AZ RUN VIII

My two sons and I just attended the Arizona Run VIII. The "AZ Run", as it is known, is an annual event hosted by a group of southwestern Nissan 4x4 enthusiasts known as "SWANKy". They operate a website called nissan4wheelers.com

The AZ Run is a week-long, expedition-style off-road excursion through some of the most rugged and scenic back country that Arizona has to offer. For five days, we made our way through the desert and mountains from Mesa to Payson. We only got on pavement to replenish supplies on Wednesday afternoon.

For the boys and I, the AZ Run means an additional 3,000 + mile round trip to and from the event. We drove the truck the entire way, sleeping in the truck at night. As you may have guessed, it takes a lot of faith in God, our abilities and the truck that we have built to do this. The truck is affectionately known as "The Flaming Marshmallow"
On the run itself, we enjoyed primitive camping at a different place each night of the expedition. We survived on the provisions and equipment that we brought. On Wednesday afternoon, we passed through two small towns and were able to purchase more fuel and provisions.
The weather was gorgeous. T-shirt weather during the day, but close to freezing at night. As the journey progressed, our altitude increased. As the altitude increased, the temps dropped.
The area that we were in enjoyed a bountiful rainfall this year, which resulted in a green landscape, flowing streams, and flower-covered hilsides. Some of the views were nothing short of breathtaking.
I have posted a slideshow on the internet and I invite you to experience a taste of what we had the opportunity to live. Click here, (AZ Run pics) , sit back, and enjoy the ride.

Here are a few pics