January '99 Events

Chuck E Cheese, January 1st

James Buck was back in town over the holidays and we had a pickup "ride" to Chuck E Cheese on New Year's Day. All the folks with little kids got together and ate pizza while the kids burned off some energy in the tubes. Some adults were also brave enough to participate (not me!!). It was nice and relaxing and gave us all a chance to shoot the breeze about jeeps and the like while not actually driving them. Members & visitors present: James & Julia Buck, JR & Peggy Shelley, Will & Susan Council, Erich & Paula Connolly, Kelly Marquis and Shannon, Mike & Gill Waybright,Bob & Linda Andrews, & Tim Waybright

Maintenance at the Council's, January 9th

This was postponed a day due to the lousy weather on Sat morning. Got over there in the afternoon, sans Jeep. Cary was the only one actually doing some maintenance; he was receiving a short course in wheel bearing maintenance from Will. The rest of us stood around and kicked tires and tried to stay warm. Members & visitors present were: Will & Susan Council, Brian Wilson, Cary Ancelet, Mike & Gill Waybright, Jeff DeJoanis, Taylor Ward.

February '99 Events

Blackwater, February 7th

Jay Rios leading. Nothing special to report on this ride, except once again the club rescued a Ford truck that had gotten stuck, and no-one from the club got stuck or broke! Members present were: Cary Ancelet, Jay & Nancy Rios, Chris Gahimer, Jimmy Guthrie, John Taylor

Ocala, February 12th-14th

JR Shelley managed to make this ride and did the following write-up: About 80 4x4's attended the event. Much of the landscape was just like Blackwater but we did get into some very serious mud by 11.00 am Friday morning. I was given the opportunity to pull out a hummer though it did burn up the winch. On Saturday the group started out moving north long the St. John's River, where we found a swamp buggy stuck on the trail. The trail leader pulled him out and then the bigger trucks of the group had to show him how to go through a mud hole. We all had a great time!

Shop Day, February 14th

At the Councils: Larry's Jeep got a full rear brake job and Dan Kinne's Jeep had the U-joints checked. Present were: Will & Susan Council, Larry & Kathy Schoenberg, Kelly Marquis and Dan Kinne.

Jones' Swamp, Piney Point, February 21st

Chris Gahimer leading. Chris gave us an extensive verbal report, here it is as best as I could write it down. I had to revert to shorthand a few times, but you know the problem is reading it back afterwards! Couldn't find the way at first, so went in by another entrance, and did the 3 Ponds run first. Played there awhile and every single Jeep got either stuck or broke or both. Judd managed to break twice and Steve Toon managed to chew his radiator with the fan. Judd managed a trailfix for his clutch linkage. Taz towed Steve's Jeep, they ended up in the parking lot of a new restaurant out there. The owner was nice enough not to run them off, they left Steve's Jeep there and headed back in to play some more. Stinger got seriously STUCK and three winches couldn't get him out. Eventually he agreed, reluctantly, to being snatched out. It took two Jeeps in tandem to break the killer grip of the mud and luckily no parts or pieces came unattached. Janet was very sensible and took cover while all this was going on. Chris G. only suffered a mild case of whiplash. Judd then broke an engine mount and his oil filter carried the load without problems. Chris towed Judd home and Jay towed Steve. Present were: Chris Gahimer, Jay & Nancy Rios, Steve Toon, Mike Walter, Jim Young, John Taylor, Chris Orman, Judd Root, Janet Walsh.

March '99 Events

The 3/13 ride was cancelled due to bad weather. No other events were scheduled this month.

April '99 Events

Blackwater, April 2nd

Jimmy Guthrie wasn't present at the meeting, so we didn't get a detailed ride report. HOWEVER, we heard that the club had been granted a minimal special use permit which did not allow for much trail riding. It seemed a little unfair and biased to the club members, especially after many individuals were spotted camping and driving along River Road. Don't have a detailed list of members present, but Jimmy, Steve Toon, Mike Walter, Jay & Nancy Rios, John Taylor were all there. If you didn't get mentioned, my apologies. The Blackwater talks are ongoing and we hope to improve the riding situation in the near future.

Jones' Swamp, April 17th

The 4/17 ride was cancelled due to ride leader's lack of a running Jeep (!). Okay Chris, you didn't tell us HOW you blew the engine!

