Looks like it's gonna be a little warmer today.....
Brad is leading so we will just lay back and have some fun.
No worries, just cruise along and enjoy the scenery.
Brad says, gather around.....
We are going to Walden's Ridge
Gonna be another long day, bring food, fuel, and good headlights...
Most of all....Do Not break anything.
A little trail action on the way over the mountain...Shot with a hand held Hero 4 GoPro while wheeling the Beast.
Rocky is cutting a stump with my chainsaw....
Seems Ros slid down the bank and landed on top of a 15 inch tall stump.
The stump was lodged between the two lower control arms.
I predict that his RZR will show up with bigger tires next trip.
For the full 18 minute video of our struggle to get to the top of this mountain and learn what happens on Walden's Ridge see. https://www.youtube.com/@jerrychafton
This is the coldest day of our 4 day weekend here on Windrock Mountain....The Campground posted 10 degrees this morning..
Also the longest day of our adventure. Total navigational miles recorded at 58.9 miles and 9.5 hours of off roading with stops along the way for pee breaks, lunch at the Swinging Bridge, winching Brad off a boulder, sights at Panther Rock, and surprises at Caryville Flats.....
And made it back to camp at dark-thirty.....just in time for my Jack Daniels.
So on to the next...BRAD LEADS TOMORROW
Trail 9 joins lower end of Trail 12....time for a break.
Beautiful spot in the summer.....to break for lunch if planned out for that.
But we are on a mission....gotta keep rollin, long day.
And yes, although this was a planned "All Guys Winter Ride"
it just so happened that a Super Dad brought his 16 year old daughter along.
What a treat to meet Alli and ride with her this week. She is a true
side x side champion driver.
Thanks Robert.....
HEY YA'LL...
I found the Swinging Bridge, does anybody know where we are??
It ain't Windrock....
Get the Map....!
Easy does it.....
There is a hole up there...
Appalachian Mountains way out there, had to enlarge picture to capture.....
I think I see Clingman's Dome and the Smoky Mountains over yonder.
Still ain't found Panther Rock yet..
There it is... there it is...
Nope........... that's Pecker Rock
Keep going..
That must be the place.....
No Dummy, that's an abandon
mine shaft.. ....Dorrycott Mine I think.
Keep going....
OK...OK...This has to be Panther Rock......
Why else would a bunch of frozen adults get together for a "picture of accomplishment".
Hurry up---------------"Captain Jerry" has to go pee.
My body says "Turn Around and Go Back to Camp"...But these dang Hoosiers want me to find Caryville Flats.
Well, Well. There just happens to be a sign leading the way.
Robert says it's only about 3 miles.
WRONG!
The long unedited version of this entry onto the Flats and more Elk video is on my YouTube
This is my favorite picture of all...Thank you Brad, you are my hero.
OH...OH. Wait, maybe this is my new favorite picture.....Thanks to Brad and his zoom lens. This one is one for the Wall..... Eat you heart out Elk Hunters....
This shot will give ya'll some idea of what we will encounter this weekend.....along with slick hills, frozen mud holes, red noses, and cold fingers.
Jump in and join us for fun on Windrock Mountain.
Well,Well.......Planned this ride a couple months ago and wouldn't you know it.....
We get our first deep freeze on the same weekend.
Elevation at the Windrock Park is around 3500 feet at it's highest point so the campground is about 2000-2500. Reported temperature was 10 degrees this morning..
Got a bunch of Happy Hoosiers already here and more on the way for their "Annual All Guys Winter Ride."
Should be Big Fun....
Site is currently under construction. Stay tuned.
DAY ONE...THURSDAY
Heading up the mountain on this cool morning for a short loop while we await the latecomers.
The air was clean and crisp with good visibility for miles and miles
In fact, at another point along this loop we could see the Appalachian Mountians off in the far distance.
This is from trail G1 about halfway up the mountain.
Sample of some Trails we covered on our way around Windrock the first morning...
The "Stairsteps" Trail 45......a short cut between Trail 37 and G33....
We decided to take the long way around...no sense breaking a buggy on the first day. That rock wall is the stairsteps.
DAY ONE...THURSDAY AFTER LUNCH
We needed to head back to camp to gather up more Hoosiers before heading out on our afternoon ride.
So we stopped by Windrock's infamous trail 15 to catch a little action on the Rocks.
Well, our 16 year old "Queen of Windrock" stole the show. This gal did a smooth job of conquering these rocks.
Her dad Robert and her make a great team as he spotted for her thru this challenge.
I crowned her "Queen" after this day.
This video was just a small sample of Alli's skills. Her dad "Robert" has a better video on her Facebook page.
I just received this video from Robert (Alli's dad)....It appears that it was shot in 480 Standard Definition and I can't seem to get it reloaded into 1080p HD.....
But never the less....it shows the outstanding control and skill this young lady has.
Hats off to her and her dad...Great job you two.
Back up of buggies trying to get off Trail 15 at the top. Alli is last in line..........
Might add Roberts video later....still a work in process..
STORY CONTINUES ON NEXT BLOG POST.....SWINGING BRIDGE, PANTHER ROCK, AND CARYVILLE FLATS
They all seem to find something to do no matter where we are...
These boys are a HOOT....love to watch'em
Ok....got these two in.
Now where are the other two??
Alright....I think I found'em..
Helmets on, harnesses on, goggles on......
Hey, where's our driver.....
MOM....call dad. Get him over here. We gotta go.
Well, we are on the road now...
Looks like we ended up with eight muddy buggies for todays adventure.
Lots to see today..
And we start with the Old Cabin...video below
When Mama's happy ........
Everybody is happy.
This is called sittin' on the Back Porch.......
...Country Style
I told you the view was awesome...
Also stopped off at McLeans Overlook...
Nice bench here, placed in Honor of a rider known by many in this area.
I don't know the whole story but the old bench was destroyed or taken so a new bench was recently re-dedicated.
Playing on the edge....
And the view from here is absolutely Awesome.
The bench is right in front of this group of Hoosiers...
And what a great bunch they are.
Three Amigos on a Mountain..
Discussing what makes the World go around..
The Man on the Mountain ....
Rocky looks serious ...
I think he is thinking about climbing Slate Rock..
Out next stop
OFF TO THE SAND CAVE NOW
Nothing like a little challenge to get you going...
How often do you get to play in the sand under a Natural Waterfall?
These memories will last......
CAVE EXPLORERS...............Or
Future Movie Producers
Rocky spotted this grouse along the way.
I was about 4 feet away and she paid no attention to me.
Enlarge picture to find her.
Now that we have made it down to the Sand Cave it's time to see if we can get out of this Holler. The further we go, the worse the trails get. And it's uphill from here.
Ands now it's starting to rain.....The video says it all. What a surprise, no chance of rain today and here we are at the Bottom of Sand Cave Holler. The creeks are already up a bit.All we need is more rain....UGH.
Heading back to Camp....That's going to be a long wet ride.....
This stuff ain't for the faint of heart....If these little fellers can do it...you can too.
