Saturday, May 17, 2014

MOAB 2014 – GEMINI CLIFFS RUN WITH THE FMCA 4 WHEELERS May 7, 2014

 

With the delay in Flagstaff, we arrived three days late for the FMCA 4 Wheelers rally in Moab. Our Jeep is suitable for the trails rated 2 and 2 1/2. Fortunately, Gemini Cliffs (2 1/2) was available to run with a group on Wednesday. We had not been on  it before so it was a treat for us.

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The white Jeep behind us is about to drop over the rock outcropping at the top. That one was typical of many of the obstacles on this run. The trail leader on a pre-run had stacked rocks to make going up over an obstacle like this one easier. We did that one without a hitch.

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Gemini Cliffs is also called Hook and Ladder in the guide books of the Moab area. It is southeast of Moab and has its own fine scenic views of the LaSal mountains.

 

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We just climbed from the highway below to the plateau here, with a good view of Wilson Arch below.

 

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Here was a steep spot with some rocks to climb on the way up. This road is very difficult do drive after a rain.

 

 

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The trail leaders usually find very picturesque places to pause for lunch.

 

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There were only five vehicles in our run, a nice number.

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At the end of the run we dropped down a steep “slick rock” hill about 200 ft. long to go from the plateau down to the highway in the valley. Maybe the next time in the area I can drive up it!

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At the end of all runs in the area, it is time to “air up” the tires. Many with tires larger than ours reduce air pressure to 10 lbs. I am not that brave and drop mine to 17 lbs.

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