ZUKIWORLD Online | Suzuki 4x4 Editorial and Forum
ZUKIWORLD Discussion Forum => Adventure (Let's GO WHEELING!) => Topic started by: bentparts on May 15, 2008, 07:28:08 AM
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Looking to hook up with some Zuk Drivers ( or others?) in the Coal Creek TN area, Daniel Boone Nat. Forest, Or Poss Harlan KY, Twards the end of June. Got a long weekend due me and need to get in the mountains. Never been to Coal Creek, or the DB nat. forest and would like to see both or either. Harlan is GREAT too, but would like to see somthing new. So anyone up for it? Lil Red? Be great to hook up with you guys again. I'd be up for an overnighter camping in the forest too. Anyone?
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You know I'm up for it!!!!
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:D Cool, Did you want to do somthing over the 4th of July weekend? The 4th falls on a Friday this year, That would make for a nice long weekend. Or, I could do the weekend before, as I'm owed a lond weekend. What works for you and Duane?
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Everyone is always so far away.I can't wait to have my Sidekick ready to wheel so I can hit up Turkey Bay.I only livd
a few minutes from LBL,but it would be great to have a bunch of folks from Zukiworld do a weekend ride there.
Harlan is always fun,but just too far of a drive for me anymore.
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Coal Creek is not to far from me.. I'm up here in Indiana only about 260miles Ive never had the Go tracker over 55mph. Ill do some highway testing and see if she is travel worthy then ill let you know Bentparts.
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:D Cool, Did you want to do somthing over the 4th of July weekend? The 4th falls on a Friday this year, That would make for a nice long weekend. Or, I could do the weekend before, as I'm owed a lond weekend. What works for you and Duane?
We're open to either, I reckon. I'll hit Jerry up about it when I see him on Monday as well.
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Great Lil Red! Be great to see ya'll again. Let's Do it! Tracker 33, 55 mph is plenty fast enough, just give yourself all the time you need to get there. Let's get some more Trackicks going! KingZoo, I'm driving 700miles, If can make it, any good running ZUK should be able to as well. Come on, we need you!
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OK, dates that will work for me and Rita- weekend of 28th and 29th of June. The next weekend is 4th of July weekend, and we'd prefer not to be on the road if possible. Besides, we're taking Fri and Mon off as travel days, and this year the 4th falls on a Friday. Travel would be a mess to say the least. So how's everyone else feel about that?
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I appreciate that,but I am just getting over another back surgery and a drive that long is beyond me.When I get all better,hopefully soon,me and the family plan on driving somewhere out of state to wheel and camp for a week or two.Untill then,I will have to be a wussy and take it easy.Which sucks!
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OK, dates that will work for me and Rita- weekend of 28th and 29th of June. The next weekend is 4th of July weekend, and we'd prefer not to be on the road if possible. Besides, we're taking Fri and Mon off as travel days, and this year the 4th falls on a Friday. Travel would be a mess to say the least. So how's everyone else feel about that?
I feel the same way! Some parks get way too crowded on holiday weekends as well.
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OK, Cool, dates look good , now has anybody been to Coal Creek, or Danial Boone Nat forest? The kind folks at the forest service sent me a slew of maps of the roads in the DBNF, but I'd have to get detailed topo maps from them that show trails. I'm kinda leaning twards Coal Creek TN, as it's somewhat like Harlan in that the trails are all marked according to difficulty, and at 75000 acres and 125+miles of marked trails, there should be plenty to do. Whaddya think? The only other thing I can think of is at Coal Creek you have to purchase a use tag. It's not too much, $17 per day, or $35 for a two day pass. Not sure what fees are involved in the Nat Forest.
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I have not been to Coal Creek (Wind Rock Mountain) in two years but had a blast every time I have been there (many times) It is well worth the cost of admission. I was an annual member there fir three years before moving to Florida and now that I'm back I'm just waiting on my ride to join back up again.
Zig
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Bentparts...I will be in the Evansville Ind area the 28-29 June and may make the drive down to meet up with you guys.
Trackin33, do you think you are up for the ride down? Good test run before Zookimelt. I have had several Trackers and can help you prep your rig....
Zig...I will have an empty seat ( ok...I might let you drive when you ain't drinkin ) Whada ya tink ?
