Spring/Summer Lakes Basin Cruiser Trip :NorCal:

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There seems to be some grey area for events. I have heard you don't need a license, but it could have been, for example, if there was a net control running the event. There is also wording I've read about in order for a non-license to operate a station, a licensed operator must be in "attendance," which would leave things a bit vague.

As an operator, I can hand you my radio and you can chat with folks on the other side. I am responsible for making sure the rules are followed and the call sign is transmitted as required every 10 minutes and at the end of the transmission.

There is no gray area about an unlicensed user using their own radio from their own truck on HAM frequencies. GMRS, however, is a giant gray area, even light gray.

Get ur maps! Fullsize, high-res versions below. Best if printed on 11x17 paper, in color, from your work's printer :)

The entire Tahoe/Plumas National Forest (THIS ONE IS HUGE, YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!)

I am bringing with me a GIANT sample print of the full version suitable for hanging up in the man cave. It's waterproof, on vinyl-coated canvas and about 36" square, maybe bigger. I'll have contact info for a print shop (that I do some IT work for) where you can order one for $45. He could do it even bigger if you want.
 
Anyone interested in a longish dirt drive on the way out? Follow along on the big map:

I'm thinking of taking road 54 southeast from Bassetts, to Rd 12 south , to Webber Lake and Webber Falls (!), then Rd 7 west to Jackson Meadow Res. Then 956 to 843 (been here before) to Bowman Lake and finally Rd 18, Bowman Lake Rd out to Hwy 20 and Hwy 80.

I just reminded myself to bring a compass.
 
Printed mine. Sweet map! Now to find a laminator around here.....
 
Anyone interested in a longish dirt drive on the way out? Follow along on the big map:

I'm thinking of taking road 54 southeast from Bassetts, to Rd 12 south , to Webber Lake and Webber Falls (!), then Rd 7 west to Jackson Meadow Res. Then 956 to 843 (been here before) to Bowman Lake and finally Rd 18, Bowman Lake Rd out to Hwy 20 and Hwy 80.

I just reminded myself to bring a compass.



i might be down.
what time is everyone planning on heading home Sunday?
 
i might be down.
what time is everyone planning on heading home Sunday?

I'm a bachelor when I get home, so I'm not planning to leave really early. Early afternoon maybe. I'd like to get in a solid activity on Sunday am, bike ride down Mills Peak or a hike to Frazier Falls maybe.

I'd like to get into Sac by dinner time.
 
same here. that sounds doable to me.
ill see whats up with the brothers Kassube. @MKtaco98 and @MaK92 4RnR
 
Some info on the trails from 4x4trailmaps

The Gold Lake Basin Area is a great place to relax and hit the trails. There is available OHV camping along the trail next to Gold Lake. Camping is first come first serve and is available without a fee. Most of the campsites line the shores of the lake and can be reached by stock four wheel drive vehicles, so come early to get a great spot.

Snake Lake Trail is the most difficult trail in the area and gets it's name from one of the numerous lakes in the area. The Pacific Crest Hiking Trail also crosses the trail a few times and offers a great reason to take a walk. The trail is run out and back with a loop at one end of the trail.

The trail is more difficult if the loop portion is run in the clockwise direction. This will require you to drive up Snake Lake Hill, which is very steep and loose. If you would like to attempt going up Snake Lake Hill it is suggested that you have at least one locker.

I would also suggest running the trail's loop in the counter clockwise direction. There is a small area at the bottom of Snake Lake Hill, next to Snake Lake, to stop and rest. It's fun to watch others attempt the climb and there are opportunities to turn around at the top of the hill if you would like to give it a try.

Trail Access - The trail begins near the boat ramp for Gold Lake. This is also the route to the Gold Lake 4x4 campground, accessible by stock four wheel drive vehicles.

Gold Lake 4x4 Camp - Gold Lake 4x4 Camp is accessible by stock vehicles and is a great place to spend the weekend. Campsites are free and have bear lockers, tables and fire rings. Most of the sites border the shoreline and fill up fast. Enjoy boating, fishing and swimming only a few feet from your tent.

Summit Lake Junction - Bear right and continue up the road toward Summit Lake. The road is will remain moderate as you make your way to Snake Lake Hill.

Deer Lake Junction - At this point you will come to a fork in the road. Turn right to continue on toward Snake Lake. Bearing left will take you toward Deer Lake along the Deer Lake Trail. The trail will begin to slightly increase in difficulty shortly after this point.

Snake Lake Loop - This fork in the road is the beginning point of the loop portion of the trail. It is recommended to bear right to complete the loop in a counter clockwise direction. Doing this will allow you to descend Snake Lake Hill, the most difficult section of the trail.

Snake Lake Hill (Top) - Snake Lake Hill is the most difficult obstacle on the trail. Acceding the climb should only be attempted with the aid of at least one traction device.

The decent starts of gradually with a few switch backs and quickly increases in difficulty. The slope increases along with the amount of loose rocks. Stay off your breaks as much as possible using a low gear and engine compression to keep your speed to a minimum. About half way down you will come up against a steep off camber rock face. This is the most difficult part of Snake Lake Hill.

Snake Lake - Snake Lake is a great place to stop for lunch along the trail. There is a place to park next to the trail that also serves as a turn around point for anyone wanting to take a crack at going up the hill.

Those who stay behind will have a great view of the others making their way up the hill.

Snake Lake/Deer Valley Jct. - As you make you way around Snake Lake pay attention to this waypoint. The trail will turn back to the left and appears to be a route back to the lake. From this point the trail turns South and follows a ridge West of Snake Lake.

Continuing straight from this point will take you down into a valley onto Deer Valley Trail.

Loose Rock Hill - This short decent is full of very loose rocks and does offer a bypass to the right. Use caution while traveling this section as rocks may shift suddenly.

Little Deer Lake - Little Deer Lake is a great place to stop and swim. At this point you are nearly finished with the loop portion of the trail and all the difficult terrain is behind you.
 
Alright, got a pretty good program setup for the Baofengs and the Yaesu FT8800R. Bringing the laptop and the two cords for anyone needing a radio setup. I've got the local El Dorado / Rubicon channels, GMRS, FRS, MURS, Helicopter, and weather setup - if you want something custom bring a list! Easy to change on the fly.

Looking forward to this one!
 
I just did a quick Google search, and the campground is approximately 72 miles form my house. I would definitely recommend we grab gas before we head out. That's dang near a half tank for me on the way there.

I might try to meet up with you guys well see how fast i can get the kids out the door..haha otherwise I'll see ya guys out there at the lake on friday i dont have a cb so ill just look for some cruisers...
 
So Kyle has a class Friday morning and may not be able to get up there until the afternoon to reserve sites, so if anyone is heading up Thursday night or early Friday morning please try to secure a few spots. IF I get my truck back from the shop tomorrow, I'll be leaving tomorrow, if not then its a toss up to when I'll get there.
 
Ok, WTF is up with this weather forecast?

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Yep, spotted that last night. If its anything like what they've been predicting for GV / NC this week, its all fluff. We haven't had anything yet. Worst case, it'll still be warm during the day:bang:, with possible light shows off and on.

Bring rain gear and a few tarps just in case.
 
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