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Before we had even lost sight of the Buick, we were
4WHEELIN’!” Around every corner was a
new challenge and every challenge sent our adrenaline rushing.
Our group consisted of two modified Jeeps, two Rockys, and
one brand new Toyota Forerunner. The
Jeeps were piloted by Caveman and Texin.
(Yes. That’s how he spells it.)
Dusty and I were driving the Rockys.
Our newest member was Chip. He
had never been 4Wheeling before, but the historical significance of the Mormon
Trail had tempted him to put his new Forerunner on the line. We were all excited about traveling a route
where steel rimmed wagon wheels had carved ruts into rocks so deep they still
exist after more than a century.
We crossed Lake Canyon where the Hole in the Rock Pioneers
had used a natural formed dam to get from one side to the other. That dam has since been washed away and lake
is dry, but the scars on both sides of the canyon, left on the rocks by the
wagons, leave no question as to where that dam used to be.
Nine miles and five hours from the fort, we reached the
bottom of Grey Mesa. According to the
Park Service sign, the original trail off Grey Mesa was found by following
mountain goats down it. In the opinion
of a lot of less determined 4Wheelers, that trail is still better left to
goats.
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The pioneers blasted away huge rock formations and lowered
their wagons over others with ropes and wooden winches. We found ourselves clinging to narrow ledges
intended for wagons with a wheel base more narrow than some 4x4s.
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