Trail Day: Tillamook State Forest [Oregon]

February 2, 2014 scottmcnamara 1 Comment

February 1, 2014, 7:00AM

I always get excited the night before a big Jeep day. I meticulously pack all my recovery gear, load up the ARB with my vegan goodies, check under the Jeep, check the fluids, and try my best to get some sleep.

As I lay there in bed, I think about what the next day will hold – will I break anything? Will anyone do something awesome (i.e. will they break anything?) Will we all have an awesome time?

The answer to the latter is always a resounding yes. And this day was no different.

My morning began by speaking into this lovely box. On the other end? A Soy latte!

I departed Rhododendron early, in time for a mandatory coffee stop and to pick up some veganaise at Fred’s. Once on the road, I made my way to our typical meeting place in North Plains. I arrived about 30 minutes early.

Once the group was finally fueled up, we departed for Tillamook State Forest (TSF).

We pulled into Brown’s Camp to air down and plan our route. I was always interested in Little Rubicon (I mean, I did ‘Big Rubicon’ how hard can this one be?) so we headed off in that direction.

The early morning sun had not yet warmed the rocks of the Little Rubicon. Click to enlarge.

We all decided to walk the hardest part of the trail, choose our lines, and determine who would be the crazy one to go first. As Robert had the best rig for the job, we decided that he would be the guinea pig.

Jeff, claiming the best spotter’s spot. Click to enlarge.

After climbing the initial trail segment, Robert soon hit some of the famous TSF mud. Even his well-equipped JK with Tera Grapplers could not tame the mud, and we all decided it was in his (and his Jeeps’) best interest if we save this trail for another day.

Robert navigating the Little Rubicon. Click to enlarge.

After a regroup, we decided it was time to hit the famous Firebreak 5, similar in it’s intimidation to the Vonnegut namesake, yet lacking the intellectual depth. Nevertheless, we were off to sling some mud, do some good ol’ American cursing, and eat some Beyond Meat.

The lower sections of Firebreak Five. Click to enlarge.

The initial segments of FB5 were fun yet uneventful. At this point, the early morning clouds were burning off and the sun was filtering through TSF’s majestic pines. Of all the things I love about Jeeping in this forest, the smells are my favorite (and no, not just the burning rubber). Sadly, I was amazed at the timber harvest along this famous trail – it was unrecognizable.

We stopped for a quick lunch break, and I busted out the Beyond Meat, giving everyone a try. My trailing buddies also got free Beyond Meat coupons and recipes to make their own goodies at home.

After lunch we continued up the hill.

The one spot that we all struggled with (even Robert spun his tires once, I think) was a short muddy section with just enough of a mud/rock ratio that we needed to winch. Robert was the only one in our group to make it on his own.

Jesse hung up on the muddy rocks. Click to enlarge.

Even Jeff with his 37 M/Ts struggled in the slop. Click to enlarge.

We all (except Robert) got stuck and needed to be strapped and winched. And, before my friends blame me for not putting photos of my own recovery, well I was driving…

GoPro Still: Jeff getting tugged by Robert.

Once past this section there were a couple of small hang ups but for the most part we made our way along.

The final section saw us punching through the snowline for a nice change in scenery. The white forest was a stark contrast to the brown, mucky slop we had been fighting with.

Jeff navigating the tight trees on upper FB5. Click to enlarge.

The forest changed her challenge for us in this upper section, from mud to tight, narrow trees. These trees threatened to take off mirrors, fenders, and door handles, and could really make a mess of a nice JK hard top.

We all made it through this gauntlet without issue and soon popped out into a beautiful sunny opening that signaled the end of our day in TSF.

The required group photo at the top of Firebreak Five. Click to enlarge.

My day ended where most days should end – in front of a Buffalo Bomber wrap (with mac, of course) at Veggie Grill!

I struggled mostly in the mud on this trip, so most of my recommendations would focus on ways to get me the traction I needed in the slop.

WHAT CAME IN HANDY:

WHAT WOULD HAVE MADE IT BETTER:

Make This Food

Recipe: Double Bacon Cheeseburger a.k.a. “The One Bun Solution”

January 29, 2014 scottmcnamara Leave a comment

The rain has returned to Oregon, so for lunch today I craved something hearty.

But I had a problem…I only had one hamburger bun.

Soon, a smile crept in and I decided it would be National Vegan Junk Food Day in my house, and at that very moment.

