On Assignment: 2003 Jeep Jamboree, Rocky Mountain House, Alberta

Getting Down and Dirty at the Jeep Jamboree

Last week I was fortunate to attend a Jeep Jamboree at the Rocky Mountain House in Alberta, Canada. For those not familiar with this weekend excursion, Ill fill you in.

The press package I received describes the Jamboree to the tee. "Since the early 1950s, Jeep owners and their families have participated in weekend four-wheel drive adventures called Jeep Jamborees. Jeep Jamborees are family-oriented, two-day events designed to allow Jeep owners to hone their skills in off-road situations, while learning more respect for the environment."

My experience at the Jeep Jamboree was fabulous. For me, it was a gathering of Jeep lovers uniting on and off-road. Any Jeep owner is welcome to attend. Heck, bring the wife, husband, kids, friends, or even the dog, so long as the vehicle it rides in is a Jeep.

My trip started off with a 15 hour drive from Vancouver, B.C. to Rocky Mountain House, Alberta; traveling with a Chrysler Group representative and his wife. Although long, it was scenic and beautiful. We even passed by the tallest mountain in B.C, Mount Robson. And what better way to travel than in a new Jeep Grand Cherokee. It is exceptionally comfortable to sit in for numerous hours, handles well and puts out a lot of power from its 4.7-liter V8, making passing a breeze.

We arrived at out final destination quite late so off to bed it was in preparation for a day of off-roading adventures.

DAY 1:

As we strolled into Base Camp early in the morning, all I could see was a plethora of 4X4s. Row upon row, modified, stock, dirty, clean, you name it there were Jeeps galore. We parked, signed in, and ate some breakfast.

I am not a Jeep owner, so one was provided for me. I was thrilled to learn that I would be behind the wheel of the 2003 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon; a vehicle that I previously test drove. I was impressed with it then, and my appreciation only grew for the Rubicon in the two days I got to know it a little better in its natural environment, off-road.

After our meal, John Cranfield, manager of the Jeep Jamboree introduced himself and explained a little bit about the daily itinerary. In his introductory speech, he emphasized the importance of staying on the designated trails to sustain the natural surroundings, and that there was to be no consumption of alcohol in the slightest. It is a family event, and although we were going off-road, we were still behind the wheel. As important he spoke about having fun, something I was determined to do.

After the brief speech, the more experienced drivers headed to the trails whereas I stayed behind for Jeep 101. This was a short presentation given by John for the entry level/beginner off-road drivers, which gave a brief overview of what a Jeep is, how it works, and what its capabilities are. He included safety tips, and a few tricks that would help me and the rest of the group make the most of our vehicles throughout the weekend.

After Jeep 101 it was off to the gravel pit to put our newly learned skills into action. The gravel pit was an obstacle course strategically designed for getting a feel for certain scenario that we might encounter on the trails. In Johns presentation, he spoke to the group about "spotters." Spotters, usually our trail guides, were designated to lead us over, around or through tough spots that we would be difficult if not impossible to overcome without experienced outside help.

Our first obstacle was creeping over a wooden beam by following a spotters instruction. Then we were to drive up a hill and crawl down it using 4-low gear, letting the Jeep creep down using only the compression of the engine. Then we went sideways over a barrier, crawled over a simulated log; always approaching the log on a 45 degree angle, went through a simulated gully, through a mud puddle, and finally up a steep slope composed of loose gravel. The course was fun, so I decided to go around again!

When everyone was finished at the obstacle course, we lined up to get ready to hit the trails and use our newly honed skills. There were about 15 Jeeps in the group, ranging from the Wrangler and Cherokee to the Liberty, plus 4 sets of trail guides. Fabien, our leader was followed by John, then some Jeeps, a mid-gunner, and a tail-gunner. All the guides had numerous years of experience and were well equipped to lend a helping hand or tow to those who encountered difficulties on the trail. I felt I was in good hands.

