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Archived Newsletter |
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May 2002
For more trip information, see TRIPS. |
CONTENTS |
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TRIP REPORT PINION MOUNTAIN 10 vehicles met at Christmas Circle, in Borrego Springs, at 9 am on Sat. the 20th of April. The sun was shining bright and we were anticipating a great day of wheeling. James Wallace was there to try out his newly purchased Defender 90, and Paul and Debbie Coursey were on their first real Jeep run in a nice Wrangler. James Sullivan and April Anthony were the other guests with Dennis’ old Wrangler. After a quick spiel about how far to the trail head and it going to be a long day, we split for the trail, picking up two Jeeps along the way. Upon stopping to air down at the Pinion Mountain trail head, we acquired yet another Jeep. So, we started off with I Jeeps, a Cruiser, and the D-90. James Wallace hadn't had time to really check out the D-90 off road but did know there seemed to be a problem putting, it in low range. I said we'll do what we can to get him through. All went well clear through to the Squeeze. Everyone went through without incident Dennis was the only one to get a little scratch on his newly re-painted, re-painted (re-painted?) Left rear flare The D-90 is skinnier than a Jeep and reminded us of when the Kelly's brought their Jeepster through a few years ago You could have took it at freeway Teed. Paul and Debbie were real wide-eyed at the challenge, but did great. (Always trust your spotter.) Before you get to Heart Attack Hill there's a nice uphill rock garden to get through. One boulder sticks out high on the left as you rise on the right and can be a real window buster if you're not careful. No problems with that, but this is where James Wallace started having problems with his low range. He couldn't make the bill in high and it didn't seem to want to AM into low. The shifter felt like a limp dead fish, real sloppy. I noticed it would start out in low by holding the shifter forward, but would pop out easily I asked his son to get into the passenger seat and hold his left foot firmly on the ]ever. By doing so it held in gear long enough for his dad to get up the hill. We made Heart Attack Hill just before noon. Here again, everyone made it down without incident. Just some wide eyes in the driver’s seat Two routes started you off the top. Both are extremely steep and slippery. You can't avoid hitting the breaks, but slide when you do The trick is to feather the breaks enough to give you some steering control. Moving on, we had lunch at Split Rock. I'd never really stopped there before and discovered Indian morteros in a large rock next to it. Moving into Fish Creek, I made a couple premature turns before finding the rout up to the drop-off Demo had let Casey drive while in Fish Creek and continued on into the rock trail and up through the dug out bill leading to the sand hill. Great job Casey! In trying the sand hill, it seemed easier than last time. I gave the go ahead from the top for everyone to follow. Even James had no problem with the Defender. The rest of the trip went easy and scenic We followed Arroyo Seco del Diablo through to Canyon Sin Nombre and up to pavement by 4:30. Those who were headed home aired up and the rest of us headed back to Borrego Springs where we were camped. The weather did stay nice and at 7 we had our usual pot hick. Paul and Debbie, who were hoteling it down the street, went all out with Dutch oven chicken and nee and peach cobbler Unfortunately, they ran a little late getting there and we started without them. We didn't get to try the chicken but we all made quick work of the cobbler! Members: Jay & Laurie Anderson, Jim & Betty Ban Dave Felando, Jay & Ellen Jimenez, Steve. Frank & daughter, Mike & Carol Kelly, Jon & Dale Rice, Rick & Suzy Schaffer, Dennis Sullivan & Casey Bearden, Sherman Wallace & Alan Kleirman and son. Guests: Ames & Mary Wallace and son, Paul & Debbie Coursey, James Sullivan &April Anthony.
TRIP MEETING LOCATION CHANGE The meeting location for the Rattlesnake Canyon run has been changed from the Waffle Iron Cafe to the junction of Hwy 247 and Hwy 18 in Lucerne Valley. Take 1- 15 north to Bear Valley Cutoff, then east (right) an Hwy 12 to the junction of Hwy IS and Hwy 247.
RS-2477 There is now RS-2477 resolutions from the Mexican Border through Inyo County. Imperial, Riverside, San Bernardino, Kern, and Inyo. Riverside County passed their resolution last week. This was the first meeting the gem showed up in any numbers. They have vowed to fight and are going to try to get the Riverside Supervisors to rescind the resolution. RS-2477 is very important to recreational opportunities in the desert. Please show your support for the Riverside Board of Supervisors.
MEETINGS IN THE PARK With the weather getting better, we are looking at holding more meeting at the park. In the past; we've had one meeting at the park in Lakewood, and this year we are thinking of having the July, August and September meeting there and still include the wiener roast What: do you think? A good idea?
CLUB PICNIC/BEACH PARTY We are in the planning stages of our annual picnic and are looking at having it at the beach this year. If you have any suggestions or would like to help with the planning please give Dave Felando a call.
GRAND Reopening There is talk the White Mountain area that was burned a couple of years ago is to be reopening this month. I hope that it's hue, it been a while since we did White Mountain and I'm looking forward to visiting that area in the near future.
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