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2nd Annual Southeast MONSTER Meet (Eglin Reservation) Jan 17-18, 2009

28K views 361 replies 42 participants last post by  Dusther  
#1 · (Edited)
Trail reports and pictures start with post #263.
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Let's go wheeling at Eglin Reservation January 17-18, 2009​
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The 2nd Annual Southeast MONSTER Meet promises to be a great time if any of the previous runs through the "West Eglin Loop" are any indication. (See links below)

This trip will include some nice trail runs, sand pits, technical hill climbs/descents, water crossings (some deep), etc. This a fun ride with terrain to encourage beginners and challenge experienced wheelers alike. Don't shy away from this run just because your rig is stock. We have found that stock rigs can do nearly ANYTHING here at Eglin. So come on out!

I plan on rolling out to the point at East Bay for what is always an amazing sunset and then a night run back to civilization (for the hopelessly civilized). The meeting spot will be the Tom Thumb (CITGO convenience store) located at the corner of Highway 87 and Hickory Hammock Road. This is located 2.1 miles south of the I-10 exit 31 along Hwy 87.
(Got GPS? N30 35'41.29" W086 56'28.79")

Bring plenty of water and some snacks for the trail. Sunscreen and bug spray may be nice as well.

I HIGHLY recommend anybody coming in from out of town stay in Pensacola, or the motels mentioned below which are very close to the rendezvous site.
There is primitive camping available for those interested (I'll be doing that Sat. nite at least). There are also a couple of motels (Red Carpet Inn, Comfort Inn, Holiday Inn Express) , as well as a KOA, very close by at I-10 exit #31 (the intersection of I-10 and Hwy 87).

Possible Itinerary
Friday 16 Jan-
7:00pm 'ish Prerun get together in Milton, FL at the home of our very own Dusther. Can you say PIG ROAST!?!? (I can say that, and 'beer' too)

Saturday 17 Jan-
10:00am Rendezvous at the Tom Thumb. Air down and hit the trails by 10:30.
Lunch will be on the trail at one of numerous spots suitable for this many vehicles.
4:30pm 'ish Set camp on the beach at East Bay in time for Sunset. Camp fire, smores, shrimp-boil (Bay Shrimp) , yada yada yada...
10:00pm 'ish Night run through to return non-campers to civilization and their cushy staterooms.:lol: This time will be flexible, of course.

Sunday 18 Jan-
9:00am Break camp and start back toward Rendezvous spot.
10:00am Rendezvous at the meeting spot and re-hit the trails by 10:30.
Again, lunch will be on the trail at one of numerous spots suitable for this many vehicles.
2:00pm 'ish Find our way back to civilization and say our Farewells.:mecry: Perhaps ribs at East River Smokehouse :clap:(1968 Highway 87 S. 850-939-2802)

Want pics of the last runs?

Pics start with post #142 here:
http://www.fjcruiserforums.com/foru...-get-togethers/66678-fj-toberfest-oct-11-12-eglin-res-northwest-florida-15.html

MANY pictures available starting with post #287 of this thread:
http://www.fjcruiserforums.com/foru...com/forums/trail-runs-get-togethers/41622-eglin-reservation-jan-19-20-a-29.html

and even MORE pics...
http://www.fjcruiserforums.com/foru...gps-coordinates/46102-south-eastern-region-eglin-afb-polar-bear-run-report.html

Still want more? Starting at post #89 here...
http://www.fjcruiserforums.com/foru...ns-get-togethers/55004-eglin-reservation-may31-jun01-time-won-t-freezing-9.html


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Keep an eye on this space for updates as they become available...​
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UPDATE 17 DEC- Okay, we are one month out from this run and I want to take stock of where we are.

1) There is still time for more people to add their names to my list (for Rec. Passes) as I will be doing my run to Jackson Guard the weekend before.

2) We need to get a fairly firm number for the Friday Night Pig Roast / Meet & Greet. Dusther needs to put in an order for the pig very soon, SOOOOO if you are coming Friday Night please send Dusther a PM stating who you are and how many will be in your party.

and 3) Dusther, I know that this run is being advertised on at least 6 other sites, but I am not sure if the Meet & Greet was also. So we might want to check that out (LandCruiserGarrett maybe?) and see if there is a way to coordinate, if need be.

I am real excited about this run, folks. This is gonna be massive. BTW, who's camping out on the point with me?:cheers:

UPDATE 01 JAN- Coastiebilly will be handling last minute Recreational Pass requests now, and he will be able to get passes up until the 14th! After that everybody is on their own to get passes.

UPDATE 15 JAN- Anyone needing directions to Friday's Meet & Greet spot just PM Dusther and he will give you details to suit your needs. THIS IS GONNA BE SO MUCH FUN!!!!
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Okay, I have some important information for those folks looking to do this
run, PLEASE READ CAREFULLY:

Each driver and passenger over 16 is going to need an Eglin AFB Outdoor
Recreation Pass.
This is a colored card that allows access to the
nature reserve for recreational purposes and can be purchased through
the mail, acquired by me, or in person. Cost is $10 for the entire fiscal year
ending Sep. 30th. (No, just having DoD stickers is not enough.)

