Extreme 4 Wheelin'
SMORR, April 8th 2006
(Click on image to enlarge)

Well, it would not be a road trip without a few adventures along the way.
Here everyone is lined up down an off-ramp just outside Joplin after Norm is having engine problems.

Norm's engine problems are going to force him to turn back.  Walt volunteers to help Norm get home and will meet up with us later.  The rest of the group loads up and heads back down the highway.

We finally made it, welcome to Southern Missouri Off-Road Ranch!

We sign in, grab some maps and head for the trails.

Oops, looks like Steve is testing out his lights...

Well, this spot gives Kelly some issues.  But nothing a tug can't fix.

We made our way around the Goldfish Pond, now we head down Ranch Road to explore some more trails.

Looks like our group has drawn the attention of one of the local inhabitants.

We may have discovered which trail we are on... 
This looks like a Rocker Knocker to me.

For Henry's rig, it was more of a door knocker, but he manages his way thru with only a small scrape.

Next up is Dale.
 

So, who's taking a picture of whom?

Then Terri is up.

Of course we saw the sign as we are leaving the trail. 
Must have been Dillon's turn to watch for signs...

A few more to go, here comes Kay.

She makes it thru the main spot easily, but get stuck on the way out.
Nothing a little tug from Terri can't fix.

Now it's Brad's turn.  Even without a single locker he make it thru easily!

Last up is Kelly's Sami.  Perfect spot for a small vehicle.

He cruses thru with no problems.

Even gets the thumbs up from camera man Steve!

Time for a Lunch break!

Off we go, there's more trails to explore.

After helping Norm get home, Walt finally makes it out to the park.

Of course I'm kind enough to lead him down to a nasty spot called Yellow Jacket

Big ledges, big holes, and all covered in muddy slime.
 

Oops, looks like backing out was not much easier.  But nothing a little winch tug can't help.

A few more hours of daylight left, we're off to make the best of it..

What a cool place to play. 
We covered quite a few trails, but there were plenty yet to explore.  I do know when they rate a trail a '5', they mean it.  Walt, Jack and myself proved that when we attempted one last trail only to discover a big nasty wall mid way up the creek.  A little mud goes a LONG way on these rocks!  I opted to winch over, while Jack practiced his backing skills.

Well, a good long day of wheelin'.

Thanks to everyone that came out and see ya next time!

For more info on the park see their web site:  www.smorr.net