The Dusy is one of the most beautiful trails I have ever seen. Big Ed and the Fresno 4x4 are some of best people you will meet. But for me the trail ended at 8.3 miles Just past dinky creek and the start of Thompson Hill. Up to that point the trail was AZ 2-3 at most, but again the views are amazing
. At about 5miles in just before Dinky and going by Ed's group, we had a airbag fault light go off. Nothing new I figured as this 2012 has been setting Mill lights before. We checked the seat belts. Figured its a Jeep. at about 8.2 miles we were stopped and talking to my tail gunner on the CB. There was a group in front of us and I wanted to hold until they cleared away a bit so we don't get in a, clustered up. The trail looking harder since its up hill and rocks do not want to be behind people to much. The last Jeep was a Bronco when it cleared enough to move I said on the Cb to the tail gunner, clear to go. I was still in gear its an auto in low range in Rubi low 1st, locked. I just was starting to let off the brake and was turning right with my left arm leaning forward to see to line up my line only moved a few feet. I mean I was moving less than 1mph, airbag explodes. Well my arm saved my face they say. The left arm was broke and bruised like I blocked a base ball bat. Even my right thumb was dislocated.
At first all I knew is I was on fire as that air bag was pouring out some kinda gas. I was stunned like a flash bang. Reached for the seat belt and that is when I knew my thumb was pointing funny. I tried to set it with my left hand that's when I knew my left arm was broke, but I set the thumb anyway. My wife sitting next to me heard me saying I was on fire and started dumping water on me, good thing she did not have fire extinguisher on hand:laugh:. I tried to open the door but that's when I really knew my left arm was broke. By then the tail gunner was on me hearing Fire and seeing the smoke and heard and seen it from behind. What he said sounded like a big gun went off the witness of it only 30 feet behind me. He opened the door and I slip out. well, first aid kits and a splint a few more pics for posterity. Then, question go on, its 2 more days out? I was willing to do it then, all voted against it and talked out of it GOOD thing too next day I was not in great shape.
Now I get to drive out 8.3 miles and home 9 hrs, broken arm. One thing good about a broken bone you get sleepy at the wheel just try a turn of the wrist will set you right straight for hours.
first night at Trapper camp ground.
Courtright from the dam.
looking the other way down the dam, great spot. Think I found where my ashes go.
Just past the gate, wife was slow on draw.
real Jeeps
Chicken rock just on the right
Looking back at Courtwrite
This tree is cool
First part that even rated Az. 2+ we are in about 7miles
Thompson hill lower section I guess
here is where we waited. The right turn of death:cheers2: AZ3 at most
right after that air bag went off I moved up of that right and we made way parked here why I licked my wounds.
So Now I have to remove the air bags. No way will I go through that again for nothing. In some ways I miss my 66 or my 47. None of them have pyrotechnics in the steering wheel. The dealer confirmed and the air bags are on all the time. even in low off road. I have seen Video of a Tj having the same thing happen. But at least he was in what looks at least 4-4.5Az rock field at least at the looks its rough. We only rate trails to 5 and Jeeps like most people have never do them. Its just not going to make it long, you need a Buggy to play with the big boys.