May '99 Events

Beach Cruise, May 1st

Present were Cary Ancelet, Jay & Nancy Rios, Gregg and Lori Evans, Susan brought out some flyers. Pretty uneventful ride, except for Cary's breaking down ON THE BRIDGE before even getting across to the Beach!!! Nice going ride leader (got to give you lots of stick for this one!). Flyers were handed out for the Sonic night the same evening and a few people showed up...

Sonic Night, May 1st

Tiger Point Sonic: Total of 18 Jeeps made it out this time. We got to test articulation on the ramp, both Will & Larry discovered they had lost some with the latest modifications to their Jeeps. Some guy in a (he thought) bad truck got practically nowhere! Ramp Champ this time around was Jay Rios who had a way higher score than anyone else. Most beautiful Jeep went to Lori Evans with her CJ8, Toughest Jeep Gregg Evans, Oldest owned Jeep Will Council, Most recent acquisition, Kathy Schoenberg. New contest started was the wave contest, all Jeeps present getting points according to the Jeep Wave protocol. Jeep most worthy of being waved to and having to wave last at others was Will Council's, Jeep first to have to wave to others was Susan Council in the Tick.

Mud Races, Pensacola

Gregg Evans raced again. Told us nothing had changed much and the wait between races was still long.

Blackwater Cleanup Ride, May 23rd

12 Jeeps present, 14 members and 3 visitors. We had hoped for a larger turnout but we still managed to fill two trailer's worth of junk and the back of Mary Kay's Scrambler. It was hot and sweaty work and we really appreciate all the thoughtful folks who chuck their beer cans from their vehicles! Busch beer seems to have the lead! Took everything back to the Ranger station at about 1pm and proceeded to have lunch and then ride for a while. The Rangers were very appreciative of our efforts even though we didn't get to where they'd wanted us to clean up. A future ride folks! Jay and Steve both commented at the meeting about the low turnout but everyone's efforts are always helpful and appreciated and we should recognize that circumstances and schedules don't always allow everyone to participate on a particular ride. There will be other scheduled clean up rides this year, so if you missed this opportunity, there will be more later!! We did have one breakdown; Jim Young bent his steering rods after crashing into a hole. Trailfix provided by Jay, Dennis and others. Cary (once again) gets the Will Run for Oil award. Thanks to Dennis & Jay for bringing their trailers. Members & Visitors present: Gill Waybright, Steve Toon, Jay & Nancy Rios, Mike Walter, Chris Gahimer, Cary Ancelet, Larry Schoenberg, Gregg & Lori Evans, Mary Kay Grahn, John Taylor, Bob Andrews, Jim Young, Brian York and Alexandria, and Dennis Ayers.

Blackwater, May 30th

Chris Gahimer leading from Steve Toon's passenger seat! Nice ride, nothing too eventful that they could remember about.

June '99 Events

MOPAR 8th Annual Car Show, June 5th

at Pensacola ChryslerPlymouth. Only one Jeep actually registered (Stinger) and of course managed to take the class trophy. A few people showed up to check out the vehicles, even JR was in town! A bit of a disappointing turnout but you'll have a chance in October to attend the next MOPAR show in Fort Walton Beach.

Beach Ride, June 12th

Jay Rios leading. People had attending had a fun day, uneventful ride with a cookout and swim at the other end. It was HOT that day! No major breakdowns (not even Cary).

Show 'n Shine, June 19th

Seville Quarter Parking Lot. A few members showed up, Mike Walter, Will & Susan Council, Mike & Gill Waybright, Tim Waybright, Chris Gahimer in his truck, Chet and family, JR Shelley in his daughter's new jeep! Jay & Nancy Rios, Paul & Gretchen Carlson. Stood around and admired everyone's rides, kicked a few tires etc. Some folks had dinner there, food is good. Unfortunately Jay got mad because of their dress code and he wasn't allowed in after a certain time. Oh well. Guess we won't be going back there again soon!

