11/21-22 Sandstone Canyon (Anza Borrego)

[FrankB]

Thought we might get the November run posted up early:

Fish Creek and Sandstone Canyon - Anza Borrego Desert State Park

Saturday, November 21st

Meet Time / Spot: 10:00AM at the Anza Borrego Desert State Park Visitor Center
200 Palm Canyon Drive
Borrego Springs, CA 92004

Fish Creek is a little over 12 miles of mostly flat sandy wash, with lots of interesting geology along the way. Sandstone Canyon is another 2+ miles, but very narrow and twisty in places, with high rock walls. We'll come back out the same way, total off-road miles should be about 25.

This trail should be stock friendly, but 4WD is recommended due to sandy spots and so you don’t dig holes in the trail. We’ll be driving at a leisurely pace but you’ll be more comfortable with tires aired down, so a way to air back up is advised. I'll check with the park rangers as we get closer to the date for current trail conditions. We'll find a shady spot for lunch in Sandstone Canyon, and there is a nice hike for after lunch at the very end of Sandstone Canyon. Plan for all day.

For anyone who wants to camp, there are several options. The Fish Creek Primitive Camp is located 1.4 miles up Fish Creek from the start of the trail (which is at the end of Split Mountain Road south of Ocotillo Wells). There is a vault toilet there, and marked spaces, but little else. They may have fire rings, I’m not sure. We'll pass right by there in both directions; if anyone wants to camp Friday night let me know in advance so we can meet up there in the morning as we pass by. Last year 5 of us camped towards the end of Sandstone Canyon. There was probably room for a few more vehicles. Very nice camp spot. There are also many spots in Fish Creek that would be good, if they are not already taken. Note that ground fires are not allowed in Anza Borrego DSP, you will need a metal container if you want an open fire.

If anyone coming from the San Diego area wants to caravan out there let me know in advance, and we can meet at or near my house (east of I-15 off Scripps Poway Parkway) ready to roll at 8:00AM. I'm allowing enough time for a stop at the Julian Pie Company bakery in Santa Ysabel to pick up some fresh apple pie to go with lunch.

References:

Wells: Guide to So. Calif. Backroads & 4WD Trails - #55, pp 198-199
Huegel: California Desert Byways - #51, pp. 156-157
Massey: Backcountry Adventures So. Calif. - South Coast #30, pp. 383-385

Communication:

FRS Channel 11, sub-code 24
CB Channel 24

Please post any comments, suggestions or questions, and let us know if you’re coming.

Thanks – Frank B.

[Paul]

Trixie the Wonderdog (if she makes it to November  ), Noon, and their driver Paul.

We'll likely camp Friday and Saturday.

11/21-22 Sandstone Canyon (Anza Borrego)

11/21-22 Sandstone Canyon (Anza Borrego)

[Pigcat]

I heard that was a pleasant trip for everyone last year until some yahoo came racing up the canyon 

[FrankB]

I heard that was a pleasant trip for everyone last year until some yahoo came racing up the canyon 

You should have stayed around longer, it got really nice after he left. 

[Pigcat]

LOL!!!  I've been away for a while but it appears that Frank is now the quip'ster in place of Mitch Can it be so 

[AV Xterra]

LOL!!!  I've been away for a while but it appears that Frank is now the quip'ster in place of Mitch Can it be so 

Yes he is.  Sharp as a tack.

[FrankB]

Yes he is.  Sharp as a tack.

You guys have both been away too long, there is no way I could ever even come close to Mitch, and I mean that with truly the utmost admiration.  Really, who else could come up with such classics as:

"Just so you know, Dan is a totally different person when you're alone with him and John out in the middle of the Nevada desert huddled in the back of your X under a sleeping bag clutching a Surefire and a Sig and wearing an aluminum foil beanie."

Or, in response to my question of what the hell Randy was talking about when he wrote:

Randy (xtatic):  "Really, I've been given one of Sage's new two-handers to test, a 13/6 8wt to test til the end of June. More of a "switch-rod", they call it an "ultralight spey" I've had it for nearly two months and was supposed to use it last w/e outside of Vancouver. I jacked my back up just prior and had to bail on the trip. Maybe I'll try it in the surf. Probably the only chance I'll get. I'm headed away from the E.Sierrs hordes this w/e and will probably hit some spots on the Kern Plateau...maybe Monache Mdws. area..... Guaranteed "Grand Slam". Have fun and take pix."

Me:  "What language are these guys (xtatic and EditorX) speaking? Anyone have an English translation?"

