Southern California Club Xterra

Southern California Club Xterra => SCCX Xcursions => Topic started by: Celt on December 16, 2015, 11:18:23 PM

Title: New Years run
Post by: Celt on December 16, 2015, 11:18:23 PM
I was talking with Mrs. Celt tonight and we were tossing the idea around going on a desert run over New Years. I was thinking in Ocotillo Wells area as I know of a few washes that most don't get into to. Extremely low mileage and family friendly. I can tailor the trip to a Calcite Mine run or whatever folks want. I did this a few years ago with a small group of friends and had an absolute hoot.

    Anyone interested?
Title: Re: New Years run
Post by: SoCalXTerry on December 17, 2015, 01:31:10 PM
Hey Celt,

Looks like the young BlackWidow and I are interested.    Do you have an idea of timing please?    And you know me the funner the runs the better.   Else I can't get the blood pumping.

Hey the BOY going to participate too?
Title: Re: New Years run
Post by: Toro on December 17, 2015, 02:49:05 PM
Is this camping too? Or a day trip?
Title: Re: New Years run
Post by: Celt on December 17, 2015, 03:02:29 PM
Yessir, whole family will be there! We would absolutely love to have you guys down for this and runnin around there. Do you want to meet up at my Dad's place? If we all gathered together about 11 or so might be real good that way we can raid our secret stash of firewood.
Title: Re: New Years run
Post by: Celt on December 17, 2015, 03:03:04 PM
Is this camping too? Or a day trip?

 Over night camping my friend,,,Sooo ahem,,,, bring yourself and family!
Title: Re: New Years run
Post by: Toro on December 17, 2015, 03:28:55 PM
Is this the 31st to the 1st?
Title: Re: New Years run
Post by: knightrider on December 17, 2015, 05:36:24 PM


Else I can't get the blood pumping.

You know they have pills that help with that...

Sent from my rooftop tent while stargazing

Title: Re: New Years run
Post by: Celt on December 17, 2015, 08:44:27 PM
Is this the 31st to the 1st?

 Yep... Over night the 31st to the 01st.
Title: Re: New Years run
Post by: Celt on December 17, 2015, 08:45:55 PM

You know they have pills that help with that...

Sent from my rooftop tent while stargazing




 Hey pipe down you Mr. can't go to the food frenzy night tonight.
Title: Re: New Years run
Post by: RBduffer on December 17, 2015, 09:23:59 PM
Good time at In N Out tonight boys.

And, you guys talked Nilda into the New Years Run :D 

We are in!!!
Title: Re: New Years run
Post by: GreenGoon on December 17, 2015, 09:39:34 PM
It's good to know about this option. I love wheelin' on New Years Day. We may be at the river or sticking with our normal tradition of Azusa Canyon, or doing a snow run... So many options with real weather.
Title: Re: New Years run
Post by: knightrider on December 17, 2015, 09:48:31 PM

 Hey pipe down you Mr. can't go to the food frenzy night tonight.
I'm stuck in this lame place called Disneyland, where apparently all the women get sick from the food :D Spent the whole day in the hotel caring for Jill, my mom and my sister.  None of the guys got sick...   I was thinking of trying to make it to the OC food meet yesterday but FIREWORKS!!!
Title: Re: New Years run
Post by: Celt on December 17, 2015, 10:00:31 PM
I'm stuck in this lame place called Disneyland, where apparently all the women get sick from the food :D Spent the whole day in the hotel caring for Jill, my mom and my sister.  None of the guys got sick...   I was thinking of trying to make it to the OC food meet yesterday but FIREWORKS!!!

 There is The Haunted House and Mr. Toad's Wild Ride...
Title: Re: New Years run
Post by: Motorpig77 on December 17, 2015, 10:59:54 PM
I'm working the morning of the 31st until 7am, but I will try my best to make it.  Even if I miss the meet in the morning, maybe I will be able to find you guys on the trail or the campsite in the afternoon after i get a little sleep.
Title: Re: New Years run
Post by: Celt on December 17, 2015, 11:01:41 PM
I'm working the morning of the 31st until 7am, but I will try my best to make it.  Even if I miss the meet in the morning, maybe I will be able to find you guys on the trail or the campsite in the afternoon after i get a little sleep.

