A brief recap of Desert Safari 2012 -- there were 1768 registered vehicles. The previous high was 1552 registered vehicles in 2004.

There were 119 prize packaged worth more than $1000 each given away.

The daytime festivities included an great trail ride that provided ample opportunity to test your vehicle capabity and driver skill. Obama's Notch again claimed the high count in vehicle caramage with a combination of broken springs, bent pitman arms and broken axles.

Two soft roll overs with no injuries.

I did hear one comment I found funny. Keep in mind that I was one of the trail leaders and I set out to make some trail segments with significant challenges. One segment began one jeep width wide and one jeep length long entering into a narrow notch.

Tire positioning was critical to miss a boulder (about 24 inches in diameter) that was in the bottom. Correct tire positioning allowed you to straddle the boulder and move on to the next obsticle; 2 boulders followed by a short but steep uphill climb. The two boulders were smaller and placing one tire on one allowed you to miss the second.

I negotiated that notch about 6 times with one problem -- I forgot to engage 4x4 on my Atlas.

So, mornIng of the big run, I make it through (after engaging 4x4). On the other side, I waited and waited for the next vehicle. He came out with big skills and thanks for an awesome section. Wait and wait for the next vehicle. He comes out grumbling about too many boulders and we need to grade that section to remove them.

All on all, it was a great tracand a great day.