Got Mud '03?

August 9, 2003

Paragon Adventure Park

Hazleton PA USA

Page 2

        We had a good time as the pictures show. We took trail 31 and stopped for lunch at the spring where we found the other group. The rain let loose as we stopped for lunch. The other group had been there for a while before we arrived and was ready to leave about the time the rain let loose. Volpster and Anthony had been hearing some disconcerting noises from under the hood (which later turned out to be fan and shroud interference) and decided to call it a day. From the spring, there was an easy way out so they left. Taking a quick poll, we found that both groups were going to pretty much the same places for the afternoon so several of us "defected" to the Big Dawgs group. We left via the hill at the spring (which cost me a skid plate which had not been as tightly attached as I might have liked).

        Just as we started the first trail of the afternoon (86), TwoTracks developed a problem with his clutch and decided to pack it in. As he was working on finding the way out, we were greeted by the Jeep with the interesting log attachment. Just to clear up all discussion on this issue, the Jeep had broken an axle shaft. Because of the design (C-clip with drum brakes), the axle tends to work its way out of the housing. The log, with the straps, will hold the axle shaft from coming very far out, thus holding the wheel in place so you can ride it out. This same practice has been written up in various magazines as a trail fix, in other words, it can get you back to the trailhead but shouldn't be counted on to get you home. The limping Jeep and TwoTracks made their way back out to the pay station. Two Tracks made it home as he wrote us with some creative shifting and use of the synchronized gears.

 
        We headed up 86 on our way to the Rock Meadow. 86 starts with a couple of little bits of off camber hill which allow the likelihood of getting crossed up so the 2wd tendencies of an open/open vehicle get their chance to mess you up. Most made it through this with relative ease but it wasn’t a forgone conclusion. Following this was a long v-shaped gully that you could straddle but had to turn off of just before the crest or risk high centering.

        We traversed on to the Rock Meadow, which was doable in all our vehicles but the services of a good spotter who knew the characteristics of IFS was essential. Several filled in on these duties and we all made it through unscathed.

        On 80, we met up with the proverbial group of tourists who seemed to be more interested in watching than driving. We soon found out what all the watching was about. One part of this obstacle invited you to go right and up over a boulder. Simultaneously, the left side drops away. Steve (Howser) was sucked in but reconsidered midway through. He described the experience as the cartoon where the vehicle teeters at the precipice, narrowly missing crashing onto the rocks below in a flaming end only to have a seagull perch on the front and shift the balance towards the flaming glory of a spectacular death. Other Steve (1TFRot) considered and decided to go for it, only to be convinced otherwise as he teetered on the point of no return.

        We met the other group on the trail as we left there. Someone had broken a tie rod on one of the ZR2s. I haven’t been able to confirm but the story on the trail was that one of the square body folks (our own VinnieP) was able to provide the necessary parts to get him rolling along again.
        The Big Dawgs finished up the day by using the main roads to head to the lake where the “everybody else” group had started their day. Along the way, John (Blackage) took the opportunity to show us (and his passenger) the advantages of his locker by crawling over an interesting mound alongside the roadway.
 

        We headed out to the pay station where we regrouped, shared stories of the day’s adventures and accounted for the early departures of the day. One more regrouping at the Exxon and then we all split for our divergent destinations.
       
A couple of notes regarding the logistics of Paragon.
        Paragon is private property and a commercial venture. Costs are $35 per day for the vehicle (ATV’s pay the same price) plus the driver. Any additional passengers are $5. Each driver is required to leave their drivers license at the pay station to help account for all persons safely leaving the park. Closing time is SERIOUS. Part of the waiver you sign agrees to a penalty for leaving late. I understand that a reasonable leniency applies to broken vehicles provided staff is notified of the breakdown. They also have connections with various parts suppliers in the area to help should a breakdown occur.
 

        The park’s staff is around the park. There is an EMT on duty. The staff monitors CB Channel 5 as the emergency channel.
 

        Guides are available at $125 per day. Guides are not required.
 

        Some foods and refreshments are available at the ticket area but I would seriously recommend bringing sufficient into the park with you.
 

        Individual groups must have at least 3 vehicles. Sometimes the park has events scheduled, which reserve the entire park so check their online calendar to confirm availability.
 

        As always when we get together to wheel with friends (both new and better known), we had a great time. There are some things an S10Extremist.org group would do differently but we all learn as we go. It is very likely that 2004 will see at least one S10Extremist event happening in or near Paragon.
 

 Even on private land, Treadlightly! Happy Trails!

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Thanks to Keith (4x4x4doors), John (blackage), JohnG, Matt (Mr. Purple) and Len (Poconoboss) for their pictures...