I'll make sure you get the detailed info on where were going to camp. It will be super easy to find us.
Title: Re: New Years run
Post by: Celt on December 18, 2015, 09:16:14 PM
Since this is getting some traction, do you guys want to do a meal plan or whing it yourselves?
Title: Re: New Years run
Post by: Riz98 on December 21, 2015, 06:37:12 PM
Count me and my family in for this adventure.  I would be down for the meal plan seeing it is the New Year and a feast should be on hand.  This will be my first time meeting everyone that will be there and I am looking forward to it.  Are people staying in campers or tents?  I will be in a tent.
Title: Re: New Years run
Post by: Celt on December 22, 2015, 12:46:18 AM
Count me and my family in for this adventure.  I would be down for the meal plan seeing it is the New Year and a feast should be on hand.  This will be my first time meeting everyone that will be there and I am looking forward to it.  Are people staying in campers or tents?  I will be in a tent.

You are definitely welcome to come along on the run. I'm not exactly sure yet what the rest of the guys want to do as far as cooking up food as I haven't gotten any responses yet but that's an easy fix in the next week or so. As of right now, the meetup is at Dudley's Bakery at noon to give everyone time to travel. I'm planning on camping in a wash there in Ocotillo so once we get down there guys can drop their tents or whatever and go wheeling if they want. It's mainly just a get together for New Years. Please bring a bundle of firewood for the night along. I'll do a post later for the radio frequencies folks should use for the run to make it easier. In the event that you only run a CB, I think there should be one or two with one.
Title: Re: New Years run
Post by: Celt on December 22, 2015, 12:53:06 AM
And with the last post I was thinking to use Simplex= 146.535. Repeater= 147.7500(+) 107.2 as it seems to cover very well out there.
Title: Re: New Years run
Post by: Riz98 on December 22, 2015, 09:46:51 AM
Any thoughts on burning chirstmas trees also?
Title: Re: New Years run
Post by: Celt on December 22, 2015, 10:21:53 AM
Any thoughts on burning chirstmas trees also?

 As much as that would be a great idea where were camping they tend to get a little sticky about the fires. They want them contained in a metal container of some sort. We typically bring a dryer basket for the fires. If you brought a small hand saw and cut it into several smaller sections that could fit on the top of that we could make it work.
Title: Re: New Years run
Post by: ShockBlue_Scott on December 24, 2015, 09:55:32 PM
I might be interested in going. First I need to get approval from my CFO...

Title: Re: New Years run
Post by: Celt on December 24, 2015, 09:58:50 PM
I might be interested in going. First I need to get approval from my CFO...



 If she gives you the approval come on out.
Title: Re: New Years run
Post by: ShockBlue_Scott on December 24, 2015, 10:02:00 PM
Definitely will come out. I can't do too difficult of terrain. Only running a PML.

Is anyone bringing their K9's?
Title: Re: New Years run
Post by: Celt on December 24, 2015, 10:07:05 PM
Definitely will come out. I can't do too difficult of terrain. Only running a PML.

Is anyone bringing their K9's?

You don't have to worry about anything too difficult. I think the most difficult thing were planning on doing is the Calcite Mine road and there isn't really any planned runs. Fuel is close by in Salton City for the return trip and Truckhaven is close if you want to go out and play on obstacles while still having a good margin of safety. It's mainly just go out and set up camp and enjoy the New Years in the desert and wheel if you want to. From my understanding there will be one other hound in the camp.
Title: Re: New Years run
Post by: ShockBlue_Scott on December 24, 2015, 10:08:43 PM
Okay, I that will be the key to me going. But I will have 2 pups probably.
Title: Re: New Years run
Post by: Celt on December 24, 2015, 10:11:44 PM
Okay, I that will be the key to me going. But I will have 2 pups probably.

