4x4 Off-Road Journal

Duck Hunting Extravaganza or Dud

2012-02-08T12:15:00.000-08:00

I recently started to duck hunt again after 15 years.......Wow has it been that long!!!! Despite little success and really knowing what we were doing it was fun. I am not sure why it is so fun. Could it be just being outside or sitting in a blind with my buddies? I am damn sure it was not shooting ducks. I have yet to get a shot off. Either way it was still fun.

Jeff in a Blind, but it looks more like he is ready to hit a 7-11

The first outing we walked and walked and saw little ducks. The second outing we set up a blind and chased decoys all day. Finally the last outing we had a blind but it was muddy and hard to walk out in the chest deep water to get to it. We abandoned all hope of hunting that day. Next year will be here and we will be prepared.

All in all it was fun. What next you ask? Pheasant hunting and a good time shooting for all.

Paul

A weekend outing with my son

2011-11-01T13:08:00.000-07:00

My son Paul II is getting older and starting to enjoy hunting more. He recieved his first .22 a very nice Henry’s youth, and recently very nice 410 shot gun.

Paul II and I went out on his first camping shooting trip, we took out our Flintstone trailer. This trip we accomplished two things. First we got to do a trial run in Flintstone one (our little trailer), second PP II had a chance blast clays with his .410. Both were fun activities.

PP is getting to be such a good shot, he gets that from his mom :). We shot a 5 station clay station. At one of the 5 stations he took aim at a clay that was moving across the ground and bam took a large chunk out of it.

There is no better feeling as a father than to see his son take pride and enjoy something that we enjoy together. Next spring PP will get his hunting license and I can’t wait until I can take him into the field to hunt. My hope is his grades continue and he gets to attend the 2012 Deer hunt. This will fulfill a life long dream.

Family Fun

2010-07-12T19:43:00.000-07:00

Family Fun

My boy is growing fast, and its amazing to see him transform into a man. My wife and I are really enjoying introducing him to outdoor activities. He is learning to shoot and to fish. I can’t wait until he gets the time to hunt with me, and that tradition is passed down to the next generation. This year will be the first hunt with him in but he won’t be hunting.

The activities we have been doing have been mostly around the house, but I would like to take him deeper into the woods and wheeling with some buds.

I took my wife shooting and she never stops amazing me, she walked up and sighted in (first time shooting this .22) and blam hit the bull’s-eye right in the middle. She is such a good shot, it scares me!!!
Here are some pictures of her shooting at the local yard.

I hope you enjoy our page, and the information about our family

Thanks for visiting

PP

The Hunt 2009

2009-10-08T20:47:00.000-07:00

The Hunt is the Hunt 2009

The Hunt 2009 was a blast. First new year for the Jeep and I had fun with Sheldon and Pete. This year was a hot year 104 in Weaverville was not fun, but we made the best of it. It was nice hunting in the Jeep, but not fun detailing after the dust took over.

We did not see any bucks, but did see 6 doe, sheldon rode in the backseat and said he felt like a window gunner in Nam. Sheldon could get up and out of the Jeep chamber a round before his feet hit the ground. quite impressive.

MMMM Jerky

We traveled up to the lookout above Weaverville about 9,000 feet with a great view of the valley. This scared the hell out of me we had to drive along a cliff side to get to our goal. Long drive no deer, but still a beautiful drive.

Happy Birthday

2009-08-31T14:00:00.000-07:00

Traditions!!!!!

Today is my boys 8th birthday. Wow how time flies by!!!!! I remember when he was born, seeing my wife holding him and dreaming about the hunting and fishing events to come. I reflect today his 8th birthday and can’t explain how proud of a father I am. My son loves to fish and is anxiously awaiting his 12 birthday so he can join the hunt. Traditions continue. I am so proud of my boy, he has a great personality is kind gentle and companionate. He is showing that he can fit in academically, and still go out into the woods and be a mountain man, well at this point Mountain boy.

Yesterday I went to see my cousin and hunting brother Sheldon and his wife April, he is also very involved with my sons evolution from a boy into a young man and I have no doubt he will be involved with him from young man into Teenager and then into a man. I had purchased my son a daisy BB gun two years ago, it was a pain to load a pain to cycle the lever and even more of a pain to pull the trigger, although this BB gun was not conducive to shoot my son was still a very good shot. Yesterday my son opened his present from April and Sheldon and it was a nice pump action Daisy Pellet pistol. Very nice!!! My son was excited to try it out this weekend and he is looking forward to blasting cans.

Traditions!!!!!
My hope in life is I can start something that will be continued to with my sons son and then his sons son….Lets see that would be Paul IV.

At the end of the day that is all we can do as parents.

PP

Whispering Trees

2009-06-04T18:11:00.000-07:00

It’s that time again. The time when the sun sits high in the sky for an extended period; I hear the trees talk to me, they express a whisper of gratitude for times past, a hope for the future and a want for me to come join them.

Apparently I am not alone, just the other day I received an email from my good friend asking me when we are going to get tags. This feeling is either a disease I share with my closest friends, or it may simply be a mental malfunction that I have. Whatever it is I recognize throughout my life I have the call of the wild.

I am so excited about the next 4 months, I have a fishing trip coming up, deer hunting is right around the corner, and I am sure I can find time to take the Jeep out for a mountain cruise. Again I love this time of the year.

I am looking forward to fishing with my boy, enjoying some dedicated father son time. Maybe this year I can actually catch some fish, ah maybe not, but watching my boy reel in the fish seeing the glow in his eyes when he tells his first fish tale is well worth missing a few trout.
I hope that someday that my boy will turn to me and say “Dad, do you ever hear the talk.”

Paul

Piazza Big Foot Expedition.

2009-03-16T10:36:00.000-07:00

It was a wet rainy weekend, the family and I set out to explore the great outdoors in search of Big Foot. In all seriousness we went to Weaverville for some fun and had a private tour of the Willow Creek Big Foot museum.

Paul II does the Big Foot dance

Look its a lady Big Foot

Oh No Paul look out Big Foot is right behind you

That is one big foot

The Six Million Dollar Man and big foot

There can only be one big foot. And here he is!!!!

In all seriousness I believe in Big Foot. I have spent plenty of time outdoors and seen to many different animals to believe we are have explored every piece of land. The wilderness is still vast and there are areas that do get very much human actifity (yes even in California). I know I have created a parody about Big Foot, but I do believe.

It was love as first sight.

2009-02-16T18:05:00.000-08:00

My New 2008 Wrangler

I took my wife’s car to the dealership for a oil change, and the moment I set my eyes on it I fell in love. It shined in the sun, showing off its lines. I could hear its whisper calling my name in the autumn breeze. “Come take me for a test drive it seductively called out to me.” Thinking to myself I must not look, must stay away, wife will kill me.

Let me preface this sentence. Wife’s are confusing?? They should come with a wife thought translator. I am not even sure that will help figure them out. The next day I mention to my wife that I saw a beautiful Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. It was lifted with 35’s and was really nice, that I was surprised about the amount of room in it. What she said next echoes through the house to this day. The words that came out of her mouth blew me across the room. “Paul if you want it this is how much we can afford and if you can fit it into that budget get it.” I was just handed the keys to the candy shop!!!!

My Two Wranglers

Off to the dealership I went. I tried to negotiate but with no avail. I left empty handed. The next weekend I went deer hunting and while driving up I passed every 4 door wrangler on Highway 5.

2008 towing my trailer

After deer hunting I had to work to get caught up. The Raylene asked me to go to dinner. She said lets drive the truck. She then says lets go check out that Jeep. It was like rubbing salt into a open wound. We drove into the driveway of the dealership. The sales guy was prepping the Jeep. Sadly I thought to myself some lucky guy had taken my rig. Instead of parking I drive by and tell Raylene that it looks like somebody purchased the Jeep. Raylene said lets stop and see, maybe their just cleaning it. Reluctantly I stop. The sales guy says howdy and looks at Raylene and said here it is. She is grinning ear to ear and said honey here is your Jeep. She explains that he dealership called while I was hunting and said they could do the Jeep under the terms I negotiated, but we had to sign the paperwork before the end of the month. She signed and the Jeep was mine. It meant giving up my Cruiser and Nissan, but in my mind it was worth it.

Poser Shot

I am now a new owner of a 2008 Jeep Unlimited

And the new adventure begins.

