Southern California Club Xterra
Southern California Club Xterra => SCCX Xcursions => Topic started by: Celt on September 16, 2017, 09:42:34 PM
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I have been watching the local desert temps everyday. They seem to be down to upper 90's by day and 60's by night. As soon as they get into the low 80's by day I'm thinkin it's time to Partay... It would be good to get a list of trails or areas you guys want to do and get some trail leaders posted up. There is always the same guys here posting runs but it would be nice hearing some new blood rogering up for the task... Mild to full on retard you are going to get folks wanting to attend from this group. No name tags necessary, no huge planning necessary, just post up with a run you would like to do when and where and it should be no problem!
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Relatively new guy here. Less than a year. I've been watching the temps as well. Can't wait.
I've been trying to get to one of the meet and greets so I can get to know some of you but my job has been preventing that. I work nights and every other weekend. I miss quite a lot but at the same time it often enables me to head out on the less crowded weekdays. So, if anyone else is like me and has an odd schedule, I will post before I head out during the week, feel free to join me. Truckhaven is at the top of my list this year. Haven't done it. Looks like a fun mild trail with some good exploration opportunities.
George H.
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Giddy up............. Up until around January I'm mostly off Saturday thru Monday. I often camp near Truckhaven. This Thursday is the food gathering although I'm not sure where the guys want to have it yet.
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. . . This Thursday is the food gathering although I'm not sure where the guys want to have it yet.
Where ever works for you.
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- Coral Wash and Grave Wash in Ocotillo Wells OHV park, maybe play in either the Notches or Truckhaven
- 78 to S2 via Oriflamme trail, then past mudcaves and drop into Fish Creek via Diablo Drop Off trail
- camp at Dos Cabezas and follow the railroad track on mountain bikes to Goat Canyon Trestle
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- Coral Wash and Grave Wash in Ocotillo Wells OHV park, maybe play in either the Notches or Truckhaven
- 78 to S2 via Oriflamme trail, then past mudcaves and drop into Fish Creek via Diablo Drop Off trail
- camp at Dos Cabezas and follow the railroad track on mountain bikes to Goat Canyon Trestle
That's what I'm talkin bout!
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I'm hoping to set up an "Apple Pie Run" in Anza Borrego again this year. Probably November, just before Thanksgiving. Not sure where just yet, but most likely something stock friendly, since my current X is stock (more or less).
Some ideas are: Blair Valley (with hiking); Fish Creek / Sandstone Canyon (where we had them for the first seven or so); Buttes Pass area.
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I'm hoping to set up an "Apple Pie Run" in Anza Borrego again this year. Probably November, just before Thanksgiving. Not sure where just yet, but most likely something stock friendly, since my current X is stock (more or less).
Some ideas are: Blair Valley (with hiking); Fish Creek / Sandstone Canyon (where we had them for the first seven or so); Buttes Pass area.
Hopefully I can make one of those Apple Pie runs, they always looked like a lot of fun to me.
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- camp at Dos Cabezas and follow the railroad track on mountain bikes to Goat Canyon Trestle
This is on my bucket list Hennie. I'm in terrible shape and you'd run circles around me on a bike, but I REALLY want to make it to this bridge and photograph it before it's not here anymore. I missed my chance with most of the Eagle Mountain Railroad and I don't want to miss it here.
As long as you're ok with a fat guy huffing and puffing along behind you (and probably slowing you down quite a bit), I'd love to plan something around this. Maybe for December or January, as I'm pretty booked up for October and November already.
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Apple Pie Run sounds fun.
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I'm hoping to set up an "Apple Pie Run" in Anza Borrego again this year.
If the run doesn't happen...I'm still down for apple pie.
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^ thats what i'm talking about.
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If the run doesn't happen...I'm still down for apple pie.
Warm?
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Warm?
Is there another way?
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To get this thread back on track...I would be interested in a day run through Oraflamme Canyon. I've never done it in that direction before, only S2 to 78. If you need any help herding cats, let me know.
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Thus far it looks like folks want to go to:
1. Truckhaven (I would be happy to lead this).
2. Coral Wash and Grave Wash in Ocotillo Wells OHV park, maybe play in either the Notches or Truckhaven.
3. 78 to S2 via Oriflamme trail, then past mudcaves and drop into Fish Creek via Diablo Drop Off trail.