Bring em'
Title: Re: New Years run
Post by: Riz98 on December 26, 2015, 08:43:43 PM
Is the campsite going to be near one of the toilets they have out there?  Also any updates on the food situation?
Title: Re: New Years run
Post by: ManduhO on December 26, 2015, 10:27:00 PM
Ooh, interesting. I might be in for this, but gotta check with a friend to make sure I have company,  besides  you all. I need a camping cuddle buddy and don't know any of you yet lol!  Would possibly be including at least 1 of my 2 pups:  A big, stupid doberman but he loves everyone and is pretty obedient...he refuses to stay in his harness but that's just because he's a "free spirit," not that he escapes for malicious purposes haha
Title: Re: New Years run
Post by: Celt on December 27, 2015, 12:45:53 AM
Is the campsite going to be near one of the toilets they have out there?  Also any updates on the food situation?

Not near any of them so it's open air seating in that department with a shovel. As far as the food is concerned, I haven't much on the grapevine, so what I'm planning is bringing two large Dutch ovens for beef stew that will easily feed 12+ people. If you wanted to bring about 12 dinner rolls and some foil to warm them up in so we can heat them up that would be great. If other guys bring some chips etc would be nice. As long as the group is not much over 12 I'll handle the main course. Hopefully in the next couple of days if there are any cancellations folks can post up.
Title: Re: New Years run
Post by: Celt on December 27, 2015, 01:12:35 AM
Ooh, interesting. I might be in for this, but gotta check with a friend to make sure I have company,  besides  you all. I need a camping cuddle buddy and don't know any of you yet lol!  Would possibly be including at least 1 of my 2 pups:  A big, stupid doberman but he loves everyone and is pretty obedient...he refuses to stay in his harness but that's just because he's a "free spirit," not that he escapes for malicious purposes haha

 If you are able to go please post so ASAP so I can get a final head count. Make sure the dog is comfortable with fireworks because in those areas there are a lot of them going off all over the place and I wouldn't want the dog to get scared and run off into the desert at night getting lost in those washes.
Title: Re: New Years run
Post by: steve c on December 27, 2015, 12:45:30 PM
Celt, where are you planning on camping?
Title: Re: New Years run
Post by: Toro on December 27, 2015, 01:45:36 PM
We are 95% in. Just need to make sure we can wrap a few things up at work.
Title: Re: New Years run
Post by: Riz98 on December 27, 2015, 04:23:22 PM
Not near any of them so it's open air seating in that department with a shovel. As far as the food is concerned, I haven't much on the grapevine, so what I'm planning is bringing two large Dutch ovens for beef stew that will easily feed 12+ people. If you wanted to bring about 12 dinner rolls and some foil to warm them up in so we can heat them up that would be great. If other guys bring some chips etc would be nice. As long as the group is not much over 12 I'll handle the main course. Hopefully in the next couple of days if there are any cancellations folks can post up.

Open air seating works for us.  I'll be sure to grab dinner rolls and foil.
Title: Re: New Years run
Post by: ManduhO on December 27, 2015, 04:42:40 PM
If you are able to go please post so ASAP so I can get a final head count. Make sure the dog is comfortable with fireworks because in those areas there are a lot of them going off all over the place and I wouldn't want the dog to get scared and run off into the desert at night getting lost in those washes.


Oh yeah, he sleeps through fireworks. But, I'll have to bow out this time around. My friend has a huge work project new years eve and by the time she's done, we won't have time to get out there. Maybe next time!
Title: Re: New Years run
Post by: Celt on December 27, 2015, 07:20:54 PM
Celt, where are you planning on camping?


Nothing set in stone but looking at Palm wash N/E of Calcite Mine Rd.
Title: Re: New Years run
Post by: Celt on December 27, 2015, 07:21:32 PM
We are 95% in. Just need to make sure we can wrap a few things up at work.

