I met a new friend this past spring. Brian Laniel just bought himself a sweet 1977 FJ40, and we first met at the March Rising Sun meeting. He came over to my garage, and I gave him my old front turn signals off my '76. Next thing you know he wants to go wheeling, so we head up to Idaho Springs. We meet him, his friend Adam (mini truck) and Adam's friend Jeb. This was to be Ann's first time ever 4 wheeling. This was my first shakedown of my newly installed stock carb, and it performed admirably, taking on steep angles and severe bumps without cutting out.

April 9, 2000

This trail is also referred to by locals as "Behind the Gaurd rail". Basically, you head west through Idaho Springs until the last exit onto I-70. Then, instead of getting onto I-70, you drive on the other side of the gaurd rail along this little track at the base of the cliff until you get to the trailhead. Here, we air down.

We met some other folks up there playing around, this guy has a WWII era Bantam.

Check out the tea kettle on the hood to cover the top of the air cleaner!

Rolled heep. We ended up righting him with a bunch of people power.

Brian drives around the big, nasty rock that mangled my shackle.

Jeb nods approvingly as Brian makes it past that first serious obstacle.

Heading up the trail.

We gather at a junction to decide which way to go next.

This whole area is dotted with abandoned mines.