Cruiserdrew
On the way there
I posted earlier about a last minute trip on the South to North connector trails between highway 4 and highway 50 in Northern California. We had an awesome trip, and here is a trip report that I posted on the Norcal list.
Mudders:
Me: Cruiserdrew
Alvaro: Alvarorb
Joshua: Offroadkid
David: Yep
Sean: seanp
Jim: FJ40_Owner
Brett: diesel bigot
Tony: Cube Dweller
Keith: Chicago
Jon: Jonb96150
Ken: 450 DUDE
Amando: i4c4lo
Eduardo: ejbr
Jay: Snook
Several of us on the Deer Valley trip this weekend offered to write up some verbiage for Alvaro's Norcal blog page. This is my version of the events.
I would have to say that the theme of this run was that it was much better than expected. I was bummed because we had to cancel the much harder Dusy Ershim run due to snow, and Rubicon was too fresh on my mind to do that again, so this trip was planned at the last minute as a substitute. The original plan was to start south of highway 4 on the Slickrock trail, then do the Deer Valley connector from highway 4 to highway 88, and then to connect highway 88 to highway 50 via the Strawberry pass trail. Also planned was a side trip to Pardoes road, which we didn't do because we ran out of time. When I say better than expected, I mean better company, better trails, and better food. It was a great trip, and while not the tour de force of pre-Moab '06, it was a wonderful way to spend 4 days. So here's what happened from my perspective. I hope others will fill in the blank spots and give their own view of the festivities.
Jeff and I left blazing hot Sacramento at 3pm on Thursday for the run up highway 4, through Arnold and then out to Utica Reservoir for out first night's camp. We had our 80 series and were accompanied by Alvaro and Monica in "la Cabra" their trail tested 80 series. Utica sits right at the start of the Slick trail and made a great place to camp the first night. On Arrival we met up with David Usem in his 80 series and "Big Jim" Beck in his Rubicon tested 40 series. We also arrived in the middle of a rainstorm that was making Jim wish for a wagon, and a raincoat which had been left behind in Placerville-Hey, it never rains in California, right? David found us a great place to camp on the wet side of a 2 foot deep creek, and just below the Utica Lake #2 side dam. A break in the rain gave us enough time to get a tent up, and to erect a big tarp over the cooking area and make some dinner. Ken (80 series) arrived in time for dinner and set up his gear up in the slick rock. Eduardo and Levis arrived during the night in their 80 series, and Jay and his daughter Marie arrived the next morning in their (doomed) 100 series to complete our initial group. It rained most of the first night but the cool 60 degree temperature made for a welcome break from the 105 of Sacramento.
We started the Slickrock Trail the next morning after packing up our soggy gear. The sun was mostly out and our world was drying out fast. The rain had not caused the creek to rise, so we were able to ford the crossing again and get on the trail. The trail winds briefly through some campsites, then goes up and over a ledge, and almost immediately confronts you with the obstacle that gives this trail it's difficult rating. You have to drop off a high ledge, then make a left turn, then a quick right turn all while pointed steeply down this 30 foot water fall. Since it had been raining, the middle left hand step was a mud bog, and made things extra slippery. I was down first with a great spot from David, and then helped to guide the others down into the bog. Even the doomed 100 series got down just fine, though Eduardo got just wide enough to make things exciting. I let Jeff (fresh learner's permit in hand!) drive for a bit, and then took back the controls when we got to a granite face with a bit of technical difficulty. This granite face is probably 200 feet high with few cracks and ledges on the way to the top. Big fun, and I cleared it in one pass as did David, Ken and Eduardo. We waited at the top, and when no one else came up, we hiked down to see what was up. The 100 series was near the bottom of the hill struggling over what looked to me to be a trivial ledge. David comments that this is EXACTLY the spot where Andy Watson broke his 100 series front diff last year. Unfortunately, that didn't register. I went to coach Jay up the ledge thinking no one should be stuck here, it wasn't that steep, but guess what...The very next attempt, we hear the "booooom,,clickity, clickity, clickity", that can only be one thing. The climb had claimed it's second 100 series front diff. It was interesting to me that none of us had given this spot a second thought, but the early 100 series trucks have a weak spot in the front differential, that if you want to find, you should run this trail! The fix was to remove the drive shaft, and then the drive plates, and drive it out in 2 wheel drive. Jay Locked his center diff and off we went, still mostly on schedule. Eduardo and Levis were a huge help, and strapped Jay and is 100 through the spots that required 4WD.
