3rd Annual UY Mojave Road Expedition - March 14-16, 2014

[Seanz0rz]

http://i955.photobucket.com/albums/ae38/hamiltonfabrication/MRE13/IMG_8437_zpsf12a49e3.jpg (http://s955.photobucket.com/user/hamiltonfabrication/media/MRE13/IMG_8437_zpsf12a49e3.jpg.html)
WELCOME TO THE THIRD ANNUAL ULTIMATE YOTA MOJAVE ROAD EXPEDITION!

The dates are set. Friday March 14, 2013 through Sunday March 16, 2014.

If you can't make it the whole weekend, come out and join us for a day trip, come a day late or leave a day early! This trip is very similar to the previous years. If you have done those, you may want to sit this one out, as it will be much the same. I'd also like to get some new people out there!




The first post will be continually updated with more information, locations, suggestions, etc.



http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5508/11898605673_c746d30d0d_c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/98550067@N07/11898605673/)




General Information:

Our direction of travel will be East to West - Beginning on Needles Highway (near the Avi Casino) and ending at Afton Canyon Camp Ground.


6 Vehicle/14 Person Max (NPS regulations - otherwise we must apply for a permit) If there are more than 6, we will reach out to NPS for a permit or we will split the group into two smaller groups for camping and driving, whichever is more convenient.

Attendees:
1. Seanz0rz - Sean +1
2. Paddlenbike - Ken +1
3. 4x4mike - Mike +3
4. Stuart +1
5. Scottiac (Scott and Molly)
6. Troy +1 (maybe)
7. JD
8. Bill

Capped at 8.

Itinerary:

Thursday:
20:00 - Camp 1 or Avi Casino

Friday
09:00 - Start Mojave Road at Needles Highway
Fort Piute
12:00 - Piute Gorge - Lunch
School Bus
Indian Wells
Penny Can Tree
16:00 - Caruthers Canyon
Watson Wash and Rock Spring
Government Holes
Camp 2

Saturday
08:30 - On the road again!
Death Valley Mine
Mojave Cross
12:00 - Marl Springs
Mailbox
Lava Tubes
Aiken Mine
17:00 - Camp 3

Sunday
09:00 - Almost done!
Green Rock Mill
Traveler's Monument
12:00 - Mojave River Sands - Lunch
Buried Rail Cars
Afton Canyon
Mojave River Crossing
15:00 - Homeward Bound


Important Information:

Communication:

Ham only run. If you don't have a ham, I have 1 extra hand held, but I highly encourage you to buy one and get your license. Contact me if you have any questions about this.

UY simplex primary 146.430MHZ (2m Ham)

Vehicle Requirements:

Vehicle in good working condition, with no known faults
Working 4WD
1 spare within 2" of other tires
Working, suitable jack
Front and rear recovery points
Ham Radio in good working order

Note: Stock Vehicles are welcome on this trip. There are only a couple of short, difficult spots, and they are easily bypassed if necessary. The vast majority of the road will be a single track thorough the desert. Some areas present unrelenting corrugations, and others have undulations that can catch you off guard and swallow your vehicle. This is not a technically challenging run, but a scenic drive over some of the most beautiful desert areas found in California. The long distances and rough road are the challenge. Terrain will vary from rocky desert pavement, extremely soft sand, off camber sections, deep ruts and washes, and Soda (somewhat) Dry Lake. There will also be some water crossings that are easily crossed. 2wd vehicles could make it, but I am requesting that all vehicles are 4wd.

Required Equipment and Supplies:

Enough fuel to travel 200 miles in 4wd
Minimum 1/2 gallon water per person, per day
Food
Well stocked, current first aid kit
Tow strap & shackle
Method to refill tires, if you choose to air down (recommended, especially on the western edge)
Basic tools
Sanitation Supplies - anywhere from a shovel and TP to a PETT toilet and privy, your choice.
Emergency Info Sheet (http://www.ultimateyota.com/entry.php?14-Planning-for-the-Worst-The-Emergency-Info-Sheet)


I will not be doing vehicle inspections, but I expect you to have all of these things in your vehicle.

