Labor Day weekend Sept 4/5: Swansea/Cerro Gordo

[Kyle J. Thompson]

Ok becuase the only part that id really not advise is the last 2 miles of swansea to the pavement you can "easily" go from cerro across the ridge pas mexican springs. and such. just proabably cant make it to pavement...

[Paul]

Kyle what portion are you saying is difficult? I've numbered each section. It sounds like section seven is the one you're warning about and that will be down hill at that point. There are some steep sections there if I recall correctly.

Labor Day weekend Sept 4/5: Swansea/Cerro Gordo

[Kyle J. Thompson]

You my friend are a super smart!

Ok so ur definetly correct 6 and 7 are the youghest spots.. id say 1 out of 10 its a 9... and line 5 has some tough spots, steep down hills.

So i dont know if the loop would be complety possible, unless your on a quad...due to spots 6 and 7

at swansea 21 it goes narrow for a 1/4 mile but completly passable.

I hate to poke holes in your trip, becuase it is a great trip! Cerro Gordo is amazing, in fact that entire area is KICK BUTT!!!

[wolfmanX]

That's what I thought too. 
I wonder how he's doing....

I'm good, just finally getting back on the trails with the X.  Been on a long stint of backpacking while my truck was out of order.  Got really in to it, and went on some amazing trips.

But the beast is back on the dirt again.  Going to try and get back in to some trips if I can.

[FrankB]

I'm good, just finally getting back on the trails with the X.  Been on a long stint of backpacking while my truck was out of order.  Got really in to it, and went on some amazing trips.

Jason, welcome back.  I would like to hear about some of the backpacking trips - if you've got any good pictures (like you usually do) please post.   I'll bet you missed a few of the truck's amenities, like the refrigerator.  There is something to said for the quiet of backpacking though.

[XterracerX]

Backpacking... like "Into The Wild" kinda stuff?

Your Expedition Portal posts are legendary! Can't wait to hear your backpacking stories and adventures on your rig!

Welcome back Jason!

[wolfmanX]

Backpacking... like "Into The Wild" kinda stuff?

Your Expedition Portal posts are legendary! Can't wait to hear your backpacking stories and adventures on your rig!

Welcome back Jason!

Exactly!! Ultralight minimalist stuff, and some heavy packing too. 

I don't want to hijack this thread with backpacking photos, I have WAY too many.  BUT, here are a couple that highlight my last year or so.

My flyfishing partner and I on Golden Trout creek in the southern Sierras.  She helps me bring the fish in!


I woke up one morning in the Sierras to find a forest fire oh boy.  The smoke made for great sun rays though!


Of course, the sunsets in the wilderness.


Some interesting moments being trapped in some... not so friendly hiking areas.


Love it.

[XterracerX]

Awesome! Definitely have to start a new picture thread called... Into The Wild!

I will post my backpacking trip in the Sierras as well. Thanks for sharing!

[mark1107]

Jason,

Welcome back man. I missed you. I remember doing John Bull with you. That was an awesome day brother. I hope your back for good. The club needs more people with passion for offroading like you and Paul & Brian.

Paul I will be bringing the same "passenger" as last time...

I will be leaving LA around 1 PM that puts us at Dias Lake campground Friday at about 6Pm factoring in LA holiday weekend traffic.

Paul can you post up or PM me your cell phone. Mine is sixtwosixthree7six7seven79

(I dont people to google the actual number and find me on any site.)

Mark

[Soylent Yellow]

(I dont people to google the actual number and find me on any site.)

I thnk you're safe.

[rennz4wheel]

Hi guys, my Club (Eastern Sierra 4 Wheel Drive Club) was there 4 weeks ago.  The section in question was passable when we went uphill, so going down it will be no problemo!
It was probably like a technical 41/2, out of 8, so even then my X went up with only a little coaching (read slipping the clutch).   
Also see our site es4wdclub.com

[Kyle J. Thompson]

Hi guys, my Club (Eastern Sierra 4 Wheel Drive Club) was there 4 weeks ago.  The section in question was passable when we went uphill, so going down it will be no problemo!
It was probably like a technical 41/2, out of 8, so even then my X went up with only a little coaching (read slipping the clutch).   
Also see our site es4wdclub.com

OKay thats great to hear!! I had only gone on that section on Quads, I have been looking back and been wondering if the extrem short wheel base made alot of that harder than being in a vehicle.

As for me i will be staying with my family at our cabin in Olancha and will meet you guys at the correct spot on Saturday on time

Excited to do my first run with y'all!!

call if you need questions or assitance since I practically live in olancha 30 minutes south of Lonepine/ camp ground.

951-704-57 eleven. (slightly less paranoid.)

[Paul]

My number is 951 Eight 40- Eight 611 - understand that cell service can be a wee bit spotty "out there".

Glad to hear the trail is likely passable - I couldn't imagine that the trail got that bad that fast but it does happen. I'm assuming that the fire danger will be high so that means no ground fires and propane cooking. This will be a nice slow-pace trip.

The weather forecast keeps getting warmer and warmer. 

We're leaving tomorrow and will be in Lone Pine around lunch time and will just enjoy the easy day at the lake. Remember it's $10 a night per vehicle.

[Rexterra]

I got a stock 08 Xterra X 4wd but Kyle talked me into going with my 2 boys ( 10yo and 8yo ) at least for Saturday- and Sundays run. I should be in touch with him and should see the rest of you guys Saturday 10:30 @ Mc Donalds, Lone Pine!!

[mark1107]

Guys I'm out.....I'm sick and fighting a cold. I just want to sleep. Have fun without me. I'll miss doing this.