The Cruiser Has Left The Building

2009-02-16T17:19:00.000-08:00

It served me well, two years of reliable service and many miles, but like time through the hour glass so are the days of my rigs. After last hunting season I decided it was time to retire the cruiser, ending another chapter in the rigs I have owned. I do not have any complaints about the cruiser, it wheeled well, was comfortable to sleep in and was a decent ride, but after 300K miles I decided it was time to move on.

That is what Memories are Made Of

2008-07-14T22:16:00.001-07:00

There have been days in my life that resonate with every breath that I take. This past weekend gave me enough of those memories to breath for two lifetimes.
I had a chance to take my son Paul II out on his first fishing trip. Not only was it his first fishing trip, it was also to the place that I started my love of outdoors. Then add in that I was able to do this trip with two of my best friends, the trip became the stuff lifetime memories are made of.

Trinity was covered in a layer of smoke ten feet thick. It seemed like we were fishing in a haze, but the fish were waiting for the return of member of the Trinity Rod and Gun Club and the opportunity to initiate its newest member.

The bite began with that catch, soon after Paul II landed his fish Pete landed one, Sheldon another, but I was not getting much. I casted a line and asked Paul II did he feel like reeling the line. He enthusiastically took the rod and began reeling in the line, All of a sudden BOOM!!! “Dad I got one” He did the little bugger hooked a fish. He kept the rod high and reeled like a mad man. The trout fought him and started to take up some of the drag. He battled hard but was able to bring him home. PP II had two fish, Sheldon had 2 fish and Pete had 3 me well still skunked.

I casted again for PP, and BOOM!! Dad I got another one. PP had hooked his second fish and reeled it in. This one was also a good fighter, but he kept it up and was able to land the trout. Now PP had landed 3 fish, Sheldon Three and Pete 4, well lets say I still had yet to prove myself.
It soon got dark enough to call it a night on a lake. We had another day to fish. Pete and Sheldon did well the next day despite the crowded spot and smoke. I kept my vigilance of casting, and soon had tried several lures and all of a sudden BOOM!! A good size trout hit on my repala hard. He fought a little but soon came to the boat. Finally I was not skunked.

I got the chance to bring home more than 1 fish, I brought home memories that will last me a lifetime.

PP

The Boys Are Back in Town (Hayfork That is)

2007-11-25T22:40:00.000-08:00

No this is not your local Talaban. Sheldon Poses for the Trinity County Hunt Pic.

This years hunt was in Trinity County, what a fun time it was for all!!!! It was also the longest hunting trip I have been on. The trip was a total of total of 5 days of pure bliss. We camped (me in the Moose) and hunted, and sharing a good time with friends. The weather was mixed and we even got some showers, but it was cold at night.

This years hunt was in Trinity County, what a fun time it was for all!!!! It was also the longest hunting trip I have been on. The trip was a total of total of 5 days of pure bliss. We camped (me in the Moose) and hunted, and sharing a good time with friends. The weather was mixed and we even got some showers, but it was cold at night.

This is the Moose loaded for the trip. 20 gallons of water, onboard Shower, sleeping quarters. We even had our own bathroom!!!! Check out the set up in the following pictures.

I got a chance to try out many of my new goodies. I used the camp toilet and shelter, the Camp Kitchen and my Onboard Shower. All in all the Cruiser did wonderful. I was warm, and all of the goodies performed wonderfully.

Camp Shower (Below)

This is the camp shower, bathroom. It worked well. I took a shower after day two. It was nice and hot. I love this set up in the cruiser.

Camp Kitchen Below. This years hunting gift. What a cool set up

We had alot of fun, but the best time was just hanging out with Pete and Sheldon. I think I laughed more this trip than I had in a long time. Sheldon and I have a few theories about what would do if we are “The Guys Who Shot Big Foot.” We talked about making Big Foot Cookies, Mugs, Feet and of course the Uncle Phil special Big Foot Skateboard!!!!

Now if this does not look like the guy who shot Bigfoot I dont know who would. Got to love the shades. Doesnt he look like a pro or what. Sheldon (The shooter on the grassy knoll) Russell.

Of course we have to have a picture of Pete "Money Shot" Daily. At least one pic each year is a Money Shot of Pete!!!!

<---------Money Shot.

This years trip was a blast we say 2 bucks (no shots) and 18 doe. That is a new record for us. In fact I think we saw more deer in one trip than the 4 trips to Arnold combined. Pete only had a chance to do one Buck Sprint, but he shot out of the Jeep faster than you can say buck on the run!!!. It got dark before we saw the buck again, probably a good thing because Pete had the Jeep keys when he took off.

This years trip was a blast, I can honestly say I cant wait until next year. Maybe some of the other family members may join us someday.

Damn I look good. I look almost professional in this pic. (Yea Right).

Remember always "The Hunt is The Hunt".

My Rigs A Video History

2007-08-29T16:47:00.001-07:00

The Call of the Wild

2007-08-07T17:24:00.000-07:00

Its that time of the year again when deer hunting season is right around the corner. This time of the year is a love hate relationship. I love the hunt, love to be outdoors and really enjoy being with friends and family. That leads to the other parts….well let’s just say the memories of past trips that is the part I have yet to come to terms with.

My Son Brad and I hunting 2000 My god has it been 7 years!!!!!!

Memories are hard to deal with, they bring back fun times of past days, but with that comes the yearning to have those loved ones that are no long willing to join us in camp. The toughest part about getting older is letting go of the past and looking to the future. I look to the future when my boys are old enough to come along on the hunt, with that comes new adventures and worries. My youngest wants to come out on the hunt, but at 5 I think he is too young, perhaps in another 5 or 6 years.

This year we may have the first of a new generation in camp. My older brother may bring his son to the hunt. This is kind of exciting for many reasons. Most of all is that both of my brothers may actually show up this year. That would be a first in 6 years. Ah the days when the entire population of young piazzas hunted. My hope is that my nephew will like to hunt and we can start a new group on our long honored Piazza tradition.

I do enjoy my two hunting buddies Pete and Sheldon each year we have a good time. Each of us enjoys the trip for different reasons I am sure, but we all look forward to the hunt and enjoying each other company.

I love the outdoors and the Hunt is not about killing deer to me, its about traditions old and new. Its about being with friends and enjoying the time we have together. Don’t get me wrong life is great at home, but every man needs male bonding time. This is the time of the year to bond, with both man and beast and most of all it’s the time to listen to the call of the wild.

My hat off to those who no longer join us on the hunt, the memories and laughter we have shared will forever echo throughout the hills.

Paul

2007 Corral Hollow Trip

2007-07-26T19:48:00.000-07:00

Corral Hollow Annual Spring Run

Hot Tub
It was about a month ago and Raylene (My Wife) came up to me about 3:30 and said lets go for a run to Corral Hollow.

Map Of Trail

Every year in late spring we make a pilgrimage up Highway 4 to run Corral Hollow. This time of the year is beautiful the mountain cabbage is in bloom and the weather is nice. It’s a great time we make a pick nick and take a 4 hour long trip in the loop. This year would not disappoint us.

We have just got a new dog and he needed some wheeling time. If you’re going to be part of the Wheelingpiazzas you better like to wheel. We loaded up the 60 and headed up the highway.

It was later that we usually hit the road but that meant less dust and my wife made us a light snack for the trip, so that meant that we would not miss dinner. Finally after 30 minutes it was time to lock the hubs.

Wife Dog and Cruiser Can it get any better

Winding through the trees

The first part of the trail (Corral Gulch) you maneuver through ruts and trees. Nothing too hard, in fact if you’re locked you don’t even need to engage the t-case. We navigated through the trees without incident; we just kept it slow and crawled our way through. There is a couple of nice spots to walk and check out a creek. We got out and took some pictures, I wish I would have brought my trunks and sat in the natural hot tub See hot tub picture above.

When your out of the trees the next part is a long steep loose gravel road that cuts right through the poppy and cabbage meadows. As far as you can see yellow flowers, they go on and on. What a beautiful sight. As you climb the last part you probably will need to engage the t-case. The rocks are loose and your tires want to spin. We locked the hubs and ascended the hill. The reward is an awesome view of Bear Valley proper

The Long Steep Hill

We stopped at the overlook and enjoyed the view. It was beautiful mild early evening. The wind was gentle and temperature was about 75 degrees. After enjoying the view for a while and letting the dog go for his walk we decided to move ahead.

Next obstacle is Corral Hollow; you wind through the pines and enjoy the nice view. It was about this time that we say a nice sized coon and then shortly after we saw a good size doe running along the 60. Very beautiful……

After you go through Corral Hollow you start the decent through the Aspens on your way to Bear Trap Basin. The Aspens are my favorite tree; they are awesome when the wind blows the leaf’s twinkle back and forth. It’s Very beautiful indeed.

