**RECOVERED** bottom of Miller Jeep Trail - SoCal

I don't know the situation there but I have been in two situations where part of the group moved on after doing what they could and leaving any potentially useful items such as water, tarps, first aid kits, tools, and etc with the stuck vehicle and the stay behind volunteers. Sometimes there is just no reason to have ten people staring at their toes when five competent and fully equipped toe starers will do.

 

And making sure everyone has basic recovery gear, supplies, clothing, gloves, tools, recovery points, and vehicles that are maintained and capable of traversing the terrain. Sounds like that is where things actually went awry.

 

agreed, especially if you're 2wd and attempting miller jeep trail. That trail is no joke for a 4x4. I think this thread is a solid reminder of what to be prepared for as well as a good example of how the TW community comes together to help someone out, which is the coolest part of all. It was mentioned here earlier but the SCOR SOS facebook page is a good group to join if anyone hasn't yet, they really came through last night.

 

Right. There's only so much someone can do, I don't blame him at all. And by the sounds of it there were others there with the stuck party.

As stated it was a Sunday night, if you can't help in any way and he's with company I don't see the point as we're all busy people come Monday morning.

This wasn't a life and death situation by any means; 45 at night? Come on, that's nothing a guy can't handle. I get it if he had a child with him or he was elderly. All we can do is blame ignorance. But don't put the guy on blast.

 

Wow I m just seeing this thread now. Crazy stuff. Who told the 2WD guy it would be ok to try Miller Jeep Trail? That's messed up. Gotta look out for each other.

 

I'm sure those dudes will chime in once they wake up in a few hours.

I know Steve @Redfive11 is responsible off-road and would never have put himself or truck in that situation. Wheeled with him many times, and he definitely errors on the side of caution.

I think somebody told him it was doable, but not sure that person was part of the TW group.

 

Just me, but I try to never wheel with people who are drinking. Drinkers make bad decisions, and I don't want to be responsible. I share in the belief that no one gets left behind, but the argument that 5 well equipped toe starers is sufficient has some merit. Additionally, your responsibilities as a parent, in my view, trumps everything.

 

I don't remember seeing anyone drinking...

 

Lessons were learned last night guys. And not just by those on the trail. Let's leave it at that and move forward.

We had capable people willing to help and everyone is safe, that's the point.

 

Hey thank you the guys that came out to help out Steve !! You guys are amazing and thank you for the tips and tricks out on the trail! Gald to be home safely and the truck somewhat in one piece haha

 

The community came together to help and could benefit of someone shared the lessons learned. Lots of new and inexperienced TW members not to mention the old hands who could use a refresher or reminder.

 

Woke up and walked out so see an ungodly amount of pin stripping

 

Erik, you were there too?

 

And you weren't even following me this time

 

Yeah I stay down with Steve while Cory and bryan went to help

 

Bad ass!

 

So here is an update an update and summery of events.

A regular group of us decided to do a Sunday run at Gorman. We were told that Miller jeep trail was ok to do in 2wd as long as we go from the top down. Once we were down there we could "just drive out". The group we wheel with are like family and I knew that if I got stuck I would have support so we all decided to give it a go. Made it down no problem. When we got down in the valley we stopped for a few. Another member who we never wheeled with, I'm not going to call him out by name because I'm sure he is getting shit over this, decided to leave. When the we left we couldn't find the trail out. The member came back down and said there was no way a 2wd was going out the way he just came from. Since it was the only way out we went for it. The hill was steep and loose rock. I was just sliding. We tried pulling me up with 1 truck and then 2. It wasn't going to happen.

At this point the other member said he would go up Ahead and see what was there. We never heard back from him. I understand what people are saying about not needed people there.. That's bullshit. He didn't offer to let people know that we were ok when he got into cell range, offer to coordinate help, nothing.

Cory and Bryan went through the the trail to get somebody with a winch or that could help while Eric and I stayed behind. In the mean time my wife, @GHOST SHIP @MostEpic @Yotamac @imtaconico were doing their best to get us help. My wife got a hold of scor and a thread was created on TW. In a few hours help was on the way. Eric and I were at the bottom for over 6 hours before we saw light coming down the hill to help.

Once they reached us we desided on a plan and left. It took over 2 hours to get though the trail. I had to be pulled up several hills but otherwise made it through with my 2wd. I cant thank @MonkeyProof enough. He dropped everything, drove hours to get to us and didn't ask for a thing. We finally got out around 430 am. All safe and no damage.

And this
I understand what people are saying about not sticking around to help out that is a personal choice I can't control. However, many people what we're not even down with us were doing their part to help. @GHOST SHIP offerEd to pack up supplies and bring them, @MostEpic was blowing up TW, and I'm sure I missed others that are part of the SOLA family that were helping. People gave up sleep, work, time with family, dinner just to help or get help to us. That said. Nobody get left behind. EVER! I see people posting their runs and acting like they are the best of buddies but at times like this you see who your true off road family is. Who the real member of this community are.

All the people asking for pictures, opening their mouths about why a 2wd was even on the trail before they knew circumstances and posting nonsense on a thread that was created to get us help really put this into perspective.

Anybody that knows me knows that I'm capable offroad, cautious and think of the safety of others when I wheel. Were lessons learned last night? Yes! Did my SOLA family show me that had my back? Absolutely!!!

Again. Big thanks to @MonkeyProof you are the man!! Btw. Not a Walmart strap, it was a harbor freight special. Haha!

 

Glad it all worked out man, you know I would've done more if I could. But then we'd both need recovery. Haha

 

What's wrong with asking for pictures?