I read the boards a bit before joining and seemed like a good place. I will try to join the trips posted here to make new friends while getting more familar with the country.
I was introduced to the area by my brother who did his Geology degree field work while living in Darwin in one of those small shacks in back of old post office/gas station for a few months in early 80s. He knows much about historical mining and especially mercury mines (old USGS job). We have explored old mine sites over the years but he is rarely available for trips since he works a regular corporate job. I'll try to get him to join these boards too.
I bought the Jeep Rubi last month and already put 4500 miles on it in 2 trips.
SF Bay area (Redwood City is home)-Yosemite-Owens Valley/White Mountains-Death Valley-Tonopah-Round Mountain-Austin-Fallon-Reno-home.
SF Bay area-Sonora Pass-Owens Valley/Darwin/Death Valley-Paurump-Laughlin-Bagdad AZ-Prescott-Jerome-Sedona-Grand Canyon-home.
I am not into off roading as much as old mine site exploring - which of course requires off roading. I have a lifetime "everything" warranty on my Jeep - so trying to keep things stock where I can. I have read Andy's thread on his jeep and others - yes this off road stuff does take $$$.
The "no political" comment sounds like there must be a history but its not my cup of tea anyway. If you want to discuss what trumps political contentiousness - theology - I use to be the message board administrator and debate moderator for a Christian forum on CompuServe. I also work as a consultant in litigation (mostly research work for attorneys in electronic patent/trade secret litigation). Argument doesn't bother me but I have no interest in working without pay - so no worries
Charlie
