<– Day 39 – Apr. 27th: Crying Babies and Grungie Folks | OVERVIEW | Day 41 – Apr. 29th: Ann Flies the Goose –>

Rick and I kneeling in front of men from Medford’s Firestation #4. They represent just some of the people who refurbished Rick’s CJ-2A.

We began the day with a quick trip over to the North Coast Co-op for some fresh bread, duck eggs (had to get 2 dozen), and some lunch items for a picnic at Redwood National Park. The co-op proved to be my favorite part of Eureka 🙂

Even better, there was a place that speaks “Jeep” across the street!

The clouds and rain promised by the weather experts on Monday never appeared. Instead, we were blessed with perfect weather for our drive up the remainder of the California Coast. Blue sky and a few clouds became a beautiful contrast to the tall, deep green forests we encountered.

Monday’s trip from Eureka, CA, to Rogue River, OR

During our drive we decided to stop at Trinidad. Dan had mentioned it in one of his comments. It turned out to have a high beach cliff with a beautiful view.

After Trinidad I expected to encounter a welcome sign for Redwood National Park. As we waited for the sign we were surprised to see a place called Trees of Mystery. Out front of the place was an enormous Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox.

Yep, that’s me leaning against babe’s leg.

After Trees of Mystery we continued searching for the welcome sign for Redwood National Park, but never saw it. It wasn’t until we reached Crescent City that I realized we must have driven through the park. Thus my plans for a picnic in the National Park was thwarted by signage, or lack thereof.

Fortunately, we planned to go through one more California State redwood park on our way to Grants Pass, so I still had an opportunity to make good on the picnic. But first, while in Crescent City, I looked up the Flat Fender Brewing Company. I learned that the store was closed (but still selling on eBay), so we left Crescent City and the coast for Grants Pass.

Just west of Crescent City is Jedediah Smith Redwood State Park. We weren’t inside the park very long when we encountered a small park road heading north. I took it, hoping to find a place for a picnic. We found lots of redwood trees, but no picnic spots or tables. Soon, the narrow paved road turned to dirt and puddles. It was pretty wet. My hope for finding a spot for a picnic were fading with each corner we turned.

Then, without warning, the trees broke, revealing a wide slow moving river (Smith River) with a large gravel beach. I was saved and my wife was very pleased. We got out all the picnic fixings and sat in our chairs with a beautiful, peaceful scene in front of us. It was perfect.

With lunch finished, we packed and continued west along U.S. Route 199. Much of the time the two lane road wound tightly along a rock ledge as the river ran toward the Pacific below us. It was a great way to leave California.

Eventually we made it to our destination for the night, Rogue River, Oregon. However, we still had one more thing to do. We wanted to meet with Rick and his team from Medford’s Fire Station #4.

Rick’s restored CJ-2A. The custom drawn fireman yeti’s on the side are a nod to Rick.

Rick’s story is a great one. In 2010 Rick purchased a 1948 CJ-2A sight unseen from a Montana seller (you might remember his story from 2011 it details the restoration). Rick was excited to get the jeep and talked about it with his fellow fire-fighters at Fire Station #4. By August 2011, he still hadn’t made it to Montana to pick up the jeep.

The body was trashed so they used some diamond plating to cover and reinforce the sides. Then they made the diamond plating appear to flow into the body. It gives the jeep a unique look.

So, Fire Station #4 decided they’d help him (and I’d like to apologize now for not remembering everyone’s name — perhaps there’s a reason I’m not a real reporter). Without Rick’s knowledge, one of them drove up, got the jeep, and brought it back to begin restoring it (it was a pretty big mess). Soon others in the department found out about the jeep and the project. The jeep was disassembled and parts were distributed among several households for cleaning, sanding, and repairs. Whole families completed small projects. It was truly an entire Fire Station effort.

The seat covers have the fire department logo, as do small leather strips that cover the wooden blocks on the hood. The personal details are great.

But not all parts could be repaired. So, the guys turned to Ron Fitzpatrick who now has his shop just a few blocks away from the fires station. All the guys said Ron was a big help. They also reported that someone down in Chico donated parts. When a local tire company heard about the project, they donated some tires.

Even with all the help and support, it is still amazing that the project was completed in two months and twenty-one days. On December 23, 2011, the station and their families gathered for their annual christmas party. While Rick was inside the house, they pushed the jeep into the center of the street, turned on some spot lights and brought Rick outside. They estimate that over one hundred people watched as Rick approached the jeep. They report he didn’t say anything. He just walked around and around it. Finally, his wife told him to jump into it.

When we asked what was the most difficult part of the restoration, they all said it was keeping it secret. Anytime they had to move the jeep, there was a coordinated effort to track him. Again, it was a group effort. The result is a beautiful, unique jeep with a fantastic story.

Thanks to Rick and everyone at Fire Station #4 for turning out to greet us and sharing their story. They are a classy group!

On Tuesday we drive to McMinnville for a visit to the Air/Space museum there. We visit R&P Wednesday morning.

<– Day 39 – Apr. 27th: Crying Babies and Grungie Folks | OVERVIEW | Day 41 – Apr. 29th: Ann Flies the Goose –>