Gary
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Great Gary! The more the Merrier! Zig, it would be great to meet more members of this forum. I've only gotton to know most of you thru posts.
OK, so the dates are settled: weekend of June 28th /29th. Coal Creek/ Windrock Mtn. Tn. LilRed, does that work for you?
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Fantastic! I already got vacation for Fri / Mon approved! We rode Coal Creek on New Year's Day 07 and had a great time. Sun went down way too fast that day. Ya'll camping?
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Haven't decided on camping or not yet. What do you guys want to do? I thought if we did the Danial boone forest we could do a one day out, camp, then one day back thing. If we can find reasonable rooms in Oliver Springs, we could also enjoy some Sat. Night fun there. I have to check the website again for Coal Creek, but I do think there's a campground there as well.
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Windrock Park Campground 865-435-1251
Windrock Park Campground is located ON SITE at the Coal Creek OHV Area. The campground includes full RV hookups, cabins, tent camp sites and a shower house. Access to the trail head is via a private trail.
I will wait to see what you all want to do ...camp or motel....I may stay at the rv park and do a couple of extra days...cause I'm retired and cause I can :P
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Lodging near the Coal Creek riding area
Hotels
Double Tree Inn 865-481-2468
Comfort Inn 865-481-8200
Days Inn 865-483-5615
Hampton Inn 865-482-7889
Jameson Inn 865-483-6809
Super 8 865-483-1200
Econo Lodge 865-482-9968
(All hotels are located roughly 7 miles from the trail head in Oak Ridge, TN)
Cold Beer Zig bring your sleeping bag...Gary
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We'd like to bring our camper down, but it would limit our travel speed for sure. Were thinking about it. I'm also thinking about a cabin at the campground, that sounds pretty good too. We could bbq in the evening for dinner, or make the trip into town for food. I'm going to call on Monday to find out availability for cabins. It would be cool if we were close enough to hang out in the evening.
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Thanks for the info Gary!
Bentparts, I'd be interested in the cabins as well. If you call on Monday, will you ask if they can email some pics since there aren't any on their site yet? Ask em if they'll discount the rate if we as a group, rent multiple cabins or sites?
BTW, what kind of MPG are you gettin' on your tracker these days and what effect does towing the camper have on it?
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I'll try and get some info Tomorrow LilRed. As far as gas milage goes, about 22 average. Towing the camper probably drops that by a few mpgs at least. On the flats it's fine, but those long mountain grades, pushing the turbo really sucks the fuel! If gas keeps going up, I may pull it off in favor of better mileage. At least until I can get something cheaper to drive! It's fine for a "toy" but anything under 20 mpg's isn't very economical. I keep thinking "hey, it's just a 1.6ltr, it should get great gas mileage." Then I remember all I've done to it, and get a look at those 32x11.50 tires and it becomes clear that fuel economy has become secondary !
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Ok, went back ato the Windrock website ( this time did a google search) and found photos and info on the site, camping, "cabins " and rates. The "cabins are really just bunkhouses, with two sets of bunkbeds.The camp site itself looks nice, but it's bring your own bedding, NO WATER OR ELECTRIC. They are $50 a night + about $10 a night in taxes. I think that would be fine for a family with kids or 3/4 guys but for that kind of coin we could surley get a motel with electricty, running water, and the benefits that come with it. Having to pack bedding for two, I might as well bring my camper. If we were going to stay for more than two days it would be worth bringing the camper, but for now I'm going to start looking at motels. Let you know what I come up with.
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Bentparts...I will be in the Evansville Ind area the 28-29 June and may make the drive down to meet up with you guys.
Trackin33, do you think you are up for the ride down? Good test run before Zookimelt. I have had several Trackers and can help you prep your rig....
Zig...I will have an empty seat ( ok...I might let you drive when you ain't drinkin ) Whada ya tink ?
Gary
Save me a seat for Saturday. I may be able to do both days but I know I can ride up on Friday night, find a place to crash and ride Saturday. If you are staying in the campground, I'll probably throw my airmattress in the back of the Suburban and just hang there, have a few cold ones and sleep in the truck.
