January 2000 Events 

Blackwater, January 22nd

Jay Rios and Will Council leading, was officially cancelled due to a map provided by the forest service that allowed us to ride solely on graded, 2-lane roads. There was a small group that decided to ride that day anyway. Mike Walter led a group of 9 Jeeps through River Road. We had quite a nice adventure. Since the road was relatively dry, the mud was minimal. The group was able to exercise their 4 WD's and not have to worry about breakage. We had a couple of bone stock vehicles that made it through most, using go-arounds when they thought better of the situation. I am happy to report that my new gears and lockers performed flawlessly, making the trail seem almost too easy. And just when I say that, I became the only stick of the day. My carb overloaded and stalled the engine, will I ever get it right? We stopped for lunch by the Blackwater River and even found an old canoe. Anyone know what happened to it? Last I saw, I thought MaryKay and Jim were going to try and make it a permanent add on to her CJ-8! The ride was over too quick but people had things to do. It was a good start to the New Year. Members: Mike and Diane Walter, Paul and Gretchen Carlson, Brian and Holly Worley, Jim and Mary Kay Grahn, Tom Callaway, John Taylor. Visitors: James Gaylean, Sean Wilson, Khary Bates, Jay and Nancy Gibson.

February 2000 Events

Crestview, February 12th

Robert and Jay Leading. Robert is a friend of Jay's and he led us to a place in Crestview where a land owner has 200 acres and has let us ride on the trails on his land. A great ride. Notes from the ride, Hey we need to start earlier! We got out there mid-day as it is a long trip out of town. Jay did manage to make up for it, he got stuck within the first two minutes on the trail! We spent the day riding trails, exploring washouts and in general having fun. Lunch was spent next to a refreshing creek where the kids got a chance to play and cool off. (The slope to the crossing was awesome!). Members: Jay and Nancy Rios, Paul and Gretchen Carlson, Mike and Diane Walter, John Taylor, Cary Ancelet, Steve Toon, Ed Stork, Ghost Appearances by Jimmy Guthrie's Jeep and Mike and Gill Waybright (without Jeep). Visitors: Robert Wimberley, Tim Wells, Runar Petursson, Donna Smith.

March 2000 Events

Crestview, March 18th

Jay leading. Another great run to Crestview, seems like the club owes thanks to a "Sammie" for showing us some new trails. Was there ever a lot of bragging going on at the meeting! Poor Brian got his pretty Jeep on film (catching on fire!). I think he lost a front U-joint too! I couldn't quite follow all of it but now we are calling Steve, "Wipey"?? Jay broke his starter. There were lots of good runs down the power lines and there was a pit or two to play in. We will be heading back to enjoy more of the great trails! Members: Jay and Nancy Rios, Brian and Holley Worley, Ed and Donna Stork, Jim Guthrie, John and Penny Taylor, Steve Toon. Visitors: David and Janice Davis, Robert Wimberley, Michael and Earl Hayley.

April 2000 Events

Eglin, April 9th

Jimmy made a camping trip out of the weekend, had a nice time enjoying the quiet area, and had a good time wheelin' with those that showed. He made a Pre-run on Saturday to Eglin with 3 Jeeps. Some obstacles were difficult for our fearless leader. Seems Jimmy lost his roof rack along the way. I hear that video is available! Sunday's ride didn't go off as planned. Only 2 jeeps showed, What happened? We'll try it again another time! Members: Steve Toon, Jimmy Guthrie, and Jay Rios

