2nd Zuni Mountain Camp-Out, August 27-29, 2007
A Trip to Gallup, NM with our Friends from Jeeps West
By Mark Wolf (Trail Tales October 2007)
In early June, Jim Todt of the Jeeps West crew e-mailed our fearless Trip Leader, Frank G. Whiston and asked if we would be interested in getting a run together with them near Gallup,
NM. It took very little for us to all say “YES”! The last time we were there, we all were humbled by their hospitality. They were unbelievable in what they were able to accomplish with so few members. If they were only half as good, we would be treated with the proverbial “silver spoon”.
We had a bigger club turnout than the 1st Zuni Mountain Camp-out in 2003. The 2007 attendees were the Turpin and Lombard families, Jan and her son Tim Waugh and a guest, the Peeple’s, Thompson’s, Meier’s, Grevin’s, Cochrane’s, and Wolf’s, along with Phil Rodacy, Carlos Tanner, Paul Caskey, and the Walker’s (guests) from Farmington.
Saturday morning started with the smell of good food drifting through the air. Just about all of the NM4W’s arrived at the Quonset hut to get in line for some of the good stuff! Most everybody that is! Jan and Tim didn’t know they were to be served breakfast and missed out. Boy was the food good! They had scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, pancakes, hash brown potatoes, coffee, juice, and milk. What a feast!
After breakfast we lined up and completed the obligatory “liability release” form. Then we headed out for the day’s run through the green, cool Zuni Mountain woods. I believe there were 21 vehicles participating. Several of the Jeeps West crew were interspersed with our group to keep us going and to make sure that everyone made it ok. The trip was awesome! They took us through some of the most beautiful scenery available in New Mexico! The trail was not difficult, but required 4WD. When noon came around, we stopped at “Cadillac Lake” to have lunch. The lake is named for an abandoned vehicle parked there that everyone thinks is a Cadillac (about a 1916 model?). Even if it’s not, no one in this group could argue one way or the other. About an hour later, we all loaded back up and headed off for more trail adventures. We continued in a northerly direction, making a loop to the north and east. We eventually returned back to the very spot that in 2003 Marcia Duggar in her basically-stock XJ made the hard core guys look ridiculous. After most tried the “play area” (with the rest of us as onlookers), the group split in two. Some continued on towards a harder path and the rest of us kicked back and enjoyed a scenic drive through the woods to the overlook. The hard group finally made it to our overlook spot. Far below we could see Forest Route 50 and an elk-refuge type ranch, as well as beautiful vistas far to the south. After a nice break, we headed back towards the east, finally turning south to the main road. We then turned west towards camp and headed back.
Most rested for a little while, and then eventually carried our “side dishes” to the Quonset hut for the evening meal. The Jeeps West crew once again made us some really good vittles. I don’t think anyone starved. I think more just plain ate too much! I know I did! And it was delicious! As soon as the dining was over, the Jeeps West crew held a raffle and sold extra tickets for those who wanted to better their chances. Most of the NM4W crew bought extra tickets as much to support Jeeps West as to win prizes. But NW4W’ers did enjoy winning such loot as an Optima battery and a horse-hair piece of pottery (that the women got excited about). I won Jeep floor mats that will certainly spiff up my Jeepster pickup. When the Jeeps West raffle ended, NM4W held a raffle exclusive to the Jeeps West members. Our modest goodies (including gift certificates donated by Cliff Meier and Erwin Greven) were appreciated by our hosts. Thanks to both the Jeeps West and NM4W members and guests for making this a fun raffle.
Since there were plenty of leftover breakfast ingredients (eggs, bacon, etc), Jeeps West offered the use of the Quonset hut stoves and grills if we wanted to make our own breakfast on Sunday. About seven NM4W members and guests made the next morning’s meal. It was the same menu as the day before, but no one complained. The food was once again excellent and a big thanks goes out to all of those who cooked and served. After breakfast, everyone got busy and helped with the clean-up. We scoured the stoves, swept the Quonset hut, hosed down the picnic area, and put away the tables and chairs. I hope we impressed the Jeeps West crew because we tried to leave the area cleaner than when we came. Thanks for attending; I believe we made a big impression on Jeeps West with our enthusiasm and gratitude. I know they impressed us, again!
