US East Running the Trans America Trail (TAT) from WV to the OR coast

[armyRN]

TAT 1.0. So the slow group (TAT 2.0 was still a day behind us when we flipped) is down to one... me. What to do....

I am taking a break from the TAT to visit my elderly parents in Florida ( only 1100 miles from Alma). Two days to drive there, spend maybe three days there, then head back west (I live in WA) and try to pick up the TAT in CO (Hi Neal) and go from there.

I am typing this from a motel outside of Tupelo. I'm about ten hours from my parents.

 

[DevilDodge]

Wow. Glad everyone is okay. The wilderness is wild.

Hope safer travels are ahead. Mother Nature sure has been a Bitch lately.

On a side note. Seems you really were prepared for anything.

Good luck

 

[Neal A. Tew]

Thanks for the updates. I'm so glad everyone is okay.

I've been planning to run with you guys for CO, but am left wondering how that might work considering the latest developments.

TAT 2.0, what are your plans?

 

[Naidu]

Glad everyone is physically OK. And so relieved that @armyRN and rest of the group were prepared and experienced to effect a recovery of a flipped-over vehicle. Sorry to see Group 1 fall apart, but such is life. Best to all involved.

 

[NØMAD]

TAT 1.0. So the slow group (TAT 2.0 was still a day behind us when we flipped) is down to one... me. What to do....

I am taking a break from the TAT to visit my elderly parents in Florida ( only 1100 miles from Alma). Two days to drive there, spend maybe three days there, then head back west (I live in WA) and try to pick up the TAT in CO (Hi Neal) and go from there.

I am typing this from a motel outside of Tupelo. I'm about ten hours from my parents.

So very sorry to learn of the events. Glad all are physically ok. God Bless You all. -Scott

 

[No_Pavement_Pls]

TAT 1.0. So the slow group (TAT 2.0 was still a day behind us when we flipped) is down to one... me. What to do....

I am taking a break from the TAT to visit my elderly parents in Florida ( only 1100 miles from Alma). Two days to drive there, spend maybe three days there, then head back west (I live in WA) and try to pick up the TAT in CO (Hi Neal) and go from there.

I am typing this from a motel outside of Tupelo. I'm about ten hours from my parents.

So sorry to hear the news, but so very glad you had the equipment and experience to get everyone out safe.

 

[Mrprez]

TAT 1.0. So the slow group (TAT 2.0 was still a day behind us when we flipped) is down to one... me. What to do....

I am taking a break from the TAT to visit my elderly parents in Florida ( only 1100 miles from Alma). Two days to drive there, spend maybe three days there, then head back west (I live in WA) and try to pick up the TAT in CO (Hi Neal) and go from there.

I am typing this from a motel outside of Tupelo. I'm about ten hours from my parents.

Where in Florida? Townwise? I looked but can’t find the link to the Facebook page.

 

[armyRN]

Where in Florida? Townwise? I looked but can’t find the link to the Facebook page.

My parents are in Lake Helen, Florida. I live in WA, the other corner of the country.

 

[Neal A. Tew]

@Mrprez, is this what you're looking for?

 

[Joe Hunt]

Its a great trip, I would love to do it again. We met a number of challenges along the way. Good luck , have a great run.
Joe
Nomad Overlanding
10411

 

[Neal A. Tew]

@Mrprez, is this what you're looking for?

If that doesn't work here's a photo if it's the rollover you're looking for:

 

[Renegade]

Sorry to see this coming apart, I was really looking forward to it.

But glad everyone is OK.

Good lessons learned though for future attempts.

 

[T. Stanley]

Aren’t there are still some of the OB TAT crew out there?

 

[armyRN]

Aren’t there are still some of the OB TAT crew out there?

TAT 2.0 is still out there.

I plan on leaving FL Sat, and figure three days to get to CO to pick up the TAT.

 

[T. Stanley]

TAT 2.0 is still out there.

I plan on leaving FL Sat, and figure three days to get to CO to pick up the TAT.

Maybe we will run into each other out Colorado way, I am leaving Tuesday July 6th headed south west to catch the TAT near Elkhart, KS

 

[armyRN]

Maybe we will run into each other out Colorado way, I am leaving Tuesday July 6th headed south west to catch the TAT near Elkhart, KS

That would be nice.

I will post when I’m approaching CO.

 

[DEADBEEF]

So after a few days decompressing from ~2400 miles we covered in 16 days on the TAT from Ripley WV to AR/OK border a few things to mention. The AR leg was full of surprises. The Warloop Rd events already mentioned, but we also saw our first bear on the trail that same morning as we departed White Oak Campground heading towards Warloop Rd, exciting. We also did our good deed as we came upon a fire burning along side the trail in Eastern AR. We all jumped out of our cars and grabbed the fire extinguishers thinking we could put it out, since it was a hot dry day In middle of nowhere. But as we approached we heard crackling as the fire was started below an electrical pole. So not wanting to risk electric shock we called it in to 911 giving them the lat/lon location, and moved on. Later on “TURTLE” mentioned (they were behind us at this point) they saw 3 fire trucks heading to the fire. Also I have a much more appreciation to having proper recovery points and gear while on the trail. Of course less than 24 hours before Warloop Rd we did have to rescue the Toyota Land Cruiser from the drop off side of a narrow gravel road after passing on coming traffic. He did not have a winch but did have recovery points, kinetic rope and tow strap. But the strap of course was not accessible since it was in his truck on the downhill side, and the kinetic rope in this circumstance was not going to work. Phew what an AR adventure.

 

[armyRN]

I had a wheel bearing go bad on the trailer in Mississippi on the way to Florida. I had on hand most of what I needed to repair/replace it, but it put me behind a few hours. If you’re pulling a trailer, carry a loaded hub assembly, and a spare axle nut, washer, and cotter pins. And a large enough socket for the axle nut. Some emery cloth will also come in handy.

I was “lucky” enough to discover the issue at a gas stop in a town with a Tractor Supply store close by, as my spindle nut and washer were not really reusable. You or I may not be so lucky the next time.

My first stop after the repair was a Northern Tool and Equipment store to get another loaded hub assembly, and another spindle nut and washer. The hub assembly I pulled off the trailer was not reusable (a new set of bearings would not have done any good)... I needed a whole new loaded assembly.

 

[DevilDodge]

Boy. The adventure never ends. If anything...you guys can write a blog about how to fix anything that can go wrong.

Hope things progress better from here on out for all those still traveling

 

[No_Pavement_Pls]

Thanks for the updates. I'm so glad everyone is okay.

I've been planning to run with you guys for CO, but am left wondering how that might work considering the latest developments.

TAT 2.0, what are your plans?

2.0 is re - engaging with TAT today in Trinidad CO, planning SOR route. Appreciate any intel on conditions or not to be missed segments - we are 4 vehicles, 1 is stock