4. Camp at Dos Cabezas and follow the railroad track on mountain bikes to Goat Canyon Trestle.
5. Apple pie run:....... Saturday 11/18/17 Trail leader: Frank B. http://www.sccxterra.com/smf/index.php?topic=4475.msg52863#new
6. Red Rocks and in Spangler OHV area.
7. Pinyon Mtn (Twist my arm...Be happy to lead this)
8. Calcite mine then back down and across the valley to the Iron Door. (I would be happy to lead this)
Pretty good list thus far so once things cool down a little more we need some trip leaders to post up and get this stuff into action. I prefer to spend at least one night down there if not two so some real estate can surely get covered to get in a lot of these places. I know some like day trips so lets get it posted up and I will update the list and some dates.
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To add, Mr. Fanaselle and I have discussed a trip behind Red Rocks and in Spangler OHV area. There's a lot to do back there. This will be more sightseeing with mild offroading.
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PINYON MOUNTAIN :D
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This is on my bucket list Hennie. I'm in terrible shape and you'd run circles around me on a bike, but I REALLY want to make it to this bridge and photograph it before it's not here anymore. I missed my chance with most of the Eagle Mountain Railroad and I don't want to miss it here.
As long as you're ok with a fat guy huffing and puffing along behind you (and probably slowing you down quite a bit), I'd love to plan something around this. Maybe for December or January, as I'm pretty booked up for October and November already.
Are the railroad police still watching that stretch of track? It has been a while, but the last time I looked into getting to the Goat Canyon Trestle via the RR right-of-way I was under the impression that they would get all bent out of shape if they found you there. Maybe it's changed; or maybe if there is someone slow in the group they can be the sacrificial catch that allows the other to get away.
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http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/business/sdut-desert-line-gets-new-operator-repairs-starting-2016jun09-story.html
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That story is like a year and half old. My understanding is that no one is enforcing anything, and that no work has taken place. I've even read that several people a day make the trek during the cooler weather months with no issues, and people are even manufacturing cars to ride along the tracks. In theory, it's illegal and you can be busted for it. But the reality is that they'd have to start some strict enforcement to get it under control at this point. I'm not endorsing or advocating any illegal behavior. But I do really want to see that bridge and I don't see the harm if everyone is doing it and the MTS doesn't even seem to care.
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That story is like a year and half old. My understanding is that no one is enforcing anything, and that no work has taken place. I've even read that several people a day make the trek during the cooler weather months with no issues, and people are even manufacturing cars to ride along the tracks. In theory, it's illegal and you can be busted for it. But the reality is that they'd have to start some strict enforcement to get it under control at this point. I'm not endorsing or advocating any illegal behavior. But I do really want to see that bridge and I don't see the harm if everyone is doing it and the MTS doesn't even seem to care.
I wasn't trying to throw out negativity.
My biker mentality is: "It's only Illegal if you get caught "
I am 100% in.
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When hennie and I rode it earlier this year there were many hikers and bikers out on the tracks, even a few guys with a custom made gas powered cart. There were also a few rock falls blocking the rails, one big one that was almost completely blocking one of the tunnels.
The ride is pretty easy, very slight grade up going from dos cabezas and downhill on the way back. I would just walk the bridges, Hennie sliced 2 tubes and i got a sidewall puncture on the way back from the grating that sides the bridges.
Edit: probably the guys we saw out there.
https://youtu.be/Kat4P6-Mrk8
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I'd most likely be in for the day portion, unless we met up with the group Saturday evening. My wife does hair and Saturdays are her busiest days typically. She might be able to block that day out depending on when everything here gets locked down as far as dates go.
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Temps are rising back up this week to high 90's by day mid 60's by night. With sunrise/sunset coming later were not far away from being bearable to downright comfortable and happy down there. I'm certainly up for multi day trips S/S/M kinda thing. We need to get another wood cutting party together so guys can keep their backsides warm by that night fire.
