Southern California Club Xterra

Southern California Club Xterra => SCCX Xcursions => Topic started by: JFanaselle on August 13, 2020, 04:49:48 PM

Title: Canceled: September 11th - 13th: Kid-friendly camping trip
Post by: JFanaselle on August 13, 2020, 04:49:48 PM
EDIT: due to the closure of all forest lands in California, this trip has been canceled. :( See the new thread for updated trip, here: https://www.sccxterra.com/smf/index.php?topic=5105.msg59630#msg59630

We will be utilizing Yellow Post sites 10 through 14. These sites are all very close together, arranged around a single pit toilet that is adjacent to the main road. There should be plenty of room for 6 to 10 rigs, but we do run a risk of others showing up and claiming any of the spaces before us. Sage Bromax will attempt to get up there as early as possible on Friday morning, and will throw a few ground tents up to try and save as much space for the group as possible.

The yellow post sites are located at 33°32'14.8"N 116°26'42.3"W (or 33.537445, -116.445087). Here is a google maps link: https://www.google.com/maps/place/33%C2%B032'14.9%22N+116%C2%B026'42.4%22W/@33.537469,-116.4459341,287m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x80db09fd22330877:0xc1c062638be1df34!2sAnza,+CA+92539!3b1!8m2!3d33.5552692!4d-116.6741822!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d33.5374689!4d-116.445096

The road up to the sites is very easy. No 4x4 required, but I would still recommend a vehicle with some ground clearance. Any stock SUV or pickup truck should be able to make the trek with no issues. We spotted a Subary Legacy and a Jeep Patriot on the trail during our pre-run. The trail head begins at the intersection of CA State Highway 74 and Santa Rosa Truck Trail (forest route 7S02). Here are the coordinates, and a google maps link: 33°34'04.2"N 116°30'42.3"W (33.567840, -116.511738). 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

From that intersection, simply take Santa Rosa Truck Trail (7S02) to the southeast until you run right into the campsite. There are a couple of side-spur trails that branch off of the main road, but it is obvious where the main road is and you should have no difficulty finding the campsite. Note that cell phone service was great (via Verizon) until we got about a mile or two from the campsite. At the campsite itself, it was spotty and intermittent.

Show up whenever you'd like! My wife and son and I will be departing Murrieta between 1:00 and 2:00 pm on Friday, 9/11, and should be at the campsite no later than 4:00 pm.

It was suggested that we do a group dinner. If everyone is interested in that, the best night would be Saturday, as folks will arrive at different times on Friday (and some might eat dinner on the way up). There is a separate post on page 3 of this thread about that. Please post up if you are interested, and if so, what you intend to make/bring for the group.



Original post:

As I mentioned in the Coyote Flat Xcursion thread: we will be doing a local kid-friendly trip the weekend before Labor Day. I've racked my brain trying to find a place that is convenient and local to SD, the IE, and OC, and can also accommodate at least a few rigs. It also needs to be somewhere temperature-appropriate for late August (aka, the mountains). Unfortunately, dispersed camping that can accommodate a large group is challenging to find in the mountains unless we travel to far away places.

There are multiple yellow-post sites around the Heart Bar area toward Big Bear, but with all of the "developed" campgrounds being closed, my understanding is that these yellow post sites are filling up pretty early on Fridays. There are also several yellow post sites near Thomas Mountain and Santa Rosa Mountain, which are both located in the San Jacinto range between Idyllwild and Palm Desert. I'm not sure if these sites are suffering the same crowded situation as the Big Bear area ones.

With all yellow post sites being first-come first-served, we might not have a choice but to just head up to one of these sites and give it a try. My recommendation would be Santa Rosa, as I believe there are 17 sites. I'm open to other areas/ideas, if anyone has something to suggest. Something else I was thinking about was driving up into Burns Canyon along 2N02, and just finding a big enough area toward the top of the canyon to camp with a group.

No matter where we end up, we'll be departing Murrieta on Friday afternoon (8/28). My hope is to be on the road by 1:00 pm, but we'll have to see how Gavin's "remote learning" schedule is (he starts school tomorrow). Worst case scenario, we might be on the road closer to 3:00 pm.

