Saturday morning brought 55 participants to the Pioneer Loop of the Yearling Trail as we worked alongside USFS rangers transplanting wire grass, crosscutting trees, and clearing brush from our adopted trail. A total of 110 volunteer hours were donated during this session as the rangers shared the unique history of this Wilderness Area with us. The remainder of the day was spent exploring the Ocala National Forest as groups left from camp for impromptu trail rides. Unfortunately several members spent 4 hours negotiating a muddy 15 minute "shortcut" back to camp and missed the rides - but all the Jeeps emerged from the muck unscathed but 50 pounds heavier with mud!

    A group social dinner was served Saturday night as the Club grilled hamburgers and hotdogs for all the participants, and the Legendary Jeep Club served up three scruptious deep-fried turkeys for all to enjoy.

    Sunday was spent at the Rodman Sand Pit as participants tried their skill at the Blind Man's Obstacle Course, the 0-15-0 mph Speed Run, and the Slow Crawl Contest. Many folks stayed in the area to watch (and laugh) at the teamwork in action during the Blind Man. A Poker Run through the Forest followed, providing participants a way to explore and enjoy the sights as they searched for 5 coffee cans in 150 square miles of forest!

    Randy Ellis served up his famous Camp Chilli for all that evening, and a awards ceremony was held for the winners of the afternoon's events. A 50/50 draw and raffle were held for a Hi-Lift jack, a Tampa Bay Buccaneer Grill, a fire extinguisher, how hooks, a tow strap, stickers, hats, and other items.

    The usual casualties were sustained - broken axles and u-joints, grenaded alternators and starters, several tweeked leaf springs, and a fried battery buddy. Fortunately none of these breakdowns were serious and all folks managed to get home safely.

    On a more serious note, this camping event allowed the officers of these clubs to convene and discuss the latest developments regarding the USFS move to restrict trail access in the National Forest. The creation of The Florida Off-Highway Vehicle Association was done to promote communication among all the clubs and to provide a consensual voice that will represent the interests of OHV users during the upcoming workshops with the USFS.

    I wish to express my heartfelt thanks for all of you who came and participated this weekend. A special thanks to all the members of the Ocala Jeep Club who were instrumental in running this event, and to the other Clubs who came to share the weekend with us.

Ray Woo
Vice President
The Ocala Jeep Club of Florida