Recommended Items:

Rear locker
Full size spare
Spares for common items
Still/Video camera with spare batteries and extra memory
Binoculars
Fire wood
Wide-brimmed hat


This is by no means a complete list, but merely the high points of what should be considered for this trip.

For those uninitiated to expedition style desert travel: The best way to travel is to travel light but do not forget comfort items. Three days on the road without a good night's sleep can spell disaster!



Sanitation:
At some point during this trip, you will have to use the bathroom. There are no toilets where we are camping, and none along the road. #1 is fairly easily handled, #2 is up to your comfort level. I personally have a bucket with seat, Double-Doodie bags, and a privacy shelter. What you bring is up to you. Pack in - Pack out is HIGHLY ENCOURAGED.

Firewood:
We will be camping 2-3 nights. If everyone brings 1-2 bundles of firewood, we should have plenty for 3 nights of camping with a small fire.

Weather:
Weather can be very unpredictable in the deserts. This event is a rain or shine event, meaning we will be traversing the desert even if it is raining. Temperature can vary wildly. Higher elevations can see significant snowfall during the winter, and lower elevations frequently break 120F in the summer. Temperatures are expected to be between 50 and 70 in the day, and 30-50 at night. Layers are suggested, as well as extra socks and gloves. Saturday night, we will be camping between 4000ft and 5000ft. It can get quite cold.

More Information:

Dennis Casebier's "Mojave Road Guide" is HIGHLY recommended. It can be purchased here: http://www.desertusa.com/web_cart/db/pages/5094.html
I also have a previous edition for sale if anyone wants it. PM me for details.

Other guide books have information on the trail but the best is the one mentioned above.

Google is a great resource for research about the Mojave road.

Dirtopia has a bit of information and quite a few waypoints here: http://www.dirtopia.com/wiki/Mojave_Road

Probably the best resource is looking at the past trip reports.
MRE 2013 (http://www.ultimateyota.com/showthread.php?10346-UY-Mojave-Road-Expedition-2013)
Mojave Road day trip (http://www.ultimateyota.com/showthread.php?10248-Mojave-Road-Day-Trip-Thursday-12-13-12)
MRE 2012 (http://www.ultimateyota.com/showthread.php?9991-Mojave-Road-Spring-2012)
Mojave Road West (http://www.ultimateyota.com/showthread.php?9870-Mojave-Road-West-11-4-2011)

Route:

Final Distance: ~160 from start to finish.

About 30 miles of that is pavement, but speed will be limited to 40 mph to save the tires from overheating.

Distance from Fort Mojave, AZ gas station to Trail Start is 7.5 miles and Distance from Trail End to Barstow gas station is 47 miles, most of which is on I-15. There are probably other gas stations, but this is the one I always aim for. We have also taken some backroads to get to Barstow to avoid Vegas return traffic.


Escape routes:
If you just can't take one more minute of the desert, good news! There are several roads that cross the Mojave road that will take you back to the highways.

US95 - After just 11 miles on the road, if you figure out this is not for you, US95 will take you south towards Needles, or North towards Searchlight, NV.

Lanfair Road - Lanfair Road will come up around 40 miles in. North will take you towards the I-15, and south will take you to the I-40. The distances from the Mojave Road to the interstates are 32 miles to I-15 (road can be difficult), and 27 miles to I-40.

Cima Road - This will take you to I-15, 12 miles from the Mojave Cross.

Kelbaker Road - This will take you to Baker on the I-15.


There are other roads. If you think this is important information for you to have, you may want to research these roads further. We will have multiple maps and GPS devices to aid in navigation, even unexpected and emergency navigation.


Important Files:

MRE 2014 Safety Brief.pdf - Safety tips (https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/5538572/MRE%202014%20Safety%20Brief.pdf)
MRE 2014.gpx - GPX file for loading track and POIs into a gps system (https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/5538572/MRE%202014.gpx)
MRE 2014.kml - Google Earth KML file (https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/5538572/MRE%202014.kml)
MRE 2014.kmz - Google Earth KMZ file (https://www.dropbox.com/sh/1pneul23ngps8vr/jihTqgXPMB)

[paddlenbike]

March 15th is Hanna's birthday, but she thinks the trip sounds pretty fun. We're a definite maybe at this point. A night at the Cancun Resort in Vegas may sway her.

