Tom, I thought for sure you had a radio. I coulda sworn you and John were using the VHFs to talk from the front to the rear of the pack seperate from us yahoos on the regular civy band.. Maybe that was stories about Carl from the year before..

 

I remember him conversing with someone on the HAM but it wasn't me.

 

Here in San Diego, Imperial and Orange County.... more and more offroaders are installing 2 meter radios since they realize the limitations of the CB in mountain areas.
There are repeaters that can be accessed while in the desert or the mountains from near or below the Mexico border and can transmit north of Los Angeles (this is just an example of how far you can transmit).
Recently passed the test for a General Ham license which provides me with more transmitting privileges.
Used 2 meter ham radios can be purchased on eBay for $75-125 and a good 5/8 wave magnet mount for anothrer $25-35. Once you start talking on 2 meters... you will wonder why you waited so long to take your test....

OR 4x4