SouthWest Scouts of Oklahoma

Hello International & Scout enthusiasts.

Weather here in Burbank is unusually warm for November and it was really good for our last outing @ Grand Lake in October. We really had a good turn out for the trip, 7 internationals and 3 jeeps, with one of them renewing membership & one becoming a new member. Thanks to Blake Connelly & Tim Gilpin for being the newest members of the club.

Mary, Jana & I arrived on Friday around 2:00 p.m. to find Richard Thrasher and Jack from Kansas already set up and ready for a weekend of fun. I had spoken to Bev Crook earlier in the day & knew that they would not be able to make it due to uncontrollable circumstances. We hope all is well now. Richard, Jack & I planned on going out for a short run that afternoon. On the way to the trail my co-pilot hears an unusual screeching from her side of the truck. After further assessment it turned out being a front wheel bearing. Needless to day no afternoon run for me & the family. Instead I get to spend the evening tearing the front end apart.

Luckily a good friend (manager of O’Reilly’s) was on his way over, I asked if he could bring parts to fix it. The answer was yes and fix it HE did. While I’m still sawing logs early a.m. next morning, I heard “pound, pound, pound” and thought to myself no one is broke down but me. I flew out of bed to see what it was and Aaron not only brought the parts he was installing them also. Thanks again Aaron! With our rig back together, we started gathering at the trailer. George, Kim & Brandi Barwick showed up with a new, used motor in their scout. Rowdy & Tim Gilpin made it for the trip along w/Tim Cannon & they stayed at Rogers Cabins. Rowdy Andrews & Blake Connelly had showed up late on Friday evening along with Mike Scherr.

To the Rock Garden we went, everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves. The Rock Garden is a great spot to try what you want, always a way around something if you choose to. Many photos were taken in this area. No carnage, just lots of fun.

Rowdy Andrews above & Mike Scherr below

Jack, Tim, Mike & Richard

Rowdy Gilpin

Aaron Keith

Blake Connelly

We then moved east through the creek towards the waterfall. Once at the waterfall Aaron made going up look so easy, George just had to try it. Not lacking any use of the skinny pedal, George gave a valiant effort to no avail. Motor problems occurred along with some new rocker panel scuffs and he had to be pulled off. Once back on level ground it was decided that his started had laid down. Once I was on top of the waterfall, it didn’t take a whole lot of peer pressure to get Blake Connelly and his jeep stood up on the waterfall. With the front end on top, he tried, but ended up bending a tie rod. We got him down and Rowdy Andrews was next with his new jeep. It was a replay of Blake’s trip, with Rowdy also, bending a tie rod. I think they’re in the process of upgrading those weak links. They’ll be back and I’m sure both will go right up next time.

George Barwick

Brian Branch

Lunch was next, and then back to the rocks. Everyone enjoyed playing at the top of the waterfall. It is a good opportunity for photos. At one time, more then one person present thought Richard Thrasher was going to end up on his passenger door. Through the trees and over to the top of Little Blue. Aaron was the only one to come through Blue. The rest of us played at the top & I got to climb a ledge I haven’t done in a long time. Darkness set in and back for dinner we went. Hope the burgers and brats were cooked to everyone’s liking.

Richard Thrasher

After everyone had ate we decided to have our give-away. The club provided a wonderful dinner and also purchased a Tuffy console, from Supplee 4x4. Supplee also donated a tow strap and a high lift jack. The club then threw in a couple of hats and a shirt. George Barwick won the O’Reilly’s hat and gave it to Mike Scherrs son. Mike won the SW Scout T-shirt and Tim Cannon the SW Scout hat. I won the tow strap, Rowdy Andrews the high lift jack and Ponca City O’Reilly’s manager Aaron Keith won the Tuffy console. With the jeeps repaired the best we could, we decided to go on a night run, back into the trails. Blake and Rowdy got a taste of the trails and in the dark, a lot of times I think they may have wanted to quit, but they kept going and did really well. No carnage, like I suspected that evening. My rig almost went over as I was turning around to help Blake but a large tree stopped it.

Aaron Keith on Little Blue

Mike Scherr

Brian Branch

Heading out to Play

I think all in all everyone had a great time. We enjoyed the friendship and entertainment of this gathering. Again, I am so glad that we had a good turnout.

Sorry for this only being the 2nd newsletter this year. It has been all new to Mary & I. We’re in the process of building a home and that has kept us very busy. I’m sure next year will be busy with club functions, as I would like to have more gatherings around the state & maybe in a few in Kansas. As I finish this letter, Christmas is approaching and hope this finds all happy, healthy and looking forward to our annual meeting in February. The time & place will be decided on later and a flyer will be sent out. Don’t forget to bring a friend.

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