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Then this past weekend we went to the Summit 4x4 charity event in Chino Valley. Chris was convinced to do the RTI ramp and won the day with the highest score with a 1132. He could have had a higher score but the ramp was too short. This is even with the limit straps.

Holding up some rocks for @Ladybug! One was blue, one was green!

wow! turns out we did another Rug Road trip exactly 16 years and one day prior to this one!

So it's been way way too long since I updated this thread. With the last two years of spinal surgeries the Jeep has been mostly ignored until recently. She also got a new reman engine put in in August of 2024 and a new transmission in 2025. Now for more fun news.... This winter Chris and a friend repainted the entire Jeep. She really needed it and was showing her age. Just a barn paint job but what a huge difference! The custom AZ pinstripe from before: The rusted screws on the hood vents: After sanding: Some of the prep work (which took way longer than I knew): Old Headlights: New Headlights: Then after a few coats of professional paint and clear coat: Also done with this makeover: -New darker tint on all the windows and windshield (we have the AZ MVD doc note for that) Repainted everything underneath -Repainted roof rack and bumpers - Removed CB Radio -Installed new HAM radio antenna cord (the one we had was breaking after years of abuse) -New driver's mirror -Fixed window actuator so the glass will go up and down So this is what we have left to do on this makeover: -Install the new 12k winch - Fix the gas tank (not wanting to fill issue) -Finish the new tablet radio install and enhance the speakers so I can hear the music on the highway -Watching marketplace for deals on new wheels. These are starting to have the clearcoat peel off and are pretty abused

We wanted to share a recent backcountry trip that we did out to the old Boyer Cabin - a little gem of Arizona history! This trip is worth a day (or two) in the backcountry! We took Forest Service Road 97 (just North of Across Rd) on the way in, which eventually turns into 895 and drops you right down into the canyon where the cabin is. Taking 97 is definitely the spicier option. There’s a steep entry and exit through a wash filled with big rock gardens that’ll get your attention real quick. But our Unimog camper handled it like a champ, and honestly, it made the route that much more fun. Once we got to Boyer Cabin, we slowed things down and spent the afternoon exploring the old homestead. There’s still quite a bit standing out there; the main house, bunk quarters, an old barn, and even some stables. It’s one of those places where you can just wander around and imagine what life must’ve been like out there. We did a little digging, and it looks like the cabin was built in the 1880s by Joseph Boyer. What makes it even more interesting is that he appears to have been connected to the Pleasant Valley War, showing up in records tied to the Graham-Tewksbury feud starting around 1886. He’s also mentioned in connection with indictments out of Prescott tied to the Middleton ranch shooting and other events in the area. Wild to stand in a place with that kind of history, especially knowing it all unfolded around the Young–Globe area. After we were done exploring, we continued out on Forest Road 895 to complete the loop. 895 was in great shape overall. Still plenty of exposure along the shelf road to keep things interesting, but absolutely beautiful the whole way with views of Roosevelt Lake below. If you’ve got a capable rig, this is such a fun way to explore it, but you can also hike in if that’s more your speed. Whether you make it a long day trip or camp out on the surrounding Forest Service land, it’s absolutely worth the trip!