Southern California Club Xterra

Southern California Club Xterra => SCCX Xcursions => Topic started by: JFanaselle on September 19, 2020, 09:36:34 AM

Title: 10/9 through 10/12 camping trip: Updated Location - Blair Valley Campground
Post by: JFanaselle on September 19, 2020, 09:36:34 AM
Update on 10/7/20: The San Bernardino National Forest is still closed, and we are getting down to the wire with having to make a decision on this trip. The good news is, the weather is shaping up to be much cooler this weekend, which gives us an opportunity to move this trip somewhere else. After checking local forecasts, this trip is being moved to the Blair Valley Campground in the Anza Borrego Desert State Park.

Updated location: 33.033658, -116.398796
https://www.google.com/maps/place/33%C2%B002'01.2%22N+116%C2%B023'55.7%22W/@33.0336625,-116.4009847,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0x0!8m2!3d33.033658!4d-116.398796

Just like before, this does not require 4 wheel drive or any special vehicle to access. The campground is located on a dirt road about a half mile from the main highway, and anyone should be able to get there just fine. My family and I will arrive on Friday evening between 4:00 and 5:00 pm, and we will stay 2 nights (packing up and leaving on Sunday morning). People are welcome to arrive or leave anytime. Remember that the purpose of this trip is just to get away from our lives for a couple of nights and enjoy some time together under the stars. That said, if anyone wants to do some wheeling or exploring during the days, there are plenty of nearby trails.
Because we're moving to Anza Borrego park, we can have a "real" campfire. Celt has offered to bring a washing machine drum (fires within the park must be inside of a metal container), so please plan to bring some fire wood. I will bring 3 bundles.

Original Post:

Ok, we're going to give this another shot. As you probably know, our previous plans for a camping trip to Santa Rosa Mountain were canceled following the closure of all federal forest lands within California. Currently, the forests are still closed due to high fire danger, but we need to get a date on the books for a new version of this trip, and we'll keep our fingers crossed that the forests re-open in time.

What: Family-friendly camping trip to enjoy the outdoors and escape the ridiculousness of our current world

When: Second weekend of October - Friday 10/9 through Monday 10/12. Monday the 12th is Columbus Day, so some folks may want the full 4 days if their work schedule permits. I don't have Monday off, so the family and I will be camping from Friday evening through Sunday morning.

Where: Santa Rosa Mountain yellow post campsites 10 through 14, off of Santa Rosa Truck Trail and State Highway 74, in the San Bernardino National Forest. Google maps link: https://www.google.com/maps/place/33%C2%B034'04.2%22N+116%C2%B030'42.3%22W/@33.56784,-116.5122852,187m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x80db09fd22330877:0xc1c062638be1df34!2sAnza,+CA+92539!3b1!8m2!3d33.5552692!4d-116.6741822!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d33.5678398!4d-116.5117381

Going:

1) JFanaselle + Mrs. JFanaselle + Gavin
2) Celt + Mrs. Celt + The Boy
3) SageBromax + Mrs. Bromax + the pups
4) Scuba_Dale + Mrs. Scuba + the kids (Saturday arrival)
5)
6)
7)


Maybe:

1) jayrat + son
2) FBinSD (1 night)
3) steve c
4) knightrider + Jill
5)

Things you should know:

