SouthWest Scouts of Oklahoma

Southwest Scouts members met in Disney, Oklahoma, on Friday, May 29, 2003, to do a little rock climbing below Grand Lake dam. Friends of some of our members joined us making for a group of approximately 6 Internationals, 3 Jeeps, and an S-10.

Most of us were anxious to test the rocks and see what was out there. Brian Branch led a small group on a night run Friday. It was a little nerve-racking, but we all tried to take the same path as Brian. There were a few hairy moments. Going into Little Blue at night is --- different, right Thrasher?! LaJune thought we’d all lost our senses for wheelin’ in the dark. George found that the shadows at night were actually places where the rocks separated, ouch!

Saturday morning we were all up bright and early for more. We started with some trail runs that wound into the trees and terrain in the area. Some areas were pretty soupy and Kenny Wiens found himself taken prisoner by a deep, muddy hole! Barb took a mud bath while we were there. The mud went past her knees when she stepped out to help!

The group made its way to Waterfall where several tried the climb. The first was Brian who recently completed work on his Scout to make it more “rock friendly”. He made it look so easy! D.J. tried in his Jeep but had to back out when he had some trouble with his drive line and had to call it a day. George made it up then sent out a challenge to Jack

George Barwick

who did the same. The Internationals took on a little body damage in the tight squeeze. The S-10 that came along had tried before but didn’t make it. Not to be outdone, he put on a great show, getting some air in the climb up!

The next challenge was a side trip on the way to Little Blue. A few made it up but not many tried. The entry to Little Blue was a whole lot easier in the daylight. We all took a seat and watched as Brian, Jack and Randy (in his Jeep) negotiated the rock ridges to go to the other side of Little Blue. Jack took on quite a bit of body damage when he laid it on its side, tight quarters and rock walls are unforgiving! The pictures show Jack making it and maybe I should leave it at that but …to keep from suffering more body damage a little help ended the run.

We headed back to Rogers Cabins where some were staying and fired up the grill. Everyone threw on a little something. We had enough to feed an army and plenty of variety!

Thanks to Mary Cloud for sharing her photos!

Sunday morning we went out again and watched others try Waterfall, explored and climbed some of the other rocks in the area. We then went to the Rock Garden below the main dam where we played and posed. Around lunchtime everyone headed back to Hogan’s RV Park, loaded up and headed home.

It was a great trip. THANKS to Brian Branch for being our trail leader and planning the event for the club.

No club outing is currently planned. Labor Day weekend several 4-wheeling enthusiasts will be in Disney. Some members of Southwest Scouts are planning to attend. Hotels and RV parks in the area are filling up fast so, if you’re

Richard Thrasher

Kenny Wiens

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Brian Branch

interested in going, call soon and get your reservations or pack up your bedroll and make the trip. You can usually spot an International easily. Some of us are already booked to stay at Hogan’s RV Park so you’ll be able to find us there if we’re not out wheelin’! Please call us if you’d like to host an event or have ideas you’d like to share.

Jack McClary getting a rub in Little Blue

The approach to Little Blue

Kenny wheeled with us and put on a good show getting up Waterfall

George Barwick

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Justin Biggers

Welcome
to our newest
members

Roger & Betty Burns
Ada, OK

UPCOMING EVENTS

Annual IH Scout & Light Truck Nationals - Springfield, OH - Sept 5-7

2nd Annual Lone Star Trail Fest - Gilmer, TX (Barnwell Mntn Recreation Area) - Sept 19-21
Registration form available at www.jeepn.org/lstf

Sunflower Regional Truck Show - Junction City, KS - Oct 10-13

Rowdy Gilpin sent the above pictures from a trip
they took 30+ miles down the South Canadian river. "We had a blast!"

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Is there a parade or show and shine in your town that you'd like to invite the club to participate in?
Let us know about it and we'll provide a list in the newsletter for anyone who'd want to get away
for a day or the weekend.

If there's anything you want to include in future newsletters
send pics/ads/info, as detailed & accurate as possible to
PO Box 183
Wakita, OK 73771
or email

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