(Tech tidbit---What I learned later, was that Jay had done the "7 pin mod" and had not locked the center diff before attempting the climb, and so was not locked in the center when climbing that face. I think that is why he was sliding around when everyone else just walked up. This is an important lesson for those of you with the mod-you must remember to turn it on before you need it. I know I would forget, and so haven't done the mod. For more details, see the tech section of IH8MUD).
A mile or so later we met up with Amando in his highly modified 100 series who had driven in from the other end of the trail. He then turned around and joined our caravan to the northern trail head at Alpine Lake. Jeff drove much of the remaining of the trail and even climbed a few small ledges and rock piles. Very fun. We were out on highway 4 by 11:30, and then made the quick 15 mile trip east to the southern end of the Deer Valley trail. There we met up with Jon in his 4 runner, and started up the trail just after lunch.
Now I was expecting Deer Valley to be an easy trail, but again Charles Wells describes it as difficult. He is right! The first 3 miles from the south is quite hard, with numerous rocks, boulders, and ledges to test your skills, and your truck's suspension flex. The hardest test is right at the start. There is a huge rock pile right in the middle of the trail. I first tried the steep line up the left face, but gave up when it felt too tippy, and a gully to the left would guarantee a painful roll. After backing down, I got a good spot through the seam in the rock pile, and while tipsy it wasn't dangerous. Everyone ended up with a clean run though that. I was rolling well up the hill and kept moving even though I could not see the rest of the group. I was able to keep in touch with Alvaro (great job as tailgunner) and Jim via 2 meter radio. Jim had some overheating and vapor lock issues in his FJ40 during the climb but otherwise had a clean run to the top.
(Tech tidbit--The 2 meter radios have completely changed our approach to trail communications. Even with distance and unfavorable terrain, we can easily talk front to back and keep in touch. CB does not cut it. Get your Ham license-you won't regret it)
There was a very interesting left/right turn on the edge of the shelf road, complete with roots, slippery mud and a hard landing if you did something stupid. It got your attention, but again, not too difficult if you were careful. I waited near the top of the ridge for David and Jim and we had quite a bit of fun along the ridge, before starting the descent into Deer Valley proper. With all the rocks boulders and ledges our sliders got a real work out. Somewhere in here, I got a softball size dent in my door-grrr. I'm blaming it on young Jeff....whether he was driving or not! David got to unspool his winch to get off a high center, but even winching could not go forward. Finally, Jim was able to tug him off with his trusty 8274. Old school rules. During the descent, we ran into Brett (mini truck) and Keith (minimally modified FJ62) who had come in from the other end of the trail. Brett then led us down to Deer Creek, and a great campsite right on the water. We were the only ones there. I should mention this was Keith's first Norcal wagon run, and he fit right in with a great attitude, a great truck and great food. He can drive too. He went on to wheel some very tough terrain in his unlocked SUA wagon and did a great job. In camp we got things set up, including tents, kitchen, and David's mosquito proof palace. Unfortunately, the rest of the group had not checked in and were almost 2 hours behind. I was able to raise them on the 2 meter, and at first it seemed that they were lost, but we found out later that they just took a bit longer to take in the scenery and to play on a few tough spots. I'm hoping one of the stragglers will fill in the gaps!