1) The road up to the campsites is not bad at all. No 4 wheel drive required.
2) This is NOT an overlanding or wheeling trip - the only wheeling will be the drive to and from the campsites. This is a family-friendly camping trip, and our thought is the more kids, the better. You're more than welcome to venture out on your own to explore and wheel, but there aren't many opportunities right in this immediate area (it's basically a dead end fire road flanked by wilderness on all sides).
3) The campsites are located at about 7,500 feet in elevation. We'll check the weather as it gets closer, but I would expect to see daytime temps in the 70s to low 80s and night time temps that could dip into the high 40s.
4) There is a single pit toilet at the location, surrounded by the yellow post sites. It is an outdoor/open air toilet, surrounded by a privacy fence with a gate/door. There is no running water at the location, but there is a spring about a mile down the road that has flowing water.
5) Assuming the forests reopen, it's pretty safe to assume that we'll still be bound by some pretty strict fire restrictions. Expect there to be no wood fires. I'll plan to bring my small propane fire pit, but if our group gets large enough, we may want several of them.
6) We will do a pot luck style dinner on Saturday night. Sign-ups for food, sides, and desserts will be tracked in the next post on this thread.
7) The trailhead is located at the intersection of Highway 74 and Santa Rosa Mountain Truck Trail (forest route 7S02), between Garner Valley and Palm Desert. From that intersection, you simply take Santa Rosa Truck Trail to the southeast until you run right into the campsites. The turnoff is clearly marked from the main highway, and is located here: https://www.google.com/maps/place/33%C2%B034'04.2%22N+116%C2%B030'42.3%22W/@33.56784,-116.5122852,187m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x80db09fd22330877:0xc1c062638be1df34!2sAnza,+CA+92539!3b1!8m2!3d33.5552692!4d-116.6741822!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d33.5678398!4d-116.5117381d
8: The goal is to get someone from our group up to the location early on Friday or late Thursday evening, and to have them set up some equipment at a few of the yellow post sites to ensure enough room for our group (remember that yellow post sites are free, but are first-come, first-served with no reservations).
Title: Re: Santa Rosa Mountain camping trip - 10/9 through 10/12
Post by: JFanaselle on September 19, 2020, 09:36:52 AM
Pot Luck Dinner food sign-ups:

Main dishes:

1) Fanaselle family - enough homemade chili to feed about 7 or 8 people
2) Celt family - Carnitas burritos for 10+
3)
4)
5)

Side dishes:

1) Fanaselle family: cornbread for the chili
2)
3)
4)
5)

Desserts/Other:

1) knightrider / Jill ??
2)
3)
4)
5)
Title: Re: Santa Rosa Mountain camping trip - 10/9 through 10/12
Post by: Celt on September 19, 2020, 10:57:06 AM
We would love to go all of us really need to get out and go camping. Please put us down for Carnitas burritos for at least 10, can make more if necessary. Are you planning more than one nights group feeding frenzies?
Title: Re: Santa Rosa Mountain camping trip - 10/9 through 10/12
Post by: AdventureRider81 on September 19, 2020, 11:42:05 AM
Looks like the dates are a no go for us again. Been an oddly busy year. Hope to catch ya'll soon.
Title: Re: Santa Rosa Mountain camping trip - 10/9 through 10/12
Post by: JFanaselle on September 22, 2020, 07:14:43 PM
We would love to go all of us really need to get out and go camping. Please put us down for Carnitas burritos for at least 10, can make more if necessary. Are you planning more than one nights group feeding frenzies?

Added. I wasn't planning more than one night of group cooking, but let's see if that makes more sense once we know how many people are coming. I just figure that with people arriving at different times on Friday afternoon/evening, it can be challenging to put together a group dinner on that first night. That would only leave us Saturday night then.



Looks like the dates are a no go for us again. Been an oddly busy year. Hope to catch ya'll soon.

That's a bummer man. Hope to get out there with you again soon!
Title: Re: Santa Rosa Mountain camping trip - 10/9 through 10/12
Post by: Celt on September 22, 2020, 07:36:12 PM
I just figure that with people arriving at different times on Friday afternoon/evening, it can be challenging to put together a group dinner on that first night. That would only leave us Saturday night then.

 One night is fine with me but I thought we were doing a Friday thru Monday thing for this trip?
Title: Re: Santa Rosa Mountain camping trip - 10/9 through 10/12
Post by: JFanaselle on September 24, 2020, 09:14:33 AM
Friday through Monday if anyone wants to. The wife and I don't have Monday off, so we can only do Friday and Saturday night.
Title: Re: Santa Rosa Mountain camping trip - 10/9 through 10/12
Post by: Celt on September 26, 2020, 07:04:33 AM
 Ah, no worries then. I'm still very much looking forward to this!
Title: Re: Santa Rosa Mountain camping trip - 10/9 through 10/12
Post by: Jayrat on September 26, 2020, 09:43:17 AM
Put Ayden and I down for a Hard Maybe , Please kind Sir
Title: Re: Santa Rosa Mountain camping trip - 10/9 through 10/12
Post by: Celt on September 26, 2020, 10:06:35 AM
Put Ayden and I down for a Hard Maybe , Please kind Sir

 Are you guys going to show up wearing matching Canadian Tuxedo's   ??????
Title: Re: Santa Rosa Mountain camping trip - 10/9 through 10/12
Post by: FBinSD on September 27, 2020, 06:39:01 PM
We'll try to make it out for one night.
Title: Re: Santa Rosa Mountain camping trip - 10/9 through 10/12
Post by: CAWoody on September 27, 2020, 08:34:06 PM
I'm a different maybe.
Title: Re: Santa Rosa Mountain camping trip - 10/9 through 10/12
Post by: Celt on September 27, 2020, 08:52:38 PM
I'm a different maybe.

