Trail Check In

Another member brought up that they would like a place to check in/check out. The idea is that if you are going to go do some exploring on your own you can post in this thread/sticky where you are going.

When you get back you can then post back that you are back safe.  Its always smart to let some one else know where you are going, that way when you go missing people know where to look.  

I figure it would be smart to give the location and an approximate time/date you plan on returning...  I would like to get a list of every ones phone numbers for those that would like to list them or use this, I just do not have/know of a secure way of doing it right now allowing access to only trusted members....  I haven't looked into it yet, but I think I might be able to create a cotrailruns account on google docs and then I we could create a spreadsheet and issue to the password to known members?  If any one has experience with this or a better idea let me know

Like I said this was the idea was brought up by another member, if they want to add in they can! COUGH COUGH Walt :)It came after said person was doing some exploring south of Grand Junction and then there was that huge mud slide later that day in the same area they were.  I know I have had some close calls myself, like almost running out of gas in the middle of the flat tops alone and lost when I first moved up here... Long, funny story at least looking back on it!

I think it sounds like a pretty good idea. Not only that, if we are around that area and want to run that trail, we might meet up or potentially help someone stranded.

OK, did this night before last but page refreshed before I posted it. So here I go again:

The question is: How far do we want to take this?

Sunday we decided to take a short trip up on Grand Mesa. We broke the rules 1st by going alone, 2nd by not having the proper gear (I forgot to grab my shovel, would have been a major game changer), 3rd will come later.
We took Long Slough Reservoir Road (FS 254.1A,) which is across from Mesa Lakes. We got in about 1 1/4 miles and hit a deeper than thought snow drift (this is where we broke the 3rd rule: GET OUT and look, if I had I wouldn't have tried because another 20 or so yards was a downed tree across the rd)
Got stuck @ 1:10.
Long story short, ended up against a tree, got a tow company From Junction with a 4x4 truck to winch me out sideways for $465 and got off the trail @ 10:30.

The local touristy business I hit in my endeavor said "call a tow truck from GJ and hitchhike back to your Jeep" without even letting me use their phone.

Do we want to set up a "help & rescue" type database?
I'm up for it, but it's not just my call.

Also, something to think about. Do we want to have a rescue/recovery/winching practice/training day sometime?

Love the idea of a check in and out system, and would be a good idea to have a winching, recovery type class I've never used one and as a few know could have used a winch a couple of times.

I think some sort of a recovery class is a great idea... the problem is who is going to teach it. We were going to go to the yearly expedition expo this year in AZ where they have an extensive recovery class (among many other great courses) we went to the maze instead though.    

Here is a little winching/recovery overload of information with tons of great links.

http://www.pirate4x4.com/tech/billavista/Recovery/

Most important slow down, take your time and think about what your doing so this doesn't happen





Winches are great, but about 8 years ago I got stuck in the middle of soda lake on the Mojave trail that goes though California. The lake is supposed to be dry but it was a little wet and I just sunk into the dirt at one point (It even looked dry) Nothing to winch to in a lake bed. Luckly I had a CB and I was about 5-10 miles from Baker, CA, its flat desert so I had line of sight to the town. I got lucky on the CB and found a fellow Jeeper who came out and pulled us out!

I like the idea of a list of people willing to help lets try to get that setup, if any one has idea's for training please throw them out there.