Looks like I might make it. At least a 75% chance. If I do I will leave around noon on Tuesday. Not sure what time that I will be at the Park.

 

That's excellent news, WWW! Travel time should be 2-3hrs but that's just a pathetic estimation. Try my cell when you get out there but my phone may not work at location. The tmobile site said the signal will be weak if anything. Holler at me on CB3 or Talkaabout3 or perhaps we will all just bump into eachother. Badlands website has a map posted in the FAQ section. C U soon!

 

we would really like to come and join you, but the wife has issues with heat and i don't have my lift kit on yet.

but maybe the NEXT time you come to 'these here parts' we can meet up with you and do the Badlands. looks like a neat place to ride some trails.

even though i had a TJ Unlimited, i'm still rather new at the trail stuff. hopefully my Compass will be able to keep up with your FDII's!!!

hope you guys post some pics when you get back.......:smiley_thumbs_up:

 

Jeepster, I just drive an FD1. No skid plates, no lifts. And seeing that I still owe $22,000 on my Patriot- Ill be avoiding anything other than the "super easy" trails. We chose badlands because they're equipped with such trails. No devils backboning for me!

Sure you don't wanna bring your compass on tues?

 

we'll see what the weather is that day. if it's cooler than it has been, maybe i can talk the wife into it. of course, i'm normally working on Tuesdays, so i might have to come down with some kind of affliction.......'hey Honey, can i have some more TOMATOES?

 

I think anyone who goes will have a fun time. If you're into hiking trails, remember Turkey Run State Park isn't too far away. They have excellent hiking trails and the surrounding area is beautiful.

 

Firemothjoe,

I think the fee is $20 for the vehicle and driver, plus $5 fee for additional passengers, if I am correctly reading the website.

 

Local Time

We'll meet up near the resgistration office on tues 7/22/08 at 2pm local time.

What time is it in Indiana?

For everyone's information, Attica, IN is on Eastern Time.

 

What time is it in Indiana?

For everyone's information, Attica, IN is on Eastern Time.

Ah, so if its on eastern time, then local time is the same as my time! I am ALL ABOUT hiking! Perhaps ill take a look at Turkey run on wed while I'm over there!

Weather: so far it looks like there is a slight chance on rain tues morning, then clear with decreased temps and humitiy tues afternoon! PERFECT WEATHER! Hopefully, the park will be a bit soggy. I'd rather deal with mud than fine dust. I hate dust.

 

Here is a link to Turkey Run's hiking trails. Happy hiking!

http://www.turkeyrunstatepark.com/hiking_trails/index.htm

 

Ok, I am definitly going to Turkey Run! Will do that on wed and Hike until my feet fall off. Another of my many hobbies!

Thanks for the info, Hoosiermud!

 

I'll be at Badlands between noon and 1PM. My buddys son might be out there with his jeep. It's not a patriot but he might be fun to watch him go through some of the hairy stuff there since it's pretty modified (has to trailer it there).

Hope you make it there too jeepster55 and wwworth. The more the merrier and should make for some great pics on the site.

 

Hi All
Ran into some problems. I was to have received some parts for an upgrade on my Patriot Friday. The parts are still not here Monday and I have the console and dash apart waiting to install the parts. With the console apart the Jeep is in 4 wheel all the time so I do not want to take it on a trip under these conditions. The part is not on back order, I guess the shipping company is the problem. I had built up my hopes about attending and feel down about backing out. I hope you all have a great time. If the parts come in late today or early tomorrow and I can get it together in time I might try for some campfire time tomorrow evening --- fingers are crossed --. WWW

 

Will H.,

What part of northwest Indiana do you live? We live appx. 3 miles north of Wanatah, IN right on Hwy 421, in La Porte County. I grew up in Lake Station (East Gary); my mom still lives there and I have brothers and sisters in Porter and Marshall Counties.

 

HoosierMud,

I live in Dyer IN. about 1 mile north of U.S. 30 by the Illinois state line I've been in this area all my life. I was out in your neck of the woods yesterday in Hanna IN at Grand Kankaee Hunt Club shooting sporting clays. I go there about twice a month. So we are about an hour away from you. Going through where the mall is on 30 kinda sucks.

If it wasn't for my long drive to work I'd move out that way.

 

Will H and HoosierMud
I won’t make it tomorrow But just wanted to establish my connection to Indiana. My wife grew up in Gary, I had an Uncle Webb I was named after that lived in Frankfort all of his adult life, my brother Jack Has lived in Warsaw since the early 1960's His wife established the Worth Tax Service, My Mom & Dad moved to Warsaw after Dad retired and my oldest Daughter Susan lived in Fort Wayne for several years. I look forward to meeting you Gentlemen some day. I may not be a Hoosier but some times I feel very close to being one.
Webb W. Worth

 

ok guys.......looks like tomorrow is a "GO"! but i'll be 'soloing' it. i'm really looking forward to meeting up with ya'll.

now excuse me while i go get 'sick' for work tomorrow......

