Two or so miles up the trail we found the first big obstacle: a diagonal crag and a two-foot step. It is a great obstacle because it is challenging enough for the veterans to have some fun, and mild enough for the first-timers to get a feel for the capabilities of their rigs.
The trail continued to wind upward, giving way to smaller and then larger outcroppings. Around midday, we came to the most challenging problem on the trail. It was a large, uneven, two-layered granite step preceded by an eroded pit to one side. The right was walled by middle-aged saplings, while the left threw up a harsh, multi-tiered wall that was just the right width to defeat a TJ wheelbase.
Our trail leader had chosen to take the group up the steeper but less slippery side. Most vehicles took two or three attempts to get up the rock. The obstacle provided a safe yet hairy, off-camber ride for Jeep owners who put their trust in both their Jeeps and the spotters. Many drivers held onto quiet smiles as the lockers underneath, which they were so desperately waiting to try out, stealthily pulled them right to the top. The timid, or less locked, had the fortune of riding up the wall on the hook, but these were few and far between.
From here, Old Florida Road proved an easy, deep-woods experience until we got to our favorite part - the mud. Depending on what the weather has been doing the week before, the wetness of the trail will vary. But, we were lucky to find a couple of nice water crossings. Everyone likes a water crossing, and this day was no different.
The mud was just right - not too sticky, not too deep, just enough to provide some outback adventure. Everyone made it across the water with little difficulty. Well, everyone except the Black Rat. It seemed that its luck had finally run out and had to take the hook. It was a good end to a good day. We stopped for a bit and joked about our run, and then headed back to the Charlemont Inn. Our only regret was having missed the group the following day. Had we been there, we would have heard that all-familiar axle snap. And if we'd had our cameras, we would've captured the coveted rollover shot. Oh well.
All in all, this year's Massachusetts Jamboree went very well. The event staff was great, and the program was organized superbly. Kudos to Greg Davis of Jeep Jamboree USA and his Massachusetts crew.