Southern California Club Xterra
Southern California Club Xterra => SCCX Xcursions => Topic started by: Goldfish on April 25, 2011, 05:18:15 PM
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RATTLESNAKE CANYON TO BIG BEAR
Saturday 5-21-11
Meet spot: K Mart Parking Lot. 20777 Bear Valley Rd. Apple Valley 92308.
Park in front of Green Burrito in K Mart parking lot.
Time: 9:00am. We will be leaving the meet spot @ 10:00am.
Please have a full tank of gas when you arrive.
From here we will head east on Hwy 247 to Rattlesnake Canyon Rd.
GPS: N 34 22 12.0, W 116 38 59.6
The plan is to make our way to Round Valley in Big Bear.
GPS: N 34 14 13.1, W 116 42 32.2
We can campout here. For those who do not want to campout can take 2N01 back to
Hwy 38 which will take you to Big Bear Lake or Redlands.
There should be no camp fire restrictions at this time so if you plan on spending the night bring a bundle of firewood.
4 wheel drive required, skid plates and sliders recommended.
Reference: So. Cal. Guide To Ca. backroads & 4WD Trails by Charles Wells
Pg. 161,162
If this is your first time, please read the Xcursion Guidelines.
Commuications:
FRS: Channel 5, Sub Channel 24
CB: Channel 24
Ham: 2M 146.52 MHz
If you have any questions you can reach me @ FiveSixTwo-TwoTwoNine-SixThreeSixTwo
Please add your name to the list if you plan on attending:
Don & Denise (Goldfish)
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I'm good to go ... about 95% certain at this point.
We've never camped along the trail but I'd like to this time.
Summer, Noon, and their driver Paul.
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Pencil me in. I have to weld two nuts on my xterra so i can attach my oil pan skid. Broke them in big bear about a year a go. If i get this done by then i will make it.
Doug & my daughter Evalynn
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I ran the trail yesterday and it was a ton of fun!
I have a three inch lift and didn't scrape nor use the sliders at all. I did do one bump which sounded like the rear shock mount popping a rock. This trail is going to be lots of fun for those that come out in three weeks. There are a handful of challenging areas - rock gardens and pinch points that should be passable with care, a spotter, and some luck. A 2-3" lift, sliders, and skid would be nice too!
I'll post pictures and some video later as I shot most of the more challenging stuff. I did get out of the truck a few times to figure out some of the harder spots. There's still a trickle of water in the canyon and we ran into two herds of about 10-15 cattle each (big horns!).
We camped out in the area where two years ago (Jan 2009) we stopped to play in the snow. It got mighty cold last night and the winds were up on Sunday but last night the winds died down to nothing and it was a very quiet and cold night. Today we played around in Burns Canyon where the forest service has been busy this spring closing down two trails we attempted. There's still black diamond and blue square trails running westerly away from Rattlesnake.
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Sounds like were going to have some fun. I hope some of the group shows some interest. Been a long time seeing some of the familiar faces around here. Would love to meet some new ones too. Look forward to your photos.
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I'm a maybe. I have a cracked driver's side lower control arm and was quoted $500 for R&R. A new control arm costs around $300. I took it to someone this weekend and they said they will weld it for me for $50, but that is without taking it off. Since the cracking is all around the bracket and down the arm, I think I should at least have it removed to be welded. And then I'll see about having a plate put in for reinforcement. So I'll need to get this figured out before I take it on some rocks. Other than that, I am good to go.
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One of my all time favorite trails, been forever since I
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I'm a maybe. The X has been a bit needy lately and I've been on a repair binge. If I can get everything done in time...
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Wow - Brian and Bobby B are a maybe? I may even have to try and reunite on this run :o But our tired old rigs should probably just stay in 2hi and below 2000 rpm - maybe we should stay on the road and just meet the group at the campsite ;D
Tom
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One of my all time favorite trails, been forever since I
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My video editor is giving me fits, couldn't do the HD video I shot, couldn't do the converted lower resolution video I shot.