After the Aspens next up is bear trap gap and bear trap basin. This area is open long range viewing. It is a Great place with large meadows and beautiful views. Finally up is the forest service cabin.
Deer Look Carefully

The forest service cabin is a place you can stay for no charge. Its an old cabin with sleeping quarters and a safe haven for packers if its raining or a early fall snow. Don’t ask how I know……

Forest Service Cabin

The best part is the log book in the cabin. We sign it annually and enjoy this place quite a bit. This was a good place to have the snack my wife brought.
We hiked a bit and found a creek that actually cut through a tree, its about a short walk from the cabin and really cool to see.

Cabin Close Up

The 60 was performing awesome great family wheeler. The kids are comfortable my wife is happy because the kids are not sitting on top of us (like in the Jeep). The dog was happy because he had the entire back of the rig to himself. Like I said there is nothing better that wheeling with my family in the 60.

Then after a while it was time to move on. The rest of the trail is pretty normal and runs along a dirt road. All in all it was another wonderful year on the Corral Hollow trail.

We will see you on the trail
Paul

Stranded

2007-02-21T10:11:00.000-08:00

What a weekend!!!!!

I have been wheeling over 15 years and never have I left a rig behind. Before I get ahead of myself let me start at the beginning.

It started out as a sunny day, I had my coffee and breakfast and was off to meet Ken at the brewery. We were going to do a snow run up off Highway 4 on Black Springs road. I figured this would be an easy road with some snow. Little did I know that it would turn out to be a snow ridden Donner Party trip.

After getting to the trail head we aired down the tires and were off. This was my first snow trip in The Moose. After climbing over the small snow bank we were off. The first part of the trail was pretty non eventful. After the first mile the snow was getting deeper. Then The Moose started to bog down and burry itself.

Stuck 1:

I buried my rig but Ken pulled out the strap and with a yank I was out. We ventured about another ¼ mile and it was Kens turn to be strapped. With a yank he was out. This happened one or two more times, but we ventured on.

The big Stuck:

We were in 2.5 miles on Black Springs road; the weather was brisk but sunny and very nice. A deceiving feeling of security was over us. Then it happened; The Moose decided it was time to dig itself into a hole. The snow buried up to the frame and over the doors. Ken took out the handy dandy strap again but this time The Moose had other plan. He did not want to move. With a few more tugs Kens cruiser was stuck in the snow.

We were both buried, and stuck good. There was nobody to tug and now way to move our rigs. After digging and trying tire chains sticks wood rocks under Kens tire we were still stuck. Time was not our friend at this point it was 3:00 and I was not sure how long it would take to get somebody into our spot to pull us out.

The Plan:

I decide before it gets dark I could hike out and maybe call my wife to bring in The Grasshopper to pull us out. Meanwhile Ken his wife and daughter wait at the rigs and attempt to dig themselves out. I hike out about ¼ mile and actually get a choppy signal and call my wife. I explain that we are stuck and I need her to bring in the backup team in the Jeep (The Grasshopper) for a winching to get us out. I would continue to hike out and meet her at the trail head.

I hike the rest of the way out. The road was fairly flat, and being a big guy I enjoyed that fact. It was a nice hike actually; I got to see a few deer, a coon and some other critters. It was actually very pleasant, but looming in my mind was my poor stuck moose. About a tenth of a mile from the road I hear a rig coming behind me. It was Ken his wife and daughter. They had dug themselves out. We continued to the trail head to see if my wife was waiting.

An End of a Long Day:

After we made it to the trail head, Ken explained to me it was very gushy snow and that he thought we should get out in the morning to get to The Moose. My wife drives up in the Grasshopper and does not look happy.

Ken suggests we wait until morning to get it, but me being the stubborn person I am wanted to try to extract The Moose that night. So we decide to venture in alone in the grasshopper.

The Grasshopper is light, locked and winched, I was confidant that we would get The Moose out. I knew it was getting dark, and we only had about an hour of sunlight left. So it was going to have to be a fast extraction. We made it in without any problem. Around the bend was my poor little Moose stuck in the snow. Buried, it was buried alive….

Winching was fruitless; all it did was drag the Grasshopper. My son Brad dug like a mole. We were able to free The Moose. I tried to drive backward but kept getting sucked off the road. I tried to go forward but couldn’t. After about an hour of trying to get her off the road in the dark, I decide to give it one more try and go forward a bit and then make a run at the little hill.

What a dumb thing to do, in my forward progress I get buried again. We sink deep. It’s now about 7:30 and dark. I decide to call it a night and leave The Moose in the snow.

One Long Night:

The drive home was a long cold drive, not much was said and my thoughts were decision of leaving The Moose. When I get home I make some calls to my local guys with fixed up rigs. Now I was getting worried because nobody answered their phones. Then Ken calls and offers to come back out and help me extract The Moose.

My dreams that night were of The Moose being in the snow for months. He was buried up over the doors. Needless to say it was a long night.

The Extraction:

This was a lot easier than I thought it was going to be. We wheel in and get to The Moose. It was stuck; my son Brad again starts his digging. We manage to get it free. I try to drive out but it just sticks. With one tug The Moose pops right out. Within minutes we were free. The Moose drove out without any problems. And we were on the road in no time.

Epilog:

My thoughts on this trip are the following.

I love to see team work especially when its families. Kens family worked as a team. Ken and his wife dug out their rig as I hiked for help while his daughter waited patiently in the car. My family went in on Saturday night and tried we dug, pulled and worked as a team. My wife came to my rescue, my oldest dug and dug with me trying to free The Moose. To me the lesson learned from this trip is with team work anything can be accomplished.

Cruiser Fun

2007-01-30T17:49:00.000-08:00

This was a right up from one of the cruiser guys and can be found at this site: http://tlcwagons.org/Norcal%20Wagons/Trip%20Blog/9C571552-6ED5-4BA2-9546-B08B238D2207.html

Once again I have to thank all of the NorCal crew for making things like this happen.
The day started off at my place trying to convince my wife and daughter to get up and go wheeling. This is no easy task in my neck of the woods. With the most challenging obstacle addressed, things were looking good. Next stop, Checkpoint Charlie, Snowshoe brewery, Arnold, CA at 9:00 a.m.

Well, let’s say we roll in late. Pheew! A parking lot full of some of the finest vehicles ever made. This is the place, and everyone’s already here, SWEET!
We park and chat with some of the greatest folks and K9s around. After much self cursing about not having a 2m radio yet, we head off, according to plan, to the Sourgrass/Boards Crossing area.

Paul (ME) , in his sweetheart of a FJ60 (The Moose), is the local area expert and takes the lead. We all follow with big smiles on our faces. Coming down into the canyon the group encounters the first challenge: Navigation of an unmaintained county road with its numerous ice and snow patches plus rock fields. We passed with flying colors and arrive at the Sourgrass recreation area, yep, all 10 of us!!!

As a line of Land Cruisers forms, the group begins the scientific task of airing down.
Even though there are numerous methods and gadgets to accomplish this mysterious affair, some of us overdo it. But, no worries, this is what we carry CO2 tanks for.

On we go. This trail follows the South bank of the Stanislaus River. There’s so much to look at, that it’s hard to concentrate on the trail. There’s something to be said about riding shotgun, passengers don’t have to be looking out for the next obstacle. After about 10 minuets of nice and easy riding, a set of slabs with ice flows are in front of us. And here we are faced with the timeless dilemma: “Do we remove the mud flaps or let the trail do it for us?”. The dilemma is easily solved and we partake in a flap removal party!

Now that the company has performed this prophylactic procedure, $1000s of factory goods are sitting on the backs of our cruisers; we are ready to roll again.

Being out here and enjoying such a beauty of a day, I’m reminded of what my good buddy and I would say on days that we’d ditch school and go skiing: "If we were playing by the rules right now, what would we be doing?"

OK, on to the crux and probably the most entertaining part of the day. As you cross a pretty little stream stands a small piece of dirt that just happens to be at a good little angle and contain some poorly placed roots and rocks. For most of the contingent it’s a non issue For the stock rigs... well, let’s just say they struggled a bit. But by the looks on their faces once they completed the obstacle, they would not have changed that moment for anything in the world.

The trail ends soon after this obstacle at a great open area. It would make an awesome camping spot. We stop, open the tailgates, and grab lunch.