A little forum bump:
Thus far it looks like folks want to go to:
1. Truckhaven (I would be happy to lead this).
2. Coral Wash and Grave Wash in Ocotillo Wells OHV park, maybe play in either the Notches or Truckhaven.
3. 78 to S2 via Oriflamme trail, then past mudcaves and drop into Fish Creek via Diablo Drop Off trail.
4. Camp at Dos Cabezas and follow the railroad track on mountain bikes to Goat Canyon Trestle.
5. Apple pie run at Blair Valley (with hiking); Fish Creek / Sandstone Canyon (where we had them for the first seven or so); Buttes Pass area.
6. Red Rocks and in Spangler OHV area.
7. Pinyon Mtn (Twist my arm...Be happy to lead this)
8. Calcite mine then back down and across the valley to the Iron Door. (I would be happy to lead this)
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90's with lows in the 60's is comfortable to me. >:D
I've been talking to a guy in Ridgecrest who knows the Spangler area pretty well. We're going to try to firm up dates. Mind you, this will only be minor wheeling, with mostly sight-seeing.
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I'd be down. Sorry I've been absent celt, life gets in the way. Finally getting rid of the spacer life and getting a proper lift done here in the next couple weeks once the parts get in.
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We need to get another wood cutting party together so guys can keep their backsides warm by that night fire.
Let me know when this is going down, I'd be up for chopping some wood.
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Let me know when this is going down, I'd be up for chopping some wood.
I will, I'll see if I can't combine it with a bbq or something like that.
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I'm thinking of the weekend before Thanksgiving (i.e. either Sat 11/18 or Sun 11/19) for the eighth-or-ninth-or-so-more-or-less-annual Apple Pie Run to Anza Borrego Desert State Park.
Right now I'm leaning towards Saturday 11/18, but open to Sunday if more people feel they can make that day.
I'll post up an actual Xcursion thread later, but this thread seemed like a good place to hear if anyone has a strong preference as to day. This run will probably be really easy, stock vehicle friendly, family and significant other friendly, and probably even 2WD friendly, as I'm thinking of Blair Valley again. The spot we used for many years in Sandstone Canyon may not be as accessible, and Blair Valley has some nice hiking opportunities to walk off the pie and see some really nice scenery. The last one we did was Blair Valley.
http://www.sccxterra.com/smf/index.php?topic=3432.msg39146#msg39146 (http://www.sccxterra.com/smf/index.php?topic=3432.msg39146#msg39146)
Let me know what you think please.
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if it's Saturday 11/18 the whole family will be there
if it's Sunday 11/19 my Boy and I will be there
can't wait Frank
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Sounds like fun. I'd be in for a Saturday run with the family.
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I might be able to swing that day. I'm working on a Spangler run, I'm shooting for the last weekend in November or possibly the beginning of December. With this date firmed up, I'll probably push a little further out so we aren't putting runs on top of each other.
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I wouldn't mind either day but was thinking if folks wanted to combine it with an overnight down there somewhere?
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I wouldn't mind either day but was thinking if folks wanted to combine it with an overnight down there somewhere?
If we go with Saturday we not only get Jayrat's whole family, but also it might be easier for anyone who wants to stay out there and camp. There are lots of camping opportunities at that end of the Park, as well as it's not too far from some more adventurous trails for Sunday for anyone who does stay over.
So far then we are leaning strongly to Saturday 11/18.
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If we go with Saturday we not only get Jayrat's whole family, but also it might be easier for anyone who wants to stay out there and camp. There are lots of camping opportunities at that end of the Park, as well as it's not too far from some more adventurous trails for Sunday for anyone who does stay over.
So far then we are leaning strongly to Saturday 11/18.
Lean away, that sounds like a good date that we should be able to make.
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Right now I'm leaning towards Saturday 11/18, but open to Sunday if more people feel they can make that day.
Saturday sounds good for us -- I'll know for sure once my son's wrestling schedule is published sometime this month.
Thanks, Frank!
Wait, what??
Pie in the desert...and clothing optional hikes. Doesn't get much better than that. lol
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. . . Wait, what??
