrong (it usually is) and we'll have blue skies :D

[Frisbie]

as of 0200 they had 3.5 inches rain and still coming.Expecting light snow on Sat. night.Shotgun rider says go so unless i have to work will be there on the 8th.

[YGOHOME]

since I didnt get out there today for my pre-run I'm going to do a quick run through the trail tomorrow. anyone want to meet at 1 or 1:30pm tomorrow and run it with me. should be nice and muddy

[BillR]

since I didnt get out there today for my pre-run I'm going to do a quick run through the trail tomorrow. anyone want to meet at 1 or 1:30pm tomorrow and run it with me. should be nice and muddy

I'd LOVE to, but Sundays are bad for me. We have church that day.

[YGOHOME]

and if its not raining hard. lol. its really coming down hard now.

[Frisbie]

as of 1400 hours 01 dec 2007 there was 7.08 inches of rain at Crown King.I think monday would be a good day to explore the trail.It will have changed!!!

[jason]

as of 1400 hours 01 dec 2007 there was 7.08 inches of rain at Crown King.I think monday would be a good day to explore the trail.It will have changed!!!




your talking the whole year ??????? :confused: how much did this storm dump?

[KURT]

as of 1400 hours 01 dec 2007 there was 7.08 inches of rain at Crown King.I think monday would be a good day to explore the trail.It will have changed!!!

Where are you getting those numbers from?:confused:

[Frisbie]

:lurk5:The weather at Crown King is found from a RAWS site.It is a remote automated weather station.There are around a hundred of them in AZ.Try searching raws.the site for CK is QCKA3.Look for the word ROMAN.It will lead you to a list of raws.

[TomHatch]

I saw between 1.5 and 4.5" of rain

http://156.42.96.39/alert/Rain/ev_rain.txt

4.5 is no joke!

[KURT]

:lurk5: the site for CK is QCKA3.


Thank you... excellent site! I couldn't find same-day precipitation readings.

[YGOHOME]

so anyone want to go run the trail with me tomorrow around 1pm or so. there will be no river crossings as in that other thread. lol

[Heinz57]

so anyone want to go run the trail with me tomorrow around 1pm or so. there will be no river crossings as in that other thread. lol

Oh but you are wrong, there are were about 6 river crossings on Saturday. May be gone by today but most jeeps turned around and didn't cross. They were running about 3 to 4 feet deep at some crossings. If you go it will be a blast!

[chris sackett]

Sounds like a blast. I missed the big one a few mounths back,i was in the midle of putting on my long arm kit.Took the wife and kids up last month and had a great time.:driving:This will be my first outing with the club and I cant wait to go out with a group of jeepers. 12/8

[YGOHOME]

i just got back from a solo pre-run a few hours ago. Was alot of fun. From airdown to the tavern it took me about 3.5 hrs. I'll post up pics after I get them loaded to my webshots. Next weekend will be fun.

[YGOHOME]

http://inlinethumb01.webshots.com/32832/2648235840059825998S600x600Q85.jpg
http://inlinethumb63.webshots.com/33662/2780138730059825998S600x600Q85.jpg
http://inlinethumb63.webshots.com/32254/2237779530059825998S600x600Q85.jpg
http://inlinethumb15.webshots.com/33678/2598274430059825998S600x600Q85.jpg

at the top of that last obsticle I found 3 jeeps, 1 rhino, and a dodge pickup parked... one of the TJs plastic top of the radiator burst open. they were in the process of salvaging the radiator from and abandoned vehicle. I asked if I could help or get help and they said they had it covered so I continued on my way... (note to self, consider upgrading to alum or all steel radiator)

http://inlinethumb59.webshots.com/32250/2402299550059825998S600x600Q85.jpg
http://inlinethumb54.webshots.com/32309/2967506870059825998S600x600Q85.jpg
http://inlinethumb60.webshots.com/33211/2796420120059825998S600x600Q85.jpg
http://inlinethumb49.webshots.com/31088/2206378360059825998S600x600Q85.jpg

[YGOHOME]

there were fallen trees and branches and bolders that had fallen from the cliff side onto the trail. For the most part it was pretty easy to navigate around them. I think someone came through with a chainsaw earlier in the day to clear away the trees that had fallen accross the trail. pretty cool. Watch out for falling rocks though...

http://inlinethumb56.webshots.com/31735/2092354490059825998S600x600Q85.jpg
http://inlinethumb61.webshots.com/31164/2967456830059825998S600x600Q85.jpg
http://inlinethumb09.webshots.com/32008/2198651960059825998S600x600Q85.jpg
http://inlinethumb52.webshots.com/34163/2057744130059825998S600x600Q85.jpg
http://inlinethumb16.webshots.com/32271/2986314350059825998S600x600Q85.jpg
http://inlinethumb18.webshots.com/33745/2154841350059825998S600x600Q85.jpg

i took about 100 photos... lots of beautiful landscape and rocks, water, etc...

http://community.webshots.com/user/ygohome

[mingoglia]

Great pics Ben...thanks for posting. I like doing the CK run during or right after the rain as you can enjoy the trail without worrying about all the dust.

[chris sackett]

:yinyang:Great pics,I love that trail.See ya next week.

[TomHatch]

How many Jeeps are in so far and is anyone interested in running Desoto Mine "on the way back?"

[YGOHOME]

I think I'm going to have to bail on next weekend. My rear locker is making a popping noise and I think its from the limited slip thats in the carrier. the diff goes "pop-pop-pop" as i move forward when the limited slip is "working". drives and performs great but I'm going to check it out this week to be sure. I first started hearing the popping a couple weekends ago as I was towing a disabled jeep out of Upper Collatoral Damage in 4lo but thought I might have been hearing things or the noise was comming from the jeep I was dragging. I was hearing it yesterday on my pre-run but it wasn't happening all the time. Now its more prevalent.

Tom, if your going would you be willing to lead the group on the 8th? :D no pressure though :)

How many Jeeps are in so far and is anyone interested in running Desoto Mine "on the way back?"

[TomHatch]

Tom, if your going would you be willing to lead the group on the 8th? :D no pressure though :)

Ben, sounds like you need to get your rear end looked at...:pinch:

I'd be willing to go but would like to know if anyone wants to try Desoto Mine after lunch at the top.

In so far:
BillR
JeepTJ98
cbird01
rockclimber
DLT
Chris Sackett

Maybe:
Tirith

Is this still the plan?
Date: Saturday 12/8
Time: meet at 8am
Directions: Exit I-17(heading north) at the Carefree Hwy 74. Head west roughly 11 miles and turn north (right) on Castle Hot Springs Rd (right past mile marker 19). Follow the paved road 5-6 miles. Turn left at the T and the pavement turns to dirt soon afterwards. That is the meeting spot.

[Ted]

Im down to go :fashizzle:

[TomHatch]

See a new thread with correct information:

http://www.virtualjeepclub.com/showthread.php?p=260782#post260782