This will be a family-friendly trip. Please bring your children, or your friends that have children. Kids are certainly not a requirement, but if you come, you need to be ok with there being tons of kids. There won't really be any wheeling outside of the drive to and from whatever site we decide upon. We just need a fun place to set up where the kids can enjoy a camping experience. Maybe somewhere that they can do a little hike, ride a bike, or just play a game in the fresh air of the outdoors.

Post up if you're interested, and/or if you have any location suggestions. We will be doing this trip whether anyone else goes or not, so don't feel obligated. Just wanted to share the opportunity, in case anyone else is interested. :)

EDIT: Due to school and work schedule challenges, we're going to have to move this trip to 9/11 - 9/13 instead. We are also committing to the Santa Rosa Yellow Post sites as the location for this trip. See location details in my later post on this same page.

Attending:

1: JFanaselle + Family
2: Sage Bromax + Mrs. Bromax
3: Celt + Family
4: Steve C
5: knightrider + Jill
6: "Bones" (JFanaselle's friend) + wife and 3 kids - arriving Saturday
7:
8:

Maybe?

1: Steve C's friend + family
3: ultrapc40 + family
4: ultrapc40's friend + family
5:
Title: Re: August 28th-30th: Kid-friendly camping trip
Post by: Celt on August 13, 2020, 07:17:21 PM
So If I brought Duffman would that meet the bring a "Child" requirement? ? ?

                                      >:D

                                            :D
Title: Re: August 28th-30th: Kid-friendly camping trip
Post by: Sage Bromax on August 14, 2020, 09:40:59 AM
Sharon says she would like to go.  It depends on how she is feeling from her chemo.  But we could head up on a Thursday to secure the spot, as long as there is Verizon coverage, as I will telework on Friday.  I am having a hard time picking out where the yellow post sites are on the Santa Rosa Truck Trail though.  Any hints?
Title: Re: August 28th-30th: Kid-friendly camping trip
Post by: JFanaselle on August 14, 2020, 11:06:37 AM
Sharon says she would like to go.  It depends on how she is feeling from her chemo.  But we could head up on a Thursday to secure the spot, as long as there is Verizon coverage, as I will telework on Friday.  I am having a hard time picking out where the yellow post sites are on the Santa Rosa Truck Trail though.  Any hints?

I've never actually been there myself. Maybe the family and I can take a drive up that way this weekend or next weekend to scout it out. I know there are 17 of them dispersed along 7S02. I believe most of them are located about two thirds of the way down the road toward Toro Peak. According to the BDF website, there is a pit toilet restroom located near sites 10 through 14, and there is running water at sites 3 and 4. My guess is that those 7 sites fill up the fastest due to those amenities.

Our biggest objective would be to find a site large enough to accommodate however many rigs we will have, and as you noted, it would be nice to find one with cell service.
Title: Re: August 28th-30th: Kid-friendly camping trip
Post by: Sage Bromax on August 14, 2020, 11:15:43 AM
I found a YouTube video where a guy showed the area with the pit toilet:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rVec6-N3LJA

33.537393, -116.444962

He says there are four or five sites there.
Title: Re: August 28th-30th: Kid-friendly camping trip
Post by: JFanaselle on August 14, 2020, 01:16:46 PM
Well... he went to the most desirable of all the sites out there (near the bathrooms), and he says they had all 5 sites to themselves when they got there on Thursday evening of the 3 day 4th of July holiday weekend this year. That's encouraging. If we could get a rig or two up there on Thursday evening, I'm sure we could end up with enough space to spread our group out just fine.

Tony - if you do head up there Thursday afternoon, I wonder if you could park your trailer at one site and your car at another right next to it?
Title: Re: August 28th-30th: Kid-friendly camping trip
Post by: JFanaselle on August 14, 2020, 01:29:16 PM
So If I brought Duffman would that meet the bring a "Child" requirement? ? ?

                                      >:D

                                            :D

No obligation to bring a child. You just need to be ok with this being a "kid" trip. Oh, and no registered sex offenders, so yeah.... maybe best to leave Duffman home. He never did clarify if he was convicted of those Milf Porn charges or not.  lol lol
Title: Re: August 28th-30th: Kid-friendly camping trip
Post by: Sage Bromax on August 14, 2020, 01:51:00 PM
Tony - if you do head up there Thursday afternoon, I wonder if you could park your trailer at one site and your car at another right next to it?
Definitely.  I can even bring a couple of extra tents to "occupy" the other sites too.