Sadness.
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Did you try beating on it with your fist? I always use that method when electronics give me problems. :D
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One of my favorites too. This pic was following a run we made in Feb of 2003. It was sunny at the base of the mountain but we froze our butts off when we finished later that night. With only a couple of compressors it was a long, cold wait. The Yankee cap is something Jason (Xterror) made me do.
(http://img.geocaching.com/cache/log/display/1048006_400.jpg)
Good to see some of the old timers are still around. Dave how have you been? Its been way too long since I've been out on an excursion.
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I'm in! Stan, my son Tyson and nephew Andy. Haven't done a trip for over a year and very much looking forward to this trip!
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The link code isn't working here so I can't imbed the MP4 video here.
http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y215/paul1960/Xterra/11-05%20May%202011%20Rattlesnake%20Canyon%20Solo/?action=view¤t=RattlesnakeCanyonCommercial640.mp4 (http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y215/paul1960/Xterra/11-05%20May%202011%20Rattlesnake%20Canyon%20Solo/?action=view¤t=RattlesnakeCanyonCommercial640.mp4)
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The link code isn't working here so I can't imbed the MP4 video here.
http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y215/paul1960/Xterra/11-05%20May%202011%20Rattlesnake%20Canyon%20Solo/?action=view¤t=RattlesnakeCanyonCommercial640.mp4 (http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y215/paul1960/Xterra/11-05%20May%202011%20Rattlesnake%20Canyon%20Solo/?action=view¤t=RattlesnakeCanyonCommercial640.mp4)
"Leaving Behind Their Homeland" . . . . Paul, that little movie trailer was great. Well Done!
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Nice work Paul. Can't wait to see the feature film. Maybe on the night of the xcursion? Should I bring the popcorn?
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Nice work Paul. Can't wait to see the feature film. Maybe on the night of the xcursion? Should I bring the popcorn?
What ever happened to Oz's Desert Drive In Theater setup?
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What ever happened to Oz's Desert Drive In Theater setup?
LOL we were just talking about that. It was Dr Strangelove. brr it was cold
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Is there any interest in this trip?
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I'm still into it. Just have to put the fuel tank back in the X and repair the front diff, but other than that, I should be good.
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My daughter and I are in.
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I'm in if my sliders and skids get here in time.
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Yes! I'm planning just a day trip though
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I'm a maybe. I have a cracked driver's side lower control arm and was quoted $500 for R&R. A new control arm costs around $300. I took it to someone this weekend and they said they will weld it for me for $50, but that is without taking it off. Since the cracking is all around the bracket and down the arm, I think I should at least have it removed to be welded. And then I'll see about having a plate put in for reinforcement. So I'll need to get this figured out before I take it on some rocks. Other than that, I am good to go.
I found a good deal on some reinforced LCAs with the help of Bobby. It turned out it was Rich formerly from NCCX who went with us on the CX Memorial run and the same guy who sold me my Rockcrawlers. He shipped them out on Monday so I was sure I would have them in time to get them installed this weekend. Since they hadn't shown up yet I checked the tracking number. They won't get here until Monday. :'( The shipping charge to me was $25 from Utah. I should have given him my FedEx number but mistakenly thought he would have sent them UPS rather than regular mail. I am debating whether to take another vacation day to get my truck worked on, but idk. So as it stands now, I don't think I will be able to go.
Edit: Vacation request submitted, although I won't know if it will be approved until the end of the week because of a large ongoing project at work.
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What ever happened to Oz's Desert Drive In Theater setup?
(http://www.semperx.com/images/gallery/ODDIT4-closed.jpg)
Sadly, Oz's Desert Drive-in Theater closed October 27th, 2008 due to lack of attendance. Here is a photo of the aforementioned Dr Strangelove from SCCX club run 4/11/08, somewhere along the Mojave Trail.
(http://www.semperx.com/images/gallery/movie.jpg)
Photo: Elliott Strickler
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I am an possible . I have to get caught up at work so i dont know for sure yet. In any event I am an day tripper or early out in the AM.