After an hour long thunderstorm, we had a great dinner of Alvaro's famous chili, Keith's steaks, Tony's tri-tip etc. We had a few funny moments when Tony the Cube Dweller himself attempted to cover the grill with foil prior to cooking. Fortunately, we schooled him on proper grilling techniques despite being called "savages". Flames rule. I'm not sure if he'll ever go with us again! Brett had a few cocktails and started singing Celine Dion covers but then later when sober denied the incident completely. Fortunately, Jay has this on tape, or will!
At some point Sean (seanp) and Sean arrived in Sean's nearly mint, vintage scout. I am unclear if they arrived Friday night or Saturday morning, but they joined us for the rest of the trip. Sean is a good wheeler and I never once saw him or his Scout in difficulty.
The following morning (Saturday) we crossed Deer Creek and headed up the trail to it's northern trailhead at Blue Lakes on highway 88. There were several challenging spots, but nothing that really slowed the group. Keith got to really shine on this section, because he drove is nearly stock FJ62 up the wet bouldery ledges with almost no issues. I did see him get very tippy at one point, and he collected a rocker and door ding in the same area. Minimal damage considering the terrain. With sliders, he would have come through clean. Alvaro lost his ARB compressor (bad tank o-ring) and he also had to do the remainder of the trip without lockers. By mid day, we were at Blue Lakes and collected Joshua(Offroadkid) and Chalon in their 80 series who were joining us for the Strawberry Pass portion of the trip. Driving the 15 miles of real pavement to highway 88, Bretts mini truck suddenly developed a severe death wobble and we stopped for repairs. It turns out he had broken a main leaf on his left front spring, and the whole suspension was being help together by the military wrap of the leaf spring. We did a quick trail fix with a vice grip, duct tape and a strap. We were out of zip ties or would have used those as well. Brett was able to drive home safely after that. We then made a lunch stop at a small lake, got in a swim, and for our trouble had to pull the leaches off of our feet. Gross, but no harm done. We then headed east over Carson Pass, and picked up the Strawberry Pass trailhead at Caples Lake.
The ascent of Strawberry was easy. I could do it in my minivan. At the 9000 foot summit, though, is a great spot to camp with commanding views of the Kirkwood ski area across the valley. We called it an early day and socialized, shot rifles, and generally goofed off. Eduardo and Levis got an air rifle tournament started that entertained the participants for hours. Dinner was the usual last trail night feast. I made lamb chops with flambé crème sauce and mushrooms, Levis made great risotto with fresh mushrooms, Joshua made skirt steaks he had fedexed to him the day before. David made grilled vegetables and had a whole garden on 3 grills at one time. Keith made gourmet burgers etc. The food kept coming for 2 hours or more until everyone was stuffed. Great times.
This morning (Sunday) we packed early and got on the trail north toward highway 50. Strawberry has changed since the last time I was there. I remember it as quite easy, but now it is eroded and washed out in many areas. I was cruising along the trail when I came to a Land Cruiser sized boulder blocking the trail. There was maybe enough off-camber room to squeeze an 80 through there, but I elected to back uphill to the bypass I had seen above. Later Keith and Alvaro made it though the squeeze, but I think Keith collected another door ding. 50 yards down the trail was the hardest obstacle of the entire trip. There were two boulders blocking the trail, and situated so that climbing one, tipped your door into the other. It took almost an hour to work everyone over the rock. It went like this: up, way off camber, turn counter-intuitive right, rear up, slider down on rock, drive into the side hill, more right into the side hill, then sharp down off the rocks. It felt sketchy going through, but everyone went through clean. Since Keith had no sliders, we stacked a few extra rocks on the exit and he had a great run-the best actually! It was fun watching Amando and his 100 go over, because when his slider touched, both right side tires were off the ground. About 100 yards later, we came to the final waterfall that is usually the stopper if going uphill on this trail. We found a seam to the far left and everyone came down clean, some with more excitement than others. There remainder was easy dirt and small rocks, so I let Jeff drive again to the trail head at highway 50.
The Butcher's Bill:
1 100 series front differential (what a POS, if you have one, swap in an ARB locker)
1 broken main leaf spring
1 80 series door dent
1 ARB compressor failure
3 FJ62 body dings
10,000 slider scrapes
So that's it. 3 days of wheeling in the high Sierra. What a blast.
