Al & Virginia know how to throw a party. Al’s Ranch hand, Ventura, had just put the finishing touches on the huge, redwood gazebo prior to our arrival. The temperature was hovering near 100 degrees and the misting system over our deck chairs was awesome. There was deep-fried turkey, fresh bbq’ed salmon and London broil. We also sampled some local brew, Jack-Russell Ale. We ate, drank & were merry and before we knew it the sun was coming back up. Despite the heat, we still had half a keg left so we packed it in the back of one of the Broncos for consumption later. Much thanks to Al & Virginia for their generous hospitality!

Dillon Potter joined us at Ice House Resort. We pulled into Wentworth Springs Campground about Noon and locked the hubs. Roger insisted on leading so Max could eat our dust. This proved to be a mistake -- the lead vehicle really should have 4-wheel-drive instead of three. The climb up out of Wentworth was challenging, as the long winter and subsequent, long run-off has exposed more rocks than I’ve seen in years. John Lindblom also discovered that the factory fan shroud is very important for keeping the engine cool on a trail where the temps approach 110? F. Put that on the list for next year! We paused on the first granite slab across from Loon Lake Dam so Max & Max Jr. could pose at the Rubicon Plaque.