July '99 Events

Blackwater, July 3rd

Jay Rios leading. We met up a 10 am, 10:30 roll out, rode through most of River Road without seeing anyone and really enjoyed ourselves. We stopped by the river and enjoyed a picnic and a swim. As we exited at the cattle crossing (a rather deep water crossing) Cary stalled. He got restarted in the water and the others made it through. We continued up the trail to the last washout and stopped to enjoy the view of the river. Cary had problems restarting (wet starter). Mike had been having carb problems most of the day and chose one of the go arounds. Cary once restarted also chose a go around because he didn't want to stall in the middle of the climb. Jay entered the washout, climbing it slowly and not even breaking traction. The three others, John T., Steve T., and a visitor, also took their turns. The whole process was at our usual slow pace and didn't tear up the trail. As the last vehicle through came to a stop, a guy snapping pictures came over, identified himself as a Game and Fish Commissioner and asked for licenses. At first he even tried to cite Cary, but later gave him back his license, without issuing him a ticket. He didn't try to stop the others from trying the hill after Jay went up it. After the fiasco of the tickets we decided to leave and skip the fireworks in Jay. A good thing too for Mike as his transmission started a major leak and had to be towed home. He and Jay refuse to go on any more outings on the July 4th weekend. (Two years in a row is enough!) Members present: Jay and Nancy Rios, Mike and Diane Walter, Steve Toon, John Taylor, and Cary Ancelet. Visitors: Jim Ranier.

Jay Fireworks, July 3rd

Susan Council leading. No report from Susan although we did pass in opposite directions on our way back from the ride. I took my family out in the car (the transmission in the Jeep was leaking, remember). We didn't see anyone from the club but the ball field was packed as usual. Members/Visitor list unknown.

Canoe Trip, July 24th

Chris Gahimer leading. A really great time was had by all who attended. No breakdowns and no injuries, unless you count the tipped over canoes! Jimmy? we missed you. Looks like we will have to plan this event again as so much fun was had. Members present: Chris Gahimer, Tom Callaway, Tim Waybright, Mike & Gill Waybright. Visitors:(a blast from the past?) Judd Root, James & Robin Licharowicz

August '99 Events

Blackwater, August 8th

Ride Canceled. So if you think you missed it, you didn't.

Court Date, Milton, August 19th

Jay Rios leading. Jay reported that the court room was packed early and they didn't allow anyone in who wasn't there for a court appearance. At first the judge was handing out big fines and looked as if we were in for a healthy fine. Court costs were running around $110 (plus the fine). No member from the Game and Fish Commission was present. Rather than lose another day of work for those involved, a plead of No-Lo Contendre was entered. Our story unfolded as we had presented it to the club. We were operating on established roads, the G&F Commissioner did not stop us after one had climbed the washout. We reported on his following us on other trips. Our club's TREAD Lightly policy was presented. Only the photos of the area were not presented. The judge had heard enough by that time to make his decision. He agreed with us and charged those involved with the minimum court cost, $35 apiece. He also suggested that we make another meeting not only with the Blackwater Park Rangers, but also with the Game and Fish Commission. This meeting would be to find out what our specific rights are and what they are looking for in the woods. More to follow. Members present; Jay and Nancy Rios, John Taylor, Steve Toon. Visitor; Jim Ranier.

September '99 Events

Rosser Rendezvous, September 4-6th

Will Council leading. A great time. Lots of people, trails and of course Jeep stories. Although Wilbur broke a front axle, the Jeep was strong throughout and John Taylor brought back good stories of the rides he explored in Monteagle, TN. Members: Will and Susan Council, John Taylor.

Blackwater, September 19th

Jay Rios leading. It was a great ride and my shorthand is way too slow. No major breaks and we did get a chance to cool off in Blackwater River. I didn't get enough notes taken, and Jay didn't pass along his ride notes. Members: Jay and Tony Rios, JR, Peggy, Joni and Jac-Jac Shelley, Mike Walter, Chris Gahimer Visitors: Devin Kudlas, Gretchen and Paul Carlson, Dwayne Bridges, Jason and Jennifer Nelson, Dustin Crawley, Jeff Rainer and Kim Schruishehn

October '99 Events

Show 'n Shine, October 2nd

Jay Rios leading. This was our first real attempt at going to such a show. Those of us with daily drivers and true off-road vehicles (gee that's all of us isn't it?) were impressed with the attention to detail and cleaning that went on in the show vehicles. The show people are seriously considering giving us our own class. Congratulations to Dustin for his 2nd place trophy in the AMC Jeep Category. A good time was had by those in attendance. Members: Gregg Evans, George Hamilton, Will Council, JR Shelley, Jay AND NANCY Rios, Gill Waybright, and Tim Waybright. Visitors: Paul and Gretchen Carlson, and Dustin Crawley.