AJP
Mudders:
Me: Cruiserdrew
Alvaro: Alvarorb
Joshua: Offroadkid
David: Yep
Sean: seanp
Jim: FJ40_Owner
Brett: diesel bigot
Tony: Cube Dweller
Keith: Chicago
Jon: Jonb96150
Ken: 450 DUDE
Amando: i4c4lo
Eduardo: ejbr
Jay: Snook
Several of us on the Deer Valley trip this weekend offered to write up some verbiage for Alvaro's Norcal blog page. This is my version of the events.
I would have to say that the theme of this run was that it was much better than expected. I was bummed because we had to cancel the much harder Dusy Ershim run due to snow, and Rubicon was too fresh on my mind to do that again, so this trip was planned at the last minute as a substitute. The original plan was to start south of highway 4 on the Slickrock trail, then do the Deer Valley connector from highway 4 to highway 88, and then to connect highway 88 to highway 50 via the Strawberry pass trail. Also planned was a side trip to Pardoes road, which we didn't do because we ran out of time. When I say better than expected, I mean better company, better trails, and better food. It was a great trip, and while not the tour de force of pre-Moab '06, it was a wonderful way to spend 4 days. So here's what happened from my perspective. I hope others will fill in the blank spots and give their own view of the festivities.
Jeff and I left blazing hot Sacramento at 3pm on Thursday for the run up highway 4, through Arnold and then out to Utica Reservoir for out first night's camp. We had our 80 series and were accompanied by Alvaro and Monica in "la Cabra" their trail tested 80 series. Utica sits right at the start of the Slick trail and made a great place to camp the first night. On Arrival we met up with David Usem in his 80 series and "Big Jim" Beck in his Rubicon tested 40 series. We also arrived in the middle of a rainstorm that was making Jim wish for a wagon, and a raincoat which had been left behind in Placerville-Hey, it never rains in California, right? David found us a great place to camp on the wet side of a 2 foot deep creek, and just below the Utica Lake #2 side dam. A break in the rain gave us enough time to get a tent up, and to erect a big tarp over the cooking area and make some dinner. Ken (80 series) arrived in time for dinner and set up his gear up in the slick rock. Eduardo and Levis arrived during the night in their 80 series, and Jay and his daughter Marie arrived the next morning in their (doomed) 100 series to complete our initial group. It rained most of the first night but the cool 60 degree temperature made for a welcome break from the 105 of Sacramento.
We started the Slickrock Trail the next morning after packing up our soggy gear. The sun was mostly out and our world was drying out fast. The rain had not caused the creek to rise, so we were able to ford the crossing again and get on the trail. The trail winds briefly through some campsites, then goes up and over a ledge, and almost immediately confronts you with the obstacle that gives this trail it's difficult rating. You have to drop off a high ledge, then make a left turn, then a quick right turn all while pointed steeply down this 30 foot water fall. Since it had been raining, the middle left hand step was a mud bog, and made things extra slippery. I was down first with a great spot from David, and then helped to guide the others down into the bog. Even the doomed 100 series got down just fine, though Eduardo got just wide enough to make things exciting. I let Jeff (fresh learner's permit in hand!) drive for a bit, and then took back the controls when we got to a granite face with a bit of technical difficulty. This granite face is probably 200 feet high with few cracks and ledges on the way to the top. Big fun, and I cleared it in one pass as did David, Ken and Eduardo. We waited at the top, and when no one else came up, we hiked down to see what was up. The 100 series was near the bottom of the hill struggling over what looked to me to be a trivial ledge. David comments that this is EXACTLY the spot where Andy Watson broke his 100 series front diff last year. Unfortunately, that didn't register. I went to coach Jay up the ledge thinking no one should be stuck here, it wasn't that steep, but guess what...The very next attempt, we hear the "booooom,,clickity, clickity, clickity", that can only be one thing. The climb had claimed it's second 100 series front diff. It was interesting to me that none of us had given this spot a second thought, but the early 100 series trucks have a weak spot in the front differential, that if you want to find, you should run this trail! The fix was to remove the drive shaft, and then the drive plates, and drive it out in 2 wheel drive. Jay Locked his center diff and off we went, still mostly on schedule. Eduardo and Levis were a huge help, and strapped Jay and is 100 through the spots that required 4WD.
