Thanks so much VX KAT...that helps a lot. I was planning a grand trip of the National Parks around a training in Vegas. I couldn't do it because the remanufactured engine I had to install didn't even make it to Austin and back. Engine #3 seems to be fine, but we're going to do the oil and see if there are metal flakes again.

I own a travel agency and it's the 100th anniversary of the National Parks system. 'Zu Zoo looks awesome, but I can't imagine not hitting those two while we're right between them (I'm getting Mesa Verde in along the way from Dallas,too...then Monument Valley on the drive home).

It doesn't seem like many (any?) others are backcountry capable or willing, but there is a 100 mile loop in Canyonlands called White Rim Road, with the ability for "high clearance 4-wheel drive" vehicles to drive down Lathrop Canyon to the shores of the Colorado.

I'm probably looking at blending things like that and some Arches driving/hiking with 'Zu Zoo events first. That way y'all can teach me how to drive this beast 1/2 as good as it's previous owner Ryan did at Uwharrie!