WARNING: This is not a fancy recipe. It’s a bachelor version. Heat, serve, stuff.

You will need:

2 Vegan burgers (my fav are currently sold at Fred Meyer)
2 slices of Daiya Vegan Cheese slices
4-6 slices of Tofurkey Bacon Tempeh
ONE BUN
Condiments of choice.

1. Grill your burgers on the grill and add bacon slices about half way through.

Not the most appealing image, but at least it’s VEGAN.

2. Add the Daiya when the burgers are just about ready. I used an electric grill, so I had to hold the lid down close to the cheese so the heat would melt it, but not too close that it stuck.

3. Once the cheese is melted, build your burger!

4. Enjoy at once.

From the Trail

I love this Photo

Image January 24, 2014 scottmcnamara Leave a comment

I found this buried on my hard drive.

Taken in Moab, UT on our last jeep trip. October, 2013.

Install This Stuff

Product Install: ACE Engineering Rear Bumper with LEDs

January 23, 2014 scottmcnamara 12 Comments

This week, my Black Friday package from ACE Engineering finally arrived! All the hardware was glistening. Horror stories of boxes being deformed in transit were unfounded for me. Everything was in perfect condition…except one thing. Where are the instructions?

ACE did not include any, and I personally found their video online as missing some key updates. So I hope this install write up is a help to many!

NOTES: This install is for a 2013 Jeep JK. I also found that ACE has been making changes to their products, and not everything in their video instructions is accurate anymore.

1. Open all boxes and lay out all hardware. Ensure you properly protect the bumper and other items from concrete and damage to the powder coat.

2. Remove the factory or other bumper from the Jeep.

Continue reading Product Install: ACE Engineering Rear Bumper with LEDs →

Eat & Drink Here

Restaurant Review: Araya’s Vegetarian Place [Bellevue]

January 16, 2014 scottmcnamara Leave a comment

Bellevue has a surprising number of vegan-friendly places, and when all goes South you can always count on Whole Foods.

But there is a certain “must go” spot on the map that beckons from afar: Araya’s Vegetarian Place.

This sign beckons people all the way from Portland!

I have only been there for lunch (but on many occasions) and the lunch buffet is absolutely amazing.

One of the most beautiful things at Araya’s (besides the awesome decor) is the massive, always-full tub o’ Pad Thai. It is piping hot, perfectly flavored, and you NEVER have to worry about fish sauce!

The egg(free) rolls are the bomb, their rices are always fresh and deelish. The salad bar, while I never tried it, looks awesome as well.

The service there is mild (it is a buffet after all) but super friendly and accommodating.

The only down side is the parking situation. At lunch time, the tiny parking lots on each side of the building will be full, which leaves you parking across the way and crossing a very busy street. But that is my only qualm.

Next time you are in Bellevue, be sure to hit up Araya’s!

In the meantime, how about more food porn!?

Community

Everyday People doing Beautiful Things

January 7, 2014 scottmcnamara Leave a comment

It isn’t everyday that the Jeeping community gets to do something that dramatically helps other people. So when we heard about a restored 1974 Jeep J20 being donated to a family to help them, I jumped at the chance of being part of the Jeep family that would deliver the truck.

Our small group of Jeeps met in Troutdale and convoyed out to Hood River where we finally met up with others and the Hood River Police Department. Aaron is a retired Hood River Police Officer that ended his career early to stay home and assist his son, Thomas who needs special care.

The Jeep convoy from Troutdale to Hood River.

The group “Keeping Disabled Vets Jeepin and Free” works on and provides Jeep vehicles to vets and those needing a little Jeep love to keep them offroading and to allow them respite from their day to day.

They do wonderful things.

With a full police escort, our group snaked through Hood River, and ended up 11 miles out at the Jubitz family home.

There, the family was surprised with their fully restored Jeep J20.

After some walkthroughs of the Jeep, and some words shared by most, it was time for the maiden voyage as Aaron drove his wife off in their new Jeep.

Below is a video from the day I put together:

The thought I walked away from is how there are so many people around us doing beautiful things, and we don’t even know it.

If you can, please make a contribution to the program by contacting the group on their Facebook page.

Buy (or don't) this Stuff

Product Review: Rampage Products’ Jerry Can Toolbox

January 5, 2014 scottmcnamara Leave a comment

It is critical that on trail runs you bring ample tools with you.