On our way down, the going is easy and the pace is good. We make it back at the day use area and the decision is made to scrap the quest for snow. Skies are getting dark and some want to be with their families down in the valley. Others want to grab a cold one. As we roll out, the view to the East is becoming very dark and ominous, you can tell snow is falling above 6500 ft.

When the now smaller group enters Murphy's we stumble on a nice little eatery with a wood fired oven and a diverse menu. The staff is extremely friendly they are willing to please their customers. Just as an example, I believe Alvaro consumed a burrito with gorgonzola... go figure. But what struck me the most were the handles at the main door: axes welded to the door. Go figure x 2.

We said our goodbyes and hence ended another fun-filled day of wheeling. To everyone who made it up, thank you. It was great hanging with you guys/gals, we had blast.

Cant wait for the next time.

Ken Dean
AKA 450 DUDE

Rain Sleet Snow……Great Day Wheeling

2006-11-13T09:07:00.000-08:00

After all the hard work getting ready for winter I decided it was time to get out and play a bit. I wanted to go wheeling, Raylene was all for it, she was going to stay behind and have a Mom day (you know nails, hair walk around Murphy’s all the jazz). Unfortunately that did not work out for her, but that is another story for another blog. I was really looking forward to wheeling, I am not sure if its because I had not been on the trail in a while, or that I had my son with me; either way it was going to be a wonderful day.

John Crossing just before being yanked

I met Ken and Family, and John both Land Cruiser guys. I had initially planned to take the Moose, but with the rain, and snow I decided to take the Jeep at the last moment. We were off first was Boards Crossing trail, lots of rain and wet weather made this really easy trail a bit more difficult. One are in particular has a little muddy hill to climb, I tried first, but my diff hit a rock and denied me the first attempt. Then the second try I went right up. Next came John, he was open and had a harder time. After trying two or three times, it was time for the strap. I was able to pull him right out with the Jeep. It was Kens turn. He made it look pretty easy. His Lexus 450 was locked front and rear and climbed it pretty easy. I have to admit, it was kind of weird watching a rig with leather, interior wood trim, and Satellite Radio, basically a luxury vehicle wheel. I felt as if I need some Grey Poupon or something..

Ken Crossing

The rest of Boards Crossing was without any problems, its just a fun trail that has a nice place to stop and chat. Ken had brought his daughter and wife we chatted while the kids played and had a good time. It was nice wheeling with a small group of good people; it really reminded me of when I started wheeling all those years ago. It is also one of the reasons while I still wheel today. Good people, good times.

It was time to get going if we were going to make Corral Hollow and be out by dark. While driving up Highway Four it started to snow at about 6000 feet. It was getting colder and there is 6 inches of snow on the ground. Once we made it to the trail head I locked the transfer case and off we went. We winded through the trees and my jeep was having no problem going. The ground had a few inches of snow, but was frozen solid, the ice made the locker on my jeep pitch it from side to side. Paul II was having a blast, he was smiles from ear to ear. It was great to share this with my little bud. He loves to wheel, but then looked at me seriously and asked, Dad when do we get to have a snow ball fight. I knew he was jonzen to get out and play in the snow. The problem was that I did not think it was going to snow so I did not bring his gloves.

PP and I leading the pack

I guess John was having a tough time of it, being open and not wanting to air down made him spin his tires a lot, but he was still behind us. After making it through the trees we entered the poppy fields, this time of year they are not the greens yellows and lush colors of spring, its more like browns and white from the snow. Paul and I were blazing the trail when we came to a long steep hill. First attempt denied us, second pitched us sideways. Paul looks at and he is grinning again. I tell him hang on buddy. I lock the front and back down slowly, then give it another try. All four tires spinning, and up we went all the way to the top. Paul and I get out seeing if John is going to be able to make it, but he was denied. I radio Ken to tell him to try it, and that I was going to turn around. Paul and I preformed an awesome two point tank spin to turn around on the trail. It was Most impressive if I say so myself.

While Paul and I were spinning, Ken and his wife switched and Kens wife was going to do the climb. I personally love to see family participation on the trail, but have to admit I get nervous when Raylene drives the Jeep. Not because of her, it’s just a husband wife thing I guess.  Kens wife climbed the long steep icy hill with little effort. She did wonderful; she climbed right up with little tire spin. PP and I drove down the hill and decided it was time to play in the snow.

Grey Poupon anybody

Ken and his family came down and played with us, after about ½ hour of playing a bunch of Jeep guys came by and attempted to climb the hill. They made all of us nervous because they were just gun and go type of people. Not typically the types that I like to see on the trail. After about an hour PP came to me and started to cry. His little hands were red and he was really cold. I picked him up put him next to me for warmth. We made it to the Jeep and I turned on the heater so he could warm up. It was getting late so we headed out.

Family Play time

After airing up we headed home to my lovely wife and a nice warm shower and meal.

It was great getting out wheeling with new people, and a small group. Both John and Ken (and family) were fun, I hope to wheel with them again. Its trips like these that remind me of what wheeling is all about, sure some are about hard core rock crawling and busting parts, carnage and and testing their rigs all out capability is what its all about.. My vision of wheeling is good people good trails (hard or easy) and family. The only thing that could have made this trip perfect was for Raylene to have been there too, but I have to say being alone with my son made it a day I will remember forever.

Paul

The Hunt is the Hunt

2006-10-04T11:19:00.000-07:00

Camp Breakdown

Hunting 2006

Pete and Sheldon my hunting buddies headed up to the hunt the day before I was set to arrive. By mid day I received a call from Pete that his rig had blasted a locker (Thanks 4-wheel parts for you usual crappy install). They borrowed my Jeep and all was ok.

Sheldon

Saturday morning we got a late start to the morning hunt, but after hunting all morning we did not see a single deer. I think this will probably be the last hunt for Highway 4 for a long time. Its been three years no Deer, time to move on. Pete and I decided to take a walk around the place we camped last year. What a beautiful site. I sat by a creek, listening to birds sing and squirrels run around, but no deer. By 10 we headed back to camp for some good grup. Pete made some very yummy breakfast burritos. Off for the afternoon hunt we headed. We found a great spot to hunt in a clearing with lots of Oaks, and acorns all over the ground. Still No Deer! (see a pattern).

Pete

By evening the wind was gathering and blowing in our faces I stood on a hill side with Pete, the wind blowing in our face overlooking a beautiful clearing. Still No Deer.

Sunday was more of the same, good conversation with good friends, but Still No Deer.

This years hunt was not about seeing deer, its more about being with Friends and enjoying ourselves. Next year it will be more about Deer.

Remember always the Hunt is the Hunt!!!!!!! Deer or Not.

Me

September

2006-09-28T11:16:00.000-07:00

Catching up

Well its nearly three months since my last blog, we have been working on the house and just plunking along. The only trip I have taken was the annual Gettinoff 4x4 BBQ. I did not get a chance to wheel, but we camped for the weekend. We got to try out the camp shower (worked wonderfully) and the PET toilet (did not have to use yet). All in all it was a good family trip; my wife purchased several great items for our camping adventure. Most of all was the inflatable mattress; that was really nice. I got to camp in relative comfort. All in all it was a good trip

The Hunt is the Hunt.

Well it’s the time of the year I wait for all year round, it is time to blow the dust off the rifle, get the bullets ready and stock up on jerky and pop tarts. It is time to go hunting with my buddies. We are ready and this weekend should be fun. I will post more by the end of the week.

More to come in the next few weeks

Hunts of the past. This is me and my son Brad in Trinity County Year: 2001

Corral Hollow Adventure

2006-07-10T09:37:00.000-07:00

Corral Hollow Day Run:
http://californiajeeper.com/corralhollow/trail.htm

We decided to take my family on a day run in the Moose this past weekend. We got up early on Saturday morning and headed out. We had two stops to make before we hit the trail. First was a fuel stop for the family. We got our coffee and donuts and the moose needed to eat too. After filling up the moose with gas it was time to head out.

The Moose:

We hit the turn off to Corral Hollow and took a wrong turn that cork screwed throughout a series of dusty back country trails for 2 hours. Then I decided it was time to turn around. I knew an easier rout from the Bear Valley side. We headed up and found the trail head and we were off.

