anyone want to caravan in?

[married guy]

Hey everyone. I had been hoping to make it out to the nude beach for the first time with the wife. However, with a toddler and a second one on the way, it seems like it won't happen this summer. Between coordinating a baby sitter and not wanting to get stuck in mud with a pregnant wife, I am thinking of checking out the beach by myself first. I have never driven in sand before, so I'm a little apprehensive (plus not sure if I would find the "right spot" without some guidance). I was wondering if any other guys/couples would want to meet up at a gas station and drive in together. I want to drive my own car for experience but want have a guide and also not be stuck out there alone. I have a 4x4 grand cherokee, but its not lifted etc. Experienced in the lifestyle and also bifriendly; but not really looking anything more than someone to show me to driving ropes (although who doesn't like to share a tug in the sun!). May post in the main page if there's not a lot of response. Hoping to get out there late August (28th?)

[froggy]

Driving on sand is not very difficult as long as it is somewhat packed. If it is too deep and "loose" you could get into a situation. I have driven on McFadden from the High Island side about 3 times in my front drive Chevy Equinox. That said, the one thing you must avoid is the black mud areas. I have been out there and witnessed a guy in a Jeep Wrangler immobilized axle deep in a slippery black mud patch. The mud section was only maybe 100 feet long at the most yet there he was. I have not been to McFadden this summer at all (I have been 5 or 6 times to Hippie Hollow, instead) with all the heavy rains happening every time I had a free day. The last part of the last summer I started leaving my car in the parking lot and riding my mountain bike on the beach. Needless to say it was quite a chore to bike 10 miles in the sand with all my gear on my back. I stopped driving the Equinox on sand because I started to realize without 4wd how high the risk was. The sand and mud conditions change season to season and even week to week with the combination of storm surges, tides and rainfall. It has been my observation that there are times when there will be long stretches where driving is no problem and maybe 2 or 3 sections of 100 feet or so of where you really have to be on your game. If you were to get into a situation, you would be well equipped with shovel or sharp shooter and also a tow strap so some good samaritan could pull you out. There are lots of old-timers with great advice on the main page and I've learned a lot from them in the past 2 years or so.

I hope to see you out there.

[beachnuttin]

I always have a tow strap with me and drive a 4x4, never hesitate to pull someone out. Also have to be careful doing so some people just dont get it when being pulled out. Hope to see some of yall down there.

[59beachbum]

Married guy, I think you're already 90% there: you're cautious, especially with your family situation. You'll get lots of good advice from the experienced folks here. Which end do you come in from?

Sand or mud, 2x4 or 4x4, gotta have a plan B, and even a plan C. Can mean the difference between a good story around the fire and a really expensive aw-crap. Off-road much and you'll probably collect a few of each! We carry a short-handled shovel, hi-lift jack, chain, compressor, strap, tools, and boards. And that's when we're just in our old minivan! (Been one thing after another repairing the 4x4.) Folks like beachnuttin are great to have around to lend a hand, but I try to be self-sufficient. All part of the adventure for me. Wifey though, not so much!

Your Grand Cherokee would probably do fine with just a good set of tires. Sand is mainly about flotation: staying on top of it. Know the tow points on your vehicle, and know how to use the tools you bring. Avoid the mud: it can be like grease. We're also leery of the pools left by the sand bars when the tide is out. They're usually solid enough to drive on, but occasionally they're quicksand. If it looks dicey, get out and walk it first. I like to watch previous vehicles' tracks. I'll also watch my own in the mirror. They can tell a lot about surface condition. Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, watch the tides. We like to start in just past high tide, so we know we'll have plenty of room and time to get in and out, especially if we get delayed. Have fun! tides.willyweather.com/tx/jefferson-county/mcfaddin-beach.html

[samba]

Jul 21, 2021 2:40:14 GMT married guy said:

Hey everyone. I had been hoping to make it out to the nude beach for the first time with the wife. However, with a toddler and a second one on the way, it seems like it won't happen this summer. Between coordinating a baby sitter and not wanting to get stuck in mud with a pregnant wife, I am thinking of checking out the beach by myself first. I have never driven in sand before, so I'm a little apprehensive (plus not sure if I would find the "right spot" without some guidance). I was wondering if any other guys/couples would want to meet up at a gas station and drive in together. I want to drive my own car for experience but want have a guide and also not be stuck out there alone. I have a 4x4 grand cherokee, but its not lifted etc. Experienced in the lifestyle and also bifriendly; but not really looking anything more than someone to show me to driving ropes (although who doesn't like to share a tug in the sun!). May post in the main page if there's not a lot of response. Hoping to get out there late August (28th?)

[samba]

I’ll be heading out on the 13th of Aug. I’ve been there several times.

[married guy]

Thanks for all the good advice! All the directions from the home page of this site seem to suggest going Winnie then to High Island and then to nude beach, so I will likely try that route.

Unfortunately can't make it on a weekday, so will be planning to try one weekend.

Hope to see you all out there one day!

[Mrjoe]

I was thinking about going today or tomorrow I be been out there many times LMK if y'all wanna go I'd be happy to guide y'all through

[samba]

Sounds like a great idea. I was there in the 13th. Driving conditions were good. Let me know when you want to go. Email me: [e-mail]

[jrobe581]

Hey married guy I’m planning to go Monday or Tuesday upcoming. Still looking to ride share in?