I thought Duffman got caught up in that midget barnyard porn sting a while ago.  At least, that was the rumor.  >:D
Title: Re: August 28th-30th: Kid-friendly camping trip
Post by: RBduffer on August 15, 2020, 01:26:53 PM

Alright already, you caught me lurking on this thread.
 Sorry I couldn't make the Coyote Flats trip, the pix look great.  I was afraid it would snow and Nilda's afraid of heights (altitude sickness). 
I'll see if we can pop in for a half day on this trip.   Miss you guys.
Title: Re: August 28th-30th: Kid-friendly camping trip
Post by: Jayrat on August 15, 2020, 02:30:25 PM
Alright already, you caught me lurking on this thread.
 Sorry I couldn't make the Coyote Flats trip, the pix look great.  I was afraid it would snow and Nilda's afraid of heights (altitude sickness). 
I'll see if we can pop in for a half day on this trip.   Miss you guys.
CREEPSTER
8)       ???       :-[      O0      >:(      lol     
Title: Re: August 28th-30th: Kid-friendly camping trip
Post by: JFanaselle on August 17, 2020, 12:19:19 PM
Sorry everyone, I need to change the weekend that we are doing this trip. We're running into some logistical challenges with work and school. Instead of the weekend before Labor Day, we'll do the weekend after Labor Day. New dates are September 11th-13th.

Also, we're going to commit to the Santa Rosa yellow post sites as our location. The general area is here: https://www.google.com/maps/place/33%C2%B032'29.2%22N+116%C2%B027'55.8%22W/@33.541436,-116.4676817,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x80db09fd22330877:0xc1c062638be1df34!2sAnza,+CA+92539!3b1!8m2!3d33.5552692!4d-116.6741822!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d33.5414363!4d-116.4654929

Please post up if you're interested (or still interested, with the new dates), and I'll keep a running tally in the first post.
Title: Re: September 11th - 13th: Kid-friendly camping trip
Post by: Jayrat on August 17, 2020, 12:56:28 PM
Nicole, Ayden, and I are in
Title: Re: September 11th - 13th: Kid-friendly camping trip
Post by: Sage Bromax on August 17, 2020, 01:05:37 PM
That will still work for us.
Title: Re: September 11th - 13th: Kid-friendly camping trip
Post by: Celt on August 17, 2020, 01:52:10 PM
 Looks like me and the family are in. Hopefully it's at least cool temperatures at night, I'm about done with this recent heat wave.
Title: Re: September 11th - 13th: Kid-friendly camping trip
Post by: JFanaselle on August 17, 2020, 03:33:17 PM
Looks like me and the family are in. Hopefully it's at least cool temperatures at night, I'm about done with this recent heat wave.

Added!
Title: Re: September 11th - 13th: Kid-friendly camping trip
Post by: JFanaselle on August 17, 2020, 03:34:21 PM
Nicole, Ayden, and I are in

Added!
Title: Re: September 11th - 13th: Kid-friendly camping trip
Post by: JFanaselle on August 17, 2020, 04:32:36 PM
We may be facing some pretty tough fire restrictions. According to the current info on the SBNF website, it looks like we might not even be allowed to operate gas fire pits or even cooking stoves right now. I've tried to contact every ranger station in the SBNF, as well as the Santa Rosa Wilderness office and the Palm Springs BLM office, but all offices are closed due to COVID-19. I might have to send an email and hope for a reply.

If anyone would like to read this info and see if I'm interpreting it incorrectly, please take a look: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/sbnf/learning/safety-ethics/?cid=FSBDEV7_007776
Title: Re: September 11th - 13th: Kid-friendly camping trip
Post by: knightrider on August 17, 2020, 04:57:39 PM
I think they are talking about wood fired stoves not gas/propane stoves.  any flame that can be extinguished by turning off the fuel is ok.  it looks like you will need a fire permit even for gas powered stoves in remote sites.
Title: Re: September 11th - 13th: Kid-friendly camping trip
Post by: Celt on August 17, 2020, 05:00:07 PM
We may be facing some pretty tough fire restrictions. According to the current info on the SBNF website, it looks like we might not even be allowed to operate gas fire pits or even cooking stoves right now. I've tried to contact every ranger station in the SBNF, as well as the Santa Rosa Wilderness office and the Palm Springs BLM office, but all offices are closed due to COVID-19. I might have to send an email and hope for a reply.

