Dusy Erhsim by SidexSide

[Dunechaser]

So close and yet so far..........
http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r237/kevlarzbucket/ThompsonLake.jpg

I didn't realize until now just how close we were to Thompson Lake. Less than a half mile from our first nights destination when ztechz broke both rear axles and Metalman's 4wd went out.

This is as far as we got.....
http://www.dunechasers.com/galleries/dusy_ershim_trail_2008/Full/58_IMG_2109.jpg

And this is what lay ahead......
http://www.dunechasers.com/galleries/dusy_ershim_trail_2008/full/59_IMG_2110.jpg

So we decided to turn around since at the rate we were winching Metalman up the hill it would be dark before we reached the lake. That, and the group would be seperated since ztechz had broken axles and there was no way he could've got up the hill.

We spent most of the rest of Friday towing ztech back down to a suitable camp spot. Tony in his Ranger XP with 2" lift did most of the duty.
http://www.dunechasers.com/galleries/dusy_ershim_trail_2008/full/76_IMG_2141.jpg

At one point we had to break out the new Viper 4000 winch. For another post, but let's just say I'm very impressed by what this winch did.
http://www.dunechasers.com/galleries/dusy_ershim_trail_2008/full/90_IMG_2170.jpg

Once we got him back to the top of Chicken Rock we had a celebratory beverage and took this pic:
http://www.dunechasers.com/galleries/dusy_ershim_trail_2008/full/97_IMG_2177.jpg

We spent the night at the far side of Courtright Lake, did a little fishing, told some tales, ate some steaks and had some more cold ones. On Sunday we strolled out at a leisurely pace thouroughly worn out from the entire ordeal.

Some more pics of the riders

Bigdaddie (Frank) and wife Shelly
http://www.dunechasers.com/galleries/dusy_ershim_trail_2008/full/102_IMG_2182.jpg

Ztechz (Robert) and Aaron
http://www.dunechasers.com/galleries/dusy_ershim_trail_2008/full/19_IMG_2040.jpg

Tony
http://www.dunechasers.com/galleries/dusy_ershim_trail_2008/full/95_IMG_2175.jpg

[Dunechaser]

Aquaholic (Alan)
http://www.dunechasers.com/galleries/dusy_ershim_trail_2008/full/9_IMG_2021.jpg

Metalman (Curtis) and Aaron
http://www.dunechasers.com/galleries/dusy_ershim_trail_2008/full/17_IMG_2038.jpg

Explorer (Rob)
http://www.dunechasers.com/galleries/dusy_ershim_trail_2008/full/18_IMG_2039.jpg

PlanB (Chago)
http://www.dunechasers.com/galleries/dusy_ershim_trail_2008/full/32_IMG_2057.jpg

Daniel with Aaron providing some counterweight
http://www.dunechasers.com/galleries/dusy_ershim_trail_2008/full/46_IMG_2078.jpg

Some carnage pics. The plastic was a success.
http://www.dunechasers.com/galleries/dusy_ershim_trail_2008/full/105_IMG_2187.jpg

http://www.dunechasers.com/galleries/dusy_ershim_trail_2008/full/106_IMG_2188.jpg

This is the vertical profile. The turnaround elevation was 9,415 ft @ 10.82 miles in. Total time from trailhead to turnaround point was 7 1/2 hours
http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r237/kevlarzbucket/Vertical-Profile.jpg

This was one heck of a trial(not mis-spelled) and everyone did an excellent job pulling together and helping one another out. I'm very glad to meet and ride with a lot of new faces, I can't wait for the next ride. This trail was extremely rocky and extremely difficult, a lift kit and bigger tires would've helped immensely.

The entire photo Album http://www.dunechasers.com/show_gallery.asp?gid=49

Someday we'll try this again..........

[2000TJDude]

So close to this...... Thompson Lake.

Good talking to you guys. Best of luck on your next trip.

http://i516.photobucket.com/albums/u325/2000TJDude/Dusy%20Ershim/IMG_5473.jpg

[Dunechaser]

The next time I post a pic here will have that same view of the lake but with my Rhino in it! :D


Full Trip Report: http://www.dunechasers.com/trip_report.asp?trid=12

[Z_speed96]

This makes me want a side by side that much more now. Looks like a lot of fun! Thank you for sharing your pictures!