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Archived Newsletter |
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October 2000
SCHEDULED EVENTS
For more trip information, see TRIPS. |
CONTENTS |
THE SILVERWOOD RUN
by Ric "Locked Gate" Jones
We met at McDonalds at the junction of I-15 and 138. Almost everyone was early for a change, either they were anxious to get their vehicles dirty, or they over estimated the time it would take to get there (probably the real reason). Shortly after 9 our final guest showed up (a woman I might add) and we were on our way.
The group consisted of Jon & Dale Rice, Rick and Suzy Schaffer (in the Ranger this time), Jerry MacDonald, Bob & Pat Matula, myself, with WIFE Pat (her third run this year), and Sandy the Dirt dawg.
Our guests were Robert and Sally Day, and Shirley Turner and Donna (?).
We went east on 138 for about 5 miles and then hit the dirt. After airing down and a little Bsing we were on our way.
The trail was a little bumpy, but not rough. There were great views of Cajon pass and Silverwood Lake from the trail.
Everything was going well until a pickup sped around a turn and almost ran into me. They notified us that we would be meeting up with 57 horses in about 20 minutes. We said ok, we'll stop and let them pass when we meet them.
About 15 minutes later we encountered the group. Actually they were in 3 groups. We had to wait a while for all of them to get by, especially the last group. There turned out to be 55 horses, 2 mules and 56 riders. I guess even on a ride like that they need a spare! About 11 we hit our first break, at a porta-potty. With my wife along, I'm compelled to schedule such things.
After a short break we resumed the second segment of our 3 segment trip, and headed to Monument Peak. Along the way we went through some very pretty areas, with ferns and all. At about 11:45 Jerry asked when lunch was, and I told him 30 minutes. Exactly 30 minutes later we arrived at Monument Peak and lunch. Damn, I'm good! During our lunch break some of us went up
and checked out the actual monument on Monument Peak. It was dedicated to some of the early explores that had visited the area. We took a little different route to 138 than we did on the trip 3 years ago, and ended up at HWY. 138 at 2:00.
At this point options were given to the group. They were: Call it a day and go home, go to Arrowhead for ice cream, or wheel for another hour and then go get ice cream. Everyone but Jerry decided to wheel for another hour, and Jerry must have heard a nap calling (not a bad idea as warm as it was) and headed for home.
We headed east on 138 for a couple of miles then picked up another trail that would eventually (with any luck) take us to 173 near the OHV area.
Well, as luck would have it, I made a wrong turn and eventually found my locked gate! Needless to say there was a lot of comments over the radio about it! Fortunately we had only gone about 100 yards past the juncture, so I just had to backup a little and get back on the main trail.
Actually, it worked out pretty good. We ended up coming out closer to Lake Arrowhead (and ice cream) and got to go through a residential section that had the women drooling over some of the "CABINS" in the woods.
The guys got their eye full when we passed a nice looking young lady, who as Jon described, was "A lot of woman in a lot of places." He was warned to stay out of those places!
We arrived at Arrowhead Village at 3:00 and promptly proceded to the ice cream parlor where it was enjoyed by all.
After saying our good byes, a few of us stopped in San Bernardino for the Route 66 Rendezvous and drooled over all the great looking cars. If you like old cars, this annual event is a must! Too hot to stay long though. Thanks, Jon & Dale for assuming your normal position of tail gunner. Good trip, with good people!
OUR BEST WISHES
Jon Rice is going in for kidney operation. Our prayers and best wishes for a speedy recovery goes out to him. I'm not sure which is going to bother him more, the operation, or missing the picnic.
A PLEASANT TRIP TO THE PAST
by Rick Schaffer
How many of you who have been to Panamint Valley relate Ballarat to Panamint City or Surprise Canyon? It may be hard to visualize what was there in the late 1800's. Actually, the Panamint City boom had ended for more than a decade when stakes were beginning to be made in Pleasant Canyon, a few miles south in the Panamint range. Ballarat was non-existent at that time.
Around 1896 Henry Redcliff made a promising claim, then James Cooper hit pay dirt further up the canyon. Much attention was being payed to pleasant Canyon. In less than a year there were 200 miners working the Radcliff. Canyons being as they are, more room was needed for housing the miners. A few buildings were moved 6 miles back down the canyon to the flats and an 80 acre townsite was laid out. Ballarat was born.
The Radcliff mine ceased operation in 1905, but the Wold Beater mine, just up the canyon about a mile, kept Ballarat alive for a few more years. Big strikes at Skidoo drew most of the miners away ant the town went "ghost". A few residents hung on for several more years. Now a historical landmark, you can still see a few adobe ruins and a graveyard. There's a small general store open for supplies and dry camping is allowed for a small fee. Limited funds are used to maintain some of what remains.
In 1912, the Redcliff was bought by W.D. Clair, along with the World beater. The lower portion of the Redcliff containing most of the buildings is now known as Clair Camp. The mines are actually far up on the south slopes only reached by tramway.
Every year during Panamint Valley Days, runs are offered consisting of extreme, difficult, mild, historic and scenic. One of the most historic and scenic trails offered is the Pleasant Canyon/South Park run. While only moderately difficult, this all day run offers beautiful views of the canyons, Panamint Valley and even a glimpse of Death Valley as we crest the top and head south into South Park. A bit more history here with a sign commemorating the route that the Manly party took while escaping Death Valley. A great run for all types of vehicles, it offers just enough difficulty for the novice driver to gain confidence while enjoying the beauty of the Panamint mountains. We'll stop for a while at Clair Camp to explore what remains. Many wonderful photo opportunities await. Then, lunch at the top, where we'll be out of the desert heat. With ever changing cemetery, lots of history, every turn has something new. Even the thrill of the South Park bridge keeps your attention. Join us for a full day of fun for the family.