[Seanz0rz]

We'll make sure she has a good birthday! My youngest step daughter's is on the 23 and I was on this trip last year and missed her b-day, can't miss it again this year.

It's definitely a family event. I'll be bringing my dad and maybe mom, possibly my uncle. Lexi will sit this one out again I think.

Dates should be far enough away to make appropriate arrangements for work, etc. I will add the GPS tracks soon, I'm thinking about making a couple of changes.

[Seanz0rz]

Couple of you have given me the go ahead to stuff your names on the list, thanks!

Added to first post:

Final Distance: ~160 from start to finish.

About 30 miles of that is pavement, but speed will be limited to 40 mph to save the tires from overheating.

Distance from Fort Mojave, AZ gas station to Trail Start is 7.5 miles and Distance from Trail End to Barstow gas station is 47 miles, most of which is on I-15. There are probably others, but this is the one I always aim for. We have also taken some backroads to get to Barstow to avoid Vegas return traffic.

Escape routes:
If you just can't take one more minute of the desert, good news! There are several roads that cross the Mojave road that will take you back to the highways.

US95 - After just 11 miles on the road, if you figure out this is not for you, US95 will take you south towards Needles, or North towards Searchlight, NV.

Lanfair Road - Lanfair Road will come up around 40 miles in. North will take you towards the I-15, and south will take you to the I-40. The distances from the Mojave Road to the interstates are 32 miles to I-15 (road can be difficult), and 27 miles to I-40.

Cima Road - This will take you to I-15, 12 miles from the Mojave Cross.

Kelbaker Road - This will take you to Baker on the I-15.


There are other roads. If you think this is important information for you to have, you may want to research these roads further. We will have multiple maps and GPS devices to aid in navigation, even unexpected and emergency navigation.





Looks like we will have some kids along, so I will post up some kid-desert-specific info for you Mike, but pretty obvious stuff.

I am also not going to worry too much about the person or vehicle limit. We've come across a 14 vehicle convoy, each with 4 or 6 people.

EDIT: .kml and .kmz Google Earth files are attached, as well as the .gpx file for your GPS system. More items will be attached as we go, but there will always be a post about it.

[elripster]

My wife is due a few weeks after that so I will be on lock down for a few months.

[Seanz0rz]

Congrats Frank! next time for sure, right?!

[elripster]

Yeah, hopefully later in the year something will pop up.

[Seanz0rz]

First Post has been updated with an Itinerary as well as all new files including the 3 GPS file types, as well as an updated safety brief.

I am working on a form for everyone to fill out. More on that soon.

[paddlenbike]

My only fuel options are to carry it inside, which I really don't want to do. What has been your experience with the need for additional fuel?

[Seanz0rz]

Discussed this with Mike earlier. On Saturday night, if you have to have fuel, Baker is a few miles up the road.

See if this link works:
https://www.google.com/maps/preview/dir/35.1831853,-115.8580512/AMPM,+72097+Baker+Blvd,+Baker,+CA+92309/@35.2467214,-115.9706417,11z/am=t/data=!3m1!4b1!4m8!4m7!1m0!1m5!1m1!1s0x80c5bdc1ffce 25bb:0x56f5ffb9737c53b0!2m2!1d-116.083256!2d35.259773

It is about 17 miles from our camp to the Arco in Baker.

I add 5 gallons each night Friday and Saturday, and have enough to make it to Barstow with a bit extra. It is my feeling you should carry some, but if you didn't, this trip could be necessary.

I think on the exit, we will avoid the I-15. Vegas return traffic is a NIGHTMARE on Sunday afternoon, and it is much easier to take the 40 back towards Barstow. After that the traffic is manageable.

[paddlenbike]

If you're using ~16 gallons in the truck + ~8 gallons of extra, you're burning ~24 gallons in 200 miles? That's only 8 mpg. Just curious...

[Seanz0rz]

That's my truck. Overweight, geared too high.

The first year I did it, we did the trip (about 140 miles offroad) and I drove all the way home (~120 miles) on the 18.5+10 gallons.