The first part of the trail was a lot rougher than it has been in years past. There were lots of ruts some of which were very deep. It proved a good time to test out the articulation in the Moose. I was still in 2 wheel drive and the rear end was traveling well keeping the tires on the ground. This part of the trail proved to be more challenging due to the long wheel base and negotiating the trees. After forging our way through the trees we came across a fallen tree road block. We had two choices, one to turn around and go back the way we came, which meant to a very disappointing end to a day. The other was to attempt to make it through a narrow gap between two trees and continue our adventure. Not being a family that quits (or not being too smart) we decided to put it in 4 low and try our luck at shoe horning the moose between the pines.

Fallen Tree Blocking the trail:

Raylene jumped out and guided me through the trees. It was tight only three to four inches on either side one lean would have meant sure body damage, but my lovely wife was able to stay calm and guide me slowly through the obstacle.

We continued our adventure and the trees eventually faded to the wild poppy field. For those of you who have never been on Corral Hollow its best to go after the snow has melted and wile the ground is still green. If you close your eyes and imagine mountains covered in green long leafs with wild poppy flowers. Think to yourself what Dorothy walked through on her way to the wild poppy fields. This has got to be one of the most beautiful spots to see in the Sierra. Rolling hills covered in green and yellow flowers. Our trail curved up a mountain through this beauty. The trail ahead was loose dirt and full of small rocks. I now knew it was time to engage 4 low.

The Meadow with the poppys:

It was hard to concentrate on the trail with the surrounding beauty. But focus on the trail was a must since I am new to the Moose and still finding out how it handles off road. We ventured up the trail to the next beautiful spot. Once you’re through the poppy fields you come over a brief ridge onto a great spot for lunch. This spot overlooks bear valley, with its wild bare mountains on each side with a beautiful canyon below. Legend has it that a hunter once trapped one of the largest California Grizzly bears in the canyon and had to hike it out. I don’t know the facts about that, but I do know that this is a wonderful spot to stop and have lunch.

Lunch Spot:

After our quick lunch stop we continued our outdoor adventure. We followed the ridge for a while and then it was time to put the canyon behind us. Back into the trees we went. We were back in 2 wheel drive territory and back to dodging trees again. We came across the only other person on the trail. He was a nice guy in a very set up Toyota Tacoma. I stopped and warned him about the narrow part that we had past earlier. He informed me that he was the person who opened that part of the trail earlier in the day, and that we were probably the first two rigs on this trail this year. To me that added even more excitement to the day.

After meandering through trees we came across the Aspen forest. The ground was green with grass the Aspens had been hit hard by the winter snows. Many had fallen, but the ones that remained were still majestic and very stunning. I love the way the leafs twinkle in the wind. They are a joy to look at. We decided to stop here and take some pictures of their beauty. It was soon time to venture on; next up on the trail was another area of poppy fields closely followed by the cabin.

After passing another beautiful poppy field we came across the forest service cabin. This cabin was placed here for people to stay. You can stay or stop by and sign the log book, we signed our names, but there were other staying the cabin so we decided to stay outside for a while and relax. Soon it was getting late and we ventured on. The rest of the trail is a beautiful ride through the forest.

Venturing on the Cabin:

More Pics of the Cabin:

One More of the Cabin:

If you have not been to Corral Hollow I highly recommend it. This trail is not hard; any high clearance vehicle can make it through. So if you’re looking for hard core wheeling go someplace else. What this trail offers is one of kind beauty and a place that is magnificent in sure beauty. So if you in need to go on beautiful scenic trail ride I highly recommend this trail.

My Family:

Paul

Fathers Day Fun

2006-06-19T09:28:00.000-07:00

I spent my father’s day was about spending time with my favorite people. My family and I took the Moose on a long drive all over the Sierras. We went to a couple of little towns and just driving joking listening to tunes. It was a great day!!! We put over 400 miles on the cruiser, it performed flawlessly. It’s funny though I have owned two classic broncos, one a built wheeling rig, the other a show pony. Both were nice, but I thing in the 10 years I got one thumbs up and one nice rig. This weekend alone I got 4 nice rigs, a guy offered to buy it and my wife noticed that people stared at it as we drove by. There was one guy in a Jeep Cherokee that turned his head as he watched the Moose drive by. I have to say I love
that!!!!!!!!

There was a time when we were driving down Highway 4 on our way home; both boys and my wife were asleep. I could see Brad sleeping, Paul II was asleep with his head hung over, my wife was asleep with her mouth wide open. Strange as it may seem it was a proud day in my life. My family exhausted from spending time together as a unit not bickering, not working but just being with each other. Best of all I think they enjoyed it tooo.

My Wife and Paul II

My boys are getting big fast and I cherish the times like this. I hope that someday they look back and smile upon these times. As I get older I have come to recognize that Father’s day was not about 4 wheeling, or doing something that I am mainly into, it is about spending precious time together before its too late and we all lead separate lives.

Brad:

Its times like these that are imprinted into my mind.

PP

The Moose is Loose. (Boards Crossing)

2006-05-23T09:06:00.000-07:00

The family and I went on our first trip in the Moose 1982 FJ-60. We went with my club www.gettinoff4x4.com to boards crossing trail on highway 4. This being the first trip for the Moose I was a bit nervous and very curious to see how the Moose would do.

I used the quick deflators on the rims, after using them I have mixed feelings. They fit over the valve stem and against the rim. You simply turn them and they air down really fast. What I don’t like about them is that they are always on the rim and will probably get some trail damage. I also got a chance to use my air gauge that plugs on the valve stem and has a valve you can fill through the gauge. I really liked that it allowed me to monitor the pressure as I deflated the air from the tire. After airing down to 12 pounds I was ready to roll.

Boards is a pretty easy trail, just the kind of trail you want to go on to test a rig. On the wheel scale where the Rubicon is a 10 I would rate this a 3-4. There is two 4 obstacles but for the most part the trail is a 3. We started up the trail in 4 low, and moving with a group of 10 rigs. The rigs were Mostly Jeeps, but there were four Toys including the Moose. My first impressions are how much torque the 6cyl has. Even with stock gears and 33’s it still lugged down and had enough grunt to climb the hills. Maybe it was the six or it could have been I am so used to driving a auto that I forgot what it was like to move without putting my foot into the skinny pedal. I am pretty confidant it was the inline 6.

After climbing a bit we came to the first mild obstacle. It’s a easy rock climb that leans to the left (river side of the trail.) I took it slow but we had one major boom. I smacked my diff on a rock. It seems that the front diff is on the opposite side of my jeep. “Note to myself think other side when driving the Moose.” I noticed that I did smack the rear spare tire a lot during this obstacle and others to find. With some steering and maneuvering I managed to make it through the first obstacle with no problems. The rest of the trail was pretty uneventful until we got to the creek crossing.

The creek crossing is on of the 4 obstacles on this trail, its mild at low flows but can get deep when the flows get heavy. This weekend the flow was heavy. You first have to go down a pretty short steep hill that leans you to a boulder on the left. This normally would not be a challenge, but I have no rocker or sliders on the rig it could have been. After going down the hill avoiding the rock you enter the creek. Fist its not bad, but in middle there is a big hole. The Toyota Tacoma in front of me was running 33 inch tires and the hole swallowed his tire and rim. The stream went over his hood a bit but he was locked and climbed right out. This being my first time in the moose I was a bit worried, I did not want to stall out on the stream, nor did I want to hammer the skinny pedal and break something. I decided on a smooth constant approach and when I hit the hole I knew that momentum would be my friend, being open front and rear I knew that I had to approach it this way to be successful. Off we went, the creek got deeper, we hit the hole and like the Tacoma before me I sank the hole ate my 33 for lunch. I kept constant pressure on the skinny and pop it jumped out. The rear did the same, but this time the front had enough traction to pull me out of the hole. Right after the creek crossing there is a short climb to the large camp ground.

The large camp ground is surrounded by pines with the river running right in front of you. It’s got enough room for about 30 rigs. We all parked to have some lunch and enjoy conversation and chat. I was surprised many of the club members came over to the Moose to say how cool it was. This was a first for me. I usually drive the Jeep and it seems like everybody else’s rig. Even when I drove the EB (early Bronco) it did not get this much reaction. So far I was extremely happy with the Moose. It not only wheeled well it had enough room for the family, and all my wheeling gear. My Wife was happy, my boys were comfortable and we were not sardines in a can like riding in the Jeep.

After shooting the wind we climbed in and headed out. Heading out was much the same, the hole in the middle of the creek swallowed my wheel again and launched me to a rock face, I was able to crank the wheel while keeping my momentum and made it out with out a problem. The rest of the trail was pretty uneventful.

