EpochTraveler
Well-Known Member
- Thread starter
- #1
From the heart of North Carolina, we embarked on September's final day, venturing westward with halts planned in Tennessee, Arkansas, and Oklahoma. Months of meticulous planning, plotting our course, selecting our stops, and preparing our steadfast companion, our 2021 Jeep JL, known to us as "Epoch Traveler," for the long expedition that lay ahead. Our entourage, a troupe comprised of myself, my wife, our two little girls, and our two spirited Goldendoodles, occupied every inch of our Jeep, and spillover necessitated the accompaniment of a 2023 Honda Pilot, our trusty chase vehicle.
My wife, seated at the helm of the Pilot, with our daughters as her steadfast companions, led the procession. Meanwhile, I followed in the Jeep, my canine comrades occupying the rear, the warm-up leg of our voyage quick as the beat of a hummingbird's wings, concluding at an overnight berth in Tennessee.
Having stretched our legs in Tennessee and thoroughly inspected our vehicles, we set forth toward our first eventful destination. A night in Hot Springs, Arkansas, loomed on the horizon, accompanied by a day of traversing the trails at the Hot Springs Off-Road Park.
Hot Springs Off-Road Park, an earthly Eden for those unacquainted, unfurled its wonders before our eyes. A few vexing signage quirks notwithstanding, the park's essence was a testament to the art of the Jeep. Its trails, both exhilarating and exacting, yielded rewards aplenty. Our trip culminated in the acquisition of four additional badges of honor—Snake, Rubicon Ridge, Fun Run, and Quartz Canyon.
Progressing deeper into the heartland, into the flat expanses of Oklahoma, tempestuous skies heralded our arrival. There, we paused for the night, the final preparations for the adventure lying in the morrow, embraced by restful slumber.
As we departed Oklahoma, setting our sights on the great Texas horizon, the currents of anticipation coursed through my veins. This venture, monumental for our family, loomed as an epic challenge, stretching across the next few days. The thrill was palpable.
Drawing nearer to the MERUS Adventure Park and the grandeur of Palo Duro Canyon, the landscape gradually shifted from the monotony of Texas plains to the yawning chasm. The canyon, the second largest in the land after the Grand Canyon, sprawled across an expanse of roughly 120 miles, spanning 6 to 20 miles in width and depths that plunged between 700 and 900 feet. It presented a geological marvel and an unparalleled driving experience, a true rarity in the world.
Thursday arrived, Day 1 of our odyssey. Upon arrival at the site, we settled, checked in, and swiftly gravitated toward the campgrounds. MERUS had graciously set up a campsite on the canyon's rim, offering summit attendees a chance to spread out, all while savoring the breathtaking surroundings. VIP members had already gathered, many had already pitched their camps by the time we joined the assembly. We staked our claim at a quiet corner, affording ample room for two vehicles, our expansive tents, and space for our two vivacious pups to make merry without unduly unsettling our fellow travelers.
With the camp arranged to our satisfaction, we convened for supper at the TrailRecon outpost, a venue where camaraderie flowed freely. Here, we acclimated to the company of our fellow adventurers and readied ourselves for the forthcoming challenges. The summit was organized into three groups: the first catered to those seeking a more leisurely experience, allowing for green trail wheeling, hiking, cave exploration, and the opportunity to return early each day to unwind. The second, the TrailRecon Challenge group, embarked on a journey encompassing selected green and blue trails, striving to earn a serialized badge. The third and most daring group embarked on the TrailRecon Extreme Challenge. Our choice was the TrailRecon Challenge.
Friday, Day 2. Breakfast awaited us at the outpost, and a brief driver's meeting ensued, after which we divided into our respective groups, setting forth on the challenge. Our band, committed to completing the TrailRecon Challenge, was joined by none other than Brad from TrailRecon. At intervals, he paused the group to capture the essence of our endeavor through drone shots, yet our collective spirit surged undeterred. A culmination of our trails was achieved in less than 7 hours that day.
On Friday evening, a remarkable potluck dinner was organized with contributions from everyone at the camp. Additionally, there was a chance for some exciting nighttime off-roading. All those who participated that night were doing so in support of Operation Homefront. Remarkably, the event raised more than $23,000 for this noble cause.
Saturday, which marked Day 3 of our adventure, began with another breakfast served at the outpost. We then embarked on our ultimate day of off-roading. Following an additional 7 hours on the trail, we successfully conquered the TrailRecon Challenge.
Saturday evening was a festive occasion featuring delectable Texas barbecue, an exciting raffle with incredible prizes that contributed to Operation Homefront, and an awards ceremony where all Challenge participants received their well-deserved serialized badges.
Sunday, our fourth and final day, began with another satisfying breakfast served at the outpost. Following this, we had the privilege of attending a Stage5 recovery seminar thoughtfully hosted by MERUS. As the day progressed, it was time to bid our farewells and disassemble our camp. Amidst the parting moments, we seized a special opportunity to meet Brad and Regena from TrailRecon. They graciously altered their course to pay our family a visit and exchange heartfelt goodbyes. Their authenticity and warmth, emblematic of the kindness that permeates this summit orchestrated alongside MERUS, becomes abundantly clear when you have the pleasure of meeting them.
The TrailRecon Summit at MERUS Adventure Park stands as one of the nation's foremost off-road gatherings, a testament to its excellence. With enthusiasm and sincerity, our family wholeheartedly recommends it to all those who yearn for such an adventurous experience.
Leaving MERUS Adventure Park behind, we began our journey towards the South and East. We sought a couple of nights for rest and rejuvenation in the eastern region of Texas before continuing our route back home.
Our journey continued eastward, taking us through the heart of Louisiana and the heartland of Mississippi. Our path led us onward to Alabama, where the exciting trails of Stony Lonesome OHV Park awaited our eager exploration.
The days preceding our visit to Stony Lonesome were marked by heavy rain and storms, resulting in muddy and slippery terrain. The day of off-roading at the park was filled with excitement and adventure. However, a combination of travel fatigue and challenging conditions prevented us from completing all the trails we had originally set out to conquer. We proudly earned one badge of honor and decided to leave another as a marker for a future return trip.
The final day of wheeling met its twilight, our journey homeward unfolding. The map, a canvas of cherished memories, guided us through rolling hills toward North Carolina. South Carolina, our brief refuge, marked the penultimate night. Familial feasts and solitary introspection, a fitting postlude to our meandering saga.
I have more photos, videos and stories if anyone is interested.
Brad from TrailRecon posted a great video of the TrailRecon Summit here:
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Sponsored
