Off-roading at Goethe State Forest

 Jack and I took his Jeep off-roading in the Goethe State Forest, southwest of Williston.  To get there we drove to Williston and took high 121 south out of Williston.  We then jumped on Sand Ridge Road heading north into the forest.   We traveled on Sand Ridge until being forced to turn right as a private part of the road was blocked off.  The side roads were more fun as they had more ruts and water to traverse.  

The map below show the break where we were positioned (on the side road east of Sand Ridge) when we encountered a horse and carriage caravan.

We continued North until we hit County Road 326.  We turned left and went west on 326 for a few miles and then turned left went went back through the forest on Cow Creek Road back down to 121 - taking a few side roads along the way.

Jeep Spark Plug Project

Jack wanted to try and change the spark plugs in his 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The dealer quoted us $599 for the job so there was money to be saved if he could do it.

We ordered all 16! plugs and torque socket set. ~6 hours later he completed the job and did great!

Spark Plug Change in the 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee

We were due for new spark plugs in the 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.7L.  The big engine meant 16 plugs!  The dealership wanted $599 to do it but Jack wanted to try to do it himself.  The parts were $150.  $100 for the plugs and $50 for a torque socket set.  We went for it and Jack did it all himself with limited supervision and for sure did a better job than what we would have gotten at the dealer.

Jeep Grand Cherokee Hits 100k

We went in with Jack to purchase Rick and Barb's old 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee.  As we were driving it home we got to celebrate it hitting 100,000 miles.   I've personally only had one other car make it to 100,000 - my old 1987 Honda Accord which I ultimately sold when it had ~130k miles to buy a 1995 Mitsubishi Eclipse.  Something I still regard as a mistake!!!

The Jeep, however, was not a mistake.  It is in fantastic condition and will be a great first driver for Jack in the Fall.