 So is a "Different" maybe 99.99% no? I might be cornfused on my math but it's sorta like Steve's 34" tire club..... Either way make yourself a Positive Yes and bring your margarita makings.
Title: Re: Santa Rosa Mountain camping trip - 10/9 through 10/12
Post by: SCUBA_Dale on September 27, 2020, 10:45:10 PM
Elliot and I are 75% coming.  Not sure about Katie and Evie.  We will be there Saturday for one night.

Will update status when I know more.
Title: Re: Santa Rosa Mountain camping trip - 10/9 through 10/12
Post by: CAWoody on September 28, 2020, 07:07:35 AM
So is a "Different" maybe 99.99% no? I might be cornfused on my math but it's sorta like Steve's 34" tire club..... Either way make yourself a Positive Yes and bring your margarita makings.

You know, the smart these computers get the stupider I get.  :-[ I cant' figure out how to turn of autocorrect.  I will be on the trip, the wife is a maybe.  She's still a little anxious after the Coyote Flats altitude sickness bit.  Maybe if I give her the Margarita before we hit the travel she'll do better.
Title: Re: Santa Rosa Mountain camping trip - 10/9 through 10/12
Post by: Celt on September 28, 2020, 07:45:23 AM
  I will be on the trip, the wife is a maybe.  She's still a little anxious after the Coyote Flats altitude sickness bit.  Maybe if I give her the Margarita before we hit the travel she'll do better.

 Excellent idea....... It will be nice to see you guys again.
Title: Re: Santa Rosa Mountain camping trip - 10/9 through 10/12
Post by: JFanaselle on September 28, 2020, 12:08:38 PM
"Going" and "Maybe" lists have been updated.

Just an update on the forest closures - the USFS announced this morning that the closures will NOT be lifted before the end of this week's expected high fire danger, which is expected to run through Wednesday. After that point, they will continue with "day to day" evaluation of the situation.
Title: Re: Santa Rosa Mountain camping trip - 10/9 through 10/12
Post by: CAWoody on October 01, 2020, 05:08:47 PM
Looks like a need to change the number in my part to 6.  My wife finally committed as well as my son. My sister and two kids would like to join in also.  She is working on borrowing a friends jeep to make the trip.  As for the potluck, with this bunch I'll bring the Tri-tip and a side dish TBD (not potato salad).


I looked on he national forest site last night and saw that the camping is still closed.  Joe have you had any insight to that changing before Friday?
Title: Re: Santa Rosa Mountain camping trip - 10/9 through 10/12
Post by: Celt on October 01, 2020, 08:15:27 PM
  As for the potluck, with this bunch I'll bring the Tri-tip and a side dish TBD (not potato salad).

 Besides having a full stomach, I'll sleep a little better!  :-X
Title: Re: Santa Rosa Mountain camping trip - 10/9 through 10/12
Post by: JFanaselle on October 02, 2020, 04:11:58 PM
I looked on he national forest site last night and saw that the camping is still closed.  Joe have you had any insight to that changing before Friday?

Unfortunately, there is no insight to be had. They are literally evaluating the need to continue the closure on a day-to-day basis. They're starting to run out of excuses to keep it shut down, as the fire danger hasn't been any higher than a normal year, and resources aren't stretched nearly as thin as they were. That said, I think they want to see a cool down or other change in weather before they lift the closures. It's easier to keep them in place than it is to re-enact them, if conditions get really bad again.