I am so happy to have the Moose in my stable of wheeling rigs. I finally have a rig that I can take the family in and still have the capability to wheel.

Spring Fever

2006-04-21T14:02:00.000-07:00

Its been a few months since I last wrote. I have not had much time to get off-road. I have been testing out the FJ-60 and have its first run in May. I should have the onboard air and hot shower in by then. The first run out will be the annual club clean up run, it is held every year in Sour Grass. I hope to post some pictures of the rig wheeling by then. I sure hope to get some flex pictures. We also have a run in July that is our annual Club BBQ run. This will be a camping trip with the kids in tow. I will be able to test out the camp shower and all the new goodies by then. Cant wait. Well its almost summer time and I should have more posts and pictures. For Now I will leave you with this picture.

Paul Wheeling in his Jeep.

Land of the FJ

2006-03-21T15:25:00.000-08:00

Hellow there

Today marks another vehicle day in the WheelingPiazza family. The Frog is gone and so ends my Classic Bronco involvement. Its like the saying goes “You can never go home again.” I really enjoyed the 4 rigs I have owned. My favorite was the 67 (my first Bronco) then was the 74 (Buster) then the 72 that never really saw the road. The Frog was the in the best condition, but I just could not get attached to it. I will miss them all, and each one will have a special place in my heart.

Out with the old and in with the new. When I got rid of the Frog, I traded it for a 82 FJ-60. This car is new to me and represents two new factors for me. 1. Is its going to be interesting wheeling a stick. 2. This is my first Japanese vehicle. I have always had a soft spot for Land Cruisers especially the FJ 40. I needed to get a rig that was trail worthy and yet comfortable enough for the family. This rig is nice because I can fit the entire family (can you say 4 door) and have room for the dog. I won’t feel like a sardine in a can when we are all wheeling. I will be able to enjoy the trail and still enjoy my family as well. As an added bonus the wife I can sleep inside of it. I like that idea a lot!!!!!! Don’t get me wrong I like tent camping, I even have a nice cot, but there is nothing like sleeping in the back of your rig and waking up without dirt in your hair.

So lets get down to basics. Here is the skinny on the new rig.

Old Man Emu lift kit
33"x1250 Pro Comps on Eagle Aluminum Wheels
Yakima rack with Lights
Hot Water Shower kit

Its pretty sweet rides nice and cant wait to take her out on some trails. I hope to get some additional pictures this weekend.

Paul

Back County Exploring

2006-02-06T11:27:00.000-08:00

This week’s adventure has the Piazza family exploring the back roads of Calaveras County. It started out as a Mommy/Daddy weekend became one of the best weekends Raylene and I have ever had.

We started out Saturday with Breakfast at home and a nice cup of Coffee in Arnold. We decided to head on to San Andreas to go explore Pool Station Road. After hitting an antique store in San Andreas we found Pool Station Road. Pool Station Road is a remote road that follows Highway 49, then 4 out towards Copperopolis. After hitting Highway 4 we decided to turn on Hunt Road and follow it as far as we could. We soon spotted a remote old School house out on the prairie. After traveling for some time we found an old road that was part wagon road part ranch road. This took us to Salt Springs which is at the remote corner of Calaveras County. Below is some information on Salt Springs School House and a picture I took.

Information:
A school was built in the late 1860's in this valley by ranchers Tower and Bisbee. Their ranch, sometimes known as The White House Ranch, also served as a stage and teamster stop on the Milton-Angels road. The schoolhouse was located near the center of Salt Spring Valley, overlooking the reservoir, so as to be convenient to the various ranch families then living in the valley. Mrs. Jacob Tower, (Mary L. Howard), who had come around the Horn in 1863 from Ann Arbor, Michigan, organized parties and dances to raise money for books and furniture for the new school. When the Salt Spring Valley School District was formally organized in 1869, and the new schoolhouse erected four years later, the old Tower and Bisbee school building was moved to the ranch headquarters at Felix to serve as the headquarters at Felix to serve as the post office. There it still stands, the oldest building in the valley other than certain farm structures. The school was closed in 1947 and the district was combined with Copperopolis, Jenny Lind, and Milton two years later. The schoolhouse, however, has been preserved by former students.

Teachers were from 1899-1912: Agnes Foster (Mrs. Willard Tower), Jessie Gourley, Mabel Wilson, Kate Bund, L. Platt, Agnes Gregg, V. Parkhurst, and Rebecca Gardner.

After spending time at the school house we decided to keep on trucking. We followed the road all the way to Salt Springs Road. We then followed another very tight curvy road (Salt Springs Road) past a small reservoir we ended up in Milton. Along the drive we encountered a head of Cows. The cows were everywhere and some were not happy that we were visiting. I have linked a video to this site so you can watch the cows as we drove by them. Both Raylene and I wished Paul and Brad were their they would have loved the Cows especially as they lapped us on the way by.. Follow the link to see the cows.

http://wheelingpiazzas.com/_private/paul/Rover%20Adventures/PICT0040.AVI

After our exploring we were very hungry and we were not to far from Copperopolis so we decided to go get some grub, First we needed to stop by the olive oil company and get freshed pressed olive oil. Then it was time for some chow. What a dinner we were both surprised with a fine 5 course dinner and a very perfect end to a really nice day.

I hope to coninue the Rover adventure with a new trip to a gohst town later in February.

Paul

Snow Wheeling 2006

2006-01-25T13:11:00.000-08:00

What a stuck fest!!!!. We went wheeling with the club and made it about a mile and proceeded with the winch recovery bit. The snow was deep and powdery so it made for a long day. The kids had fun sledding and I had fun playing in the snow. All in all it was a good day. Nice not to cold, the snow was dry and cold. All was well and we headed out after about 2 hours of being stuck.

Pictures below:

Christmas and Happy New Year

2006-01-19T12:15:00.000-08:00

Howdy,
Happy New Year, we have alot of Runs and family outings being planned for new Year. My goal is to update my blog once a month. Hope you enjoy!!!

Christmas and New Years were awesome. Unfortunately I forgot my camera on this trip. We went out and wheeled in the snow with a few fellows from the club. We wheeled up a trail called slick rock and came out on the high end near Highway 4. It was slow going for my Jeep but Andy just plowed right through it. Halfway through I busted a bead and to replace a tire with my spare. All in all a fun day.

The next trip is planned this weekend looks like we will have 8 rigs with us and I am looking forward to my first trip of the year. I will post a write up this coming week. I am looking forward to going.

The big news is last week we purchased a family assault vehicle. It a a Land Rover Discovery II.

Really nice inside and rides great. I got a chance to take her out and test out the 4wheel drive this past weekend and I have to say it does really well in the snow. I wheeled up to Douds Road near the house. I wheeled into Douds Road over the 7 inches of snow and ice on the ground. It was fun watching the traction controle switch the tires and managing everything. This was a lot more sophisticated that the Jeep and Bronco. I liked it but would not trust it on a long trip like the Rubicon or Dusey, in those cases simple is better.

Well have to run I will post some wheeling picture this coming week.

Has it been three months

2005-12-06T09:33:00.000-08:00

We have been busy, not much in the way of wheeling lately. Have done some work on the frog, put the hard top on, got the stereo installed drove it back to Newark. I need to throw an alternator in it this weekend but other than that its been all quiet on the Wheeling front. The house is set for Mr. Winter. Its been cold, but not much rain, what I call snuggle weather. The boys and Wife are excited for Chritmas, the house decorated and all.

It was really cool two weeks ago we saw a bob cat near the house. He was walking accross the road and stopped to look back at us. Really cool. Now that its getting colder the preditor animals will start to come out and search for a tasty morsal of food. Should start to see more aggressive critters.

I will post some picts of the frog by the end of the week.

PP

Seasons are a changing.

2005-10-11T08:08:00.000-07:00

Wow its been almost two months since I wrote. I have been busy getting ready for winter, hunting and just enjoying the outdoors. We have cut over 3 and ½ chords of wood. Put in a new storage shed and the guest bed room is getting a bathroom added. The house is about 90% winterized just a few small things left.

Hunting was wonderful not many deer, but the fishing was fun. The company of Sheldon and Pete was great I enjoy hunting with them. We spent more time looking for deer than actually seeing any. Just don’t understand where the deer are this year. I even took Paul, and Raylene out this weekend and we did not see anything. I did get to shoot the 357 this weekend and was actually hitting the clay at about 50 yards using 38 ammo. Most impressive!!!!!!