If anyone would like to read this info and see if I'm interpreting it incorrectly, please take a look: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/sbnf/learning/safety-ethics/?cid=FSBDEV7_007776

 Joe,
  I think you are reading too far into it. I got there is so fires allowed outside of fire rings or approved BBQ sites. Right now they went further by stating those are temporarily halted due to fire restrictions and dangers. I think what you may have missed was "1.Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, or stove fire except in a Forest Service provided campfire ring or BBQ within the areas listed Exhibit A. 36 C.F.R. 261.52(a)." which is established campsites. I got my campfire permit this year prior to going to the Rubicon. They are needed even for Coleman/Butane etc stoves. Simple to get and I think most of us get them each year anyway. We will be in an established campsite which has been cleared of combustibles and Smokey the Bear approved for people to safely use. We will be fine using the stoves and propane fire pit.

Further down what I got was:

Can I use gas, liquid or jelly petroleum-fueled stove in undeveloped (remote) camping areas? What about developed camping/picnic areas?

 Yes. Gas, liquid or jelly petroleum-fueled stoves are allowed in undeveloped areas but require a California Campfire Permit (available on-line click here). There is a detailed set of rules and regulations in place for undeveloped camping because of fire danger and the impact of vehicles or horses in the Forest. Additional restrictions may be implemented as fire danger increases.

Gas, liquid and jelly petroleum-fueled camp stoves are also allowed in developed campgrounds and picnic areas; however do not require a California Campfire permit because of the location.

Why are jelly petroleum-fueled stoves okay and campfires aren’t?

 Gas, liquid, and jelly petroleum-fueled stoves can be extinguished by turning off the fuel source to the stove. Jelly petroleum-fueled stoves can be extinguished by putting a metal lid over the container. This makes their use much safer than campfires.

Ashes or hot briquettes can blow outside of the fire pit; these embers can easily start a wildfire. Also, visitors might discard ashes or hot charcoal briquettes before they are completely cool, which could cause vegetation to ignite later after they are gone... even under the ground weeks later!
Title: Re: September 11th - 13th: Kid-friendly camping trip
Post by: Jayrat on August 17, 2020, 06:00:11 PM
Added!
Just like that I'm out ( I forgot )
I'll be in Fallbrook for a Family wedding
Sorry
Title: Re: September 11th - 13th: Kid-friendly camping trip
Post by: JFanaselle on August 17, 2020, 06:12:20 PM
Just like that I'm out ( I forgot )
I'll be in Fallbrook for a Family wedding
Sorry

 :'(
Title: Re: September 11th - 13th: Kid-friendly camping trip
Post by: JFanaselle on August 17, 2020, 06:16:25 PM
I think they are talking about wood fired stoves not gas/propane stoves.  any flame that can be extinguished by turning off the fuel is ok.  it looks like you will need a fire permit even for gas powered stoves in remote sites.

That makes sense. I forgot that there are some old school folk (Celt) who cook with a wood burning stove while camping.  lol

Joe,
  I think you are reading too far into it. I got there is so fires allowed outside of fire rings or approved BBQ sites. Right now they went further by stating those are temporarily halted due to fire restrictions and dangers. I think what you may have missed was "1.Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, or stove fire except in a Forest Service provided campfire ring or BBQ within the areas listed Exhibit A. 36 C.F.R. 261.52(a)." which is established campsites. I got my campfire permit this year prior to going to the Rubicon. They are needed even for Coleman/Butane etc stoves. Simple to get and I think most of us get them each year anyway. We will be in an established campsite which has been cleared of combustibles and Smokey the Bear approved for people to safely use. We will be fine using the stoves and propane fire pit.

The part in bold is what threw me off. I clicked on the link for "exhibit a" and the list did not include the Santa Rosa yellow post sites. It listed about a dozen or so developed campgrounds within the San Jacinto Ranger District, but none of the yellow posts were included. Thankfully, the remainder of what you posted clears it up. It's pretty clear now - no wood fires at yellow post, but propane is OK.
Title: Re: September 11th - 13th: Kid-friendly camping trip
Post by: Celt on August 17, 2020, 06:55:25 PM
I suppose because of these restrictions I might have to upgrade my technology to a sterno stove.
Title: Re: September 11th - 13th: Kid-friendly camping trip
Post by: Celt on August 17, 2020, 06:56:32 PM
Just like that I'm out ( I forgot )
I'll be in Fallbrook for a Family wedding
Sorry

And just like that "You suck"...............

