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Archived Newsletter |
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December 2007
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MILLER JEEP TRAIL The annual Miller Jeep Trail was run on Saturday November 17, 2007 under sunny mild conditions. The first obstacle was at the water crossing before we even got to Lockwood Creek. You see, for once the Trip Leader had gotten the water truck to the trail but the truck was blocking said trail. Actually, someone is constructing a dam or spill way and the water truck was partially blocking the road slowing our progress. Having gotten past the construction, Paul Coursey lead the group of five rigs across Lockwood Creek at about 10:00. Members were Paul Coursey and Dale & Jon Rice. Guests included Matt, Zaida, and Luke Cutler and guest in the Cherokee, Ryan Primosch and Cathy Fix in a TJ, Sebastion Pesalta and Bethany Webes in a YJ, and Dale and Jon Rice in a TJ. We quickly came upon some guys that were stuck on an extra credit obstacle. Paul got us around that group and we proceeded to a break at Yellow Jacket. The entire area is ghost like with only charred remains of trees from last year’s fire. Sad because it used to be so pretty and more importantly there was no place to hide for a 10-100. About a half mile from Cottonwood near the bottom of the hill, Paul found a camper shell for a pickup truck. There were also a bunch of beer cans lying around that he picked up. When we got to Cottonwood we discovered the previous home of the camper shell. A 1988 Toyota pickup. It had been rolled and stripped of wheels and tires. The license plates and VIN plate were also missing. Point Mugu 4 Wheelers who help maintain Miller will have a nasty time getting the pickup out of there. The fire missed most of the area from Cottonwood up to the top of Miller. We were able to once again enjoy lunch under the cottonwood trees. After a relaxing lunch and visiting with our guests we headed up Alamo Mountain. This part of the trail was the most challenging this year with less dirt and lots of big rocks. Everyone demonstrated skill and finesse thru the constant rock garden without a rock being thrown. We took a short break at Dutchman Campground to use the facilities, get something to drink and hook up sway bars. We hit the pavement half way down the mountain at 3:00 with another half hour to get out of Hungry Valley Off-Highway Recreation Vehicle Area. The guard accepted our explanation for not paying and wished us a nice day. We found air in Gorman and said our good byes to a great day of wheeling. Thanks to Paul for his leadership and to the guests that shared a beautiful day.
BALLARAT Friday was windy, except when we went up into Golar to Manson's cabin. It died down after dinner, so we were able to have a campfire. Saturday was superb! No wind, clear as a bell and sunny. Yes, the trail is overgrown, but totally easy, once clear of the willows. Great views. I think Casey really liked it. It was so nice out, we all ate pot luck outside by the fire. Even had a couple of burros run through camp. On Sunday, Paul Coursey, Jeff Doest (Suzy's nephew), and myself drove over to Surprise Cyn. and saw the burned out cabin. Not just the cabin burned. Everything around it, as well. At least 3 buildings, lots of old mining stuff, and a whole bunch of old vehicles went with it. We hiked up about a mile to the first waterfall. There's no sign of trail and it's all overgrown. It's now a hiking trail, and judging by the log book there, it gets lots of use. There was us, Dennis & Casey, Paul & Debbie, Jeff Doest & Nadine McKelvey, and I had my mountain biking friend Mark Gibbons stay with us. He was supposed to come out on his KTM, but decided not to when the clutch started giving him trouble. He rode with Paul while Debbie baby-sat their dog. That was really cool of her, and Mark had a great time!
HOLIDAY GIFTS For many years we’ve donated toys to Toys for Tots but this year we are looking to do a more personal donation. One to a needy family. Susy Schaffer is looking into it and hopefully next month we’ll announce the lucky family.
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