I honestly don't think you should have a problem, especially if you are frugal with your fuel. Turning the vehicle off every time we get out, etc. If you do need fuel, the previously mentioned option is there. We will plan accordingly with our use of jerry cans, not using them until we need them in case someone else needs them. I wouldn't sweat it.

[paddlenbike]

That's my truck. Overweight, geared too high.

The first year I did it, we did the trip (about 140 miles offroad) and I drove all the way home (~120 miles) on the 18.5+10 gallons.

I honestly don't think you should have a problem, especially if you are frugal with your fuel. Turning the vehicle off every time we get out, etc. If you do need fuel, the previously mentioned option is there. We will plan accordingly with our use of jerry cans, not using them until we need them in case someone else needs them. I wouldn't sweat it.

Eww, I don't like being frugal on fuel when out having fun in the desert. I will have to figure something out, or possibly do the fuel side-trip, if necessary. I no longer have a roof rack for carrying fuel.

[DHC6twinotter]

When I did mojave last year, I brought 8 gallons extra. I used the fuel since I had it, but iirc, when we pulled into Baker for gas, I still had at least 1/2 tank of fuel left, maybe more.

I could have done the trip with 4 gallons extra, but that would have meant pulling into Baker with the low fuel light on. I don't like cutting things that close.

Wish I could make this run. That's an awesome trip.

[Seanz0rz]

I thought about it some more today.

This is how I feel: Personally, I would not chance it. It is also not that big of a deal for me to throw 10 gallons on the back. With the option of bugging out to get fuel in Baker, the risk isn't as big, just a bit inconvenient. You can also borrow 5 gallons from me if you need it before heading to Baker, just fill the can up and bring it back. It is a gamble, but I don't think it is horribly risky. If you do run out of gas, we will all make fun of you. We will make a dunce hat, and you will wear it.

The metal Blitz cans I have (no longer available since they went belly up) do not leak, and I would not hesitate storing them inside.

[paddlenbike]

Thanks Sean, I will start shopping for some sealed fuel containers.

[Seanz0rz]

Maybe you have a friend in Reno?
http://www.sierraexpeditions.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=13410

[paddlenbike]

Maybe you have a friend in Reno?
http://www.sierraexpeditions.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=13410

What do you know about the rotopax? It looks like you can buy them in the U.S.
http://rotopax.com/3-Gallon-Packs/

[Seanz0rz]

I think they are very nice. I have no experience with them, but I know they can be expensive. 85 for 3 gallons is a bit much for my blood.

Also not sure just how well they seal. My problem with storing plastic cans inside is they always seem to vent, no matter how tight you get the cap.

[paddlenbike]

I decided against having it inside. This is what I need to do:
http://www.mostdesigns.com/zgallery/albums/Personal%20Vehicles/4Runner/Rotopax/IMAG0490.jpg

I like the variety of mounting options with the rotopax style fuel cans.

[Seanz0rz]

Perfect! I'd look around and see if you can find some very gently used ones. Sticker shock still has not worn off!

Hey, would your friend Stuart be interested in joining? I know he doesn't visit or post much.

Goes out to the rest of you, anyone else interested?!

[paddlenbike]

Hey, would your friend Stuart be interested in joining? I know he doesn't visit or post much.



I believe I have Stuart talked into it. They had a camping trip planned the following weekend but I believe they moved it. Let's go ahead and put him on the list.

Stuart +1

BTW, on Friday he bought another 3rd gen. Found a 5-speed e-locker. :)

[paddlenbike]

Goes out to the rest of you, anyone else interested?!

Paging Bob and Lance, paging Bob and Lance!!

[Seanz0rz]

Sweet! I'll add him to the first post.

Lance, perfect LC run! We are going to drive on that cider cone we drove on last time you were out there!

Bob, It would be a complete trip if you made it!