I suggest a bit of research on the author Marshal South and his self-built homesite on the top of Ghost Mountain, where he and his family lived from around 1930-1947 more or less. When we go to Blair Valley we often will do the one-mile hike up from the parking area to the homesite at the top of Ghost Mountain (about a 900' elevation gain, so wear sturdy shoes) and back, before lunch.
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Frank I added you as Trail Leader for 11/18 Apple Pie Run, hope that's ok?
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I and the family are in on this one. Not sure about overnight,thatll take planning on our part considering we have 2 kids,but saturday will work for a daytrip.
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Maybe I can convince the wife to take Saturday off so we can join.
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I suggest a bit of research on the author Marshal South...
I'm good with the part about doing an interesting side hike. It's the "clothing optional" that's throwing me.
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Haha the "clothing optional" was making it iffy for me too but i guess we can always look away? Haha
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I'm good with the part about doing an interesting side hike. It's the "clothing optional" that's throwing me.
Oh no, "Twiggs and Berries" resurfaces.................
CB, don't worry you are an innocent bystander, it's an inside joke the guys will let you in on...
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Maybe I can convince the wife to take Saturday off so we can join.
Overlanding is why I stopped taking clients on Saturdays
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Frank I added you as Trail Leader for 11/18 Apple Pie Run, hope that's ok?
Thanks. I'll set up a separate Excursion thread for this soon.
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I'm good with the part about doing an interesting side hike. It's the "clothing optional" that's throwing me.
No worries Craig. We've been going to Ghost Mountain for years, and in all that time no one I know of has ever decided to exercise that option. Personally I think it would be crazy, what with all the cactus and other scratchy stuff around.
When you see where this place is, and realize that Marshal South had to walk up that last mile to the house carrying whatever they had gone into Julian to get, you realize just how weird it must have been. It's pretty steep in places. Just getting to Julian in those days must have been quite the adventure too; I wonder when they paved CA-78?
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Overlanding is why I stopped taking clients on Saturdays
My wife does hair and that is her busiest day. I could cruise solo and bring our daughter along, but sometimes its a challenge since she is only 2.
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Just getting to Julian in those days must have been quite the adventure too; I wonder when they paved CA-78?
Looks like some time after 1925...cool local mountain history at this link:
https://www.sandiegoreader.com/news/2013/nov/20/roam-old-banner-road-julian/#
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Looks like some time after 1925...cool local mountain history at this link:
https://www.sandiegoreader.com/news/2013/nov/20/roam-old-banner-road-julian/#
Thanks John , love me some history lessons
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Overlanding is why I stopped taking clients on Saturdays
I'd say your priorities are in line :D
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Thanks John , love me some history lessons
Speaking of history lessons, the desert, the San Diego Reader, and cool things to check out:
https://www.sandiegoreader.com/news/2012/aug/11/travel-integratron-ca-high-desert/ (https://www.sandiegoreader.com/news/2012/aug/11/travel-integratron-ca-high-desert/)
Next time you are up near Joshua Tree be sure to check out the Integratron.
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^also in the area, the Giant Rock. Has a very interesting history. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giant_Rock
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^also in the area, the Giant Rock. Has a very interesting history. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giant_Rock
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Giant Rock is cool. It's the rock on the right, and you really can't tell just how big it is in this picture.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/So-Cal-Explorations-Day/Integratron-Giant-Rock-Feb2007/i-JG8tT6c/0/18c0d6fe/L/0132126-R1-007-2-L.jpg)
That wikipedia article is probably a bit thin. It mentions that "Critzer perished in a self-detonated dynamite explosion while being investigated . . .". I've seen several other accounts which mention the rest of the story, which appears to be that some locals didn't like him for some reason (he was German, it was WWII, and he had radio equipment and lived in a hollowed out room under the rock) so they got the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department (keep in mind this is in Riverside County) to come out there. The sheriffs tossed in a tear gas grenade to try to get him out, and it apparently detonated the dynamite he kept under the kitchen table.
The Integratron website may still have a lot of the stories, including a lot about the setup that Van Tassel had out there at Giant Rock for many years.
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Checking the weather reports and by mid week it's supposed to be mid-80's in Borrego down to a very comfortable 58f by night. If this holds I'll set up a Sat/Sun or Sat/Sun/Mon trip real soon.