WHEELING FOR THE FUTURE
by Dale Rice
The 5th Annual Springs Express led by the Divide 4 Wheeler, to raise funds to support local school and community efforts.
This is our third year of fun in the sun on the Rubicon with this group. We looked forward to spending time with our new friends. A nicer group of dedicated, hard working people you will never have the privilege of meeting.
Jon and I decided to meet the group hauling in the supplies Thursday morning. After saying our hellos and wishing them a safe trip down Cadillac Hill, we returned to the campground at Lake Tahoe. We had a pleasant evening as several FITS members were also camped there.
Friday morning the group met at Loon Lake. After checking in, receiving our lunches and airing down, we started our adventure. With a thud and a crunch echoing in the distance we anxiously awaited our turn at the obstacles. Over boulder, across granite slabs, up waterfalls, and down three foot drop offs, we cheerfully followed. The rock rollers offered guidance when needed. Let me tell you, their expertise as spotters is without parallel. Always there with a smile and flattery for your efforts, I can not lavish enough praise for these fine young men.
After a long day on the trail, Jon and I along with club members Rick & Suzy Schaffer, Mike & Carol Kelly, Jim & Betty Bays, Jay & Ellen Jimenez, Elaine Sullivan and Andy Vique reached Rubicon Springs. What a day, what a hoot, and the fun wasn't over. We spent the next day enjoying good friends, beautiful country, food a plenty, an evening that included a raffle, music and dancing.
Rick even took a helicopter ride to retrace our tire marks. The bad news was dust and more dust. In camp, sit puffed up around our feet as we walked. Everyone tried not to complain, as this very dry summer meant no mosquitoes, for which we were very grateful! It was especially pleasant to sit and listen to the music softly drift through the forest. Time passed quickly.
Sunday morning came all too soon. I didn't want to leave. The country was so beautiful and besides my body still ached from the bumping coming in. Oh well, up and at'um. After breakfast we said our good-byes to our new friends and headed up the infamous Cadillac Hill. Just as you begin to feel the let down of a fun filled weekend being over, a bear cub ambled across the trail. Quick, grab the camera. We knew mama wouldn't be far away, so we decided it best to keep moving.
At trail's end we surveyed the damage and noticed a slightly bent tie rod, bend drive shaft, a few minor scraps and huge grins on our faces. Would I do it again? You bet, next year!
October 28th & 29th they are having a poker for Toys For Tots. The run starts and ends at the Slash-X. There will be a dinner and raffle at the Slash-X Saturday night. See flyer for more details.
A BIT OF F.I.T.S. HISTORY
With it being our 10 anniversary, I thought it would be interesting to get a taste of what it was like the first year of the club.
The first meeting was on October 9, 1990 at the home of Steve & Shirley Bass. In attendence was Sherman Wallace, Steve Bolts, Bill & Cindy Girard, Jim & Trish Haley,
The first officers were President Jim Haley, Vice President Bill Girard, Secretary Shirley Bass, Treasurer Trish Haley.
The other members listed on the first roster were: Lou & Sylvia Meiss, Rich & Lori Wallace, David McElrea and Micky & Pat Pinon.
Sherman is the remaining member, and we haven't seen much of him for a while. We would like to see him come around more often.
Rick Schaffer & Bob Matula were guests at the following November meeting, So I guess that gives them seniority among the truly active members!
The monthly 50/50 drawing was first suggested by David McElrea at that November meeting as a fund raiser.
In the March 1991 newsletter was the first account of Sherman having vehicle problems, he had a drive shaft break on the way. That was just the first of many trip reports with mention of "Bonzai"'s many mechanical failures!
Rick Schaffer was accepted for membership at the February meeting and the guests for that meeting were Bob Matula (became a member a month later), Matt Battaglia and Rich Enoch. At the May 1991 meeting Rich & Phyllis Enoch were commended for their outstanding work at Hi-Desert. I guess somethings never change!
In the May 1991 newsletter there was mention of Bob Matula & Rick Schaffer going on a run to Afton canyon to look for sheep. I don't think I want to know what that was about!
The first documented trip lead by Mr. Schaffer was the Salton Sea Recreation area in September of 1991. I would hate to guess how many he's led since then.
After one year, the club was up to 18 families, 5 of which still remain, not bad! I enjoyed going through some of the old newsletters to research this!
Ten years later we have 24 members and 5 associates. Maybe, if I get some time, I'll research the total number of people that have belonged to FITS.
NEWEST MEMBER
We would like to welcome Tom & Kim Morey to the club. Tom also drives a Green TJ, so he can't be all bad. We knew he was really interested in the club when he consistantly made the meeting coming all the way from Moreno Valley! Hope to see you on many runs.
LOS COYOTES CLEAN UP
The Los Coyotes Indian Reservation may be closing to off-roading, the Triabl Council has sited continuing trash left by the off-road users as the main reason.
In a display of good faith, the San Diego 4 Wheelers together with 4 Wheel Parts Wholesalers is organizing a clean- up run. It will he held October 14th at 9 am at the camping meeting.
Materials needed include: shovels, picks and winches to move some of the bigger and heavier pieces of trash.
Please check to make sure that you meet these minimum requirements. Click here.
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