[Kryptoroxx]

I would love to come as it really isnt far from me. I live in the 29 palms area. I think I have a lot of work during that time but I can't say whether I can make it at this point. I'm planning to get forced out this year (well not planning but expecting)

stamped and snail mailed

[4x4mike]

What do you know about the rotopax? It looks like you can buy them in the U.S.
http://rotopax.com/3-Gallon-Packs/

I bought a Rotopax after they were at Pismo the other year. I think it was Kevin that won a 4 gallon one. I had already been eyeballing one and after playing around with one I bought a 4 gallon red one. It was around the time I built my roof rack so I built my rack around my two Scepter water cans, travel table and the rotopax. The pax and the table were about the same length so that was nice. At the time they didn't sell the mounting thingys which is fine because they are pricey. I used giant washers and wingnut for the pax and the Scepters.

I mounted the pax once and but never used it on an offroad trip. I drove with it once to Solvang from my house and ended up using the fuel before I got there. It was an impulse purchase and after using it in my shed for lawn equipment I sold it to a local woman from Expo. The idea is nice but the container didn't fit my needs. It's an awkward shape and even full it doesn't keep it's shape. I looked into the Klopin ones but never bought one. It appears they have a stiffer design but it's still flat so the deformation is still possible.

One of the issues with the deformation is that on rough roads if it changes shape it doesn't hold still. My Scepter cans do that so I built more of a cage for them.

I originally wanted the two smaller ones that interlock just incase I only wanted to pack one. I also thought it would be easier to store and use for the lawn equipment, which was the excuse I used to buy it. Turns out I wouldn't be able to mount the two interlocked, laying down like I wanted so I got the 4 gallon which was cheaper. With my sale proceeds I bought a metal Blitz can which is a more useful 5 gallons, won't get a hole worn in it packed down and can be stored inside without fear of leaking or deforming.

[4x4mike]

Lance, perfect LC run! We are going to drive on that cider cone we drove on last time you were out there!

Bob, It would be a complete trip if you made it!

Yeah Lance and Bob. Lance, bring the family. Maggie could babysit.

[Good Times]

I've gotta go to a birthday party for my best friend's son and daughter so unfortunately I am out. I did consider it until I saw the birthday party date get set and then I knew this event was out for me :( boo hoo and friends having kid's parties on the same day!

Will miss you guys! Btw the LC is not an offroading vehicle ;) That's my mall cruiser that sees only Pismo sand. that way it stays clear of pin-striping and other obscure scratches that I may encounter on the trails! haha

[Seanz0rz]

Bummer!

Seems like there are a lot of Birthdays in March! People must like getting busy in June!

[kafene]

If you're using ~16 gallons in the truck + ~8 gallons of extra, you're burning ~24 gallons in 200 miles? That's only 8 mpg. Just curious...

Geeez!! Okay, I stop complaining about my MPG, right now! LOL... I was bitching because I get ~12.8. I have seen it in the 14 MPG's on highways when I'm cruising 65 - 70 mph.

[Seanz0rz]

That Whole 'Bernardino trip, I got 7mpg for the whole trip, which means I got something like 4mpg offroad or less.

[kafene]

That Whole 'Bernardino trip, I got 7mpg for the whole trip, which means I got something like 4mpg offroad or less.

WHAT?!?! I'm shocked you go anywhere that is not in "line of sight" of a gas station... puahahaha!!!

[Seanz0rz]

lol. Highway, I am usually around 16 or 17. I get 21 if I do 55 and no hills. Usually, off road I get 10ish.

[4x4mike]

Wow, that's a huge drop. My worst mileage offroad is Pismo but that's expected. Even 50 or 60 miles in Red Rock my mileage wasn't that bad. I should probably keep better records to look back on these kind of things.

I

[Seanz0rz]

I was shocked that even after driving the 60 or so miles of highway back, my mpg was 7! how the hell?!


Back on the topic of the trip. I expect everyone to have completed one of these: http://www.ultimateyota.com/entry.php?14-Planning-for-the-Worst-The-Emergency-Info-Sheet

I will not check, but you really should have it. I will add that to the first post as well.

[4x4mike]

If something happens to me you're going to have to get my information off my underwear as that's where I've written everything down.

[paddlenbike]

I should probably keep better records to look back on these kind of things.