I'm still going to keep my fingers crossed that they are lifted sometime in this coming week. I've tried to call the Ranger District offices to voice my concern (thinking that maybe if enough people complain, they'll lift them), but no one answers. They're all still shut down or operating on limited hours because of COVID. That, and I'm sure there's no need to have the offices open if the forest isn't even open.
Title: Re: Santa Rosa Mountain camping trip - 10/9 through 10/12
Post by: Ghost65 on October 02, 2020, 06:45:40 PM
You know, the smart these computers get the stupider I get.  :-[ I cant' figure out how to turn of autocorrect.  I will be on the trip, the wife is a maybe.  She's still a little anxious after the Coyote Flats altitude sickness bit.  Maybe if I give her the Margarita before we hit the travel she'll do better.

Sidebar:  Tim, we've been visiting some higher altitudes in Colorado, and these really helped me with altitude sickness, your wife should try them. (also great for hangovers, another kind of "sickness")

https://www.amazon.com/Zaca-Recovery-Chewable-Supplement-Hangovers/dp/B01AIWD1U0

Joe...nice job organizing another great trip/thread...slinking back under my Yota-Rock.  :-\
Title: Re: Santa Rosa Mountain camping trip - 10/9 through 10/12
Post by: SCUBA_Dale on October 03, 2020, 08:37:13 AM
Maybe if we all send an email to the rangers, we could all voice our opinion?
Title: Re: Santa Rosa Mountain camping trip - 10/9 through 10/12
Post by: Celt on October 03, 2020, 10:44:46 AM
Maybe if we all send an email to the rangers, we could all voice our opinion?

  While that is a good idea much of this is up to the main offices. It's been my experience they just sort of do what they want to do when they want to do it. Much like the random closures in the desert named in "Habitat Restoration" by the head ranger of the area. I do believe that one of the goals from the Park Service is to limit as much as they can any human exposure to the outlands. They much prefer everyone go to those regulated big campgrounds where you have to pay ($$$) to be there along with 3,000 of your other closest friends in the "Wilderness" camping 10' away from you on three sides.
Title: Re: Santa Rosa Mountain camping trip - 10/9 through 10/12
Post by: SCUBA_Dale on October 04, 2020, 03:32:35 PM
Do we have  a backup plan in the event the status doesn't change?  Definitely excited about getting out.
Title: Re: Santa Rosa Mountain camping trip - 10/9 through 10/12
Post by: SCUBA_Dale on October 04, 2020, 03:39:54 PM
Weather in Borrego Springs is looking pretty nice...Sheep Canyon as an alternative?(pending it's open)

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Title: Re: Santa Rosa Mountain camping trip - 10/9 through 10/12
Post by: Celt on October 04, 2020, 08:15:16 PM
Weather in Borrego Springs is looking pretty nice...Sheep Canyon as an alternative?(pending it's open)

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 My dad was suggesting that spot. It's going to be pretty hot by day but nice at night. I suppose if we had enough tarps it might not be so bad. Is the water still running up there to get into?
Title: Re: Santa Rosa Mountain camping trip - 10/9 through 10/12
Post by: SCUBA_Dale on October 04, 2020, 11:10:19 PM
Not like it used to.  A few years ago there was major flooding and changed the whole landscape.  First water crossing is a foot deep at most.  2nd crossing basically got wiped out.  They leveled the hill after the flood and made it extremely easy to get up to, but a year ago more flooding made the hill a little more difficult again, keeping the Chevy Astro Vans at bay.
Title: Re: Santa Rosa Mountain camping trip - 10/9 through 10/12
Post by: SCUBA_Dale on October 06, 2020, 01:04:28 PM
Just heard back from the state park...Sheep Canyon is indeed open, if we wanted to do that as an alternative.
Title: Re: Santa Rosa Mountain camping trip - 10/9 through 10/12
Post by: JFanaselle on October 06, 2020, 02:39:24 PM
Well, the good news is that the weather is starting to look really great. Temperatures are dropping more and more each day this week heading into the weekend, and the fire danger is also going down with each passing day. That said, I'm not sure that will sway the authorities to lift the closures yet, as they probably want to see a longer-term reduction in fire danger. If I had to guess, they'll probably keep everything closed this weekend, especially since it's looking like it'll warm back up next week.