The trails we set out to conquer on the first day were called "Woody Woodpecker," and "Moose Marsh." Both trails were rated about a 4 on a scale of 1 to 9; 9 being the hardest. I was excited to see what the day would bring.

Safety wise, all the Jeeps in the convoy were equipped with walkie talkies for communication purposes. All the trail guides kept in close contact, but people were also allowed to express their thoughts and feelings, and just chit chat while enjoying the off-road experience. We were also always responsible for the driver behind us so it was necessary to pay attention at all times. Our headlights were also kept on as a safety precaution, especially when we drove on the dirt roads; making it easier to see the person behind.

We trekked along, had a lunch break, and went on trekking. I experienced many different obstacles on the trail. I climbed over logs, went through deep mud puddles, climbed up and down steep, rocky terrain, and went over quite a few bumps. All of the Jeeps in the convoy performed quite well. On some obstacles, the longer wheel-based vehicles like the Liberty and the Cherokee had a little more trouble, but nevertheless, they still managed. Jeeps are rugged, tough, and sturdy, but even they can get stuck, especially in mud.

So how did the Rubicon handle all the jumps and bumps? Fantastically! It is such an amazing machine; I cant even begin to explain. It astounded me. And to think that the Rubicon I had was stock, made the experience even more wonderful.

The group of people in the convoy and at the Jeep Jamboree also made it a weekend to remember. It was nice that everyone had the same mentality; have fun and drive the Jeep like its stolen! People came from all around. One couple came in from Saskatchewan and even brought their oh-so-cute dog named "Boozer," another father and his two sons drove up from Washington State. Many were from Alberta and British Columbia. It was an all round joyous experience, and that was only day one.

The day on the trails was long, so we headed back to base camp for dinner. Then there were a few Jeep games to be witnessed like which 4x4 can crawl slower then the other, and some winch races. After the Jeep games I headed back to my temporary residence, and prepared myself for the full day of off-roading that was on its way.

DAY 2

It is Jeep Jamboree tradition to say the Jeep Jamboree cheer before leaving for the trails on day two. We all gathered at the gate of base camp, and on the count of three yelled "Jeep" as loud as we could. It was just another way to unite the group in an old tradition.

Day two was dedicated to trails, trails, trails. The trail which we were assigned to was called "Eagle Ridge," ranking about a one on the difficulty scale. It was easier than the previous days experience, but still was as much fun. On this trail we crawled over log bridges, descended down 20 degree grades, ascended up a hill ranging from 18-28 degrees in incline. It was a blast. And once again, the Rubicon handled everything thrown at it wonderfully. In a way I think using the Rubicon off-road is almost like cheating; its jut so competent.

We stopped for lunch, and then kept going. For those who wanted to venture a little further up the hills, we had the opportunity to 4X4 up to a now inactive fire tower. I jumped at the opportunity and joined the convoy. It was a beautiful trek up, but got a little scary when I had hills on the left, and a great ravine beside. I just didnt look down! We parked and enjoyed Mother Nature. I then went the extra mile, well not really a mile, but a fair distance up to the fire tower itself. I hiked this part, my off-roading skills needed to be put to the test. Ive still got em!

So there I was in the middle of a mountain range in Alberta with fellow Jeep lovers, 6,200 feet high, and it felt great. But alas, time was beckoning us back to base camp so we departed. All had dinner, then prizes were handed out, and it was time to bid adieu.

And now looking back I was thoroughly impressed with the Jeep Jamboree. It was everything that I wanted it to be: a great time. I have only positive memories to share from my two-day off-road excursion. It also proved to be a great family outing, or a just-getting-to-know-my-Jeep-a-little-better experience. It is exceptionally well organized and all safety standards are met above and beyond. Like I mentioned earlier, I am a beginner off-roader and I felt absolutely safe at all times. So if you are contemplating about attending a Jamboree, do it you wont be sorry. Plus, its just a great time for beginners and advanced drivers to unite in a common bond, named Jeep.