Alapaha River Campout

 

 

Ever been white water rafting in a jeep? Nah, we haven't either, but we have been wheeling on a riverbed. The Alapaha River was mostly dry up near Jasper, FL in November. We started out with a few problems and one jeep never actually made it up to the river but the driver still came along for a weekend of fun. Once arriving at our destination we promptly aired down and reattached our front driveshafts in the dense sugar sand that makes up the riverbed. Some decided to venture out while others set up camp or prepared for the night ride planned. That's when we got the message on the CB that somebody was in trouble.

Upon investigation we found Joshua stuck in a deep water crossing without his motor running. He had gone too deep and it cut out his motor. Water was sucked into the cylinders and broke out a few of the spark plugs upon compression. After draining many gallons of water from the motor and oil he tried to start it with no success. He was towed home but luckily just a sensor was shorting out causing the engine to not run.

Aside from that incident, Matt (Bingko) decided to see if his TJ would float. It didn't and he sunk his motor as well. Once pulled out the draining process began and luckily his motor started up properly. This goes to show you, you should always check how deep a puddle is before jumping into it.

Other than the two incidents mentioned above, we had a great time. Some a little too great of a time at camp but everyone got home safely with only a few dead sensors on the carnage list. Later on we found out the riverbed is no longer a permitted wheeling spot so we will not be returning any time soon. It will be missed.