I like the idea of looking at an alternate spot. With the temps coming down this weekend, we finally have a few options available that are outside of a forest boundary. Sheep Canyon does sound good, but it could stil be pretty warm during the daytime. With it's higher elevation, I wonder if Blair Valley might be a better choice. The forecasted high in Borrego Springs (the nearest forecast to Sheep Canyon) is 84 degrees on Saturday and 89 degrees on Sunday. The forecast in Blair Valley is 70 degrees on Saturday and 77 degrees on Sunday.

I think I prefer the weather over the scenery, but what are everyone else's thoughts? Blair Valley Campground isn't very "off-road," but that's not really what this trip is supposed to be about anyway. Just an opportunity to get together and sleep under the stars for a couple of nights. There are plenty of nearby trails if anyone does want to venture out and wheel a little.

Thoughts? Or any other location suggestions?
Title: Re: Santa Rosa Mountain camping trip - 10/9 through 10/12
Post by: Celt on October 06, 2020, 04:45:31 PM
I'm good with either, or but would prefer the cooler temperatures if possible. Anyone know if there is fire restrictions or not down there right now? I'd love to have a fire at night if possible. Main thing I want to do is get the heck outta Dodge.
Title: Re: Santa Rosa Mountain camping trip - 10/9 through 10/12
Post by: SCUBA_Dale on October 06, 2020, 08:25:24 PM
Same here.  I suggested Sheep Canyon because it’s a little higher up, and the mountains that surround the camp block the sun a lot sooner.  Either way, I just want to get out of here.
Title: Re: Santa Rosa Mountain camping trip - 10/9 through 10/12
Post by: Sage Bromax on October 06, 2020, 10:51:32 PM
Anything inside Anza Borrego State Park will have no ground fires, but if you bring a fire pit, washing machine drum, etc., and build the wood fire in it you should be all set.  Blair Valley would be perfect for us, but Sheep Canyon is good too. It's been a few years since we camped there.  Sharon, Zoey, Chewbacca and I will be there with The Dominator.
Title: Re: Santa Rosa Mountain camping trip - 10/9 through 10/12
Post by: Celt on October 07, 2020, 04:52:29 AM
As long as there is fire allowed, I think we can handle bringing the washing machine drum. I don't think I'll have much time today at work so could someone call down there and confirm fires are ok?

 It sounds like our fearless leader need to make a decision on the camp spot!  lol
Title: Re: Santa Rosa Mountain camping trip - 10/9 through 10/12
Post by: Sage Bromax on October 07, 2020, 06:23:55 AM
This is their Info page:  https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=638

Blair Valley is open to camping.  It doesn't list Sheep Canyon, but you get their via the first crossing of Coyote Canyon and it says Coyote Canyon open above the third crossing.  This was their September 20th update, and there are no fire restrictions listed.
Title: Re: Santa Rosa Mountain camping trip - 10/9 through 10/12
Post by: SCUBA_Dale on October 07, 2020, 07:27:05 AM
I messaged the state park on Facebook.  They confirmed that Sheep Canyon is open.  Sheep Caanyon haas their own fire pits if you get one of the sites.
Title: Re: Santa Rosa Mountain camping trip - 10/9 through 10/12
Post by: JFanaselle on October 07, 2020, 10:38:20 AM
I just checked the updated forecast, and Sheep Canyon is going to be too hot. I'm making the call now: the location of this camping trip is officially moved to Blair Valley Campground.

Location: 33.033658, -116.398796
https://www.google.com/maps/place/33%C2%B002'01.2%22N+116%C2%B023'55.7%22W/@33.0336625,-116.4009847,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0x0!8m2!3d33.033658!4d-116.398796

The family and I will arrive on Friday evening, around 4:00 pm. We will be staying Friday night and Saturday night, and we'll have to pack up Sunday morning to head back. We will do the group pot luck dinner on Saturday night.

With the location being changed now, can I get a confirmation from everyone of who is "in" for this trip, and whether you're "in" for the potluck? I'll update the first post accordingly.

Eric - thank you for offering to bring a washing machine drum. I will bring three bundles of firewood. Everyone else please bring some wood, too.

