There are all kinds of 4WD get-togethers. Some are for Jeep owners, some are for Toy owners, club members only, etc, but most are just for the sake of getting out and wheelin'. To some folks, it seemed about time to have a 4WD get-together centered round a shared faith in God.

So, it started on a couple of internet BB sites run by Christian 4WD clubs. The idea of having a few clubs and friends of club members meet for a weekend of wheeling, eating, socializing, and praising God was discussed and eventually planned. Being as it was springtime, the deserts of Southern California were a likely spot to base from and the Calico area with its ghost town and plentiful network of trails in nearby canyons and washes was chosen. A date was selected, the Taco Bar feast was organized, and the Jamboree was officially on. The question is, "Sure we can host a Christian Jamboree, but will they come?"

They came. They came in campers, motor homes, and trailers. They came from California and Arizona. They came in style and by humble means. But mostly and surely, they came. Around 70 families participated in the weekends activities. Faces were put to names known previously just by internet postings. Names like Other Brother, Hammer Hog, and The General. New friends seemed like old friends as the weekend passed.

There were runs planned for Saturday on local trails like Odessa and Doran. Impromptu runs took off as small groups headed out to sample the challenges and beauty that the Calico area offered. The unusual amount of rainfall this year had given rise to a bounty of wildflowers and greenery. It may be a while before the desert looks like this again! According to those who know the area, the trails were rougher than normal due to the water action down the canyons. C4x4 ran Odessa down the canyon at night courtesy of a ride in Greg Weiricks very nice Bronco. The Klune V made the trip down the trail slow and peaceful (I do wish he would have spent at least a LITTLE bit of money on a heater though...it was cold out there!) The Klune did not help much when an earlier Friday test on the waterfall at Doran bit the Bronco in the drivers side door jamb. Ouch.

On Saturday, We decided to see what Odessa looked like in the daylight, so we headed out with a group to run it up-canyon this time. There were a few tight spots and a bit of carb trouble on one rig, but no breakage. On one waterfall, "Da Honda god" in his FJ40 tried a more aggressive line and paid the price of a rock wedgie.

The strap was getting pulled out to extract him, when another Toy driver came up from behind and pushed him with his bumper, giving him enough momentum to continue up over the top. That is one way to do it.

One member of the group had just installed a small lift and some bigger meats on his wife's grocery getter, Lexus badged FJ80. He was a crowd favorite as he flawlessly and smoothly drove that wagon up each and every obstacle with grace born of leather seating, solid axles, and a factory locker. Yes, he did crease the bottom of one rocker panel to earn his badge of honor.

There was plenty of time to explore the vast network of mine tunnels in the area. This demands caution and care as some shafts and tunnels may be unstable or harbor snakes or other critters.

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After the Saturday runs were done, and folks had a go at the RTI ramp,

the taco bar fired up and the carne asada hit the grill.

Oh, man, did that smell good. The homemade salsa contest was just wrapping up and the tacos were great to top it all off with.

To keep the kiddies entertained, "Da Honda god" let them take a handful of sidewalk chalk and donated his flat black painted FJ40 as a blank canvas. It looked like a mob scene of little, tiny, taggers hard at mischief.

Soon after, the crowd gathered for the evenings worship service. John Switzer and Marion Parker AKA Mrs. Hammer Hog led with some praise music. The sounds of the voices echoing around the canyon walls and the stars overhead offered a fabulous amphitheater in the outdoors. Pastor Paul M. Reinhard of Calvary Baptist Church in San Bernardino brought a message aimed at where we live in the world today (Pastors Presentation). There was an observation of communion for those who chose to participate, and then the raffle began. The names were called and the prizes scooped up till the two biggies of the night were left: the winch and a set of 4, 37" MTRs.

The winch came down to two ticket holders; myself and one other guy. The winners name was read and I went home with a nice, shiny new pair of Mechanix gloves. Sigh. Well, I did need some new gloves. The other guy really liked the winch!

Sunday we all headed out to visit Calico Ghost Town. One of the foremost sites in California mining history, silver ore was the name of the game at Calico and while the glory days are over (producing $86 million in silver at 1800's prices!), Walter Knott of Knott's Berry Farm fame bought the town back in 1951 and restored it. Now a popular tourist attraction, Calico brings back a part of history that formed this nation. www.calicotown.com

.........

It was time to say goodbye and head for home. There was talk among the organizers of next years Jamboree. In fact, I understand plans are in the works for a fall Jamboree in the central part of California. Anyone up for a Sierra Jamboree?

To see what the Jamboree has in store, see "http://www.christianfourwheelers.com/forum" and look for the posts on the Christian Jamboree.

Thanks to the following clubs for the hard work and vision to pull this event off:

4x4Him.com
Extremewheelers4Christ.org
4x4him.org

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