Radical Jeeping

Today started out with the prospect of driving 5 different trails. We were down two Jeeps due to work obligations and water leak in an RV so only 7 Jeeps.

Our first trail was up the Middle Fork of Swan River which is considered a moderate trail but was pretty steep and very rocky. Some of the rocks came from dredges found in this area. The trail led up to the former site of Swandyke, a mining community of around 200 people. The unique thing about the mining in this area was that the ore was near the top of the ground so they did not have to dig deep. This was a get-rick-quick mine. One of the Jeeps developed a gas leak, we thought and shortly after that he got a flat tire.

We continued up to an elevation of about 12,800 feet, over some pretty difficult road. At one point we had the option of going straight up or going around on an easier climb. Of course, John chose the challenge. This was a climb that if for any reason you stopped, you would have to back down and that would be almost as difficult as going up. Woo Hoo!! We made it! A short distance later, at the top of the ridge we reached Radical Hill.

But before we descended we got to interact with a small herd of mountain goats. They were very curious and came quite close to the Jeeps. Later, one followed us down the mountain to beg from our lunches.

Radical Hill lived up to its name of being a radical drive. It was a steep descent on a very narrow shelf road, with tight switchbacks and some very large rocks to go over. By the time we got about half way down, it was time for lunch and then the real fun began. We have some very experienced drivers in this group so when they start bottoming out, you know its bad! In one spot the men had to pile up some rocks to lift up the Jeeps so they wouldn't hit bottom. Another area required a spotter to guide us over the boulders. Then the next curve held another surprise and then another surprise of large rocks, deep ravines or narrow road. The bottom of the trail took us through a quiet pine forest sprinkled with Aspen and along a small river. This was a needed respite from the rough ride.

We decided enough was enough for today and headed back home around 4 PM. We had a fun and laughter filled group dinner going over the days events.