???
         
:(
Title: Re: September 11th - 13th: Kid-friendly camping trip
Post by: JFanaselle on August 18, 2020, 04:56:35 PM
And just like that "You suck"...............

It's my fault. I moved the dates.  :'(
Title: Re: September 11th - 13th: Kid-friendly camping trip
Post by: Celt on August 22, 2020, 11:00:44 AM
What do you think about a group dinner feed or two? I just remembered you were talking about bringing the campfire in a can set up. Want me to bring another propane tank?
Title: Re: September 11th - 13th: Kid-friendly camping trip
Post by: ultrapc40 on August 23, 2020, 06:19:03 PM
Put me down as a maybe. Plus one more family.
Title: Re: September 11th - 13th: Kid-friendly camping trip
Post by: EJsarus on August 23, 2020, 07:44:28 PM
Curious on elevation. about 8,000ft?
Title: Re: September 11th - 13th: Kid-friendly camping trip
Post by: Celt on August 23, 2020, 10:57:51 PM
From what I'm seeing it's 6K.
Title: Re: September 11th - 13th: Kid-friendly camping trip
Post by: JFanaselle on August 24, 2020, 03:59:04 PM
What do you think about a group dinner feed or two? I just remembered you were talking about bringing the campfire in a can set up. Want me to bring another propane tank?

A group dinner is definitely not a bad idea. I'm going to go scout-out the sites within the next week, and once we verify that there's a big enough site for the group to set up, then we'll get some talk going about a group meal or two. As for the propane tank - yes, please bring one if you can. I went through half of my 10# tank in a single night up in Coyote Flat. If we're doing two nights, we could end up using a decent amount.


Put me down as a maybe. Plus one more family.

Added!


Curious on elevation. about 8,000ft?

Depends on which yellow post site we end up at. The yellow posts begin at about the 6,200' mark, but they continue along the road until about the 7,800' mark, I believe. The road ends into Toro Peak (about a half mile past the final yellow post site), which is 8,717 feet.
Title: Re: September 11th - 13th: Kid-friendly camping trip
Post by: vambrizz on August 27, 2020, 12:17:25 PM
Hey all, I’m interested in going. It will be myself and my gf.

I’m in the process of buying a CB radio setup, but I thought I’d reach out to y’all first to see if you guys have any used equipment for sale. Let me know what you have!
Title: Re: September 11th - 13th: Kid-friendly camping trip
Post by: vambrizz on August 27, 2020, 12:51:14 PM
Also, how is the road up? Are there a lot of obstacles. My X is essentially stock. I haven’t really tested its capabilities since I’ve mostly been wheeling by myself
Title: Re: September 11th - 13th: Kid-friendly camping trip
Post by: JFanaselle on August 27, 2020, 02:55:34 PM
Hey all, I’m interested in going. It will be myself and my gf.

I’m in the process of buying a CB radio setup, but I thought I’d reach out to y’all first to see if you guys have any used equipment for sale. Let me know what you have!

I'll add you to the "maybe" list, until you know for sure.

As for CB equipment - I do have a Uniden Pro 520XL CB that I'd be willing to sell for $20. I do not have the mounting bracket for it, but there are universal brackets available online for $10 to $15, or you could easily make something yourself that would work. You'd also need to source an antenna and bracket, as I do not have either of those available. That said, most folks in this particular group don't run a CB radio anymore. I think there are still one or two people on this forum who still have one installed, but our primary method of communication when we run group trips is now 2M Ham Radio. You can very easily (and inexpensively) acquire a license through a local Amateur Radio Club, and there are handheld radios available for well under $50 that would get the job done.