 Awesome, my Dad was just asking about you guys over Christmas.
Title: Re: New Years run
Post by: Celt on December 28, 2015, 01:10:26 AM
Open air seating works for us.  I'll be sure to grab dinner rolls and foil.

Ok thanks, how many are in your group? I'm asking because I want to make sure there is plenty of stew to go around, if your family doesn't want that it's fine just let me know so I can make sure those that do are taken care of. So far it looks like there should be 12 people in attendance not counting how many other folks you are bringing. Since it looks like you have never been on any of the runs with us before I just wanted to add in a few things, forgive me if you already know this but it will make everyone's life more comfortable. Bring everything you will need to camp in fairly cold weather (Predictions 40f at night). Plan for winds just because it's the desert in the winter. Please bring all utensils, plates, drinks, gizmos, snivel gear and whatnots you may need. Dinner meal is taken care of but lunch and breakfast isn't. This is a very relaxed group of experienced folks going that are very family friendly and helpful but it's surely not a catered event. Now that being said, if you get down there and find you are missing something I'm sure folks will do their best to help you out but everything is primitive. Do you have a HAM radio or run a CB? Neither are required on this because it's just a get together but most will be on HAM chattering. The meet up is at Dudley's Bakery at high noon on New Years Eve. https://dudleysbakery.com/ Please be ready to get on the move by being fueled up and ready to go NLT 1300, fuel is available in Santa Ysabel but it's more expensive than Ramona etc. Don's market should be open for last minute needs. Once we get down there the only services available is Salton City which will be fairly close and Borrego Springs which is a bit of a jaunt away from our camping spot. The pre-determined camping spot is not hard and fast because there is a small chance others will be close by. If that's the case we may adjust to get off the beaten path a little more so it's important to meet the SP time/location. I look forward to having you and your family along on the trip and believe you will walk away after having a great experience in the desert with some really great folks. If you have any questions about anything or need something post it up or send me a PM and I'll do my best to answer.
Title: New Years run
Post by: Ghost65 on December 28, 2015, 08:24:55 AM
^^^ Great post.


Sent from Cygnus X-1
Title: Re: New Years run
Post by: ultrapc40 on December 28, 2015, 09:55:47 AM
FYI I found a cool little race track to the left of the 4x4 area. If you are interested, I can pull GPS data out so you guys can hit it.

It's made for side by sides, but our trucks for and the bank turns are fun in 2wd
Title: Re: New Years run
Post by: Riz98 on December 28, 2015, 12:33:50 PM
Ok thanks, how many are in your group? I'm asking because I want to make sure there is plenty of stew to go around, if your family doesn't want that it's fine just let me know so I can make sure those that do are taken care of. So far it looks like there should be 12 people in attendance not counting how many other folks you are bringing. Since it looks like you have never been on any of the runs with us before I just wanted to add in a few things, forgive me if you already know this but it will make everyone's life more comfortable. Bring everything you will need to camp in fairly cold weather (Predictions 40f at night). Plan for winds just because it's the desert in the winter. Please bring all utensils, plates, drinks, gizmos, snivel gear and whatnots you may need. Dinner meal is taken care of but lunch and breakfast isn't. This is a very relaxed group of experienced folks going that are very family friendly and helpful but it's surely not a catered event. Now that being said, if you get down there and find you are missing something I'm sure folks will do their best to help you out but everything is primitive. Do you have a HAM radio or run a CB? Neither are required on this because it's just a get together but most will be on HAM chattering. The meet up is at Dudley's Bakery at high noon on New Years Eve. https://dudleysbakery.com/ Please be ready to get on the move by being fueled up and ready to go NLT 1300, fuel is available in Santa Ysabel but it's more expensive than Ramona etc. Don's market should be open for last minute needs. Once we get down there the only services available is Salton City which will be fairly close and Borrego Springs which is a bit of a jaunt away from our camping spot. The pre-determined camping spot is not hard and fast because there is a small chance others will be close by. If that's the case we may adjust to get off the beaten path a little more so it's important to meet the SP time/location. I look forward to having you and your family along on the trip and believe you will walk away after having a great experience in the desert with some really great folks. If you have any questions about anything or need something post it up or send me a PM and I'll do my best to answer.