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"I any even I am an day tripper ot early out in the AM" ~ C. Fleury
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From another point of view (female), I would say it was because of the movie selection. Maybe Fast and Furious or something like that would have brought up the attendance. Just sayin... ;D
Itll play any movie you want - but people get too cold understandably and head into the tents.
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OK so it looks like the following are in:
1. Goldfish
2. Paul
3. Boats
4. Topcat
5. Bobby B
6. Oz
There were a few maybe's out there so if your going please add your name to the list.
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OK so it looks like the following are in:
1. Goldfish
2. Paul
3. Boats
4. Topcat
5. Bobby B
6. Oz
7. Pigcat
There were a few maybe's out there so if your going please add your name to the list.
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Hey a snow storm is headed our way so maybe a repeat of last year's odyssey. John (GhostX) are you going to squeeze in one more Cali run before Gone ? Hope so! Anyway please bring warm clothes and if someone brings a chainsaw that may help too (had to cross a fallen tree last year). Should be fun time in the snow!
regards, Oz
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I wanna go so bad........ I am a maybe with a copilot.
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Weather forecast for Saturday:
Apple Valley: High 72, Low 47 Partly Cloudy
Big Bear: High 58, Low 34 Partly Cloudy
For those spending the night, don't forget some firewood.
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I am sorry i will not be able to make this run :'( I was looking forward to making it. will try to catch the next one. Again sorry all
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I have two bundles of wood I can bring.
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I wanna go so bad........ I am a maybe with a copilot.
It would be good to see you again Kyle. Where's Scott?
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I have two bundles of wood I can bring.
Good, I will be bringing a big bundle myself. Hey Paul. did you scope out any good camp spots on your recon trip?
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I was hoping to be able to attend this run but just found out I have to work on Saturday. Hope to make another run soon. Thanks, Max
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I just called the post office and found out that my LCAs were sent on 5/9 by Parcel Post and not by Priority Mail. Apparently the 5/16 estimated delivery date is only an "estimate" when shipped that way, but could take up to 14 days to arrive. I was told I should get it by 5/25. Unfortunately, I already got my vacation request approved for Friday to get the LCAs installed that can't be changed.
I wish I had suggested shipping by FedEx or UPS since it would get here much quicker. If it was shipped UPS today (5/18) it would arrive by Friday (5/20) at a cost of $23.48 (rather than the $24.61 I was charged). That is based on an estimated weight of 30 lbs., so it could have been either more or less.
I got a new gopro HD with a roll bar mount, LCD display, extra batteries and SDHC cards for this run. But I guess this trip isn't in the cards for me. So I am officially out unless the package arrives tomorrow.
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I just called the post office and found out that my LCAs were sent on 5/9 by Parcel Post and not by Priority Mail. Apparently the 5/16 estimated delivery date is only an "estimate" when shipped that way, but could take up to 14 days to arrive. I was told I should get it by 5/25. Unfortunately, I already got my vacation request approved for Friday to get the LCAs installed that can't be changed.
I wish I had suggested shipping by FedEx or UPS since it would get here much quicker. If it was shipped UPS today (5/18) it would arrive by Friday (5/20) at a cost of $23.48 (rather than the $24.61 I was charged). That is based on an estimated weight of 30 lbs., so it could have been either more or less.
I got a new gopro HD with a roll bar mount, LCD display, extra batteries and SDHC cards for this run. But I guess this trip isn't in the cards for me. So I am officially out unless the package arrives tomorrow. Hopefully it will arrive tomorrow.
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Hopefully it will arrive tomorrow.
Thanks Don. I have been looking forward to this run and have been working hard to get my truck in order over the last couple months. My truck is in tip top condition now except for the LCA and I am already packed up for the most part. So I really hope it will arrive tomorrow.
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Me too!
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I really want to do this run, but it doesn't look like my skids and sliders will be in.
I'm thinking of going anyway.