Here is how to do this:

1) By Apexbasher- Email me the name, address, phone#, and date of
birth for every person over 16 coming and I'll do the leg work. Just pay me
the $10 (per person) when we meet for the run.
Apexbasher@gmail.com

2) By Mail- Send a photocopy of either a driver license or identification
card which contains a full name, current address(including zip code),
current phone number, date of birth, and type of permit requested
(Recreational) along with money order, cashiers check, or personal check
to:
Eglin Natural Resources
107 Highway 85 North
Niceville, FL 32578

Allow 3 weeks for delivery by this method.

3) In Person- Stop by the Eglin AFB Natural Resources Office (850) 882-
4164 or (850) 882-4165 also known as the Jackson Guard, located at the
above mailing address. Their hours are:
7:00am - 4:30pm Monday through Thursday
7:00am - 6:00pm Friday
7:30am - 12:30pm Saturday
Closed Sundays and federal holidays

Okay, there it is. If you have questions feel free to contact me. The area
we will be in is not patrolled that much, but if we are stopped by the Air
Force security folks they will most certainly ask to see our passes. There is
a $300 fine involved for anybody without a valid pass. Not to mention
they will confiscate all the passes the rest of the group has for the
remainder of the year. So just hold off another week on the fuzzy dice
mod that's been bothering you and spend the $10 here instead. Besides,
the map they give you simply KICKS A$$!


Confirmed Attendees:
Apexbasher
Dusther
coastiebilly
LandCruiserGarett
Bird(nospace)Man
BossHoss
BigEd78
TideFaithful
fj6high
Brunes
BlueVoodoo
Ace Brown
Invisible J
Duc Hunter
Jasim84
(Your Name Here)


Possibly/Maybe:
new89toy
Needles
Matt07FJ
 
#4 ·
Re: 2nd Annual Southeast MONSTER Meet (Eglin Reservation)

Yes, indeed, this run will be the last that I organize for Eglin, since I will be off to the sandbox for some fun in the sun. Then moving to Jacksonville.

The reigns will be turned over to one of the other locals here (perhaps Dusther, hint, hint, hint:wave:) and we will be see this continue to be a regular thing, I hope. :rocker:
 
#9 ·
Re: 2nd Annual Southeast MONSTER Meet (Eglin Reservation)

Yes, indeed, this run will be the last that I organize for Eglin, since I will be off to the sandbox for some fun in the sun. Then moving to Jacksonville.

The reigns will be turned over to one of the other locals here (perhaps Dusther, hint, hint, hint:wave:) and we will be see this continue to be a regular thing, I hope. :rocker:
Are you still going to Jacksonville? I am due to transfer next summer and the CG hitron is my number 2 out of Cecil field in Jacksonville. Of course I know you are going to the sand box, but is Jacksonville you home base?
 
#5 · (Edited)
Re: 2nd Annual Southeast MONSTER Meet (Eglin Reservation)

Hey who said I would be there for this ride anyway.. geez already got me on the for sure list :)...

lol you know I can't miss this one.. and yes I will volunteer to cook a whole hog for the meet in greet on Friday night as long as we have a good number to turn out.. eating pork for an entire month is not a good thing but I do have access to what ever size is needed just need a pretty close head count so we don't get to outta whack on the right size.

Meat and Greet Head Count:

1. Apexbasher
2. Birdman
3. Coastiebilly
4. Me +1
5. Tidefaithful + 1½
6. Ace Brown
7. Fj6High +1
 
#8 ·
Re: 2nd Annual Southeast MONSTER Meet (Eglin Reservation)

lol you know I can't miss this one.. and yes I will volunteer to cook a whole hog for the meet in greet on Friday night as long as we have a good number to turn out.. eating pork for an entire month is not a good thing but I do have access to what ever size is needed just need a pretty close head count so we don't get to outta whack on the right size.
:facelick::hungry:
 
#6 ·
Re: 2nd Annual Southeast MONSTER Meet (Eglin Reservation)

Put me down as a maybe- its too early for me to commit. If I do come- as a going away present I will take lots of pictures of you and offer you a spot at each obstacle Matt! I hope I can make it, had a blast with y'all the last time.
 
#10 ·
Re: 2nd Annual Southeast MONSTER Meet (Eglin Reservation)

Put me down as a maybe- its too early for me to commit. If I do come- as a going away present I will take lots of pictures of you and offer you a spot at each obstacle Matt! I hope I can make it, had a blast with y'all the last time.
Be great to have you and the Rockin' Taco along for another run. ESPECIALLY if you take pictures of Bessie and I.

