I headed out with 775 Off-Road & Recovery Group (775 OFR) to recover a vehicle stranded in the Pine Nut Mountains, past Como ghost town. The owner was out last week during the storm looking for mountain lions. Unfortunately, a rock hit his oil pan, and he lost power and steering. Thankfully he found a cell signal down the slope at the turn of Como Berts Cabin and reached 911. Search and Rescue used an ATV to extract him, but the truck was left on the side of a narrow and steep road.
Brad (last week’s rollover instructor) led with Paul’s help (our ditch recovery instructor).
First Try
The night before the recovery, the guys met and bounced around ideas. They manufactured a lift with the idea was if they could get the front tires off the ground, they could tow it as a tow truck would. It amazes me that they can develop ideas, manufacture them within a few hours, then try them the next day.
The idea was great, but the truck was too heavy and on a downslope. The ingenious lift is a great idea but needs a little tweaking.
Second Try
775 attached a strap, using the lady’s favorite technique, a bridle. They got it to the top of the hill, but the disabled truck was difficult to control without steering. So it was towed out with the truck, with a Jeep behind to provide extra braking and control. It took time, but we got him over ten miles to the base of Como Road, where a tow truck could take it from there.
The A-Team
Denise and Chiky were on the recovery, along with David, one of my followers. Denise dubbed us “The A-Team.” We took pictures and videos, learned more recovery techniques, and provided comic relief.
Civilization
After four hours, we returned to the trial head and civilization. We hit some snow on the trail but got down before the storm hit.
The Rhino recovery strap and soft shackles were new that day. Pulling a disabled vehicle over ten miles puts a lot of wear on them. Rhino has a lifetime guarantee and will replace the straps with no question. They also donate supplies to 775 OFR, and work with them to develop new tools. I have a Christmas wish list full of Rhino equipment.
775 Off-Road & Recovery Group are all volunteers and donate their time to training and recovering vehicles off-road. If you are stuck off-road, you can contact them by phone or text at 775-238-3793. I have entered their information into my phone and Garmin InReach, so I can reach them if needed. They are expanding areas of coverage through Northern Nevada.
Como Ghost Town
I didn’t have much time, but I got a few shots of Como.
Closing down the vet clinic
We don’t know what Miss Edel got into. She was drooling like crazy, and we thought one side of her face was droopy. We took her to after-hours urgent care, meaning double the charge. The on-call vet thought she was drooling from an upset stomach from “dietary indiscretion.” Swissies and their stomachs will break me. She is on anti-nausea medication and acting like herself, so I think she is clear.
Weekends Training
This weekend’s training included shooting from kneeling, using the trigger reset, and cleaning the Glock. Kneeling was difficult; I was on the ski team in college and had knee issues. Cleaning the Glock is much easier than the CZ. Hubby ground down the frame, and after 75 rounds, I wasn’t getting sore on my knuckle.
Mom Time
The rest of the weekend, I was wife and mom, doing fun things like grocery shopping, laundry, and cleaning my spice drawers.
I love winter and making soups; I make huge batches. I freeze leftovers in gallon zip locks and freeze them flat. They store in the freezer like files and fit perfectly in my stock pot. They make a tasty and healthy dinner when I get home late from exploring. Add a salad, and it is a great meal. Tonight it is ham and bean soup with warm goat cheese salad.
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