(Tech tidbit---What I learned later, was that Jay had done the "7 pin mod" and had not locked the center diff before attempting the climb, and so was not locked in the center when climbing that face. I think that is why he was sliding around when everyone else just walked up. This is an important lesson for those of you with the mod-you must remember to turn it on before you need it. I know I would forget, and so haven't done the mod. For more details, see the tech section of IH8MUD).
A mile or so later we met up with Amando in his highly modified 100 series who had driven in from the other end of the trail. He then turned around and joined our caravan to the northern trail head at Alpine Lake. Jeff drove much of the remaining of the trail and even climbed a few small ledges and rock piles. Very fun. We were out on highway 4 by 11:30, and then made the quick 15 mile trip east to the southern end of the Deer Valley trail. There we met up with Jon in his 4 runner, and started up the trail just after lunch.
Now I was expecting Deer Valley to be an easy trail, but again Charles Wells describes it as difficult. He is right! The first 3 miles from the south is quite hard, with numerous rocks, boulders, and ledges to test your skills, and your truck's suspension flex. The hardest test is right at the start. There is a huge rock pile right in the middle of the trail. I first tried the steep line up the left face, but gave up when it felt too tippy, and a gully to the left would guarantee a painful roll. After backing down, I got a good spot through the seam in the rock pile, and while tipsy it wasn't dangerous. Everyone ended up with a clean run though that. I was rolling well up the hill and kept moving even though I could not see the rest of the group. I was able to keep in touch with Alvaro (great job as tailgunner) and Jim via 2 meter radio. Jim had some overheating and vapor lock issues in his FJ40 during the climb but otherwise had a clean run to the top.
(Tech tidbit--The 2 meter radios have completely changed our approach to trail communications. Even with distance and unfavorable terrain, we can easily talk front to back and keep in touch. CB does not cut it. Get your Ham license-you won't regret it)
There was a very interesting left/right turn on the edge of the shelf road, complete with roots, slippery mud and a hard landing if you did something stupid. It got your attention, but again, not too difficult if you were careful. I waited near the top of the ridge for David and Jim and we had quite a bit of fun along the ridge, before starting the descent into Deer Valley proper. With all the rocks boulders and ledges our sliders got a real work out. Somewhere in here, I got a softball size dent in my door-grrr. I'm blaming it on young Jeff....whether he was driving or not! David got to unspool his winch to get off a high center, but even winching could not go forward. Finally, Jim was able to tug him off with his trusty 8274. Old school rules. During the descent, we ran into Brett (mini truck) and Keith (minimally modified FJ62) who had come in from the other end of the trail. Brett then led us down to Deer Creek, and a great campsite right on the water. We were the only ones there. I should mention this was Keith's first Norcal wagon run, and he fit right in with a great attitude, a great truck and great food. He can drive too. He went on to wheel some very tough terrain in his unlocked SUA wagon and did a great job. In camp we got things set up, including tents, kitchen, and David's mosquito proof palace. Unfortunately, the rest of the group had not checked in and were almost 2 hours behind. I was able to raise them on the 2 meter, and at first it seemed that they were lost, but we found out later that they just took a bit longer to take in the scenery and to play on a few tough spots. I'm hoping one of the stragglers will fill in the gaps!
After an hour long thunderstorm, we had a great dinner of Alvaro's famous chili, Keith's steaks, Tony's tri-tip etc. We had a few funny moments when Tony the Cube Dweller himself attempted to cover the grill with foil prior to cooking. Fortunately, we schooled him on proper grilling techniques despite being called "savages". Flames rule. I'm not sure if he'll ever go with us again! Brett had a few cocktails and started singing Celine Dion covers but then later when sober denied the incident completely. Fortunately, Jay has this on tape, or will!