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Title: Re: 10/9 through 10/12 camping trip: Updated Location - Blair Valley Campground
Post by: CAWoody on October 07, 2020, 11:17:08 AM
With this change in location, I'm going to bow out.  I've had enough desert for this year.  I need some mountains and trees.  you guys have fun.
Title: Re: 10/9 through 10/12 camping trip: Updated Location - Blair Valley Campground
Post by: SCUBA_Dale on October 07, 2020, 11:19:29 AM
We're in for Saturday.  We'll be there as early as we can.  We invited Katie's parents, but they have plans.  Guess you'll just have to deal with the Magargle clan!
Title: Re: 10/9 through 10/12 camping trip: Updated Location - Blair Valley Campground
Post by: Celt on October 07, 2020, 11:44:46 AM
With this change in location, I'm going to bow out.  I've had enough desert for this year.  I need some mountains and trees.  you guys have fun.

What.....? Now who is gonna make them Margaritas....? Bah.
Title: Re: 10/9 through 10/12 camping trip: Updated Location - Blair Valley Campground
Post by: SCUBA_Dale on October 07, 2020, 11:47:29 AM
What.....? Now who is gonna make them Margaritas....? Bah.

Guess Tony with his house on wheels will do...
Title: Re: Santa Rosa Mountain camping trip - 10/9 through 10/12
Post by: SCUBA_Dale on October 07, 2020, 11:48:30 AM
Sharon, Zoey, Chewbacca and I will be there with The Dominator.

I like when we see you...lets me pitch new products to Katie for us to buy...
Title: Re: Santa Rosa Mountain camping trip - 10/9 through 10/12
Post by: JFanaselle on October 07, 2020, 12:07:48 PM
I like when we see you...lets me pitch new products to Katie for us to buy...

She's going to want to buy one of those dominatrix trailers. I know I want one after seeing that bad boy set up at Coyote Flat.
Title: Re: 10/9 through 10/12 camping trip: Updated Location - Blair Valley Campground
Post by: JFanaselle on October 07, 2020, 12:09:06 PM
With this change in location, I'm going to bow out.  I've had enough desert for this year.  I need some mountains and trees.  you guys have fun.

Trust me buddy... we all wanted the mountains and trees. I wish we could get up to the forest. :(

We'll see you on the next one!
Title: Re: Santa Rosa Mountain camping trip - 10/9 through 10/12
Post by: SCUBA_Dale on October 07, 2020, 12:35:55 PM
She's going to want to buy one of those dominatrix trailers. I know I want one after seeing that bad boy set up at Coyote Flat.

I have my eyes on the Opus Air 4...that is my jam.
Title: Re: 10/9 through 10/12 camping trip: Updated Location - Blair Valley Campground
Post by: CAWoody on October 07, 2020, 08:38:28 PM
Just spoke with a neighbor that is cheif with OCFA and he said that the National Forests are opening tomorrow.  I'm in if Santa Rosa is open.
Title: Re: 10/9 through 10/12 camping trip: Updated Location - Blair Valley Campground
Post by: Sage Bromax on October 07, 2020, 08:48:40 PM
We will be doing a charcuterie board full of finger food for Saturday appetizers.
Title: Re: 10/9 through 10/12 camping trip: Updated Location - Blair Valley Campground
Post by: JFanaselle on October 08, 2020, 10:38:55 AM
Just spoke with a neighbor that is cheif with OCFA and he said that the National Forests are opening tomorrow.  I'm in if Santa Rosa is open.

Well shoot....

It's 10:30 am, and there's been no announcement yet. I even checked with my sources at the California Office of Emergency Services, and they haven't heard anything from the feds. As of 1 hour ago, overhead freeway traffic advisory signs are still illuminated with the message "NATIONAL FOREST CLOSED TO ALL PUBLIC."

Please share ASAP if you hear anything more, and I'll monitor for news releases throughout the day. It's getting pretty late in the game to keep changing the location, but I would be open to moving this back to the Santa Rosa Mountain site if they make an announcement within the next couple of hours.
Title: Re: 10/9 through 10/12 camping trip: Updated Location - Blair Valley Campground
Post by: vambrizz on October 08, 2020, 12:28:46 PM
Found on the pacific southwest forest service Twitter:

https://twitter.com/usfs_r5/status/1314250981459124224?s=20

It talks about not having fires, but this announcement only makes sense if the forests open.