There is going to be 4 total in my group.  Myself, wife, and two kids (4 & 6).  My daughter is a picky eater so dont count on her eating the dinner.  I planned on bringing food for the other meals/snacks.  We have camped up in Big Bear with these same temperatures and did fine.  Sleeping bags are rated for the temperatures and blankets will be on hand if they are needed.  I have a CB radio that I will use for communication while driving.  I have not looked into getting a HAM radio but am interested in checking what you guys are using.  Perhaps a future mod.  Overall we should be prepared and thanks for the concern. 
Title: Re: New Years run
Post by: Celt on December 28, 2015, 12:35:46 PM
Sounds great, I look forward to meeting you and your family!
Title: Re: New Years run
Post by: SoCalXTerry on December 30, 2015, 10:15:41 AM
Hey Celt,

I'm coming out tomorrow and will be staying in Borrego Springs in the RV. Staying there until the 2nd for anybody who wants to "hang around"  ;D  It appears that BlackWidow will be coming out early AM on the 1st.

Do you know exactly where you are all going to camp by chance and/or when you are going to get there?   I know 146.535 and we all should be in communication that way.
Title: Re: New Years run
Post by: Toro on December 30, 2015, 12:45:36 PM
Work cleared, we're in.
Title: Re: New Years run
Post by: steve c on December 30, 2015, 02:10:43 PM
Hey Celt,

I have to work a half day tomorrow ('till 12:30pm)  I won't be able to meet up at the Bakery and follow you guys into camp.

Not being super familiar with the area, can you give me a general ideal of where the proposed campsite will be?  (google maps GPS coordinates would be awesome)
You also mentioned that the primary site might be full and we might be camping at a secondary spot.  Any idea where that might be?

Anyways, I'll be on the ham (146.535)  Hopefully somebody will be listening!

Jordan is going to wait up for me so at least I won't be lonely!

And if you don't know how to find GPS coordinates via google maps, it's really easy on a computer
Find the spot you're looking for, right click and choose "what's here"
This will bring up the coordinates!

Right click on the part of the map you'd like coordinates for and click "What's here?"
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/907/7xip35.png) (https://imageshack.com/i/p77xip35p)

Copy and paste those GPS coordinates and post them up!
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/905/2Q1fwd.png) (https://imageshack.com/i/p52Q1fwdp)
Title: Re: New Years run
Post by: Alex on December 30, 2015, 06:14:31 PM
If I wasn't already going to Vegas with some friends I'd be going on this. Have fun out there!
Title: Re: New Years run
Post by: Celt on December 30, 2015, 07:27:14 PM
Hey Celt,

I have to work a half day tomorrow ('till 12:30pm)  I won't be able to meet up at the Bakery and follow you guys into camp.

Not being super familiar with the area, can you give me a general ideal of where the proposed campsite will be?  (google maps GPS coordinates would be awesome)
You also mentioned that the primary site might be full and we might be camping at a secondary spot.  Any idea where that might be?

Anyways, I'll be on the ham (146.535)  Hopefully somebody will be listening!

Jordan is going to wait up for me so at least I won't be lonely!

And if you don't know how to find GPS coordinates via google maps, it's really easy on a computer
Find the spot you're looking for, right click and choose "what's here"
This will bring up the coordinates!