I plan on tearing out the interior of the Jeep this winter, but would like to get one last run in before that. I think the club has a adopt a trail clean up in a weekend or tw0, I hope to attend that.

The best thing about this time of the year is the autumn colors in the forest. Raylene and I sat on the deck in our wicker chairs just looking at the trees, sky and leaves enjoying the colors the nice brisk air and spending time chatting about nothing. I really love the browns, green colors of autumn, and the sounds of the squirrels and other animals foraging for food and making their winter homes. I feel this gives one the tranquility of nature and the feeling of the forest. If you can take somebody you love out and just sit and listen to the seasons change, if you are not able to do that then just stop and look at a tree or simply take a deep breath and enjoy the fall.

Paul

Growing up and brother wheeling

2005-08-29T08:41:00.000-07:00

Buster is gone, but will never be forgotten. I will miss the red Bronco. With that said I am looking forward to building the Frog this weakened.

This weekend my boy Paul II had his 4th birthday party, he was such a big boy wanting to play, and running free. My wife through him a nice party with his friends, and family he really seemed to enjoy himself. Paul is getting so big so fast, he asks me to go wheeling, hunting all the things that Daddies should do. I really enjoy the boy he is so much fun. I hope to get the seat belts in the rear of the Bronco this weekend so we can go out wheeling before the snow comes.

Due to family stuff, I have not got out much this year to wheel, but my brother on the other hand has wheeled a bunch. Here is some video of him wheeling on Fordyce trail and a few others. http://wheelingpiazzas.com/ST2005/video/ST22005.wmv http://wheelingpiazzas.com/ST2005/video/ST22005.wmv

I hope to get out soon and go wheeling. Stay tuned.

Paul Sr.

Just a Thought.

2005-08-16T14:16:00.000-07:00

Today a person who was very dear to me passed on. I learned many lessons from this woman. Most of which are summed up in few thoughts.

First is Family: Take the good with the bad, just love them for who they are and always keep your door open. Sometimes you may want them, sometimes you may not. Just keep your door open. No matter how you feel keep the door open to them. The ones that love you will always be there with a smile on their face; all others will have envy on theirs.

Second is the Power of Family and Friends: When there is a bump in the road just smile aim at it and wheel through it. You may get stuck, but there will always be a friend to pull you out. Just follow the line and do your best, know that if you have good intentions in your heart you will make it through the trial of life.

Last but not least. Grandmas always know that cookies are the food of the soul. If you ever asked to give guidance just remember that a cookie and a ear is all a person needs to find the right path.

I will miss you Grandma.

One Last Voyage

2005-08-16T13:49:00.000-07:00

8/6/2005
I had to drive Buster home to the Bay Area two weekends ago. Its sad to say good bye to a vehicle you had dreams about. But like the circle of life you let go of old dreams and start new ones. Buster was a good rig; I only really had the chance to have two off-road trips with him. He did well and performed well and did not let me down. My 3 hour drive home seemed like eternity. Buster was smooth and had power to spare. I will miss the 351 Windsor in Buster the Frogs 289 just seems to lack the grunt of Buster. Today Buster sits in front of my house waiting for his next owner to take him for a ride. I hope that he goes to a home where people love him and use him for what he was built for.

8/13/2005
My lovely wife and I got to celebrate our 5th anniversary early this year. No kids, no interruptions and just a very nice weekend together. I got to drive the Frog into town and for a 30 mile cruise. The Frog turns heads he sounds nice and runs and looks nicer. It was a great feeling to have people look at us as we strolled through town. The Frog is here to stay.

My hopes are to get the Jeep fixed the weekend of the 20th and have a new wheeling trip in Sept or October. Maybe even get to the legendary Rubicon this year. More pictures to follow.

My Rigs

2005-07-25T08:23:00.000-07:00

I drove the Frog up to Arnold this past weekend and it was really nice, lots of power rides really nice. Needless to say I am really happy with the new rig.

On Saturday I followed my wife and two sons over to the coin operated car was, we washed the Jeep (need to think of a name for her) and the Frog. I was like a proud father watching my Jeep and cruising around in the Frog. Love the feeling of having my family and my rigs. Specially love seeing them all together. See picture below.

I stated to to transfer parts over from Buster (the old bronco) to the frog. The bumpers moved, then I started on the speakers. I also found out that Buster has a bad ball join and I have to repair it this weekend. Next will be the stereo and a few other items that need to be repaired. Can’t wait to get it done and get buster to a new home.

A funny thing happened on the way home, it was one of the moments that makes you proud to be a father. It also shows the influence that a parent has on his children. When I wheel I usual listen to tunes. Often is a mixture, one of my favorites is by Lenard Skynard when ever Free Bird come on I often yes FREEEEBIRD. Even at home working around the yard if the song comes on I say FREEEBIRD mimicking the concerts crowds who appreciate a good song when they hear it. We yesterday while driving down the road in a quiet car says FREEEEBIRD. I busted out laughing. He did is again but louder. Louder this time he yells FREEEBIRD dad. I say Paul you are my boy.

Well I must start my work week with this I say until next time. And remember to say FREEEEBIRD every time you feel the need.

Paul

Out with the Old in with the new.

2005-07-21T09:06:00.000-07:00

Well the title says it all. Its been a long while since I last posted. Lets see what have we been up to. Not much wheeling but that’s ok Took Paul II camping for the first time and he really enjoyed it. I realize though we are not prepared to camp not enough sleeping bags or ground cover. The rock solid ground has paid havoc on my back. I am much to young to feel this damn old.

Well back to the title!!!! After much debate several strained arm muscles and much pleading by my wife we are selling our 74 It was just too darn hard to climb in the 8inch lifted beast. Bronco….:( Its Going to be sad to say good bye to Buster. “But wait there More!!!!” Say hello to my little friend, my new 68 Bronco (THE FROG) the picture above. We are excited about the Frog and I am looking forward to driving him and enjoying it. The Frog will take many parts off of Buster to get up to snuff but its going to be fun to build him.

Well I have to make more of a diligent effort to update my site more often. For those who read it (does anybody??) I hope you enjoy.

PP

Slick Rock Fever

2005-06-06T14:45:00.000-07:00

All I have to say is I have a new found appreciation for Big steering wheels and PS. Thank god for 2 low..

I did accomplish three things this weekend.

Broke the Rig
Relaxed.
Had fun with Good Friends

Boards: was fun, No snow, Dry and the river is RAGING. To the point that you have a hard time hearing eachother talk because its way loud.

Slick rock: WATER EVERY WHERE!! you drive down the main road to get to the trial head and there is water where you thought water couldnt get to. Snow on the road going in and snow on our typical camp spot. (thats as far as we made it before the second center pin broke)

Flowers are in bloom, Lots of Purples and Blues(for the women)

Weather was Perfect, sun was up, Light jacket if not at all during the night. Bring bug spray, Lots of little flying Bastards.

My Boy has a social life

2005-05-02T09:42:00.000-07:00

Wow what a weekend, my boy has a social life that kept us busy this weekend. We went to Bonfante Gardens http://www.bonfantegardens.com/ this weekend and it was great. He had a blast on the little cars drove all over the place as I screamed watch out for the tree or what ever he was aiming at. Paul II was laughing and laughing. This was one of those times it reminds you how great it is to be a parent. The main part of the going to any park is to see the world through a Childs eyes. Pauls eyes are so full of life that is was wonderful to watch him enjoy these things and live life through him.

On Sunday Paul II had a birthday party for one of the kids in his class. The kids seemed to be nice well mannered and they had fun. I am hopeful that Paul will have good friends and grow up in a positive environment; I just hope that my wants and needs don’t get in his way.

My highlight of the weekend came twice I think each of these will be equaled in my memory, first was the excitement in Paul’s eyes when he was driving and laughing at my funny comments. That was on of those father son-bonding moments. The second was this morning when he was sitting in the chair watching TV with his stuffed critters. He bent over and kissed his baby (a stuffed elephant) on the head and said I love you baby, and hugged it. This warmed my heart, a three year old with a kind heat and loving soul. Yes that is my boy!!!!!!

What a weekend, I did miss the mountains, and I missed the forest, today I feel the unsteadiness of not getting a chance to go play, but my boy has a social life and it is great to see him grow so the tradeoff is well worth the restlessness I feel.

I will post some pictures this week as soon as I download them.

Paul

What A Wonderful Life

2005-04-25T10:36:00.000-07:00

What a wonderful weekend. I spent the day working on the Bronco and Jeep went on a trip down to the River and had a wonderful time. Paul II did not want to come to the river with me, so I hopped into the Bronco and took a little scenic tour.

