Tacos in St. Louis area

Or deer...

 

Some pictures from the weekend.

 

Looks like a good time. Glad you all got a chance to get out there and get after it.

 

Makes me sad I couldn't go........was too busy wrenching most of the weekend.

 

I can still hear the generator running.....

 

Ready for Shamrock

 

Had me tripping. I was about to apologize for posting this here.

 

Too good to pass up

 

Shamrock convoy stuff

We usually meet at my place and depart at midnight. Due to the weather we will be moving slower than normal I’d imagine but usually we are in Lebanon, Tennessee by breakfast which is a perfect place to let the cars cool off before we start to deal with the East Tennessee inclines. Pulling the trailer sucks allot of fuel so I will sadly be making heaps of fuel stops along the way which means you’ll be getting. Ample potty and snack breaks.​

If you want to leave earlier to compensate for the weather so we can arrive earlier I’m good with it and would actually prefer it. We get to stage a few cars in the front of the line at the gate arriving early, doing this guarantees that we get our regular camping spot which will be a big deal as it’s the highest and has just enough gravel in it that it won’t turn to a straight mud fest. This means that you’ll have to stake your claim and spread it out a bit as heaps of others will be trying to get in up there too and regrettably there is only so much space. Expect Ed and Heather to set up their individual camps with us. They are Tennessee friends that some of you already know. I intend to introduce Wendy to Heather as Heather runs the ladies only stuff, is an awesome wheeler, and all around kick ass person. You’ll all meet Ed and find out fast why everyone likes him. Amazing fella that has always been fun to wheel and camp with.

I reckon we can sort out groceries once in Oliver Springs if you haven’t done a little shopping already. There’s a family owned market there that we’ve used many times and injecting a little cash into the local economy always helps.

For meals we usually do some scrambled eggs and a meat for brekkie. Using an energy drink mixing bottle with a stainless whisk ball is perfect for this as you can get heaps of eggs in it and leave the shells at home. If anyone can cover that I’d be grateful.

Lunch can’t always be back at camp as often we are on the other side of the mountain so be prepared to bring something with you for lunch. If we time it right we sometimes can slip off the mountain where we are and hit camp or a local place for a quick lunch.

Supper time on Thursday is on us as they only offer the catered food - burgers and sometimes bbq - on Friday and Saturday nights. I’ve found that people tend to be really hungry after a day on the mountain so cooking a little something back at camp is always welcomed before we wonder off for burgers and raffles.

I have a gas two burner stove, and a one burner stove on the camper and they can all three be used simultaneously. I’d say grilling is optional but may not net the results you’d prefer. I’m not bringing my grill for this trip. The fridge freezer on the camper can hold 90L of food so keep that in mind. The mixing bottles save massive space just on eggs alone. Separate eskies for drinks advised.

I will have the gas campfire with us and plenty of fuel for it. Bringing the lpg generator as well since we won’t be generating much solar power and we’ll need it to keep the camper batteries up to run the water pump and fridge.

I do have an old tailgate that needs a ride down if someone has space. One of the people we camp near every year is picking it up to add to his trailer. Good people and a great way to get it out of the shop for good.

Do bring gum boots, rain jacket/slicker and some spare clothes and socks in the car in case you get completely soaked on the mountain. A little cold can be ignored but cold and wet sucks for everyone. They have great bathhouses that are well maintained and the showers are always hot. I know a guy that took a camp chair into one and just sat under the hot water and drank a six pack. Says it never got cold. The mountain has natural gas everywhere so I reckon that’s one perk we have.

Night runs

We always do them but remember with rain comes fog and low clouds so we may be sticking to lower tracks which means some may get stuck in some mud. Bring your recovery gear and it will all be fine. A few of us have done heaps of recoveries and will gladly assist to help ensure that you and your car don’t suffer unnecessary damage.

Any questions, suggestions, or offers?

 

looks like you covered a bunch, stoked for everyone that is able to make the trip. I’m a no-go this time. But have a great time, and be safe

 

Right with ya Mike, wish we could've but too much going here still....

 

Gona miss you @mcharfauros

@G.T. I can take that tailgate down, also have plenty of bed space for anything else that needs hauling.

 

6ft bed for the win

 

Have fun everyone! Sounds like it’s gonna be a good time.

 

Have fun and be safe everyone. Gonna be tied up for awhile, but still gonna try to get these stupid UCA's on ASAP lol.

 

Finally separated the wheels and tires. Pulled em off at the self service auto craft shop on Post. Now we have choices for the Tundra

 

@Cav_BluTRD 's wet dream