On our recent trip to Moab, a brake caliper bolt somehow wiggled free, causing my caliper to slide down and grind along the inside of the rim.

Luckily I had my tools with me, and I fixed it in about 10 minutes.

But having a huge, noisy toolbox in the back of the Jeep also leaves a lot to be desired. So what is the best storage option for tools on the trail?

I believe it is the Rampage Jerry Can tool box.

Continue reading Product Review: Rampage Products’ Jerry Can Toolbox →

Eat & Drink Here

Restaurant Review: Wayward Vegan Cafe [Seattle]

January 3, 2014 scottmcnamara Leave a comment

Lunch one day at A.N.D. in Portland and Dinner at Wayward in Seattle!? It’s a vegan race up I-5 in this week’s restaurant review double header!

This was my second visit to Wayward Vegan Cafe, located in Seattle’s vegan mecca of University Way.

When you first pull up, the outside leaves a little to be desired, looking pretty run down and sandwiched between a couple of sketchy bars. And, honestly the inside, while clean, is not much better.

But, once you are over the austere decor, you are in for some truly delicious vegan chow!

Wayward Vegan offers more healthy choices, but each time I go, I find myself opting for a more “junk” food experience. It is also really cool that you can order breakfast or lunch all day.

The first time I visited, I ordered the “Mac Daddy” which is essentially a vegan Big Mac. Their menu describes it as “Two no beef patties, reuben sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions, on a sesame seed bun.” It was pretty awesome to eat something so vegan and so bad for you.

I also ordered the peach cobbler which quite honestly was not really that good. The nuclear fuel rod temperature it came out at might have had something to do with it, as it was waaaay over warmed. After letting it cool for a long time, I had a couple of bites and left the rest for the compost.

On my second visit I was starving. I had just raced the clock, trying to make it by 9:00PM (closing time). I asked the person taking my order what their most popular thing was, and ordered it. I waited in eagerness while my food was delivered.

It was a beautiful vegan club sammy!

This puppy was huge. Full of tempeh bacon, ham and turkey, on buttered bread, it was also really filling and probably not that good for me.

The Club was pretty good. The tempeh was not very bacony (which may or may not be a good thing for some) and I found it overall just lacking some flavor. It was still yummy, but surprisingly missing something.

For dessert I ordered the Oreo Cheesecake and it was really good. Not as firm as some of the better cheesecakes I have had, but still tasty and fresh.

The Wayward Vegan Cafe is a good place to stop for some really “good” junk food. I will most likely check it out once a year or so on my visits to Seattle, but not more than that.

Eat & Drink Here

Restaurant Review: A.N.D. Cafe [Portland]

January 2, 2014 scottmcnamara 7 Comments

As many people know, brunching in Portland is something of an olympic sport. It is part of our heritage, much like good espresso, grey Winter days, and cold craft beer. And, just like never owning an umbrella, people have come to look at standing in a long line as something that actually defines a true Portlander.

So, when you can find an amazing vegan brunchery (not a word until just now) with not much of a wait, it is like the heavens have opened up and a thousand angels are singing.

This sign beckons me in my dreams. Is that creepy?

A.N.D. Cafe rarely has a long line of hungry souls, but that is not due to the food, atmosphere, or service. I tend to think it is due to being “farther out” on Burnside than most fixie riders are willing to go.

Let them have the Screen Doors and Tin Sheds of the World. We’ll fill up the Jeep and barrel her down Burnside for some of the best vegan food Portland has to offer.

A.N.D. Cafe is, by default vegan. However, upon request, vegetarians and omnis can elect to have eggs and dairy cheese subbed.

Let’s talk food.

I cannot recommend enough, anything with their walnut meat loaf. My personal fav is the Meatloaf Benedict, but the sammy is great also. On their menu, the MB is defined as “herb tofu or two poached eggs, walnut meatloaf, hollandaise, toast.”

The Florentine waffle is an amazing choice, with chicken (Beyond Meat), gravy, scrambled tofu, hollandaise, and tomatoes. It also is stuffed with cheese (I’m thinking Daiya) and spinach.

Just today I tried the Buffalo Blue Hoagie, a buffalo chicken (ala Beyond Meat) sandwich with homemade blue cheese and spinach. The soft, velvety bread makes this easy to eat. It is a top contender for possibly being one of my favorite all-time vegan sandwiches. And I don’t just throw that around all willy-nilly.

