John Muir would have driven a Jeep

Sierra Club members and Jeep enthusiasts can both bristle at the title. But it's true.

I've had my Jeep just four days and it has forced me to do a lot introspection. Obviously my back-country capabilities took a massive leap forward. The question then becomes, "what am I do to with my Jeep". Before answering that question, I should mention that my Jeep has a name now. My car's name was "Great Protector". But it has gone to that endless highway in the sky. The name of my new pony is "Grusche"

The name I have given her is a particularly apt moniker. She will carry me and protect me like her namesake in "Die Kaukasiche Kreidekreiz". I also think Bretolt Brecht would have driven a Jeep. Hell, everyone should!

So the answer to the question "what am I to do with Grusche" is not something I can answer directly nor quickly. Perhaps I can sum up my plans, as well as my belief that Muir would have driven a Jeep, by discussing Mount Moriah.

Mount Moriah is the middle mountain range that forms the western edge of the Snake Valley. It is a 12,000 footer and is only peak. Many times I have viewed it afar with wonder. To date, I have driven close to it (within 5 miles) only twice. That changes now. You need to go on 30 miles of dirt road just to get to the turn off towards the mountain. My car could take me no further. Grusche can get me to the mountain. She can also carry me part of the way up.When the existing road ends, Grusche shall go no further. I will then dismount, load my gear onto my back, and reverently proceed on foot.

Wilderness should not be penetrated by machine. It should only be had by physical exertion. I also have a personal code of conduct when in wilderness also. It's almost bushidoesque.

Mount Moriah is rarely climbed due to it's remoteness, difficult access, and a 6000 foot vertical climb that rivals Grand Teton in total elevation gain. It's like climbing Timpanogos...from the front!  I may not make it to the top, but just entering the wilderness of Mt. Moriah will be a lifelong dream.

And when I get done, I'm going to grab my brother Vance and go to the mountains to the north...the Deep Creeks. Back in the late 80's we went up the only Granite Creek Canyon. It is the only one with a trail that goes all the way up. We parked at about 5800 feet up. We'll see what Grusche can do.