 

if you have any interest in military vehicles, here's something else you might like to check out while in the area:

http://ropkeyarmormuseum.com/

 

This gets worse... I really wished I could go before, we drove by that place on our way to Illinoise this weekend and we were in a hurry and didn't have time to stop. This is like salt on the wound. I hope you all have a great time tomorow! Stay safe and don't do anything I wouldn't!

 

See you guys tomorrow, I'll be in there around 12-12:30 Attica time (eastern)

 

See you guys tomorrow, I'll be in there around 12-12:30 Attica time (eastern)

.....and i'll probably be right behind ya! :smiley_thumbs_up:

just curious, since this is my 'rookie' outing, is there a "must have" that i MUST HAVE with me, besides the obvious, like FOOD, WATER and my JEEP MAGAZINE? oh yea, cell phone and camera too, i guess, would be nice......:doh:

 

You also have to have an orange flag on your vehicle that is two feet above the roof line. I bought a clamp at the harware store and connected a rod to it with a couple of hose clamps and made a orange flag out of some material like an old hunting vest would work. I clamp it right to the roof rack. They also have flags there at their store at Badlands.

Otherwise your good to go!epper:

 

thanks Will.......i think i'll try and come up with one myself. probably cheaper than buying one at THEIR store, huh?

 

Heading out early so I can make it by noonish too!

Jeepster, the main must-have is an orange flag 2 feet above the highest point of the vehicle. Park rules. They have those on location if needed. I made my own out of a hunting vest. A tow rope and fire extinguisher may come in handy but probably won't be necessary. My jeep will be loaded down with a "small" amount of camping gear. Heading out. C U in a few hrs!

 

For a trip to the Badlands, you probably won't need all items on this list. However, it gives you a good idea of what you should start collecting for any off roading you might attempt in the future.

Backcountry Equipment

The TEN Essentials (and more)

__ 1. Magnetic Compass/GPS/Topographic Map(s)
*Notice Compass comes before a GPS unit.

__ 2. Flashlights and extra batteries

__ 3. Extra Clothing
Winter Coat, hats, gloves, rain gear (large trash bag, if needed, can be used.)

__ 4. Sunglasses

__ 5. Extra Food/Water

__ 6. Matches in waterproof container

__ 7. Candles/Fires starter

__ 8. Pocket knife (Swiss Army knife style?)

__ 9. First aid kit (Snake Bite Kit, if Applicable)

__ 10. Space blanket (again, large heavy duty trash bags will do in an emergency)

Other Things
__ Duct Tape!
__ Medications/prescriptions you are currently taking
__ Bug Repellent
__ Extra 2 quarts of engine oil
__ Tool Kit (rachets/wrenches/screwdrivers)
__ Extra water/coolant for radiator
__ Toilet Paper
__ Small Army Type Shovel (with serated edge)
__ Dry Socks (wool best in winter)
__ Hose clamps (various sizes)
__ Tow Strap
__ Hiking Boots
__ Leather Gloves
__ Hats (wide brim best)
__ Zip Ties
__ Radiator Stop Leak
__ Multi-Fit Hose/Hose Patch (to repair broken radiator hose)
__ Cell Phone and Charger (They don't have coverage everywhere!)
__ CB/Ham Radio
__ WD-40

Other Things Continued

__ Waterless Hand Cleaner
__ Off Road Tire Patch Kit
__ Extra Coat Hanger (you’ll find a use for it!)
__ Extra pair of glasses, if you wear them!
__ Binoculars
__ Bungee Cords
__ Can Opener
__ Spare Key (on person)
__ Tank Sealant Putty
__ Hand Held Mirror

 

Will H,

Know the Dyer area really well. Many, many, many years ago, I dated a girl from Dyer. Then many, many years ago, I dated a girl from Schererville. Then, many years ago I dated another girl who was originally from Dyer.

My son is on the Hanna (Noble Twp) Volunteer Fire Department. He is a First Responder for La Porte County. If you see any members of the FD, my son's name is Tyson.

WWW,

I was born in Gary and knew the city like the back of my hand when I was kid. My dad delivered fuel oil and I would go with him on his route during the summer and winter breaks at school.

My work has a number of different customers in the Warsaw area, so I am familiar with that area also. Today, I was in the Columbia City/South Whitney areas at work.

We'll 'knight' you as a Honorary Hoosier.

"Be careful out there".

 

As long as you use the flat of the sword and not the sharp edge LOL.
I really tried to make it to Attica but a part for my Pat that was to have been in last Thursday finally came in at 3:20 this afternoon and I just finished putting the Pat back together at 5. Just too late to start. Next time.

 

i win, i win!! :banana:

well, i'm just the first one back, that's all! :icon_rolleyes:

just THREE of us made it....."firemothjoe", "Will H" and myself. we've got lots of pics. just wanted everyone to know they missed out on a great adventure.

i'll let Joe tell the story and pics..........he said he should have it posted by tomorrow night.

and thanks to Joe and Will for inviting me to tag along.....i really had a great time! :smiley_thumbs_up:

 

I'm second had a great time too and have some pics fiemothjoe is gonna be the one to tell the CJ story though. Here is one pic of the three vehicles atop one of the hills. It was great to meet you guys.

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