Mini Snow Run 

January 4, 2003

Kim and I decided Saturday morning we would join Rob (WATRD), Donna , Gene (DREAD), Jeff (GrapeApe) and  his wife Cynthia, on a little snow run.

As usual we all met at the Enumclaw Safeway.  Picked up a few things for lunch and headed out for the mountains.  

The Lower part of the mountain was pretty wet as the temp was about 40ish.  After a couple miles up we finally hit wet slushy snow.  Donna (Aka Ms Squirrelly) being that she's an Ottawan broke trail for us.  There was a good amount of snow on the road and the ruts created by previous rigs made it difficult for us to keep our rigs pointed in the right direction.  Donna was making the rest of us look pretty bad as she was making it up the mountain without much effort.  Mind you she was driving a completely stock 2002 TRD Tacoma.  The rest of us cautiously followed. 

Halfway up the mountain we ran into 4 Jeeps heading back down.  This part of the FS road wasn't the best spot to stop as we were facing uphill.  We were struggling to get up this portion of the road.  We had  the mountain to our left and a hill to our right.  Some of us backed up as close to the right shoulder as much as we comfortably could.  The jeeps had to run along the ditch to pass us .  It was actually impressive that they were able to do this as they were riding off camber for about 50+ yards.  I was surprised that no one ended up on there side.

We finally made it to our first destination Steamboat Rock.  The trail to get there was  covered in heavy wet snow.  Jeff broke trail as I followed.  We were all over the place trying to break trail but it a lot of fun.

Once we got to the ridge however it was quite windy with snow/rain mixed.  We chatted there for a bit but the winds were picking up, so we were on our way to find a spot for lunch.  

On the way out we ran into a small steep icy hill we had to climb.  Donna, of course made it up without a problem.  Rob was due up next while the rest of us waited around the bend along the trail.  Suddenly we hear on the CB that Rob was having difficulties getting rig up the hill.  The rest of us walked up to check him out.  After couple efforts, Rob finally made it up. 

Now it was Gene's turn.  

By now the small hill was nice and shiny from Rob's 33's.  As much as Gene tried to get up the hill, there just wasn't any  traction to be had.  Gene had to make the DREADED decision....asking Rob for his winch line.

As Rob was winching Gene up the hill his tires were digging away any signs of ice.  The winch again saved the day.  

Mike and Jeff's turn.  

Jeff and I were there for Genes moral support as he was being winched up the hill.  I commented to Jeff that "IF" we make the hill without any assistance, the other guys would attribute our success to the dirt they kicked up during there struggle.  

I truly thought I wasn't going to make it.  I hopped in my rig,  made the tight turn, and to my surprise I easily crept up the hill.  Jeff stopped to check with Kim to see how I did.  After hearing that I made it ok he started his climb.  He also made the tight turn and crept up the hill with ease.  

Gene felt bad being the only rig getting winched.  But, if it wasn't for him kicking up all that dirt, Jeff and I wouldn't have made that climb. 

THANKS GENE DUDE!! he he 

We stopped for lunch at the bottom of the trail.  Cynthia and I decided to take advantage of the hill and inner tubed down it a couple of times.  Man talk about feeling old.  A couple of trips up the hill and I was bushed.  Next time Rob is going to set up a rope tow with his winch so us lazy folks don't kill over.  

After lunch we continued our quest for more snow.  We turned off another FS road to find no tracks to be had.  Cool!  We wouldn't have to deal with ruts and we'll be able to drive freely and create our own lines right?

Jeff again took trail lead.  Not more than a couple miles into the ride, some of us were starting to slip more.  The hill was getting steeper at every turn.  Then Jeff gets on the CB to advise that he shouldn't continue leading as he was slipping too much.  He ended up stopping on a turn.  As he tried to get mobile, his rear began to slide toward the down slope of the hill.  He advises that he is stuck.  

When we get to him we find his rear tires a couple of feet from the edge.  Jeff gets the shovel out to dig a path but to no avail.  After about a half an hour Jeff would have to succumb to.....dun-dun...........Rob's winch line. 

Rob used Genes rig as an anchor for his rig.   Jeff then used a tree hugger and snatch block to set up around a tree that was directly in front of his rig. Once the winch line was rigged, it took but 10seconds and Jeff's truck was out of harms way.  

When all was done the rain turned to snowflakes and the sky was getting dark.

We called it a day and started off the mountain.  All in all it was another fun run. 

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