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Thompson Hill

Most people say that Thompson Hill is the toughest part of the trail. Thompson Hill is deceivingly difficult because it doesn't look that bad, especially in pictures. Several factors come together to make this hill climb challenging. First, it's steep, and it gets steeper the farther up you go. The trail climbs to 10,000 feet elevation by the time you reach the top. The trail surface is loose and rocky. Many of the big rocks are loose and tend to roll around under your rig. It's a challenge to maintain momentum and a challenge to stay on line. Lastly, it's a long hill with few breaks along the way. This hill will test both driver and vehicle.

Andy led the way and he had few problems. The loose rocks rolling around under his FJ40 did cause a few problems, including a nicely striped driveline. Fortunately, the damage was mostly cosmetic and he was able to continue.

The rest of our group had trouble with a few spots and we resorted to stacking some rocks to help the rigs get over some of the bigger boulders. One of the biggest rock outcrops found its way well into Alvaro's wagon's under carriage. The big wagon slid off line and high centered onto the huge rock leaving all four tires without traction. Alvaro relied on his Hi-Lift jack, some precisely placed rocks and a tug backwards from Jeff to remove himself from this impressive stuck. Fortunately, the skid plates and armoring did their job and damage was minimal.

Jeff also needed a few attempts and some rock stacking to clear a few of the tougher spots. He lost his power steering mid way up the hill. Fortunately, a leak was identified at a hose connector and fixed. Once the system was topped off with fluid it started working properly.

The high altitude takes it's toll on man and machine. For man, it's tough to run ahead to spot or to toss a rocks and carburated vehicles often have problems with the thin air. We suspected such a problem when Rob's FJ40 died and wouldn't start. However, we determined the problem was caused by a plugged fuel filter. Swapping in a new fuel filter quickly solved that problem. The importance of carrying spare parts on this trail can't be overstated.

The first day we travelled about 10 miles and it took us about 10 hours! Much of that time was spent on Thompson Hill.

Hope you enjoy the pictures. - Jim