Tales from Tellico - An Introduction

So I recently returned from the great cross county Jeep adventure. The trail ride was lead by Larry - He has been on the trails many times and made for a great leader. There is a small $5 fee per vehicle - you stuff your money into an envelope and then give it to the "iron ranger." Larry was also driving a red Jeep.

Doug was driving a khaki Jeep and big 37" competition tires. He also had beadlocks which hold the tire on the rim with the air pressure lowered for greater traction. He also served as surrogate to Daniqua. Don't ask.


Next we have the lovely and sinuous Sharon. I spent most of the time looking at her back-side. By which I mean, I followed her on the trail. And she showed no fear - several times she had a wheel off the ground.


Eric - who has an amazing ability to retrieve wayward breakfast foods- did not have his Jeep with him, so he rode shotgun with Larry (well actually he rode .357 - but I digress) He did a great job of taking pictures and spotting the trail lines and repeatedly setting the winch line when we had to pull ourselves over an obstacle.

And then . . there is me. I have spent the last two years prepping my Jeep for a trip like this. There was really a lot riding on it . . . . if my Jeep did not perform well I would have really been disappointed. I am happy to report that it exceeded my expectations.

Eric and I rode up together from Tampa on Tuesday - we got to Murphy, N.C. at about 11 p.m. Traffic was a breeze - it was nice being able to use the HOV lane through downtown Atlanta. The weather on the first day was incredible - crisp, clear and the fall foliage was breathtaking. The first day was, as it turns out, mild. Lots of rocks everywhere, and the trails were a constant thrill as we snaked through the forest.

I felt really inadequate at lunch time . . . . Eric and I just grabbed sandwiches (and some great banana pudding) from a grocery store - but everyone else broke out the camp-ware and made chicken stew, and fettuccine alfredo!

More details and pics to follow!