Thanks for the driving offer, I like tearing up my own stuff, but am paranoid of tearing up others...The drinking wont be a problem in the park, rules forbid it and they are almost as strict as the Badlands about it...If your lucky the law will make you waste it and permanently revoke your riding privileges..and it only gets worse from there. I'll save the cold beer for the camp ground ;)
Gotta get back to work, will check back in later for updates.
Z
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Bentparts...I will be in the Evansville Ind area the 28-29 June and may make the drive down to meet up with you guys.
Trackin33, do you think you are up for the ride down? Good test run before Zookimelt. I have had several Trackers and can help you prep your rig....
Zig...I will have an empty seat ( ok...I might let you drive when you ain't drinkin ) Whada ya tink ?
Gary
Just give me a heads up when its about time and ill see if im ready. I want to build my bumpers, rock sliders, armor ect. first. but ill be ready by zukimelt for sure
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Hey All, Check this out: Heltons Hillbilly Condos + RV park IN OLIVER SPRINGS. This sounds like our kind of place. I found this under Tn. Vacatiions. This Rv park has Primitive camping for tenters, rv sites with full hookups, and 3/4 different fully furnished mobile homes with everything included. The smallest is a two bedroom 2 bath, the largest is a 4 bdrm double wide. All have mutiple baths, multiple sleeping areas and multiple beds, decks, outdoor grills w/ propane provided, and easy acccess to Coal Creek. There's a fire pit, horse shoes, drinking allowed, pets ok, room for muddy 4x4's, Fresh water fishing, . The rate for the mobile homes is $36.50 per night, per person. Reservations are by phone, and they only accept cash or travelers checks. No problem reserving space, James Helton seems like a very nice guy. I think Rita and I would like to stay here, what do you all think? It seems like our kind of place.the phone # there is 865-435-5221, address is 640 Joel Rd. Oliver Springs, TN 37840. I athink this is also listed on one of the Windrock websites as well. Check it out, and they have plenty of room the weekend were there.
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Zig....like YODA says " If you come, ride you will ". I was just kidding about the booze. Kidding the Zig about his love for good beer seems like the favorite Zukiworld passtime. I was just joining the gang...I'm a retired cop but I was never with the booze police. Looking forward to your good company. You come highly recomended... :laugh:
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Bentparts...havent you seen those movies where the couple pulls off the main road and checks in at the trailer park motel ???? I'll be ok though....I'll be packin and my Georgia roots go way back. I'll call for an RV spot in the AM. They dont take credit cards for reservations ? Guess I'll find out in the AM......Gary
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>:D I'll be bringing my own chainsaw! If you guys have another preference for places to stay, I'm definitely open to suggestions. The Heltons are apparently just real trusting, they'll accept your reservation over the phone, no payment required. They only accept cash for payment though, and your required to bring your own bbq sauce, preferably wearing it :laugh:
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There are quite a few places that the locals open up to wheelers. When the big SFWDA rides come to town almost every yard turns into a parking lot and every field a camp ground 8)
Gary,
Thanks for the ride, I'm looking forward to it...and dont kid yourself, I will have my brew for the camp site ;) They just dont allow it past the gate :police:
Zig
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OH YEAH!!!
Windrock.. been there a few times and REALLY want to go back.
I am going to try to be in on this one!!!!
Now, let me go back and read the whole thread so I can figure out all you guys have been talking about..
Sounds like a BLAST!
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Kidding the Zig about his love for good beer seems like the favorite Zukiworld passtime.
Wish i was old enough to enjoy that passtime >:(
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Not sure yet what we're going to do. Helton's sound pretty good though.
Bentparts, Shane is going to try and make it along with another friend in a CJ5, I think it is. This is a great idea you had!!!
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SO......Are we agreed on Heltons ? I am ready to call them. Lets firm this up and spread the word and get more Zuks. Do we let the other boards know ?
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I'm good with Heltons. I posted on Zuwarrie also, one reply.
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I will post it on oZook and see if we can catch anyone on their way up to the Melt.
I will give them dates now and post back with the meeting location.
Zig
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I'll post it over on Zukikrawlers too.
I can't commit to Helton's yet but don't let us hold ya'll up.
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I just got to finish up my roof rack then im ready to roll. I did all my highway testing and ect.
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I just wanted to see if everyone is still on board for this ride.