Also, how is the road up? Are there a lot of obstacles. My X is essentially stock. I haven’t really tested its capabilities since I’ve mostly been wheeling by myself

Myself and Sage Bromax are going to scout the trail this weekend, and should have a better idea after that. However, my understanding is that this is a basic truck trail, and is not difficult at all. The reviews on Trails Offroad say that it can be fully traveled by virtually any truck or SUV. They did say that the access roads to some of the yellow post sites may require 4x4, so I suppose it depends on where we end up exactly. I found this video on You Tube, which shows a guy doing the full road in a Subaru. He did have some trouble in one spot, but otherwise did just fine.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JdHhaQrdiBw
Title: Re: September 11th - 13th: Kid-friendly camping trip
Post by: vambrizz on August 27, 2020, 06:42:28 PM
... but our primary method of communication when we run group trips is now 2M Ham Radio. You can very easily (and inexpensively) acquire a license through a local Amateur Radio Club, and there are handheld radios available for well under $50 that would get the job done.

This should be interesting. I wouldn't mind getting a radio or a license. I have considered this as a hobby before hand so I now have a reason to get into it  :) I will update you when I get my license (by the end of next week at the latest) and I'll explore my options on radio equipment.

That trail definitely looks manageable. I should be ok. Thanks for the video.
Title: Re: September 11th - 13th: Kid-friendly camping trip
Post by: JFanaselle on August 30, 2020, 11:48:31 AM
Sage Bromax and I did a pre-run of the trail yesterday to scout out a camp location. We have decided that yellow post sites 10 through 14 are the best bet for our group. They are situated around a single pit toilet, directly adjacent to the main trail (but just far enough away that passing vehicles won't be an issue). I have updated the first post of this thread with the coordinates and directions. The trail is very easy, and pretty much any stock SUV or Pickup Truck would make the drive with no problems.

It was also suggested by someone that we do a group pot luck dinner. The best night for this would be Saturday, as folks will arrive at different times on Friday. If you're interested in bringing or making something, please post up. If you are bringing a guest that is not part of this forum, please reach out to them to inquire if they are interested in the pot luck dinner, and if so, please post what they intend to make/bring. We will keep track of the food below:

Main Dishes:

1) JFanaselle and family: We will make enough camp chili for about 8 people
2) Celt and family: Carnitas burritos (enough for up to 10 people)
3)
4)
5)

Side Dishes/Appetizers:

1) JFanaselle and family: cornbread loaf and honey butter
2)
3)
4)
5)


Desserts/sweets:

1) knightrider/Jill - something delicious
2)
3)
4)
5)
Title: Re: September 11th - 13th: Kid-friendly camping trip
Post by: Celt on August 30, 2020, 03:44:08 PM
 Put us down for Carnitas burritos with the fixins for em'. Enough to feed 10. If there is any leftover people might could come nosing around my cook stove the next morning for Carnitas and eggs (But that ain't no guarantee).


 Instead of Sage Bromax bringin vittles for dinner mebbe we could talk him into bringin a choo-choo-tocketery board for Friday afternoon or Saturday afternoon?
Title: Re: September 11th - 13th: Kid-friendly camping trip
Post by: vambrizz on September 03, 2020, 02:00:25 PM
Hey, I’m going to opt out. The earliest amateur license test I can attend is the 19th of this month.
Title: Re: September 11th - 13th: Kid-friendly camping trip
Post by: knightrider on September 06, 2020, 08:32:05 PM
I wouldn't bow out just because you do not have a ham radio, lots of peeps have hand helds you can borrow and you can just listen in to get a little taste of what it's like.  This should be a great first event for you and the family or just yourself.  if you don't have one, we will adopt you :D
Title: Re: September 11th - 13th: Kid-friendly camping trip
Post by: knightrider on September 06, 2020, 08:42:52 PM
Also, Jill and I are in, Dessert TBD for saturday potluck :D
Title: Re: September 11th - 13th: Kid-friendly camping trip
Post by: Celt on September 06, 2020, 11:40:19 PM
Also, Jill and I are in, Dessert TBD for saturday potluck :D

 Nice, glad you both are able to go!
Title: Re: September 11th - 13th: Kid-friendly camping trip
Post by: JFanaselle on September 07, 2020, 05:23:42 PM
I've updated the first post with who is "in" and who is still "pending."

vambrizz... as knightrider mentioned, no ham radio license required for this trip. This is not a wheeling xcursion... we're simply driving to the campsite and setting up for a couple of nights. If anyone chooses to venture off and do some exploring, and you want to tag along, it could be helpful to have a radio. But as knightrider said, there are usually plenty of extra radios that someone will hand you, so that you can monitor or speak up if you're having some kind of issue or emergency. I've left you on the "pending" list until you confirm.

