I’m sorry to report that Bruce Agan passed away after a short fight with cancer yesterday in Iowa.

We first exchanged emails in 2009. He generously shared a large amount of DJ-related info for eWillys readers. Over the ensuing years he became a go-to-guy for anything DJ-3A, Gala, or Surrey related. In 2012, he started the site http://www.jeepsurreygala.com, which contains a large amount of DJ info. I had hoped to stop by and visit with him during one of our trips, but I hadn’t got the chance.

So, we bid a farewell to our good friend. Perhaps he’s already busy discussing the finer points of the Surrey with Elvis. Here’s the surrey that Bruce restored, one of several jeeps he owned.

Don’t forget that this weekend is the Great Willys Picnic & the Bantam Jeep Festival this weekend!

I traded in four wheels for two feet and a stick and am resting in one of Muddy Creek’s chutes. As you can see, I am sporting the latest in hiking apparel. Despite mid-90s temps and constant sun, I escaped with no burns!  My son says I looked like I was an old desert dweller. I think he meant it as a compliment.

I have returned! You might have noticed this already, but I didn’t use my computer for four and a half days. It’s been eleven years since I’ve gone that long without touching a computer. I suppose, technically speaking, I did use my phone for a couple days, but I’m just going to ignore that fact. I still have many emails to get through, so if I haven’t answered yet, either pester me or be patient.

Regular updates will begin tomorrow (Thursday morning). This morning, you get to read about my canyon adventure and why I learned that having to go to the bathroom with horseflies around isn’t much fun.

Our trip began Wednesday with a drive down to Twin Falls, Idaho. On our way, we stopped at the western foot of the Blue Hills for some refreshments. There, Ann insisted she get her photo with Big Foot. We even bought a “Believer” shirt that included a Big Foot illustration.

My beard is a bit thick, maybe she thought that was me??

On Thursday we reached Salt Lake City. Needing to kill some time before dinner, Karson suggested we hang out at Liberty Park, Salt Lake’s version of Central Park. While there, he wanted to show us how to walk a slack line. I quickly learned I lacked slack skills.

My youngest son Colter is laughing at me. I might have stayed up a total of 2 seconds.You can see my “Believer” shirt.

Ann gave it a try. I didn’t dare let her fall off.

We had a good time with Karson and Colter. My mother and Ann’s son Daniel joined us as well.

On Friday, Karson and I headed south for our camping trip. Our goal was to hike some of the chutes on Muddy Creek, a small river that winds through the San Rafael Swell not too far south of I-70. There is no cell-service or any other services. Just another out-in-the-middle-of-nowhere-Utah place.

We arrived Friday afternoon. It was a beautiful drive to our starting point, near Tomisch Butte.

Driving West on road 1019.

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We arrived in Salt Lake on Thursday for dinner with my youngest son, who graduated this week. On Friday, Ann departs from Salt Lake City for Pasco with my computer. Meanwhile, I’ll be heading down to the San Rafael Swell to explore a tall slotted canyon for a couple days with my oldest son, Karson. On Sunday (which is birthday 51 for me), my son and I return to Salt Lake and I’ll spend the day with my other two kids. On Monday I’ll be heading for Winnemucca, then turn north for Silver City, Idaho for a little remote mountain exploring.

That’s a quick summary of this quick trip. Though I’ll be gone, I won’t forget you all. I have posts that will appear for the days I am away :-).