Schiemer Family: These are no ordinary Jeeps!

I have heard a lot from my parents about how much fun it is too take the Jeep out off roading. I have seen videos of the crazy things they do and so I have to admit that I wasn't too excited when they asked me to go this weekend. They REALLY want us to join them in Moab next Spring Break but I don't know if I want to spend a week fearing for my life while driving on the edge of boulders. But, I wanted to at least give it a try before I judged the experience.

So, my parents, Glen and Diane (dear family friends and fellow crazy Jeep drivers), Ally, Aden, and I joined my brother at his office before we left for the mountains.

My brother, Mike, bought a 2012 Jeep Rubicon this week and it was delivered to the office right before we hit the trail. He was so excited and his Jeep is amazing. It is a very cool Safari tan color and has a huge engine!

We drove a "trail" called Potato Ridge that is just outside town near Red Rock. From what I understand, most of the trail was rated a 3-4 out of 10 except for one small nasty stretch that was rated about a 7. Aden and I rode with my parents and Ally went with Mike, Jen, and Jer. (Glen and Diane were smart not to take one of the kids because they started to drive us all crazy.) I wasn't much of a fan of things with a steep ledge or when the Jeep was tipped really far to one side. I guess that would be most of the trail. :) When you are in the back seat it is very hard to see and so everything is a bit scarier.

Once we got to the top, we stopped for lunch and the boys took turns showing off. We got some great photos!

My mom wasn't thrilled that her husband attempted this one! Glen wasn't too worried. He is the one peaking out from underneath the Jeep.

Ally is so cute!

Dad showing off!

Glen showing off!

"Buck Shot" (Dad's Jeep), Tom, Renee, Ally, Jen, Aden, Jeremy, Mike, Mike's un-named Jeep

After lunch, I decided that I had had enough of the back seat. I wanted to drive! That inspired Jen and Diane to get behind the wheel. So off we went with three Jeeps driven by three crazy ladies. My mom was more than a little worried...

Aden loved every minute of it!

Ally wasn't too sure that she liked it until we were done and then she was begging to go again.

We made it down the hill and I had a great time driving. I was a little nervous in some of the more technical spots. My dad helped me through each spot and told me what to do. You really have to trust your guide or spotter because it doesn't look like you should do what they say yet it always works out.

So, I'm still not sure I want to go to Moab but I did look up Jeeps online when we got home. Now that I have seen what they can do, I am very impressed. These are no ordinary Jeeps! They are Rubicons and are modified to get the job done. Tom and I are very seriously considering getting a new crew cab truck, toy hauler, and now.... maybe a Rubicon. I wonder if my dad would care if we got a black one like his????

Here are some shots of the trail...