July 2000 Newsletter

SCHEDULED EVENTS

6/17 Miller Jeep Trail
7/15 Big Bear The Easy Way
8/19 Big Bear The Hard Way

For more trip information, see TRIPS.

CONTENTS

Trip Report
Don't Forget
New CA4WDC Delegate
Adventure Pass
Trip Schedule Changes
Periodic Plea
Steve Frank to get Hitched
Run Safety Requirements

On June l7th the infamous FITS launched it's annual "surprise" attack on the Miller Jeep Trail" a day that will live on in infamy."

After a tremendous effort the valiant band of FITS triumphed and won the day under the leadership of their fearless leader Jerry "Tow Strap" MacDonald.

The band members that were present were: Jay & Laurie Anderson, Jim & Betty Bays, Jay and Ellen Jiminez, Mike & Carol Kelly, Bob & Pat Matula, Dale Rice (solo), Rick & Suzy Schaffer, and Andy Vique. Guests were: Todd Simpson, Don Stanger and George Skidmore.

We gathered at the Lake of The Woods RV park at 9:00am for the drivers meeting and the exchange of opinions and ideas (a bull session for which we are famous). At 9:30 we started off for the run, with "Fearless" leading and Mike & Carol Kelly assuming their usual position of Tail End Charlie. Mike and Carol have had more experience at this than anyone I know. I think the Kellys deserve an award for eating more dust than anyone else in the club!

It really was an uneventful run. The trail avoids Lockwood Creek as most of you know, and the bypass trail is not as exciting, but is considerably longer than the creek trail.

At about noon we arrived at the bottom of Miller and stopped for lunch at the creek. After lunch and another exchange of opinions and ideas (more BSing) we started up Miller.

At one point our perennial guest Todd Simpson's (if I misspelled any guest's name wrong, please excuse me, but sometimes I can't make out the handwriting) Suzuki started to overheat, and had some other problems, but was quickly overcome. Jay's Grand Cherokee had some problems as well (you've got courage Jay, taking such a beautiful vehicle up Miller. I understand you did a great job with it)

I understand that Jim Bays had a little problem with his gearshift coming out of gear at an embarrassing moment, but he overcame the problem and continued on.

At about 2:30 we reached the top of Alamo Mountain. Fearless informed the group that this constituted the end of the run and where they could send the compliments and complaints. Praises for "Fearless" to Brea, Complaints to PO Box NONE, Nome Alaska.

After a further exchange of opinions and ideas (more BS) the group headed down the hill, some to home and some back to Frazier Park.

As a perfect finish to a fine day, Dale Rice invited everyone back to her house in Frazier Park for a BBQ dinner and a further exchange of opinions and ideas. I understand that everyone had a great time. Thanks Dale! (Ed. The 1/2 in the score is based on the rumor that a unnamed Suzuki had to be strapped on at least one occasion.)

ELECTION NOMINATIONS DUE BY AUGUST MEETING.
IF YOU HAVE SOMEONE TO OR WISH TO RUN FOR AN OFFICE, PLEASE CALL BOB MATULA.

Because of other commitments, Matt Battagila has resigned as our delegate. Jay Jimenez has volunteered to be our new CA4WDC delegate. Thank you Jay for volunteering.

As most of you know, an Adventure Pass is required in the San Bernardino Mountains. We have in the past gotten away without needing one. Officially, you only need one if you are parked for a period of time, (lunch break ?). On the July run we will be going up to the fire lookout and will be parked for a while. Potentially it could fit the requirements for a pass.

Passes are available at most sporting good stores. Sportsmart, Big 5 and Sports Chalet all carry them. You can get an annual pass for $30 or a day pass for $5 (they are actually discounted at REI -JJ). I personally have mixed feeling about getting one, but as trip leader will probably get a day pass, just in case.

First, the White Mountain trip in September has been changed to a Silverwood trip. White Mountain is in the area that is closed because of last year's Willows fire, so we'll be doing something around Silverwood instead.. Since the trails around Silverwood are pretty easy, the trip won't be as challenging as White Mountain would have been.

The other change is the Pinyon Mountain trip in October. It was recently announced in the In-Gear that since some idiot damaged his vehicle on Heart Attack hill, sued, and won, they are now requiring a permit, and are only issuing 5 permits a day.

So instead, we will be doing Pleasant Canyon. This is a run that Rick Schaffer usually leads for Panamint Valley Days. This year it will serve two purposes: first our club run, second, a pre-run for Panamint. I hear it's a very good run.

The newsletter has been a little thin lately except for last month when Rick "Roving Reporter" Schaffer had several articles.

If there is any news that you wish to report, please get it to me by the meeting so I can get it in the newsletter. And please make it in writing. If you tell me at the meeting there's a very good chance that I will forget.

Plans are underway for Steve and Michelle to be married in August. We all wish them the best.

He's already talking about backing out of leading his trip in trip in August... something about being busy. Where's your priority Steve? ) Just kidding!!!

Archived Newsletter

RUN SAFETY REQUIREMENTS