Mitch:  "It's Neo-Fishmalian, a modern version of Olde-Fishmalian which employs an updated vernacular in order to express oneself more accurately. It’s a troublesome language that is nearly impossible to learn or translate unless you grew up with it or have been exposed to it from a very early age. Basically he says, "No #$%@, Sage gave me one of his big-ass fish pole to try out for awhile. It’s good for big fish and little fish. I've had it awhile and was supposed to try it out up north last month but I hurt my back and couldn't go. Maybe I'll try ocean fishing with it. Blah, blah, blah... breakfast at Denny's. Porn."

[superslidestyle]

I wish I could go but my X is still down.  Have fun everyone, maybe I'll make the Dec. run.

[Paul]

I wish I could go but my X is still down.  Have fun everyone, maybe I'll make the Dec. run.

Bring your Murano out!

[XterracerX]

You guys have both been away too long, there is no way I could ever even come close to Mitch, and I mean that with truly the utmost admiration.  Really, who else could come up with such classics as:

"Just so you know, Dan is a totally different person when you're alone with him and John out in the middle of the Nevada desert huddled in the back of your X under a sleeping bag clutching a Surefire and a Sig and wearing an aluminum foil beanie."

Or, in response to my question of what the hell Randy was talking about when he wrote:

Randy (xtatic):  "Really, I've been given one of Sage's new two-handers to test, a 13/6 8wt to test til the end of June. More of a "switch-rod", they call it an "ultralight spey" I've had it for nearly two months and was supposed to use it last w/e outside of Vancouver. I jacked my back up just prior and had to bail on the trip. Maybe I'll try it in the surf. Probably the only chance I'll get. I'm headed away from the E.Sierrs hordes this w/e and will probably hit some spots on the Kern Plateau...maybe Monache Mdws. area..... Guaranteed "Grand Slam". Have fun and take pix."

Me:  "What language are these guys (xtatic and EditorX) speaking? Anyone have an English translation?"

Mitch:  "It's Neo-Fishmalian, a modern version of Olde-Fishmalian which employs an updated vernacular in order to express oneself more accurately. It’s a troublesome language that is nearly impossible to learn or translate unless you grew up with it or have been exposed to it from a very early age. Basically he says, "No #$%@, Sage gave me one of his big-ass fish pole to try out for awhile. It’s good for big fish and little fish. I've had it awhile and was supposed to try it out up north last month but I hurt my back and couldn't go. Maybe I'll try ocean fishing with it. Blah, blah, blah... breakfast at Denny's. Porn."

OMG! That's hilarious! 

[Soylent Yellow]

I fail to see the humor.

[Xterror]

Hi everyone. Long time since I've posted anything, been busy being a Dad . There's a small chance I can make this run on Saturday. I'm really going to try, I got my BFG AT almost a year ago and haven't touched any dirt. LoL. If I do make it I will prob bring my 2 labradors if you guys don't mind. They're very friendly and will be leashed at all times.       Edgar 

[Bobby B.]

Dogs are cool for club runs.  You just have to be on top of things.

[sturndog]

I just wanted to apologize to many of the rumours I started and perpetuated -here are a few of them.

1. That Mitch and Dan carried yellow spray cans to parks and nation monuments for tagging.
2. That Dan intentionally ran over wildlife and than I put several replicas of pigeons and turtles under his tires and took pictures.
3. That Mitch and Dan liked the all male- clothing not an option bathhouse in Nevada.
4. That Mitch and Dan threw sand on my Xterra on the Area 51 trip than yelled ," lets make John's car yellow like ours" will releiving themselves.
5. While watching the Red Flag Excercise, Dan and Mitch pointed lazers at my car trying to "paint it" in hopes that one of the planes overhead would mistake it for a target and bomb my vehicle.

For the record, some of these things were slightly exaggerated.

[Soylent Yellow]

I just wanted to apologize to many of the rumours I started and perpetuated -here are a few of them.

1. That Mitch and Dan carried yellow spray cans to parks and nation monuments for tagging.
2. That Dan intentionally ran over wildlife and than I put several replicas of pigeons and turtles under his tires and took pictures.
3. That Mitch and Dan liked the all male- clothing not an option bathhouse in Nevada.
4. That Mitch and Dan threw sand on my Xterra on the Area 51 trip than yelled ," lets make John's car yellow like ours" will releiving themselves.
5. While watching the Red Flag Excercise, Dan and Mitch pointed lazers at my car trying to "paint it" in hopes that one of the planes overhead would mistake it for a target and bomb my vehicle.

For the record, some of these things were slightly exaggerated.

More clarification...

1.  The cans were silver.  The paint inside them was yellow.
2.  then
3.  The bathhouse is in California.
4.  I felt no relief.
5.  Never happened.