 The most fun is the Mile of...  The most fun is the Mile of Mud run, a series of slime pits that challenge both driver and vehicle, with a tow strap often being the winner. |
 Some mud holes were the same...  Some mud holes were the same length as a Jeep, and Mike Bressin had some dirty fun trying to power out of them. Mike’s 1997 TJ Wrangler sported 33-inch Super Swamper tires and a 31/2-inch lift, which he just loved to use on every boulder and bog he could find. The Cumberland College Women&8217s Basketball Team held a car wash to clean all the Jeeps as they returned; the team had its work cut out for it. |
 The big bogs on the Mile of...  The big bogs on the Mile of Mud section were deep and dank, with horsepower and tires (or the lack of) the deciders of who had to be strapped. Rob Draper of Grand Rapids blew a front axle U-joint on his Chevy-powered 1982 Scrambler earlier in the day, but he still three-wheeled through most of the grunge without a problem. |
 Most of the trails remained...  Most of the trails remained relatively dry, but short spots of mud kept drivers on their toes. Wranglers and CJs were the most common vehicles registered, but plenty of Cherokees and Grands were in attendance too. Ted Mariani from Maryland brought his '96 XJ complete with working ARB snorkel and MileMarker winch, but he didn't need to use either. |
 Helicopter Hill starts off...  Helicopter Hill starts off fairly easy, but then reaches some hairy off-camber spots complicated by slippery mud. Once near the top, this short and slimy spooge strip wasted the paint job of every Jeep. Ray Schemanske had a 1994 Wrangler, but sold it for the retro look of this 1981 CJ-5. Even the spotless paint job didn&8217t keep him from running the gauntlet of mud. |
 Tail-end on the tough trails...  Tail-end on the tough trails was Tanya Mayville in her Boggered 1994 YJ. Equipped with tons of quality aftermarket add-ons, including Detroit Lockers at both ends, Tanya made sure no one was left behind. While the main trail stayed clear of the big rocks, Tanya and the big dogs just couldn&8217t pass up a chance to rock and roll over some slimy boulders on the side. |
 Trip leader Gary Drake helped...  Trip leader Gary Drake helped build the trails in this area, all with a stock 1980 CJ-5 with 3.54 gears and a four-cylinder engine. The flexible stock suspension offset the lack of lockers, and the 34-inch Super Swampers gave plenty of clearance in the mud and rocks. |
 The most difficult trail was...  The most difficult trail was the Devil's Staircase, which winds up the side of a mountain and over many of these types of steps. Water seeps out of the ground at certain places, making for a steep and slippery climb. |
 The off-camber trails twist...  The off-camber trails twist between trees, causing a few Jeeps to make three-point turns around them. The fall foliage had just started to turn colors, so, this year the event will be held one week later in the year. Wild turkeys were even spotted in some of the fields, and other birds were flying South for the winter. |
 Stock is hot, and this beautiful...  Stock is hot, and this beautiful 304-powered 1974 CJ-5 looked great and ’wheeled with the best of them. Brad Glesg recently bought the Renegade, which is virtually original except for the foglights. Brad has a few other Jeeps, but brought this one out to have fun in the Kentucky mud. |
Just when you think the last Jeep Jamboree was the best, along comes one that's even better. With nearly 40 Jeep Jamborees a year to choose from, it's always difficult to select which ones to attend. They're all top-notch events, filled with a myriad of Jeeps and on a variety of trails throughout North America.
This time, we picked the Gateway to the Cumberlands Jeep Jamboree, held last October in Williamsburg, Kentucky, and, as usual, we weren't disappointed. In fact, this Jambo had the wholehearted blessings of the town of Williamsburg, which rolled out the red carpet for the participants and even organized a Jeep parade through the center of town.
Located just south of the Daniel Boone National Forest near the Tennessee state line, the Jamboree trails wind through forests and streams, all on private land. Some of the tougher hillclimbs cross ridges of limestone and sandstone, and a few of the trails are on scenic but challenging forest roads.
Plans for this year's Jeep Jamboree events are nearly finalized. We were even lucky enough to snag the tentative schedule for the '99 season, which started with the Sea of Cortez Jeep Jamboree in February. All Jeep vehicles are welcome at the Jamborees, and skill or experience isn't a prerequisite. Trails are rated from 2 to 10, with 2 being an easy trail that novice drivers and stock vehicles can negotiate, and the higher numbers signify a more difficult trail. For more information on upcoming Jamborees, contact Jeep Jamboree USA, Dept. Jp, P.O. Box 1601, Georgetown, CA 95634, 530/333-4777.