There’s something refreshing about the earthy scent of mud and I got up close and almost personal with it during the inaugural Gone Country Jeep Weekend at the Redneck Yacht Club Mud Park in Punta Gorda, Fla. It was a glorious gathering of all things Jeep with no other vehicles allowed on the grounds.



I watched as some took on the obstacle courses in efforts to climb man made hills stacked with cement culverts. From what I saw, more didn’t make it over the top than those who did. I don’t consider myself a car or truck person – a vehicle is a means of transportation – but it was pretty impressive seeing these vehicles climb.

As for the mud, Jeeps seemed to be having a jolly time rolling through the pits, coating them from roof to tires in a chocolate-brown, gooey layer. I even saw people splattered with mud. The extent of my interaction with mud was picking some up on the treads of my pink Converses and brushing up against the Jeep escorting me through the grounds.

Although the Gone Country Jeep Weekend (Jan. 24 – 26, 2014) was for Jeeps only, the Redneck Yacht Club offers other mudding and non-mudding events open to the public throughout the year. The 800-acre property is available to rent for private events and includes a concert stage, Florida wilderness, primitive camping and of course, tons of mudding opportunities.

Personally, I’d think it’d be interesting to hold a Burning Man-type event out there for a weekend or week. Or, I can see a corporation hosting a weeklong retreat or meeting, using recreational vehicles for lodging accommodations and headquarters. It’d also make a fantastic product launch site for various outdoor products, such as ATVs, four-wheel drives and apparel. I also wonder if a spa vendor has entertained the idea of offering mud massages and treatments during mudding events. Hmm.

Anyway, visit www.redneckyachtclubmudpark.com for additional information on future events and learn more about what the Redneck Yacht Club Mud Park offers.

And yes, the name Redneck Yacht Club, LLC, is licensed from the writers of the song, “Redneck Yacht Club,” Thom Shepherd and Steve Williams.

Redneck Yacht Club Mud Park

44570 Bermont Road

Punta Gorda, Fla. 33982

Tel: 239- 209-3773

www.redneckyachtclubmudpark.com

Visit my Flickr account for additional photos from my adventure and search #GCJeeps on social media channels to find more photos of the event