Hey Connecticut, our everything hurts

Mornin everyone, back to the grind...

 

Morning Connecticut

 

Morning all

 

Morning everyone!

So I did my first real trail this weekend, and felt my first "Oh shit this is going to be tricky" moment. On Friday I finally got my All Seasons removed and my Wildpeaks put on. I went out to Naugatuck State Forest because I was close by, and there is a dirt road that is technically a public road, but I'd say you either need a truck/SUV, or a lot of patience and carefulness. I was also told there are some mud pits, but I did not feel comfortable even finding them until I got my ATs on. I ended up getting through, but it took 4lo and some wheel spin. This was the first time I ever had the panic "I might not be able to get out" and it was terrifying but exhilarating. It was interesting to see all the mud my tread picked up, then once I got on pavement again (10 feet later) how it felt a trail but cleaned itself out pretty well

As for my first trail, last weekend I went up to Cockaponset state forest and found a few trails, but didn't go very far because of the all seasons. It seems 1 trail that was pretty easy is now blocked by trees, but it's obvious it was not natural. I met some other people there and they said while it's legal to wheel there, the rangers don't like it and will block trails. There was another trails that had a huge puddle and I wanted to attempt it this time.

It seemed like a pretty straight forward puddle, but I am so glad I crawled through it because it was very rocky and bumpy. We got through there and it became more narrow and more rocky. It was extremely exciting, but scary at the same time. I honestly don't know the distance or time, maybe 5-10 minutes in, we came across a large downed tree, so we turned around. While doing so, we pulled off and hiked up a small trail to scout but it turned out to be for ATVs or bikes, too small for us. However we heard some people coming, and found 2 Jeeps and a dirt bike. The first Jeep was driven by a woman, maybe in her late twenties or thirties with an adorable dog. The second Jeep had 3 younger guys, early 20s maybe, and the dirt biker was with them. Her Jeep was pretty built and she was very confident, the second Jeep was brand new but the dude said he wasn't new to this, just got a new one.

I explained the situation to them and she asked if she could go over or winch it away, I said I didn't think so but I'm new to may be wrong. I also asked if I could tag along and they were incredibly welcoming. Turns out there just found each other on the trails too. So before I could even turn around, I see her on the other side of this tree. I was amazed, did she just crawl over a 2' high tree? I get over there and realize we could fit around it... I think it was a combination of not having a trained eye, and not wanting to risk anything alone. Anyways, I followed them and we continued. Not before banging my 6' bed into a tree because I am coming from Miatas and forget there's so much behind me

After a few more minutes, we started hearing loud pops. The first discussion was gunshot vs fireworks, as I found spent shotgun shells shortly beforehand. It ended up being fireworks but it also brought up the question, as we getting close to private property? We asked the dirt bike to scout ahead and he did. The trail continued away from the fireworks, so we continued. Another mud hole though. I have a rear diff breather kit, but it's been so hot lately, I haven't wanted to install it. I'll have to now though

We got through pretty easily, I was able to keep it in 2wd with a little sliding. It was so much nicer knowing there were other people around if something happened. I only had a shovel, the young guys had a tow strap, and the woman had a winch. I went to Home Depot and don't know ow much I trust a $20 Husky strap, so I will be ordering a strap and shackles today.

At the end of the trail there is a sharp right hand turn, and I banged the rear right corner of the cab, with no damage. The Jeeps got through easily and she spotted and directed for me, even though in hindsight I had my commands backwards, which is probably why I hit the cab. For some reason as she yelled "Driver" I kept cranking to the right. Anyways, I got through and they were both impressed I was able to do it in a long bed. It felt incredibly cool to not only do my first trail, but to have the acceptance and approval of some other wheelers (Even if they were Jeeps...). I was going to ask for their numbers or contact info but while they were incredibly friendly, I didn't get the vibe this would be a regular thing so we said our goodbyes. I wanted to go back (Is that ok? Going the opposite direction down a trail?) but we ended up heading back home.

I had a small dent in the bed, a few moderate pinstripes, and a great story. I had so much fun, and I cant wait to do more. I'm not sure where exactly the trail is, but it wasn't hard to find. Not sure if I should post here, or have people PM me or anything. If anyone is in the area though I'd love to show them!

 

@Checkers10160, just an FYI - the dirt roads and trails in the Naug state forest are for non-motorized use only except for snowmobiles. We’re you on the Hunter’s Mountain side or over by Seymour?

 

Hey man, I appreciate you looking out! In the Naug state forest we were just driving Cold Spring Rd which is just a really bumpy public road as far as I know. As for the mud pits, it was less of a trail and more like a little offshoot from Hunter's mountain road. So instead of turning left to go to High Rock, you go up the hill. At one point we did start up a trail but saw a "Nature habitat" sign so I just snapped a picture and we turned around. I'm fairly sure we didn't break any laws

 

Morning Connecticut

 

Morning all

 

Morning everyone.

Happy Tuesday.

Oldest went in at 7am for his tonsil removal. Already done, and now the Mrs is waiting for them to let her in so she can see him in recovery, and then come home.

 

Good luck to the boy Nuno! Lots of ice cream and ice pops coming right up!!

 

Nuno.

Glad he is doing fine.
How are the adults doing?
TOMB

 

I'm better now that he's home. Only one of us could go with him, so the Mrs went. He finally got home about 20 minutes ago. Still out of it because of the anesthesia, but he's OK, all things considered.

 

Mornin everyone.

 

Morning Connecticut

 

Morning everyone.

Happy hump day.

 

Morning boys

 

Morning everyone,

Ordered the ecgs bushing last night. Most people say they have needed this when lifting to eliminate vibration or noise in the drivers side front axle so I figured I would preemptively go this route. While I plan on installing the lift myself (with some help), I’m going to get this installed by a mechanic. Also ordered new axle seals for both passenger and driver sides since I saw they were leaking when I pulled my skids.

 

Mornin everyone! Almost there

 

Morning everyone.

Happy Friday eve.

 

Good morning CT and across the borders,

Friday cannot come soon enough..