Paul- You mentioned that they would be nice for this trip, but do you think I'd be ok?
I have approx. 2.5 inch lift, and stock OR skids.
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Hopefully Paul will chime in on this as he just finished running this trail. From watching his video, I would say you should be fine with just the stock skid plates. Heck, if Brian would of wrote the opening post it would of said "stock friendly". :D
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I was hoping to be able to attend this run but just found out I have to work on Saturday. Hope to make another run soon. Thanks, Max
Yes - we found a big area about 80% of the way up the canyon with plenty of spaces - this is about a mile or so from the big right-hand turn into Burns Canyon. In Burns Canyon there are some smaller places including a beautiful place that has nice 270 degree views into the canyon.
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I really want to do this run, but it doesn't look like my skids and sliders will be in.
I'm thinking of going anyway.
Paul- You mentioned that they would be nice for this trip, but do you think I'd be ok?
I have approx. 2.5 inch lift, and stock OR skids.
I ran the trail five years ago dead nutz stock with the thin stock skid plates - no lift, no sliders and no damage.
You'll make it fine with your lift, you'll just have to be a bit more cautious than if you had skids/sliders. This is likely going to be a very exciting/challenging trail for the more stock trucks and still lots of fun for the lifted/armored trucks. I by-passed some of the tougher spots on the available by-passes - not every place has an easy go-round but some do. With other trucks to effect rescue it will be fun to try the harder paths.
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Sorry I've been dealing with some real life but we're going on the trip for certain.
My wife and "new" dog Summer will be coming along. She's a bit noisy but warms up quickly, be careful as she'll put on a big show when she first meets you but hasn't bitten anyone yet ... and my dog is naughty too!
Summer is still a juvenile and in training. She's no Trixie yet but she's lots of fun.
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I'm sorry I won't be able to make this one - it really is a fun trail.
Matt - I did this trail in Feb 2006 in my stock S-trim 05 X. That means no skids of any sort, Long Trail (not Rugged Trail) tires, no e-locker, no high-end stereo to drown out the screams. It had less than 1,500 miles on it. Edgar, who was right behind me most of the way, was equally stock in an S 05. He dinged up his step rails some, but I had removed mine so no problem there. It was exciting to say the least, but it's pretty amazing what a stock X can do, as long as you're not afraid to get it dirty or a bit of pinstriping. It sounds like you've got lots of articulation with your lift, so you should be fine.
Have a great time everyone.
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Thanks for the responses!!
I'm in for camping. I've heard some epic stories from GhostX and I'm looking forward to it.
Sorry to hear that you can't make it, Frank. I'll be looking forward to the next Borrego run.
Matt
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Updated List
1. Goldfish
2. Paul
3. Hardrock453
4. Topcat
5. Bobby B
6. Oz
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I think Tom is also going. He added his name to the list at Post #30 above.
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Updated List
1. Goldfish
2. Paul
3. Hardrock453
4. Topcat
5. Bobby B
6. Oz
7. Pigcat
Thanks Rockin X. So what about you? Did the parts show up yet?
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I think Tom is also going. He added his name to the list at Post #30 above.
Marshann, thanks for looking out for me 8) Me and Shannon will be joining in but we camped a couple nights in 30 degree weather last Jan. so we're opting out for a fireplace and jacuzzi in Big Bear Sat night - will miss Paul & Noon's meat on a stick but looking forward to doing a run with the club again ;D
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Yes, the parts showed up this morning. However, I didn't want to post up until after I got them installed so that I wouldn't seem like even more of a drama queen if things went wrong. ;D So it looks like I am in! Summer will be glad to know that I will not be bringing my dog, although I am sure he would have loved to have contributed to her "naughtiness." If the install doesn't go well tomorrow, I will be sure to post up so that you are not waiting for me. Here is the updated list, although I won't be camping.
