Muddy Dog Jeep Tales with Karen Moody
I would like to introduce you to Karen Moody. I think the first time we met is when I ran up to her Jeep window and said very loudly, “I love your Jeep”. She probably was reaching for some way to protect herself and probably thought I was completely crazy. Her jeep is Navy (True Blue), the color I really wanted. Also the personalization on her Jeep are wonderful to a map freak like me. Karen did give me a pass on the crazy and we did become friends. She has a giving heart and is so positive and encouraging. She is a joy to be around. Karen has worked in the telecommunications industry for over two decades. She began her career when there was only two major carriers, before caller ID was introduced and now we can watch TV on them. She is extremely fortunate to get to work from home for a major carrier keeping people connected which allows her to fund all her Jeep mods. Here is her Jeep story:
What is your Jeep Name and how did you decide on that name?
I named my rig Denali for my love of Alaska after living there for 4 years.
What or Who inspired you to get a Jeep?
I’ve always had an affection for Jeeps after purchasing my first YJ back in 1995.
How many Jeeps have you owned? What are the models and years?
‘95 YJ Rio Grande, ‘98 TJ Sport & ‘13 JKU Sahara
What Modifications are you most proud of or were the most excited to get?
I love my custom Jeep Junk inner fenders for the cool design and my Bestop Sunrider for practicality.
What do you like the best about Jeeps and the Jeep community?
What I love about my Jeep is that it gives me a sense of empowerment and acceptance by a male dominated sport. Not to mention I’ve made so many friends in the Jeep community all while raising money for very deserving charities.
What is your favorite Jeep Story?
April 2018 was my first introduction to trails with The Jeep Crew at Windrock Park in Oakridge, TN. I earned a Jeep Badge of Honor that day on Trail 26 and boy what an adrenaline rush! We were supposed to do green trails that day, but our lead ventured off the set route and I completed this moderate trail without even airing down, disconnecting or knowing when/how to use 4-low. After that day I was hooked!
What is your favorite trails and why?
Coppinger Cove in Sequatchie, TN is my favorite place to ride cause it’s challenging, there’s caves, waterfalls, creek crossings and it’s so secluded.
Do you have any Jeep pets?
My 6 year old Pomeranian, Bentley is my partner in crime and he loves to go for rides. He does just fine as long as he’s in my lap where he can see everything, but when it’s more challenging terrain he will accept his booster seat.
Any favorite groups, company, volunteer agency, etc. that you would like to give a shout out to?
I’m a member of many Jeep clubs both local and nationwide including Topless in Tennessee, but at the end of the day I’m what I like to refer to as a “Free Agent” and do events that interest me regardless of the club. I’m fortunate to have built relationships with multiple companies in the off-road community and am a Brand Ambassador for CrawlHer, RedRock 4X4, Skullkrushers and most recently Steinjager. If interested in these products use code Denali20 for CrawlHer and 5RED0531 for RedRock 4x4.
Any other hobbies you would like to share?
I’m a planner, so I’m constantly coming up with ideas for rides whether it’s scenic with some history included or just fun murals. All I need is Mother Nature to cooperate!
I hope you have enjoyed reading about this wonderful lady and her adventures. If you see Karen and Denali out and about, tell them you met them here.
Lisa Gatewood
I am extremely grateful for the ones in my life who have taught me how to grow, stretch my comfort zone, laugh, and give me support. I am also thankful for a hair clip side gig that allows for many jeep trips, and it is the perfect way to contain the crazy jeep hair into beautiful hair. Here are the links if you are interested in the Jeep Jewelry www.gatewoodsjubilee.biz. or you can go to www.LillaRose.biz/Gatewood for that amazing hair Flexiclip.
The jeep hairclips are available with this Google form or at a show. To get a free video of 9 easy hairstyles and a chance to win a free Flexi Sport, register here: MuddyDogJeepBlog . For more styling videos you can check out my YouTube channel Gatewood's Jubilee .