Crown King

On Nov. 15th David finally got to take his new truck out "Jeeping" when we went with some buddies on the Crown King trail. Crown King is a "living" ghost town about half way between Prescott and Lake Pleasant. There are two ways into it...the back way that we took in which you definitely need a 4x4 vehicle for (preferable one with fairly high clearance), and a graded dirt road about 27 miles west of I-17, which we came out on. I say a "living" ghost town because there are probably about 30 people or so who live there, but I guess it used to be a mining town. Now there is a little General Store (that is probably kept in business by the people who take the back trail in to Crown King), a bar, and some other little touristy shops. They do have some REALLY good fudge there at the General Store...we sampled the apple pie and pumpkin pie varieties!

We got the truck stuck a couple of times and had to be pulled out by more able vehicles, but nothing too bad. David said it is a change getting used to the longer wheel base and lower clearance of the truck vs. the Jeep, but he's learning. It sure was a more comfortable (and quiet) ride for us, though! We were a little nervous about how Josh would do being in the carseat for so long (we were gone for about 12 hours), but he was a champ and did great on this trip. It helped that we got to get out every so often and let him run around with the other kids.

The only drawback about the whole thing is that now David is thinking of all the other upgrades he wants to make to his truck...rock sliders, a lift, skid plates...that's just the beginning, I'm sure! I'm glad he has fun hobbies that Josh and I get to participate in, though!

Here are some pictures:

These little do-hickies that stick down further than the rest of the frame were what kept giving us problems and making us high-center...David is wondering if they are needed or if he could cut them off...
I think I can, I think I can...

David showing off his handiwork.

Our friend Kerry with his Land Cruiser. That thing is a champ...it literally pulled us and the other vehicle that came with us out of some rough spots! Thanks Kerry!

Amy & Josh posing in front of the Crown King General Store.