Updated List
1. Goldfish
2. Paul
3. Hardrock453
4. Topcat
5. Bobby B
6. Oz
7. Pigcat
8. RockinX
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Updated List
1. Goldfish
2. Paul
3. Hardrock453
4. Topcat
5. Bobby B
6. Oz
7. Pigcat
8. RockinX
9. Mitch, Mitch, Bo... uhm, Soylent Yellow
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I'm sorry I won't be able to make this one - it really is a fun trail.
It's not too late to reconsider. ;D
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Summer will be glad to know that I will not be bringing my dog,
Ruger!
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So how about an update Marshann. Is the X ready to go? We need some drama here :D
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Don FYI I brought a portable firepit just in case. The fire danger rating is varying between high and moderate depending on where you go.
I came up early, so if anyone else does and needs a place to camp, I'm on the south side, yellow post #30.
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Thanks Bobby. See you tomorrow.
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Um . . . you guys do realize that the end of the world starts tomorrow (May 21) at about 6:00PM local time, right? I would suggest some extra food and such, just in case there is no civilization to get back to right away.
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I'm out. Dang. Have fun.
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If anyone wants to caravan from San Diego, I'll be leaving El Cajon around 7am.
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Um . . . you guys do realize that the end of the world starts tomorrow (May 21) at about 6:00PM local time, right? I would suggest some extra food and such, just in case there is no civilization to get back to right away.
Umm let's see, 6:00pm I should be enjoying a cocktail reliving our days adventures. Yeah, I'll be ready.
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So how about an update Marshann. Is the X ready to go? We need some drama here :D
Haha! I just got home, after a trip to Costco (of course) for sammiches. Everything went smoothly so no drama to report. :D I'll tell you, Rich (Racer Xterra on RONIN) who sold me the LCAs has a heart of gold. I got a smokin deal on the reinforced LCAs and he even threw in some ES sway bar end links. I think he was even more concerned than I was on the delivery.
My mechanic reindexed my TBs and switched out the rubber boot on one of the ball joints, since mine was in better shape, all at no additional charge. My front brakes were borderline so I got those replaced while I was there. There is a movie theater right across the street so I saw Bridesmaid (funny!) and Pirates of the Caribbean. So it was a great day, although I was up way too early this morning. I can't think of anything else. Well, except that I didn't get a chance to practice with the GoPro, so I'll see how that goes. See you all tomorrow!
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See you all tomorrow!
Yay!
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We'll meet you at the trail head off the 247. Going to Apple Valley is the long way for us by about 15 miles. We'll head out the 60 and then north through Morongo Valley on the 62. If you're leaving K-mart at 10:00 you might be there by 10:30-10:45 or so.
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We'll meet you at the trail head off the 247. Going to Apple Valley is the long way for us by about 15 miles. We'll head out the 60 and then north through Morongo Valley on the 62. If you're leaving K-mart at 10:00 you might be there by 10:30-10:45 or so.
FYI - Those of you coming east on the 247 from I-15, keep an eye out for Bobby when you get close to the 18. He'll be coming down from Big Bear. When I spoke with him earlier this evening he said he would call Paul in the morning, but it sounds like Paul will be coming from the opposite direction.
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Thanks for passing on the info Frank. See the rest of you in a little while. Whoo Hooo.
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See the rest of you in a little while. Whoo Hooo.
(http://www.semperx.com/images/gallery/ozlikes-k.png)
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Man I wish I could go. While you are all having fun I'll be installing a stupid shower door. I hope to make the next Xcursion! Have a safe trip all.
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Okay, I'm rolling out now!
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Have a great trip, looking forward to the pictures and stories.
Wanted to join but discs in my lower back are acting up again and can
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hope you guys are having fun with I coulda been there with you guys :'(
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was a GREAT effing day! An very full, honest day of off roading. Great folks, food, perfect weather, surmountable challenges, drama. Picts and stories to come! Great to see old and new faces too
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A bit of winch action with Bobby's winch doing what five guys pushing couldn't do.
I'll be posting pictures and video in time.