What a wonderful spot, there is nothing like the river and the smell of the damp mountains to bring peace to my soul. Drive down sat besides the river and realized I am the luckiest man on earth. I spent 15 minutes at the river and knew if I was going to get back in time for supper I had better split.

The Bronco drove awesome I crawled up the hillside in 2 low about 1500 rpm’s and just let the big V8 do its job. Got home in time, wife was pleased with that and the boys were excited about chowing down.

I had one of the best things happen to me this weekend, it is something that will last with me forever. My Son Paul II was working with me in my shop. He tells me “You My Best Friend Daddy”

Can you believe that MY Three Year Old thinks I am his Best Friend? The words of
“You My Best Friend Daddy” Will be with me the rest of my life. What a Wonderful Life!!!!!!

Weekend of April 16

2005-04-18T08:37:00.000-07:00

Not much went on this weekend, worked on the house mostly. The weather was wonderful. Cleaned the garage and worked around the house. Here is a picture I found today, This is my family.

Wheeling

2005-04-11T09:47:00.000-07:00

Deep Thoughts

2005-04-04T10:51:00.001-07:00

Three years ago we bought a place in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. My first place was a nice house but had neighbors and not much land. We go luck last year and found the place of my dreams. It has more land and a nice stream going through it. This past weekend I was sitting on the porch (taking a break from working on the Bronco) looking at the 100 + foot trees with my boys. When the oldest one says to me. “Dad why do you find this relaxing?” “I don’t find it relaxing at all”. I just told him to sit back and enjoy the trees the wind the sound of the stream. Listen to the earth speak. Sad thing is he still did not get it.

You know when I am there for extended periods of time I really don’t miss the Internet well other than this list, and the lattes and the ability to get a slurpee at any time. But when I am away from my real home I do miss the sound of the wind through the trees, the sound of the stream by my house, and the feeling of peace I get from this place.

Spring Fever

2005-04-04T10:51:00.000-07:00

Took Paul II out behind the house this weekend. We have about 4 inches of snow on the ground and got to play a bit. It was not really wheeling since we never needed to lock the hubs. We followed the trails over the hill and down toward the river. About 2 miles in total. Paul saw a squirrel and a big old bird looked like it could have been a hawk. My boy is so special he was all excited when we saw the critter. I think next time I will take him out of the Bronco and go explore the forest.

I thank go each day for my family and my heal and the luck to have such a great home away from it all.

Some Pics of the Wentworth Springs run & This weekend

2005-04-04T10:07:00.001-07:00

Here some pictures of the Wentworth Springs Run. I had a blast on this trail http://www.gettinoff4x4.com/phpbb2/viewtopic.php?t=139

This weekend was very productive, I got my steering box in the Bronco, and the jeep axle shaft fixed. The box went pretty easy the hardest part was lifting that heavy thing out of the Bronco. Now the jeep was going well until I needed to get a 36 mm socket. After getting that it went ok had a stripped bolt (my fault to much muscle on the bolt). After getting that on I finally finished about 10 p.m. just in time for my lovely wife to arrive.
PP

Monday March 28.

2005-03-28T10:14:00.000-08:00

Easter weekend was great, wife cooked like mad and I ate like a piggy. Damn the food was good. No wheeling, but my son Paul got a Johnny lightning Brono. He loves it and played with it all day. He is my boy. Cant wait to get the rigs running so I can wheel again. May take some pics of doing the box this weekend.

Have a good week.

PP

Good Friday & Happy Easter

2005-03-25T15:00:00.000-08:00

No wheeling this weekend just a lot of wheeling. I will be working on the rigs over the next two weeks. First is the jeep and putting in the new axle that was busted in last week’s excursion, and then I have to put the new steering box on the Bronco. I also have a few projects that need to get done around the house. You know a happy wife is a wheeling wife.
Got news that the club wants to run Wentworth again in two weeks, I don’t thing I can make this trip. With all the work I have to do I will be limited on trails this month. In June there is two runs 1. The annual Wheeling Piazzas father’s day trip. 2. Gettinoffs Rubicon trip. Trying to do both but its hard to get out more than once a month let alone two weekends in a row. We shall see.

Wintworth Spring Snow Run

2005-03-21T09:25:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday to me!!!!!!!

Well it was a hell of a weekend wheeling, one of those weekends that is long frustrating but really fun. My family got up and got going smoothly for a 5:30 a.m. start. We loaded the Jeep the night before so all we had to do is get the Lumpkin (Paul II) out of bed and get going. It was a nice start for a long day.

We got up and got going raindrops falling hard and the sky was grey, an omen for the day to come. We stopped at Star Bucks got coffee and headed down highway 49. The drive was nice the foothills were alive with the Sound of Music, well AC/DC highway to hell that is. We got to the McDonald a little earlier than the rest of the group so we decided to have a nice family meal. Raylene an I sat and ate and Paul and Brad played on the McDonalds jungle gym.

About 9:30 everybody arrived and we were off. We headed up highway 50 to Ice House Road under a constant barrage of Rain then snow drizzle. We got to the trailhead and aired down the tires. I had made a deal with Raylene earlier in the day for her to drive and me to ride. She started the trail, nervous but steady. With constant coaching from the back seat driver (Me) she kept it on the trail but the rig just was not driving smooth. The jeep wanted to spin out and the tires would not float on the snow. The rear locker kept pitching the Jeep from side to side. I kept coaching Raylene to be mellow on the throttle but to no avail the rig just wanted to go on its own. Raylene eventually said it was my turn to drive, not sure if it was my coaching or just the fact that she was tired of driving. I think it was one of those things I was better off not asking. J

I hopped into the passenger seat and off we went. After driving my rig for a mile I understand why the call it a Wrangler. I had to try to manage to keep the thing in a line it wanted to go on it own into ever ditch and trench. Finally I decided it was time to check the air in the tires. My air gauge read 10 psi. I borrowed another gauge and it read 18 PSI. I used that gauge and aired down to 8 psi. It made a difference but it was still a chore to manage the rig in the deep snow. Other rigs seem to be doing well not sure why mine was a pain in the butt to keep on the trail.

Well we wheeled for about another 20 minutes and had to use two winches and two rigs to extract Don, not once but twice. He got stuck a few times. I got stuck twice and then it happened. I was buried in a whole, I gave it gas and BANG I said OH SH@! I knew I busted something. I busted my front axle. We extracted the rig with a winch and reviewed the situation, decided to wheel out. After about an hour of getting turned around we were on our way out.

The way out was nice the rig was driving nice and staying on the trail. She was wheeling normal. Not sure why it did so much better going out but I made it out without getting stuck once.

All in all it was a great trip, now I have some work to do on both rigs. The jeep I have to replace a front axle, the Bronco I have to put the new steering box in. I have lots to do before April….. Stay Tuned for more, I will post some picture when I get some.

Paul

Happy Sait Patricks Day.

2005-03-17T07:51:00.000-08:00

Green Beer to All

Well it seems we are going to have a good turnout this weeekend, but I am worried about my wife she seems pretty tired has not slept well in the past three or 4 nights. If she does not get a good nights sleep tonight I may just head up with them on Friday, also she has to get up early (5:30) a.m. on Saturday to go wheeling. That is not good. So we shall see what happends.

PP

First official Post

2005-03-16T14:00:00.000-08:00

Well I am taking Friday off. Its my b-day this weekend and the family and I are going snow wheeling with our 4x4 club Gettinoff http://www.gettinoff4x4.com/about.htm . I am really looking forward to going this Saturday, but have much to do to the rigs. I have to put the Traction bar on the Jeep, and redo the steering box on the Bronco. So Friday morning I leave without the wife and kids (I hate that idea) and head up the the Arnold house to work on the rigs. If all goes well I should be able to finish both of them by the time Raylene arrives about 8:00 p.m.

We are going to go to Wintworth Springs (lake tahoe area) on Saturday with the club and are expecting snow throughout the day. This will be the first trip for the Jeep this year. I hope the heating up isses are gone. We will find out this weekend.

I plan on posting some pics when I get back from the trails. Should be fun.

About Me

2005-03-16T13:49:00.000-08:00

It all started at an early age, my brother and I would wheel our yellow tonka jeep all over the family room on make believe 4x4 adventures. That was then and this is now. My brother and I continue our adventures 4 wheeling the trails of North America. This is a log of trips with my family and my friends and the adventures we share. Please come join us.