August 2000 Events

Munson, Aug 19th

It sounded like a great time was had by all. Plenty of good food including chicken by our own Chef Chris, baked beans, potato salad, chips, desserts and to top it all off watermelon. No report of a ride, but I did get a report of one of the little jeepers becoming a little overheated. Something to remember when we go out riding in the middle of our summer heat waves. Stay cool and drink plenty of fluids! Members: Chris Gahimer (Pam Moffet too!), Tim Waybright and guest (name?), Brian and Heather York, Mike and Diane Walter and lots and lots of kids!
Crestview
12 vehicles and 1 Scout (Say Jay, When will Stinger be running? Queen Bee??) A great turnout for a day of fun. The stories are becoming more colorful each time they are told. Everyone said Brian York had a "little" trouble with breakage. He said he was only finding the weak spots. Jody was reported to have gotten through each tough spot.Better than a Scout. Chet enjoyed riding shotgun and not breaking anything for a change. Lets see some pictures. Members: Steve Toon, Jay and Nancy Rios, Destin and Jamie Crawley, Sean Belles, Brian York, Visitors: Paul Woodward Gary Williams, Duane Ward, Jody Hope, Robert Wimberley, Dave Kirkpatrick, and Chet Szymecki.
Labor Day Weekend, Murphy NC
Anyone have a report?

November Newsletter

White Sands Jeep Club
November 28th,  2000
Officers:
Chairman-   Chris Gahimer   taz2112cag@yahoo.com
Vice-chair- Jay Rios   jayrios@podigy.net
Secretary-  Will Council  willcouncil@pcola.gulf.net
Treasurer-  Ed Stork  femaun@yahoo.com

Members Present George Hamilton, Steve Toon, Paul Carlson, Ed Stork, Chris Gahimer &
Pam Moffett, Jay & Nancy Rios, Gary & Carmen Williams, Dustin & Jamie Crawley, Sean
Belles, Cary Ancelet, Mike & Diane Walter and Will & Susan Council.  Wow what a turn
out!!!!

Visitors-  Dave Kirkpatrick, Jody Hope, Janet Walsh, Rich Duchnowski, Tom Callaway
and Chet Szymecki.

Minutes were read in abbreviated format.

Treasurer's Report-  Accepted.  Ed mentioned that our club membership was up for renewal with United Four Wheel Drive Assoc. Due are $8 per member, the club voted on and approved sending our renewal in ASAP.

Old Business:

Panhandle Mudbog: Gary Williams, Jody Hope and Rich Duchnowski did make an appearance at
the last bog.  Gary reported that the strips were running very fast and that a 5 second time was turned. Some good matured discussion followed about woman drivers in their husband's vehicles giving it Heck and that they are not responsible for the repairs so they are really heavy on the right foot.......the discussion quickly got out of hand and order had to be restored by the chairman.

Tellico ORV, Steve Toon, Jody Hope, Rich Duchnowski and Steve's neighbor Robert made it to
Tellico ORV area November 9th. After much searching they found their camp on the Tenn.side
which ended up being about 50 miles from the trail heads.  They enjoyed riding on the
"More Difficult" trails and took some loooonnnng hikes to scout the "Most Difficult" ones
such as School Bus, Guard Rail and Slick Rock.  They spent two days riding in Tellico
before heading up into the Land between the Lakes in KY.  Although the trails did not have
the rocks of Tellico, Steve reported that they still have some steep hill climbs. The
group enjoyed the use of some 4 wheelers to run around the trials on, I guess they were
still tired from walking all the Tellico trials?!?  Everyone had a great time and the only
difficulty was a blown tire bead which was quickly reset and pumped back up.  Steve and
crew are ready to return in the spring.  Let's Go!

Snowball Derby Racefest,  1St Annual event. Members: Chris and Pam, Gary Williams, Steve
Toon, Chris Ammons, Paul Woodward, George Hamilton, Paul Carlson, Sean Belles, Mike and
Diane Walter, Ed Stork, Jay Rios, John Taylor; Visitors:  Jody Hope, Rich Duchnowski, Bob
Race, Chet Szymecki, Amber Pitts, Mike Burns.  Another great turnout from the club as 17
jeeps made a most impressive appearance.  I believe we had the most of any class that came
out. And Rich Duchnowski (I am now beginning to at least spell it correctly since I have
typed it so many times in this letter) managed to win Best of Show, in jeep class.  Way to
go Rich!  I understand that Chris Ammons came in a close second.  Rich also won two
tickets to the Snowball Derby and gets to be in a pace lap ride! Go Rich see if you can
lap him or maybe just go over him!
 The club took the ramp out for demonstrating the abilities of club members rides.
And based on the score sheets turned in:  Steve Toon won the Ramp score for the event with
an impressive 1283 which beat out our Sonic night champ Sean Belles 1107.  A very sad note
in club history must be mentioned in passing....as I reviewed the ramp scores I could not
help but notice that Jay Rios our former Champ had the lowest score of all Jeeps, lower
than all TJ's and YJ's.  Yes, a very sad day in history, we must ask ourselves....will
Stinger every return?....stay tuned.
 The club has been invited to put some jeeps on display at the fair next year and
also to enter another car show in March.

