Our latest adventure. Exploring Rail Road Flat

It has been a long time since I have posted. My son is now in college, and our journeys continue. My son will soon be joining us as we venture on with our journeys.  

This was our first trip in 2012 in the Gladiator.  We decided to go close to find out what was missing.  We hooked up Jack our trailer and took a trip took to Rail Road Flat campground. Located at Lat: 37.618200 Lon: -120.019700 

It was a long white knuckle drive along 49, but we eventually made it to Rail Road Flat campground.  We were treated to great views along the Merced River.  The views were spectacular.

We saw mountain goats through the binoculars; also, the fishing at this spot looked outstanding.  Later in the day, Canoli, our dog, decided it was swimming time and took several leaps into the pool.  With no care to how cold the water is, he decided to jump in to fetch the wood piece we threw in.  

On Sunday, we packed up and headed home.  The trip was quick, but it was fun to be back in the saddle again.

We will see you on the trail soon!!!!!

A snow trip with new friends

 I am always looking for new friends especially when they want to learn more about being outdoors. 

Raylene and I enjoying the snow.

I am part of the Jeep Gladiators pages and met a lovely family.   Tim had an excellent 2020 black Jeep soft top.  It was lifted 2.5 inches tall and well set up.  We explored areas outside of Sonora California.  

                                                                                    Getting to know each other.

We started up one trail that was a mud slush fest.  After a while, we were in the snow on a canyon with little room to turn around.  After a while we started to break snow, but still on a canyon with one side washing out.  We found a place to turn around.   We made our way back to see an angry cow.  I am not kidding when I say this cow was angry.  After eating lunch and enjoying the stream and avoiding the evil stares from the cow we were off.

  A nice stream for lunch

The next adventure on the trip was to try a road up higher.   The next phase of the trip led to the best experience of the day.  We met with another group and followed a nicely set up CJ7 as he was breaking snow.  

A view from Tim's Jeep

It was my first trip to the Gladiator. I tried out all of the goodies.  We tried out the lockers, the sway bar, my new Garmin Explorer.  The Jeep performed nicely.

     Door Deep Snow

It was getting late and the sun was setting, wondering how we would turn around indoor deep snow in the heck.  All of a sudden, we came to a stop. The leader was stuck, the guys behind them were stuck, and Tim was stuck.    After a half-hour, Tim pulled out his winch and pulled the guy in front of him out, and he pulled the leader out.  We tried to turn around and were stuck too.  

After turning around we went down the hill. Aired up the tires and headed to dinner.   

It was a good day with new friends, new memories, and good times for all. 

Duck Hunting Extravaganza or Dud

I recently started to duck hunt again after 15 years.......Wow has it been that long!!!!  Despite little success and really knowing what we were doing it was fun.    I am not sure why it is so fun.  Could it be just being outside or sitting in a blind with my buddies?   I am damn sure it was not shooting ducks.  I have yet to get a shot off.  Either way it was still fun.


Jeff in a Blind, but it looks more like he is ready to hit a 7-11










The first outing we walked and walked and saw little ducks.  The second outing we set up a blind and chased decoys all day.  Finally the last outing we had a blind but it was muddy and hard to walk out in the chest deep water to get to it.  We abandoned all hope of hunting that day.  Next year will be here and we will be prepared.

 All in all it was fun.  What next you ask?  Pheasant hunting and a good time shooting for all.






Paul