Here is a list of all links to social media sites for all the forests.
https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/r5/news-events/mediatools/?cid=STELPRD3816967

Looking further into it, Looks like they’re confirmed open. Here’s the twitter for Cleveland but all the other forest appear to be releasing similar announcements.
https://twitter.com/ClevelandNF/status/1314283135811514375?s=20
Title: Re: Santa Rosa Mountain camping trip - 10/9 through 10/12
Post by: Jayrat on October 08, 2020, 12:45:38 PM
"Going" and "Maybe" lists have been updated.

Just an update on the forest closures - the USFS announced this morning that the closures will NOT be lifted before the end of this week's expected high fire danger, which is expected to run through Wednesday. After that point, they will continue with "day to day" evaluation of the situation.
looks like a Saturday Morning arrival for Ayden and I
we will bring Hot Dogs,  Buns and cheese for some Chili dogz
Title: Re: 10/9 through 10/12 camping trip: Updated Location - Blair Valley Campground
Post by: JFanaselle on October 08, 2020, 01:01:55 PM
Yep, the San Bernardino National Forest just confirmed that the forest is closed through the end of day today, and will reopen tomorrow.

So, if we move the site back to Santa Rosa Mountain, who is still in and who is out?

Also - we'd need someone to get there pretty early tomorrow, if possible, to set up in the spots for us. I'm sure people have been dying to get out there, and the spot will probably be occupied pretty early in the day. Is anyone able and willing to do this? I can't leave the house until after virtual school is over, around 2:00 pm.
Title: Re: 10/9 through 10/12 camping trip: Updated Location - Blair Valley Campground
Post by: Celt on October 08, 2020, 02:12:33 PM
My vote at this point would be to keep it in the desert. I need to go pick up my dad on the way out as he wants to go. If I had to double back and head up north it would add another two hours onto my drive time.
Title: Re: 10/9 through 10/12 camping trip: Updated Location - Blair Valley Campground
Post by: Sage Bromax on October 08, 2020, 03:28:30 PM
Unfortunately, with Sharon's current health, we will only be able to do Blair Valley (less than a 2 hour drive for us).
Title: Re: 10/9 through 10/12 camping trip: Updated Location - Blair Valley Campground
Post by: CAWoody on October 08, 2020, 04:05:39 PM
I just read that Pinyon Flats is open tomorrow.  If that is the campground we were going to, I'm in.  I can be there mid afternoon. to get the spot.
Title: Re: 10/9 through 10/12 camping trip: Updated Location - Blair Valley Campground
Post by: JFanaselle on October 08, 2020, 08:07:00 PM
We are sticking with Blair Valley. Sorry Tim. As badly as we want to go to the mountains, I'm too worried about not getting out spot at the Santa Rosa Yellow Post sites.

If the forest stays open, maybe we'll plan another trip up there in a couple of weeks.
Title: Re: 10/9 through 10/12 camping trip: Updated Location - Blair Valley Campground
Post by: Celt on October 08, 2020, 08:12:21 PM
Since we don't have fire restrictions please remember to each bring some firewood as it will cool off at night. Other than being very excited about seeing everyone I am so very happy about the idea of sitting around a camp fire!



  P.S. -Woody, it would be really nice to see you and your family again. I hope you reconsider joining us.
Title: Re: 10/9 through 10/12 camping trip: Updated Location - Blair Valley Campground
Post by: CAWoody on October 08, 2020, 08:22:16 PM
Thanks.  But we are going to pass.
Title: Re: 10/9 through 10/12 camping trip: Updated Location - Blair Valley Campground
Post by: Celt on October 08, 2020, 08:28:26 PM
Thanks.  But we are going to pass.

But who will bring the potato salad? We have the Canadian going so it could be the perfect setup..... >:D >:D


Hope to catch you guys on the next one!
Title: Re: 10/9 through 10/12 camping trip: Updated Location - Blair Valley Campground
Post by: SCUBA_Dale on October 08, 2020, 09:03:16 PM
Because the Magargle spawnlings are extremely picky eaters...we will be handling our own food situation.
Title: Re: 10/9 through 10/12 camping trip: Updated Location - Blair Valley Campground
Post by: Celt on October 08, 2020, 09:57:08 PM
Because the Magargle spawnlings are extremely picky eaters...we will be handling our own food situation.

I'm not so picky. What kinda vittles you whoopin up? Moreover if you need to store some of your beer in a refrigerator I will take the hit and offer up some precious space to you.