Right click on the part of the map you'd like coordinates for and click "What's here?"
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/907/7xip35.png) (https://imageshack.com/i/p77xip35p)

Copy and paste those GPS coordinates and post them up!
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/905/2Q1fwd.png) (https://imageshack.com/i/p52Q1fwdp)

Sure thing buddy, Where I'm planning on being is the N. Fork Palm Wash. Turn onto Calcite Mine Rd @ 33.281114 -116.096407 from S-22 (It's just prior to or just behind the Navy Radio tower you can't miss that) as you hit the bottom of the steep grade there is a fork to the right. Take that and follow it along through some serpentine turns until the road comes to another larger fork @ 33.287691 -116.074030 veer to the left at this fork which puts you onto N. Fork Palm Wash. Follow this wash veering to the right at any small intersections to approximately 33.302937 -116.091555 or wherever you see everyone camped. I'm going to be monitoring the Laguna repeater and it has amazing coverage (I put that frequency up on other posts here in this thread). Other than that we will also monitor 146.535 but I'm not sure how great that coverage will be. Secondary campsite will be adjusted in that wash so if you don't see us keep going and you will run into everyone. Hope to see you out there.
Title: Re: New Years run
Post by: steve c on December 30, 2015, 08:47:42 PM
Excellent, thanks Celt.

 O0
Title: Re: New Years run
Post by: Celt on December 30, 2015, 10:02:43 PM
Work cleared, we're in.

 Woooooo Hooooooo!!!!
Title: Re: New Years run
Post by: Celt on December 30, 2015, 11:05:12 PM


"Jordan is going to wait up for me so at least I won't be lonely!"

 Wait, the elusive Jordan is going to make an appearance? Holy Freakin Guacamole..... That's awesome!
Title: Re: New Years run
Post by: Riz98 on December 31, 2015, 11:47:30 AM
Running a little late.  Should get to dudleys at 1230.
Title: Re: New Years run
Post by: Celt on January 01, 2016, 05:19:16 PM
Just got back, had an AWESOME time with everyone and can't wait to get out there again. Huge thanks to Terry and Randy for the assistance getting my family in safe. I appreciate this more than you can know!!! Everything went off without a hitch other than me forgetting my tent (Another Huge thanks SteveC) for the borrow of the awesome cammo tarp. It was really awesome to see the Mini-Me driving up and down Calcite mine interspersed between bobbing Xterra's. We need to do this again soon!
Title: Re: New Years run
Post by: RBduffer on January 01, 2016, 07:11:27 PM
Sorry we couldn't stay.  It looked like the real fun was rolling in as we were leaving >:D

I want fire jinga stories!  Or at least a misguided rocket fire ;)

Thanks Eric for setting the whole thing up, so the rest of us could just show up and have fun.
Title: Re: New Years run
Post by: Celt on January 01, 2016, 10:43:33 PM
Definitely will come out. I can't do too difficult of terrain. Only running a PML.

Is anyone bringing their K9's?

We didn't see you at the SP? Did you get left behind?
Title: Re: New Years run
Post by: Toro on January 03, 2016, 02:17:56 PM
We had a super awesome time. Thanks Celt for inviting us to spend new years with you and your family.
https://vimeo.com/150623704 (https://vimeo.com/150623704)
 The stew was to die for.......
(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/16/01/03/5792e1d087f92aafbd1935260a0cc113.jpg)
We are breaking out the dutch oven tonight!
    I love spending time with others in their native camp habitat and learning their secrets. We intend on spending more time in the Borrego dessert and picked up one of these while we're at it.
(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/16/01/03/7b33f58d52aafd38e71219a4b28afdd9.jpg)
    Loved getting to know new faces and spending time with some of the usual suspects.
   
   Thanks again.
Title: Re: New Years run
Post by: Celt on January 04, 2016, 12:34:49 AM
You are more than welcome, it was a hoot! Nice video by the way looks like whoever that was in it was having a blast.
Title: Re: New Years run
Post by: SoCalXTerry on January 06, 2016, 09:46:01 PM
Thanks Celt for setting this up.  Great time and great wheeling.  Let's do it again very soon.   Actually you missed the fun stuff Monday.    Rain Rain..