VagabondJeep.Com
O|||||O Bernie and Dave
Jeep, Jeep. Beep, beep.
Thursday, November 9th, 2023
We wondered, where are we going today? . o O ( What are we going to do today? )
This weekend I brought Dave to Tennessee Trail Jam, Fall Jeep Festival at Loretta Lynn’s Ranch. It was a Halloween themed Jeep™ weekend. We arrived Wednesday evening and set up after dark. Thursday morning, before the rain, we had a chance to look around. Dave was happy with the site for the weekend. We’re between the gravel road and Hurricane Creek, and surrounded by Jeeps™. Everywhere!
He spent the morning on “fortifying our position.” What does this have to do with a dog? Not much, so I had a gourmet breakfast of Purina™ kibble mixed with canned food, and a light gravy, and stayed out of the way. Not having opposable thumbs limits my participation. Dave carried on. He looked like Bill Murray in Caddyshack.
The five-pound propane tank was empty. “Six miles that way, on the left. You can’t miss it,” they told us at the camp store. Dave missed it, but not by much. A quick U-turn got us to the Farmers’ Co-op. If we see them farmers, I’ll be sure to tell them what a fine co-op they have, complete with propane refill station.
Back at camp, Dave scratched his head. A ten-pound tank would save trips to the refill station. "Hey Dave, by getting another five-pound canister, we will have ten-pound capacity and will know exactly when we are half out of propane.” He tilted his head sideways and looked at me. I'd like to know what he's thinking when he does that. Anyway, that's the plan. Leaving one tank at home when we go out on shorter trips will be a bonus, too. How much dog money is all this going to cost? None from the treat fund, of course.
Friday, November 10th, 2023
There are some beautiful Jeeps here. “More Jeeps than you can shake a stick at,” says Dave. He showed me the stick he brought in case he needed to demonstrate. My tempered response was, “Stick! Fetch, fetch. I wanna fetch!” I won.
The Trail Jam Jeep Festival began. Dave had not planned on driving any of the challenge courses, but he got interested in a trail ride scheduled for Saturday. We attended the mandatory drivers’ meetings Friday and Saturday so we could participate. Then we walked around the camping area. Dave was looking at suspension lifts and mechanical stuff. I smelled tires, lots of tires. They mostly smelled like Armor All®, not boyfriends.
All the folks were friendly, and helpful. We needed directions to the hill climb and were given several to choose from. I think we tried them all. The big hill on the Saturday’s green trail had more ruts and rocks and was steeper. That's what Vardo said. We found the obstacle course, mud bog, rock crawl, and the hill climb. Big Jeeps tackle these obstacles; Dave and I sat and watched. Most made it through, almost gracefully, while some failed, with flair and style unique to Jeeps™. (That's not Vardo.)
Earlier this weekend, we met Justin Shatto, the founder of Tri Star Jeep Crew. He came by Camp Vardo and introduced himself. Justin told us about the Tri Star Jeep Crew activities, rides they lead, and the charities they support. Then, he invited us on the trail ride on Saturday. How can you beat that, eh?
Clarksville, Tennessee is home base to the Tri Star Jeep Crew, but their activities go beyond their local area. Tri Star Jeep Crew helps support Monroe Harding Organization, and the YAIPack. They are very active in the Jeep community, and the work they do helps foster children and those needing food and shelter.
Justin led the trail ride. He drives like he has done this a lot. We just followed him. The trail was rated green, but other Jeepers said it ought to be yellow, which is more difficult. I sat in the captain’s chair and Dave navigated the course with no problems, with only a few gentle rubs on Vardo’s underside. Going up the big hill, and near the end where the trail drops down into a deep gully, were the best obstacles.
The Loretta Lynn Ranch is managed by her grandson, Anthony. He gave the driver's briefing every morning. It is a year-round campground with RV hookups and tent camping. General Stores, a coal mine, and a re-creation of the Butcher Holler home place are scattered about the large ranch.
All of the ranch personnel were helpful and professional. And they are kind to service dogs. I must have done a good job, Dave was handy with the treats. Of course, I am the best “good girl.”
The Tennessee Trail Jam, Fall Jeep Festival is presented by Topless In Tennessee Jeep Club They also promote the TN TrailJam - Jeep Off-Roading Festival in June.
Dave says we'll be back next year, maybe even in June. Wherever Vardo wants to go, we go. Thank you for riding with us.
VagabondJeep.Com
O|||||O Bernie and Dave
Jeep, Jeep. Beep, beep.