Dec 2, 2023, Joshua Tree, CA
Sycamore Canyon and Donohoe Mountain Loop
My wife, and two other moms, took our son and three friends on an overnight trip to Universal Studios Hollywood for his 13th birthday. Given my detest for crowds, waiting in lines, and newly acquired motion sickness, I was fully supportive of this being a “moms and sons” trip.
Clear of any family obligations and I quickly threw together some offroad shenanigans with a close friend from work. His son decided he wanted to show off the world-renowned offroading capabilities of his new 4×4 Nissan Frontier, and joined the trip.
The Mocongo Slide was the first real offroading we encountered. At the base, patiently waiting to accent the obstacle, was a Jeep and LR3. It was slow, but we managed to get the Nissan safely down to the bottom. I walked over to the LR3 and simply said, “Hey man. We just got a Nissan Frontier down the grade. I need you to represent us Rovers and impress them by climbing that thing.” He smiled slightly and said, “You got it.”
It ended up being a great opportunity to practice spotting the trucks through technical spots. We got all vehicles threw unscathed AND had a great time. I once again enjoyed the inherent peace of mind that comes when you’re offroading an ’03 D2 instead of a shiny brand-new vehicle.
LR3 shows the Jeep and Nissan how to climb the Mocongo Slide.
🏔**LRCSD Trail Leader is a volunteer position. We have leaders with a ride range of trail experience – you do NOT need to have competed in a Camel Trophy or be able to navigate narrow trails blindfolded. Interested in becoming a trail leader? Or maybe you’d like to hear more about what would entail, please Email The Board or inquire at the next club meeting!