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I'm game as long as Gary is still coming with a spare seat 8)
Zig
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Crud, I am out. I blew the motor up in the Turtle over the weekend... got it stuck, got it wet and spun a bearing. Won't have the money to swap motors for a little while.
Damned deep ruts!!!
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We're set on making it. I have a small list of repairs for the Kick. And I hope Duane gets a chance this weekend to drop the tcase in the Sami to assess the damage from our last ride.
Bentparts, I talked to Jerry and he is set on making it too!
Quaddawg, are you making it a habit to tear things up? How's the festiva?
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Great Guys and Gals! Looking forward to it. Quadawg, that's a damn shame, was looking forward to meeting you. I got a spare 8 valve you can have if you want to pick it up! Bit of a drive though. LilRed, do you mean the last ride WE went on? If so, Duane, better get moving on that thing! Hell, that was last fall!
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LilRed, do you mean the last ride WE went on? If so, Duane, better get moving on that thing! Hell, that was last fall!
Well, he is slow about repairs, but not that slow! We have gotten to wheel a couple of times this year. The last time was a spur of the moment trip to Wooly's Offroad in March, the day before the TDEC shut it down. He busted a tcase gear and I broke an auto hub. Still need to fix both, among other things!
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I'm game as long as Gary is still coming with a spare seat 8)
Zig
http://www.gasbuddy.com/gb_gastemperaturemap.aspx
Well Im not bailing yet but the price of gas nationwide is causing me some concern. My trip to Indiana has been in the planning for over a year and the price of gas just sucks big dog. Motorhome x 10 mi per gal for 5000 mi round trip is a very seriopus concideration. Thats 500 gal x $4.50 or more...Even retired "not broke yet" zukers have their limits. If I were a betting man I wouldn't bet on me either way yet....I'll keep you posted Zig.
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I fully understand that one. That is why I am living inthe middle of down town, 2 blocks form work. I'm paying as much in rent as I was for my house before I moved to FL :o but ....NO GAS BILL.... ;D
Keep me updated,
Z
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:( Wow, they're droppin like flies! Hey Gary, I can appreciate your stiuation. The cost of fuel is a concern for us as well, but were only making a 1400 mile r.t. I'm sure glad these little rigs are as fuel efficent as they are, even with mods.
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I'm going to the outter banks this weekend and it costs less to fly and get a rental than to drive the 700 miles to the condo :o This gas thing is getting rediculous >:(
Zig
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Thanks for the nod of understanding guys...I hate being all willy-nilly. I have already begged off attending the Indiana family reunion June 14th. I'll wait and see what happens with gas prices and fuel availability before deciding if I can/should try and make Zookmelt this year. When the gas barrons pulled this crap back in the 70s many small independant gas stations went out of business, resulting in long lines at the big company stations. Commodity futures speculators are causing most of the price increase...that and China is now demanding more and more fuel to grow their communist / capitalism. I never would have thought those two words would be used in the same sentence. Maybe this is the kind of "change" Obama is always talking about.
It will now cost $50 for gas to run the Rubicon, so maybe it won't be so crouded now. Sure am glad I live close to the Rub...Gary
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Back in the 70's when I was stationed in Germany, gas there cost $3.oo a gallon. We bought it by the litre and the price seemed ridulous. I think the price per gallon here was still under a buck. Americans have always been spoiled ( myself included) by cheap and available fuel, without realizing the real cost. One of the few things Bush got right was his statement " America is addicted to oil." As a country we use it like there's no end to the supply. Just look at what people drive; Big ass pick up's with nothing ever in the bed, suburbans and excursions to haul the dog to the groomer, 4wd suv's ( stupid uneccessary vehiciles) that never leave the pavement. When we waste any resource, it's likley to become more expensive , especially when were addicted to it. Even a junkie knows that. OK, I'm done preachin. Sorry for the rant.
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Back in the 70's when I was stationed in Germany, gas there cost $3.oo a gallon. We bought it by the litre and the price seemed ridulous. I think the price per gallon here was still under a buck. Americans have always been spoiled ( myself included) by cheap and available fuel, without realizing the real cost. One of the few things Bush got right was his statement " America is addicted to oil." As a country we use it like there's no end to the supply. Just look at what people drive; Big ass pick up's with nothing ever in the bed, suburbans and excursions to haul the dog to the groomer, 4wd suv's ( stupid uneccessary vehiciles) that never leave the pavement. When we waste any resource, it's likley to become more expensive , especially when were addicted to it. Even a junkie knows that. OK, I'm done preachin. Sorry for the rant.