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What a fun trip. Thanks to everyone that showed up and made for a great time. The day started out nice and easy with a lunch stop. Marshann laid out a spread of food that looked like we were at the Hometown Buffet. After lunch we were treated to a real live version of Cops. Right as we were passing by some shady looking guys that were target shooting near some cabins, three San Berdo Sherriffs roll up with guns drawn. After determining that Paul was not the bad guy (at least not this time) they went after the shooters. By the time the last truck passed they had all of them face down in the dirt. Very exciting. After a few miles down the road we entered the rocky road of doom. It took about 2 hours to get 8 trucks up this section, Bobby even had to bust out the winch when Stan got high centered. After that it was getting late so we found a nice place to camp while others left for home, or so they tried. That's another story that I will let Marshann tell. Sunday morning we broke camp and said our goodbyes as most went home. Bobby and I went into town, gassed up the trucks and proceeded to the Gold Mtn trail. I had done this trail two times in the past and didn't think it was very hard. Well let me tell you, with all the use that trail has been getting it seemed a lot rougher. I got stuck in one spot and had to have Bobby pull me out. (Thanks Bobby) Due to my lack of driving skills, I got myself in a pinch in another section and got a nice souvenir to take home. [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]
After we got back to town we picked up Marshann from the Motel 6 and met Tom and Shannon for lunch. We could not of asked for better weather or a better group of people. I just hope that we don't wait another year to do another trip like this again.
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Good times. Thanks for getting the ball rolling on this one Don.
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Don that ain't gonna' buff out!
The four trucks that headed towards the 38 took some goat trail that looked like another truck hadn't run this year yet.
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Anybody hear from Marshann? I wonder if she is going to get out of Big Bear tonight?
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Anybody hear from Marshann? I wonder if she is going to get out of Big Bear tonight?
I spoke with her about 2:30. The parts had just arrived and they say she will be on the way home to feed her 138lb puppy tonight :)
It's always an adventure ;D
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Oh man Don.
ouch
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Hi Xterra Club, Thank you for a great time. We look forward to the next run.
Michael is going to be working on the X soon must order parts. We will lift and put sliders.
will send pictures as soon as we figure out how to do that. The pictures you all posted were
great. The run on Sunday morning was fun and beautiful. See you all soon.
Kathy, Mike and Murphy.
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I certainly lived up to my new nickname
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Looks like that rocky stretch around and after that sharp right turn on 2N02 has gotten a whole lot rockier than when we were there in February of 2006.
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Glad to hear you finally made it home Marshann.
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Glad to hear you finally made it home Marshann.
Same here Marshann - Such a pleasure to see you again and be on a run with you.
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The parts had just arrived and they say she will be on the way home to feed her 138lb puppy tonight :)
Well, maybe now he is only 136 lbs. :D He still had water in his bowl so I'm pretty sure he was drinking from the swimming pool. When I got home, I fed him but he ignored the food. He was more interested in showing me how glad he was to see me. When he finally did eat, he just slowly and methodically ate his food. Fortunately for me, he is not a big foodie. I took him up to the hills to get his run out yesterday morning and it appears things are back to normal for him.
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Same here Marshann - Such a pleasure to see you again and be on a run with you.
Aw shucks, thank you. ;D
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I wanted to thank everyone for a great trip!! Me and my little guys had a good time and we can't wait until the next one. Big time thanks to the winch crew that got me off that nasty rock that wasn't there when I started my run, and just so everyone knows, I did it on purpose! So we could practice winching; so we know how to do it next time; yeah, that's the ticket!
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And here I thought I had cornered the market on drama. Any carnage to report other than some bent metal?
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some bent stuff on the drive shaft; took it to my mechanic yesterday and he says it's no big deal
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some bent stuff on the drive shaft; took it to my mechanic yesterday and he says it's no big deal
So are you ready to do it again? I just picked up a new tail light lens for $104.00 (ouch). I still need to replace my trailer plug with a new one relocated in the bumper and I will be ready to go.
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Count me in!!!!
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Don
I am SO ready for the next trip! Just tell me when and where!
stan