That said..... there's some bad news regarding this trip.... :(

Because of the current fires, and the anticipated extreme fire weather this week, the US Forest Service has completely shut down all activity on every forest in our region, and significantly limited activity on all forests throughout California.

Here's the press release: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/r5/news-events/?cid=FSEPRD799162

As this is written, we are not permitted to camp anywhere within the San Bernardino National Forest. Even if this were an "open" forest, we would be prohibited from using any flame device, including gas stoves or fire pits.

They are going to re-evaluate the closures on a day-to-day basis, but the outlook doesn't look good for us. There is a Santa Ana wind event moving in on Tuesday, peaking Wednesday, and expected to continue into Thursday. If I had to put money on it, they won't lift these orders until AFTER next weekend. That said, let's keep this trip on the books for now, and we'll keep an eye out for any updates from the forest service throughout the week. If we have to cancel last minute, we'll do so, and we'll select a new date. I don't think changing venues is an option, as everything that is not within a forest will be at lower altitudes and will be very hot.
Title: Re: September 11th - 13th: Kid-friendly camping trip
Post by: Celt on September 07, 2020, 05:42:49 PM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d0VNHe5fq30

 I was really looking forward to this trip. Hopefully with a little luck it will be a go but I'm currently getting covered in ash here on the coast. If it does cancel everyone here should be good for the 18th-20th.
Title: Re: September 11th - 13th: Kid-friendly camping trip
Post by: JFanaselle on September 07, 2020, 05:50:25 PM
The 18th - 20th won't work for the Fanaselle clan, and neither will the 25th - 27th. :(

But don't let my availability stop the rest of you all from going either of those two weekends. I'm just keeping my fingers crossed that the restrictions are lifted in time for our original plan this coming weekend.
Title: Re: September 11th - 13th: Kid-friendly camping trip
Post by: Sage Bromax on September 07, 2020, 05:52:42 PM
I've been running Ops/Comms for our Animal Disaster Response Team on the Valley Fire since Saturday afternoon.  They still don't have it contained.  Not looking good for us to make it at this rate.
Title: Re: September 11th - 13th: Kid-friendly camping trip
Post by: vambrizz on September 10, 2020, 07:06:59 AM
Thanks guys!  :)  I would end up meeting y’all on Saturday anyways because we can’t get Friday off.

Either way, count me out for this weekend, but I think I’ll be available any other weekend. There are a couple of dates in October that I will not be available but I’ll wait and see what happens with this.
Title: Re: September 11th - 13th: Kid-friendly camping trip
Post by: JFanaselle on September 10, 2020, 11:16:12 AM
Well.... unfortunately, things are not looking good for this weekend. Not only has there been no word on the lifting of the closure orders, but the order was actually expanded yesterday afternoon, and it now includes all 18 national forests within the state of California. As much as I don't want to do it, I think it's probably time to call it for this weekend and start talking about alternate dates. :(

As of now, the next weekend that the Fanaselle clan would be available is 10/2 through 10/4, but 10/9 through 10/11 would actually work much better for us. Jessica gets really busy at work during the first few days of a new month, so we'd be getting up there pretty late in the evening on Friday the 2nd. Plus, Monday the 12th is a holiday (Columbus Day), which might allow some folks to extend their stay by one more night if they wanted. However, that could also mean more people trying to claim the yellowpost spots on Friday afternoon, so we'd need to get someone up there as early as possible on the 9th.

Everyone please chime in and let me know if 10/9 through 10/11 (or 10/12) works for you. If that doesn't work for a big portion of the group, then we'll shoot for 10/2 through 10/4 instead.
Title: Re: September 11th - 13th: Kid-friendly camping trip
Post by: Celt on September 10, 2020, 09:17:30 PM
Either or would most likely work for us.
Title: Re: Canceled: September 11th - 13th: Kid-friendly camping trip
Post by: JFanaselle on September 19, 2020, 09:46:56 AM
New thread has been created for another attempt at this trip. Keep your fingers crossed that we see the forests reopen: https://www.sccxterra.com/smf/index.php?topic=5105.msg59630#msg59630