I might be able to join you guys on this one. My daughter's birthday is on the 19th and it just depends on when my wife sets up the party. But you can put me down as a maybe. If you guys don't mind of course.
Cool. The first representative from Alabama for the run. Should be some more SMC guys coming down here as well.:clap:

Are you still going to Jacksonville? I am due to transfer next summer and the CG hitron is my number 2 out of Cecil field in Jacksonville. Of course I know you are going to the sand box, but is Jacksonville you home base?
Yeehaw, Cecil Field. I'll be stationed at VP-5 out of NAS Jacksonville when I get back from the nameless place. How fun for me.:armed:
 
#7 ·
Re: 2nd Annual Southeast MONSTER Meet (Eglin Reservation)

I might be able to join you guys on this one. My daughter's birthday is on the 19th and it just depends on when my wife sets up the party. But you can put me down as a maybe. If you guys don't mind of course.
 
#12 ·
Re: 2nd Annual Southeast MONSTER Meet (Eglin Reservation)

im for sure coming on this one
 
#13 ·
Re: 2nd Annual Southeast MONSTER Meet (Eglin Reservation)

Crap it is our weekend to work. I can probably swap the days off but I dont think Julie will make it since she has school during the week. That limits her swapping. Maybe I can talk my dad into coming over with me so I wont be solo.

Put me down for 2 maybes.
 
#18 ·
Re: 2nd Annual Southeast MONSTER Meet (Eglin Reservation)

Drop me on that list as a maybe. Me, my wife, and my Tacoma think this sounds like a blast.

Apex-Are you down towards to Eglin office?? I'm only in Pensacola-so I don't want to put ya out-but if you are down that way...I'll e-mail you details for a pair of passes?
Welcome to the site!! This is about as good an introduction to how we do things in these parts as you are likely to get. I hope we can move you from the "Maybe" list soon.

Just email me the particulars for everyone who needs a pass. I can get this done for you.

I am definately in. And I will again offer up my house for anyone that needs a place to crash. A couple empty rooms,an rv, lots of tent space.

BirdMan
I knew you wouldn't let me down, Martin! See you soon.

Im in!!!!! (I hope it is raining and the temps are below freezing again......)
You are a very sick man, Scott. Very sick. You must a feevah, and the only prescription is more cowb- I mean cold weather!

Count my wife and I in, I don't see any reason I can't make it.
Awesome. See you there!
 
#15 ·
Re: 2nd Annual Southeast MONSTER Meet (Eglin Reservation)

I am definately in. And I will again offer up my house for anyone that needs a place to crash. A couple empty rooms,an rv, lots of tent space.

BirdMan
 
#20 ·
Re: 2nd Annual Southeast MONSTER Meet (Eglin Reservation)

Im in!!!!! (I hope it is raining and the temps are below freezing again......)

You a fool. At least Im not camping so I dont care how cold it is overnight. But you camping folks are fools.

Man I cant wait to run this again with some real trucks.

Those Jeeps keep breaking and whine too much.:jester:
 
#17 ·
Re: 2nd Annual Southeast MONSTER Meet (Eglin Reservation)

Count my wife and I in, I don't see any reason I can't make it.
 
#31 ·
Re: 2nd Annual Southeast MONSTER Meet (Eglin Reservation)

sounds like a good time can a stock rig survive? the creek looks deep!

A stock rig is more than capable. The creek is kinda deep but your air intake is on the shallow side and wont get dunked. The stock breathers are also high enough to be okay as long as you dont park in it....like some Jeeps have. Also the body is sealed enough to stay dry unless you park in it...Unlike some of the Jeeps that take on water just moving through it when we dont.
 
#34 ·
Re: 2nd Annual Southeast MONSTER Meet (Eglin Reservation)

Mark. I just figured out that this is you. When you and Evelyn get passes we can head out there and play on some sections. Sweet to have you coming. Now we have a coastie hat trick.
 
#35 ·
Re: 2nd Annual Southeast MONSTER Meet (Eglin Reservation)

... Now we have a coastie hat trick.
Is that where you flip it up your arm and it lands on your head?:rofl:

BTW, in the UNITED STATES NAVY we call it a cover. If you wish to adopt this terminology for your own use I'm sure we can provide the correct paperwork.
 
#39 ·
Re: 2nd Annual Southeast MONSTER Meet (Eglin Reservation)

Usual deal for me Matt - I'm down as a maybe until a week or two before the run; I'll be back from my current deployment by then, but may be doing a quick turn and heading back out - business is good right now :D.
 
#40 ·
Re: 2nd Annual Southeast MONSTER Meet (Eglin Reservation)

Usual deal for me Matt - I'm down as a maybe until a week or two before the run; I'll be back from my current deployment by then, but may be doing a quick turn and heading back out - business is good right now :D.
Glad to hear you'll be back, bro.

I am reminded of a few lines from one of the greatest films of all time...
Ahem...

student: "Where are you going, Major Pain?"
Maj. Pain: "Back to killin'. Wanna come?"
student: "...................."
Maj. Pain: "Didn't THINK so."
 
#41 ·
Re: 2nd Annual Southeast MONSTER Meet (Eglin Reservation)

Just giving this a little :bump:
 
#47 ·
Re: 2nd Annual Southeast MONSTER Meet (Eglin Reservation)

OK, just talked to Ed...take us off the fence and add two more SMCers to the list...we're coming! :clap:
Great news! Let me know if you need help with passes.