Up Coming Rides

Return to Crestview, December 9th.  Jay Rios will be back in the saddle as ride leader.
Meet at the Flea Market at Exit 12, HWY 10 at 9:30, roll at 10:00.

Christmas Party, Dec. 16th at Ed Stork's house in Navarre. 5-9:30. Club will purchase the
meat and Chris will call everyone with a to bring list.  There will be a gift exchange for
anyone who wishes to participate $5-10 limit please, tasteful too since kids will be
around.  Try to make it 4wheeling themed.
Directions to Ed's: Hwy 98 to Hwy 87, go north 2 miles turn right at light on Turkey Bluff
Rd. go 1 mile to T intersection turn right, his is the second house on Left 8813 Concord
Crt:  939-1057, look for a lighted Jeep in the front!
***Don't Drink and Drive - remember you will be riding on HWY 98!!!****

New Members voted in!!  Janet Walsh and Rich Duchnowski were voted in this month.  Janet
is in the merchant marine service so she has been coming to the club events when she is
not at sea. Rich has just been all over this newsletter! and has a wife Kathy and a new
little jeeper that was much better behaved than my two kids where the other night.  Tom
Callaway has resurfaced just after I dropped him from our roles and has renewed his
membership.  Welcome All.  Hey Rich, Get that club sticker on the windshield so everyone
will see at the race!

Next Meeting will be held at the club Christmas party.  Look to return to the Seafood
Shanty in January.

Swap and Sell:
Chet 475-8198 has a CJ Tire carrier $100, and has an '87 Cherokee for sale w/o motor best
offer.

George Hamilton 729-3449 has a complete CJ-7 tan soft top, hardware, bikini top, and half
doors (soft) great shape, call with offer.

Gary Williams 455-8660 4 cyl F head, 3spd trans w/warn overdrive $400.
 also a Kabota Diesel Tractor Model 175 for $3500 w/60in mower deck.

Paul Carlson 936-4977  Factory Gambler Alum. wheels $65/per or $240/set.
 

Hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday season! Be careful on the streets and don't cut
anyone off in the check out lines at Wal-Mart.  Hope to see everyone at the Party.

-Will

Note from the Chairman: We are looking for ride leaders! Don't be afraid to stand up! If you get lost, someone will be there to help you out. It can't be the same one or two leading the way all the time.

Note from the Secretary: We will be checking with the treasurer and getting an updated member list ready. If you haven't paid your dues, you will be taken off the active rolls, will stop receiving the news letter, and will be totally lost with what rides and fun stuff is coming up. If you haven't paid by now you owe $30.00 ($25 + $5 late fee). Please make sure we have your correct name, address (regular and e-mail) and phone number. There will be an updated phone list at the next meeting.

Florida 4WD Association
Because Florida is not included in Southern 4WDA because it is "too far south", the Florida 4WD Association is being formed. We are excited about this and are planning to become a part of it.
 
Tow Hooks or other appropriate hard points
These should be present on your Jeep for any offroad event. A trailer ball DOES NOT count. These should be bolted onto the frame (use grade 5 or 8 bolts) rather than welded so that the other Jeeps will not risk damage to their recovery equipment. These are very inexpensive and can be bought at any auto parts store for about $10.

Remember that with the WSJC logo on your windshield that you represent the club and should be following its bylaws and rules. Always represent us well.

T-Shirts T-Shirts and sweatshirts are available. Talk with Cary Ancelet about what's available and what you want. Old and new logo's are available. The new T-shirts can be made in different colors than the standard white and black. If you go with the red or white ink, the shirts won't cost any more so long as we have an order of 12 or mare t-shirts. If you want a different color ink then you must pay for a $3 ink change charge.