Right on man!! I could not agree more!
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Back in 73 I had just got out of the Army MPs and I was driving a VW Bus with a top end of 50 mph with a tail wind. All I wanted to do was "sit on the dock of the bay with my brown eyed girl" Now 45 years later the Hippy Generation are senators and congressmen/women. Back then the hippy message was " Bring it all down man " and now they seem to be doing just that. Is there anyone in charge who is not smoking dope...Anyone ?
So what does this have to do with Suzukis and 4 wheeling....$10 dollar gas makes our zuks priceless
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Zig and Bentparts...If I had stayed on schedule for my Indiana trip, here is where I would be right now http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080607/ap_on_re_us/severe_weather_57
Boy am I glad my " little bird " ( sixth sense ) warned me not to go. I thought it was just the money thing...
High and dry in California....Gary
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Wow, that woulda been a Really good time to test the snorkle! We're still planning on making the trip, gas prices be damned! I built this rig to be a duel sport / adventure rig and I've spent too much time, energy and $ to not use it for what it was intended. It's quite capable of getting 23+ mpg at a comfortable pace on the highway and I intend to use it before I can't anymore. I don't forsee gas prices going down soon, or ever. They 're probably gonna go up more if anything so I'll just have to spend my fuel money more wisely. Overseas we had ration cards that covered gas, cigs, booze etc. If you wanted/needed more of any one you got creative and traded or bartered, or you paid the local rate which was 3 times more. It supported a big black market for American goods and actually caused a lot of crime. I hope it doesn't come to that here, but it looks like it's already begun.
BTW Gary, WHAT are you smoking? 1973 was only 35 years ago. I admit I have only fuzzy memories of the late 60's early 70's but missing a whole decade!? And one more thing, I never knew anyone who smoked pot and WANTED to start wars. The powers that be are more drivin by ego and greed. IMO, maybe they SHOULD smoke some dope. Hey, Clinton was gettin head in the Oval office and the country was doing great.
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Zig and Bentparts...If I had stayed on schedule for my Indiana trip, here is where I would be right now [url]http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080607/ap_on_re_us/severe_weather_57 [/url]
Boy am I glad my " little bird " ( sixth sense ) warned me not to go. I thought it was just the money thing...
High and dry in California....Gary
yah that article was no joke.... I almost lost the Go tracker in the middle of US 40 I saw all the cars turning around and my young invincible a$$ drove right through it.. what i didn't know was that is was all the way past my fenders!!!! maybey i shoulda turned around when I saw a brand new dodge on 35's transformend into a submarine
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:P :-[ :laugh:
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Good call on the 'no go'. I saw some of that at the airpoer last night on my way back form North Carolina. Does not look like fun.
Zig
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Well, if all goes well we have 6 rigs coming: 3 Zuks, CJ5, a Jimmy (I think it is) and a rhino. We will stay at Helton's if we can get a condo still. Bentparts, you reserve something yet?
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Hey LilRed, I did give Heltons a call a couple of weeks ago and reserved a "condo", really a mobile home. From what he told me they have 4 or 5 of them, so give 'em a call. Lookin' forward to this ride, Tracker is just about ready to go. We should be there sometime Friday evening. I'll post up again before we leave.
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Spoke with James Helton yesterday to confirm my res, and he said they still had a couple of "condos" avail. Giave him a call.
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Spoke with James Helton yesterday to confirm my res, and he said they still had a couple of "condos" avail. Giave him a call.
D & I are booked in! I will touch base with the others tonight!
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8) COOL!
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;D 4 days and counting!
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Other than the actual loading things up, I think we're ready to go here! 3 of us are leaving out about 5am Friday morning & staying at Helton's. 2 others will be getting there late Friday night and are staying in a cabin at Windrock Park Campground so they can drive right into the park. They aren't street legal and didn't want to have to trailer em. We'll probably ride some Friday afternoon too! I can hardly wait!
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See Ya There!