Moab never disappoints. The world-class scenery and equally impressive trails are always a treat.
Easter Jeep Safari sometimes disappoints. The trails get crowded, hyperactive law enforcement is everywhere, and angry mountain bikers throw out gestures. The most ridiculous thing I've seen in Moab was a bunch of granolaheads in a beat-up old FJ-55 Land Cruiser flipping off a Jeeper in a clean-running, modern TJ while their old Cruiser was spewing pollution-heavy blue smoke out of the tailpipe. Hypocrites, the lot of 'em!
I’ve been to Easter Jeep Safari three times so far, and the third year was by far the most fun. Why? That third year, I drove something to Moab that I could also take on the trails. Driving is always more fun than sitting shotgun.
This year, I’ll be showing up in my 2004 4Runner. It’s my daily driver and as such is built, and will be driven, mildly. Don’t confust ‘mildly’ with ‘wimpy.’ Even though I’m not about to thrash my daily driver, I still enjoy a challenge. Since I get to drive instead of spectate again this year, I’m looking forward to it. I lucked out and found some lodging that was a bargain compared to the inflated prices most will be paying that week in Moab. The price I paid was inflated, but it wasn’t inflated as badly as the others.
Easter Jeep Safari weather is never boring. The first year I went, we had one day with sunshine, rain, and snow all within a few hours. It’s best to bring both a rain jacket and a pair of shorts. No matter what, I always carry plenty of drinking water. Moab’s low humidity calls for hydrating yourself generously whether the weather is hot or cold.
The most relevant thing to mention is that my wife Collette and I will be armed with our cameras and hunting for feature vehicles. If you’ve got a Jeep or other trail rig you think might make a good feature, contact me at Kevin.blumer@sorc.com. If you’ve got some sample shots, be sure to e-mail those, too.