The best vegan sammy in ALL of Portland? The Buffalo Bleu Hoagie.

Melanie ordered their special today, which was a fried tofu cutlet with gravy, kale and cheddar jalapeno corn bread. She liked it, but made the mistake of trying my chicken sammy first. Once she had that, the bar was set too high for the tofu cutlet to keep up.

Service is short, brisk, and very pleasant which is really what you want in a place like this. I don’t have time for clingy waiters and waitresses – get my order right, bring me my food, check on me from time to time, and let me free up that table for the next hungry group.

The people at A.N.D. Cafe are always great.

Let’s talk about the BAD parts of A.N.D. Cafe:

….

(there are none)

In conclusion, this place is a pillar of the vegan scene in PDX and should never be missed. If you are a vegan in town and have not been here yet, GO THERE. Make it a regular stop. If you have out of town guests, take them here and blow their minds.

Install This Stuff

Product Install: J.W. Speaker LED Fog Lights for JK

December 27, 2013 scottmcnamara 6 Comments

UPDATE: March 05, 2014: Received this email from Northridge: “I talked to JW Speaker on the lights and they say that is well within the acceptable limits of moisture inside the light. As soon as the weather levels out and warms up a little you should see that dissipate. Keep an eye on it and let me know if it gets worse but at this point there is nothing to worry about.”

UPDATE: February 26, 2014: I recently noticed condensation inside my fog lights. I will be contacting JW Speaker to learn about the cause and a resolution and will update this blog post.

—

NOTE: This install is specifically for installation of the J.W. Speaker LED fog lights into the Warn Elite Stubby front bumper.

Santa arrived a little late this year, but he brought me a beautiful set of J.W. Speaker LED fog lights (model 6145). My Trucklite headlights put out a crisp LED light, but the OEM fogs were not cutting it and had to go.

Install Notes:

You may want to just remove the entire bumper to make this easier. I was working by myself and, being lazy did not want to remove the winch. That being said, I also did not want to remove and reattach a bumper AND winch on my own. These notes do not cover bumper removal, just adjustments so the install can happen on an installed bumper.

I am also really surprised that such a premium product comes with ZERO instructions. If these were truly plug and play, I could understand. However, I had to drill, cut, splice, etc. Very surprising.

1. Lay out all parts and ensure you have everything needed. The following tools will also come in real handy:

Work light
Magnetic tool retriever
Vise grips
Drill (w/ 1/4″ bit)
Wrenches and sockets (w/extensions)
Electrical tape
Zip Ties (large)
Butt connectors (optional) but recommended)
Heat shrink tubing (optional)
Heat gun (optional)
Beer (this is a surprisingly frustrating install)

2. Remove the two wire adapters from the back of the OEM lights.

3. Remove the 8 (4 per side) bolts fastening the bumper to the frame end.

4. Remove the driver side frame tie in bolt and flag nut (requires a 24mm socket).

5. Prop the bumper for safety using jack stands.

6. Pull the driver side bumper end away from the frame as far as it will go. Do not force it. Only the passenger side frame tie in is holding the bumper.

7. Remove the single nut holding the driver side light bracket to the bumper.

8. Once removed, the bracket assembly should look like this:

9. Using a socket and wrench, remove the OEM light from the bracket.

10. Install the J.W. Speaker light into the bracket using the two top holes in the bracket. Ensure the script in the lens is oriented correctly. Note the bottom holes will not accept the Warn bolts.

11. Drill out the bottom two holes in the J.W. Speaker light bracket (plastic) using a 1/4″ bit.

12. Continue to install using the two remaining bolts/nuts in the bottom two positions on the bracket. Completed assembly should look like the below:

13. Install the bracket into the bumper location and hand tighten the bolt. This is a fitment test.

14. Tighten the bolt with a wrench and socket. Note: Lay a socket at the base of the bracket to prevent the bracket from pivoting forward when tightening.

15. Perform steps 7-14 on the passenger side.

16. Peel back factory wire loom and tape from the OEM light adapter. Cut the two wires about 2″ from the adapter. Remove insulation for a clean install.

17. Cut an appropriate length of heat shrink tubing and place above the butt connector. Using the butt connector, connect the black wire from the Jeep’s harness to the JW Speaker harness. Do the same for the red and white/yellow (may change).