Blackwater, October 17th

JR Shelley leading. We received our Special Use Permit from the rangers ahead of the ride date this time and were able to plan the event a little better this time. We ran the roads posted, took a couple of wrong turns and ended up at someone's house in the middle of the forest! After riding the road listed, we decided to go to river road. On the advice of our Toyota friends we tried a trail that runs from the ranger station to river road. A fairly good trail that puts you right at the entrance of river road. Just a couple of obstacles that ended James Young's last club ride a little early (fan into radiator is not good) and also ended Steve Toon's ride (mud clogged rear wheel that sounded like a bearing). Steve, did you really sell your Jeep? Brian's "New" Jeep worked well but sure looked strange with those little tires sitting on the lifted Jeep! By the time we got to the entrance of river road we had enough fun and it was late enough, so we called it quits for the day. All in all, not a bad day on the trails. Thanks to the Rangers for being accommodating. Members: Jay and Nancy Rios, JR, Joni and Jac Shelley, Steve Toon, Brian and Holley Worley, Jim Young, and Mike Walter. Visitors: Devin Kudlas, Karl Roggenbuck, Mark Tettle, Jack Irby, Todd Harris, Sean Bonlanger, Paul Carlson, Jason and Jennifer Nelson, Dwayne Bridges, and Runar Petarsson.

November '99 Events

Murphy, NC, November 5-7

Will Council leading our part of the group. I took many notes from Will's report, the basics being it was a great time. Wilbur did well, but as shown in Will's video it seems Steve had a little tougher go at it. Damage report includes a mirror, rocker panel, taillight and ego. The weather was great; T-shirts and shorts during the day, but you had better stay close to the fire at night. They found another "Rookie". First off, they repaired his jeep so that it would drive on all 4 wheels (steering knuckle repaired-1 hr) then when his drive shaft failed again...they strapped him down out of the mountains (1hr) back to our campground. There he was "left to get his jeep home to South Carolina" not exactly on the same way as our club was heading. Members: Will and Susan Council, Steve Toon

Shop Day, Body Tech, November 13th

Jay Rios sponsoring. Gregg Evans kicked it off with a simple rewind of his winch, followed by changing his fan back to the OEM version. Did it help the heater? George jumped right into Jay's theory of "you gotta have brakes and steering, everything else is optional". He set into his front brakes and wheel bearings. Good training if you have never done it. Will came in, deciding to check out a little looseness in his steering. Moreover, he thought it would only take a few minutes. Finding the problem did, fixing it... One of the plates holding the steering box was cracked, a bolt was spinning loose and of course; it was all muddied or rusted tight. Lots of WD-40, sweat and a few weld beads later he was back and running. I forgot to ask, "Did it fix the problem?" The rest of us tinkered, helped and of course watched the latest video of Will, Susan and Steve adventure to Murphy. While we watched, Nancy was putting the finishing touches on her special blackened chicken. Honestly, it was great. Of the two birds, not a crumb was leftover. Gretchen's brownies were a hit as was Nancy's special rice. Thanks to Will for his grill and the great test on the rotisserie. Lots of chips and cookies added for a great recipe of fun and learning. Special thanks go out to Jay for the use of The Shop. Members: Will Council, Jay and NANCY Rios, Paul Carlson, George Hamilton, Larry Schoenberg, Cary Ancelet, Chris Gahimer, Mike Walter, Gregg Evans, Mike and Gill Waybright, and Ed Stork. Visitors: Chris Hall

December '99 Events

Christmas Party, December 18

Guthrie's Hosting. A feast galore! There was plenty of bragging going on and lots of stories that were only slightly embellished! Our menu included Chicken, rice, beans, cole slaw, dinner rolls, mac & cheese, drinks and cookies. The gift exchange was great, lots of great gifts this year. Members: Jay & Nancy Rios, Tim Waybright, Mike and Gill Waybright, Vanessa and Jimmy Guthrie, Mike and Diane Walter, Paul and Gretchen Carlson, Will Council, George Hamilton, Carey Ancelet, and Steve Toon. Visitors: Dustin Crawley and a guest appearance from "Rookie" Craig.

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