At some point Sean (seanp) and Sean arrived in Sean's nearly mint, vintage scout. I am unclear if they arrived Friday night or Saturday morning, but they joined us for the rest of the trip. Sean is a good wheeler and I never once saw him or his Scout in difficulty.
The following morning (Saturday) we crossed Deer Creek and headed up the trail to it's northern trailhead at Blue Lakes on highway 88. There were several challenging spots, but nothing that really slowed the group. Keith got to really shine on this section, because he drove is nearly stock FJ62 up the wet bouldery ledges with almost no issues. I did see him get very tippy at one point, and he collected a rocker and door ding in the same area. Minimal damage considering the terrain. With sliders, he would have come through clean. Alvaro lost his ARB compressor (bad tank o-ring) and he also had to do the remainder of the trip without lockers. By mid day, we were at Blue Lakes and collected Joshua(Offroadkid) and Chalon in their 80 series who were joining us for the Strawberry Pass portion of the trip. Driving the 15 miles of real pavement to highway 88, Bretts mini truck suddenly developed a severe death wobble and we stopped for repairs. It turns out he had broken a main leaf on his left front spring, and the whole suspension was being help together by the military wrap of the leaf spring. We did a quick trail fix with a vice grip, duct tape and a strap. We were out of zip ties or would have used those as well. Brett was able to drive home safely after that. We then made a lunch stop at a small lake, got in a swim, and for our trouble had to pull the leaches off of our feet. Gross, but no harm done. We then headed east over Carson Pass, and picked up the Strawberry Pass trailhead at Caples Lake.
The ascent of Strawberry was easy. I could do it in my minivan. At the 9000 foot summit, though, is a great spot to camp with commanding views of the Kirkwood ski area across the valley. We called it an early day and socialized, shot rifles, and generally goofed off. Eduardo and Levis got an air rifle tournament started that entertained the participants for hours. Dinner was the usual last trail night feast. I made lamb chops with flambé crème sauce and mushrooms, Levis made great risotto with fresh mushrooms, Joshua made skirt steaks he had fedexed to him the day before. David made grilled vegetables and had a whole garden on 3 grills at one time. Keith made gourmet burgers etc. The food kept coming for 2 hours or more until everyone was stuffed. Great times.
This morning (Sunday) we packed early and got on the trail north toward highway 50. Strawberry has changed since the last time I was there. I remember it as quite easy, but now it is eroded and washed out in many areas. I was cruising along the trail when I came to a Land Cruiser sized boulder blocking the trail. There was maybe enough off-camber room to squeeze an 80 through there, but I elected to back uphill to the bypass I had seen above. Later Keith and Alvaro made it though the squeeze, but I think Keith collected another door ding. 50 yards down the trail was the hardest obstacle of the entire trip. There were two boulders blocking the trail, and situated so that climbing one, tipped your door into the other. It took almost an hour to work everyone over the rock. It went like this: up, way off camber, turn counter-intuitive right, rear up, slider down on rock, drive into the side hill, more right into the side hill, then sharp down off the rocks. It felt sketchy going through, but everyone went through clean. Since Keith had no sliders, we stacked a few extra rocks on the exit and he had a great run-the best actually! It was fun watching Amando and his 100 go over, because when his slider touched, both right side tires were off the ground. About 100 yards later, we came to the final waterfall that is usually the stopper if going uphill on this trail. We found a seam to the far left and everyone came down clean, some with more excitement than others. There remainder was easy dirt and small rocks, so I let Jeff drive again to the trail head at highway 50.
The Butcher's Bill:
1 100 series front differential (what a POS, if you have one, swap in an ARB locker)
1 broken main leaf spring
1 80 series door dent
1 ARB compressor failure
3 FJ62 body dings
10,000 slider scrapes
So that's it. 3 days of wheeling in the high Sierra. What a blast.
AJP
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