My daughter, her husband, and two grand kids came to spend a few days for the 4th. �That included a short 4-wheeling trip.

Had to get my Jeep washed up and ready to pull a float in the parade. �Just coming into view behind another '49 CJ-3A and a roving truck-mounted band. �That Jeep came to town a couple years ago (and I reported on it and posted a couple of pics back then and even got some detailed info to BobW). �This is the first time it has been up and running for the 4th of July. �

Here is a photo of my Jeep and our float. �The theme of our parade is, "I am an American." �My brother and I created this float to express our displeasure with the BLM and Forest Service road and trail closures. �It's a big thing around here presently. �I'm afraid the greatest result of this effort was to turn my little yellow Jeep into a political target. �

The float messages were placed on a rotating paddle wheel to give a little motion and life to the float. During the restoration of my Jeep I almost painted it Luzon red. �May have gone better with the 4th of July colors.

The third flat fender Jeep in the parade was that pulled by a friend's CJ-7. �It is an old 1944 GPW Army Jeep (feel free to correct me rocketeer). �The owner, father of the driver of the CJ-7, was an avid Jeeper and professional mechanic. �Nearly 40 years ago he worked over the old GPW. �He installed a 6 cylinder Plymouth engine. �It has hauled him and his family all over the mountains, canyons, and deserts in this part of Southern Utah. He was a great help to me in the restoration of my Jeep. �He lost his battle with cancer just over a year ago. �

Here in my part of the country it was a great weekend for a parade, a cook-out, fireworks, and a little 4-wheeling. �Hope you all had a great 4th of July weekend.