I know. I  know a selfless act but I'm that kinda guy.
Title: Re: 10/9 through 10/12 camping trip: Updated Location - Blair Valley Campground
Post by: Jayrat on October 08, 2020, 09:57:41 PM
Because the Magargle spawnlings are extremely picky eaters...we will be handling our own food situation.
It would be easier to Fend for ourselves?? just saying
Title: Re: 10/9 through 10/12 camping trip: Updated Location - Blair Valley Campground
Post by: JFanaselle on October 08, 2020, 10:54:09 PM
Everyone is welcome to do whatever they want for food. We already made a big batch of chili and cornbread, so it'll be there if anyone wants some.
Title: Re: 10/9 through 10/12 camping trip: Updated Location - Blair Valley Campground
Post by: Celt on October 09, 2020, 07:27:28 AM
I have the Carnitas all whooped up and ready to go for everyone.
Title: Re: 10/9 through 10/12 camping trip: Updated Location - Blair Valley Campground
Post by: JFanaselle on October 09, 2020, 03:31:25 PM
I just heard from Celt, and he is at the site all set up. He said they ended up having to set up about a mile down the dirt road, well past the bathrooms. He is monitoring 146.535 on Ham Radio, in case anyone is unable to find the spot.

We are getting on the road later than expected (work and school were a $hi* show today), just about to pull out of the driveway. Should be there by 6:00 or 6:15 pm. See you all there!
Title: Re: 10/9 through 10/12 camping trip: Updated Location - Blair Valley Campground
Post by: ultrapc40 on October 09, 2020, 05:37:37 PM
Looks like I can come out for a night. Will try to make it out tomorrow
Title: Re: 10/9 through 10/12 camping trip: Updated Location - Blair Valley Campground
Post by: FBinSD on October 09, 2020, 05:54:35 PM
I am going to try to make it out tomorrow afternoon as well.
Title: Re: 10/9 through 10/12 camping trip: Updated Location - Blair Valley Campground
Post by: Jayrat on October 09, 2020, 06:37:22 PM
See you all in the morning
Title: Re: 10/9 through 10/12 camping trip: Updated Location - Blair Valley Campground
Post by: JFanaselle on October 11, 2020, 08:53:41 PM
Thank you to those who made it out... Frank, Spencer, Tony, Eric, Dale... it was so great to see everyone and to spend some much needed therapy time around the campfire laughing with you all. It got a bit hotter on Saturday afternoon than the forecast called for, but we survived the heat for a few hours, and the beautiful evenings made it worth it. Like I said... it was better to get out there in the heat than not get out there at all.

There was a surprisingly large number of people out there camping, especially on Saturday night. We ended up with a nice secluded plot of land that as large enough to accommodate at least 12 rigs, so we hand plenty of room to spread out. But the number of vehicles driving up and down the road all evening looking for a place to camp was unexpected.

For those who didn't make it... sorry we didn't get to see you. Hope we'll catch you on the next one!
Title: Re: 10/9 through 10/12 camping trip: Updated Location - Blair Valley Campground
Post by: ultrapc40 on October 12, 2020, 02:13:46 PM
Awesome trip. Thanks for setting it up and getting us out! I have a few lesson learn for the next time I head out with the family.  A screenin popup gazelle is in my shopping cart right now. Stupid bee....

Eric I have a “chill gorilla” like tarp in there as well to add more shade.

I will keep dreaming of a badass camping trailer like Tony’s but will hold of on the cassette toliet purchase for now 😅
Title: Re: 10/9 through 10/12 camping trip: Updated Location - Blair Valley Campground
Post by: SCUBA_Dale on October 12, 2020, 03:04:53 PM
I will keep dreaming of a badass camping trailer like Tony’s but will hold of on the cassette toliet purchase for now 😅

Just need to get one with a pressure release valve!!! :D :D :D

It was great to see everyone, this was very much needed.  Looking forward to the next one, and hopefully it'll be sooner rather than later!
Title: Re: 10/9 through 10/12 camping trip: Updated Location - Blair Valley Campground
Post by: Sage Bromax on November 23, 2020, 08:02:47 AM
For those that asked, the fire pit I brought out is made by Solo.  The one I brought is the Ranger.  They have started their Black Friday sales event:
https://offer.solostove.com/fire-pits/