Crocodile Lake 2.0

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ginger
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Normal 0 false false false EN-GB X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 Crocodile Lake 2.0
Unfortunately I could not make the camp, but arrived early in the morning in an area I had not previous driven in. I was in Bu Salem’s convoy and the softness of the sand combined with sharp dunes made it challenging, technical, but also exhilarating.
I did get caught by MDG in a V-shaped ditch, which was ’perfectly placed’ directly after coming up and over a crest. When I saw the ditch I slowed right down, failing to accelerate and give myself enough momentum to climb out. I then reversed getting myself well and truly wedged in. A very good lesson was learnt!

We visited Fox hole with its interesting rock formation, and then on to Crocodile lake itself, and I’m sure I saw some movement below the surface of the water!

Many thanks as always are due to the organisers for a really great trip.

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Agalon
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I was a late comer for the camp on Thursday. While going out of the Al Khatim ADNOC, it was a nice coincidence that i saw Mazaaj heading to the camp so i followed and we went together to the destination. It was a good night after a very frustrating day. Fire, karak and nice chit chat with friends.

Morning i joined in the 5+ convoy lead by strawb. It was my first 5+ drive and it was totally different. I got that things started to get serious as the level goes up. The track was amazing. Obviously was demanding much more concentration then my previous drives in all means; keeping the distance, following the track, the technique to pass over the dunes and the pace. I really felt the difference between 5- and 5+ and glad i made it with no serious issues.

I had a couple of suffers which i managed to self recover by the help of Abu Jimmy. One time, which i consider as a mistake that should not be done again, i tried to make my 2nd round fast and catch the convoy, but did not warn anybody on the radio. The result was me and the rest of the convoy loosing the track as they followed me. Thanks to our marshals they responded quickly and we caught the convoy. I am really sorry for that. The crocodile lake, the fox hole and the truck of the first almoster was nice to see.

Thanks strawb for the lead and track, Abu Jimmy and Hamdan for the assistance, Hockey (he was driving in front of me) for being supportive and so kind and all the convoy for the drive...

See you next time in sand...
AGALON
/ Wrangler JK'18
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mike
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My trip was as great, unfortunately I didn't get to camp, as I had family commitments. So I left early Fridsay morning and had a drafty early morning drive. After missing making a few detours on the way, due to miscacluations on how far I had to go to get to a junction I arrived at the site in time.

The 10+ trip was great, lots of stucks in the fine soft sand, beautiful scenery and great company. Thanks to the marshalls and Bu Salems route.

When I got home I noticed that I had lost my front number plate, which a total of 3 plates lost on the trip. Perhaps the Crocs have decided number plates are the latest delicacy!
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Bambam
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After meeting at the petrol pump, we headed to the camp site and decided not to deflate since we would only be driving 150 mtrs to the site. after 50 meters my little bugger car decided to dig in and we stopped to deflate... :) Veryt soft sand and shary dunes promised an interesting drive for the day after... :ORLY:
Great camp - was advised on how to dig a propper hole for a "Karak" fireplace - tried my new2 instant tent and amazingly comfortable chars - and of course a small BBQ

Next day early morning 5+ drive lead by Strawb started. Sharp dunes in that ammount was new for me but we survived unexpectadly well. Had a flat tire (almost pop out?) overall nice crestings - quote Abu Jimmy: "I want to see complete arches - DON'T fight Gravity" and figured that the crocodile went on vacation with the fox. Were lead to the old truck where we took tons of pictures. Strawb explained his handbrake Diff Lock secret - fast rallye tracks technical dunes and driving behind two Wranglers was a challenging but great day! Thanks for everything everybody!
strawb
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[quote=Bambam;33702] Strawb explained his handbrake Diff Lock secret [/quote]

I cannot take credit for this

learned it from the best club .................. one of the Almost4x4 founders and Jeep Guru Al Khatib
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Green Giant
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Thanks to everyone for a fantastic Camp and Drive this week. I arrived at the ADNOC Al Khatim early and met Yasir there, soon after others arrived and we chatted for a while before setting off for camp. As Bambam mentioned, we didnt deflate and once we hit the soft sand we didnt get too far! Tyres down, recce of the area by Strawb and Bu Salem and we set up camp for the night. Chit chat round the fire, star gazing, peace and tranquility - just what was needed! Apart from the local in a buggy 'buzzing' the camp in the early hours all was well!

We woke to a clear, crisp morning and broke camp ready for the drive. Two groups, 5+ led by Strawb and 10+ led by Bu Salem. I was placed second lead in the 10+ and off we headed into the sun, being challenged pretty quickly by the soft sand, the sharp crests and the excellent route! A few stucks in the convoy behind delayed progress a little however it gave the opportunity to take in the breathtaking scenery. I had one trouble with a very soft short dune and managed it at the second attempt. Lesson? Momentum and approach angle - get them correct and no troubles!

Bu Salem said from the start that the route would be technical and challenging; a few areas caught people out - sharp crests, soft sand and a nasty double dip (two lost number plates Taurus and Defrag) and a stuck. After a very exhilarating 2 and a bit hours I unfortunately had to leave the convoy and head back to Dubai due to a previous arrangement hence missed Crocodile Lake :oh noes:. I had probably the best drive so far with the Club, based on a number of factors - route, position in convoy, terrain and enjoyment, and have an ever increasing thirst for more, more, more!

Many thanks to Bu Salem, Bu Shahid and Mazaaj for lead and sweep, to the rescue team drivers and to fellow N10+ for another unforgettable friday morning. Video to follow, but see link for a few pictures I (and the Go Pro!) took.

https://www.facebook.com/#!/jeremy.spen ... 414&type=3

See you all soon in the sand.
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caprihorse
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[quote=Green Giant;33709]

https://www.facebook.com/#!/jeremy.spen ... 414&type=3

[/quote]
Pls make this and future albums public, otherwise we cannot share them on FB.
Mohammad
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I was one of few who reached in the morning since I am an early bird it is easier for me to wake up at 4:00am rather than sleeping late!!
Breifing started with BuSalem for the route of 10+ and then Strawb lead the 5+ changing the route plan avoiding the sun ray.

The trip entailed a list of pop-out sessions, Off course since I was the second leading car (It was great to be after Strawb and no need to listen to radio, his exhaust system were entertaining enough) I had to start the session but with loose tire valve (always carry spare once)
Tech snags, stuck-ups (including me!) in a ditch and was glad that it did happened because I learned to watch the leading car and judge on appropriate moments to accelerate to avoid the situation.

Special thanks to Strawb, Abu Jimmy, Hamdan, Hocky reaching out and assisting on all instances and Thank you all for another lovely day in the desert.
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bombays
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I had registered for Morning drive as i knew i wont be able to make it to camp on time. I reached Camp site at 5.30 am and met abu jimmy and green giant. Chatted for a short while and headed in car for POWER NAP. Got up at 7.30 with lot of excitement as this was my first drive in Khatim Area. I was in 5+ convoy and was very happy to hear that i would be Sweeping for the convoy. We started and were heading towards crocodile lake. Reached there and had a short break. enjoyed the aura . We then headed towards fox hole and strawb made the track quite exciting and challenging. We did had some pop outs but enjoyed the drive. We then had a break next to an BEDFORD truck. Clicked pics and had fun. Thanks strawb for a wonderful drive. Thanks Hamdan , Abu Jimmy , Hockey and all members to make this drive amazing as usual.
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