I showed this to Mike earlier today. I can login to the Nissan telematics website and see driving statistics for my Leaf.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-TJyt72u_FAE/Uub2gsnR0ZI/AAAAAAAAMYY/bBsYzaBi860/s800/telematics.jpg

I have never seen anything like it. I can click on a calendar day and it will tell me how many miles I drove that day, how many kilowatts of electricity I used and some other statistics I don't really care about. There is only a week worth of data here because that's when I bought the car.

So on the day shown, January 22, 2014, I drove 45.3 miles and used 10.2 kilowatts of electricity. I pay 10.2 cents per kilowatt, so the car cost me 10.2kw x 0.102 = $1.04 to drive 45.3 miles.

I could care less about this info for the Leaf since it's so cheap to drive, but I would LOVE something like this for the 4Runner.

A little offtopic, but when the subject of keeping records came up, I had to share! I'm sure there are smartphone apps that can do something similar.

Back on topic, the form seems like a good idea.

[Seanz0rz]

I wonder if torque pro will do something similar. That is way cool!

[paddlenbike]

I wonder if torque pro will do something similar. That is way cool!

If torque pro can read injector pulse width through a BT OBDII connection, then I suppose it could do something similar.

BTW, I saw this today and thought to myself "what a perfect roof rack for Mojave!"

[Seanz0rz]

Awesome rack!

I'll have to look into the logging capabilities of torque pro. Might work with newer vehicle, I notice some things don't show up from the 4runner due to the older computer.

[paddlenbike]

I am so excited to add this!!

Attendees:
1. Seanz0rz - Sean +1
2. Paddlenbike - Ken +1
3. 4x4mike - Mike +3
4. Stuart +1
5. Scottiac (Scott and Molly)
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.

[Seanz0rz]

Awesome! I'll add it to the first post tomorrow morning.

I think I'm going to make a trip out there to check some roads and camp sites.

[4x4mike]

If I was going out there I'd stash fuel. I do that on a lot of isolated bike rides. Out in the sticks hauling a lot of water is a pain and it's hard to rely on an intermittent source. I've got gallons stashed in multiple places out in the woods. Makes planning the ride easier when you know you don't have to worry about water.

A shallow hole in some brush is where I'd stick some fuel but that's just me.

[Good Times]

wow this is like a blast from the past! I'm jealous now! bummed even more so now that more familiar faces are going and I'm gonna miss out on all of the good times!

[Seanz0rz]

Come a day late or leave a day early.

[4x4mike]

I'm gonna miss out on all of the good times!

Might need a user name change then. Bring the family and come play outdoors.

[troyboy162]

oh man you know I want in on this! I'll know if im good when we get closer. :)

[Seanz0rz]

Troy, missed your post earlier! I'll add you on the list.

Since we have new people, I want to add something on Sunday's run. Will take about 2 hours total but I feel it's worth it! New maps coming soon!

There are 3 mine sites I would like to visit. Total, It is about 10 miles extra round trip on a dead end road. Mines have bat gates, except for one small tunnel system, but tons of artifacts.

We can decide when we are there, but I think it is worth the miles and time

[Seanz0rz]

First post updated:

Files updated. Pretty sure it will be the last update you will need.

[Jaydee914]

Oh heck, count me in too... This time I should be able to make day one, so that'll be all new stuff for me!

[Seanz0rz]

Yay!!!

I think I will cap it here. If you really want to go, speak up! I think this is about the biggest group I'd want to lead.

[Seanz0rz]

I'd like to get an idea of who will be in tents and who will be sleeping in a vehicle. Let me know soon, I am working on selecting campsites and I'm trying to see if there is enough room for all of us.

[paddlenbike]

I'd like to get an idea of who will be in tents and who will be sleeping in a vehicle. Let me know soon, I am working on selecting campsites and I'm trying to see if there is enough room for all of us.

Most likely sleeping in the 4Runner.

[4x4mike]

Since there are 4 of us we will be in a tent.

This is it: http://www.rei.com/product/827807/rei-kingdom-6-tent-2012

REI says it's floor is 10' X 8'.

So are there designated campgrounds? I thought it was just wide open and you can camp where ever you wanted.

[Seanz0rz]

Dispersed, road side camping with a but. The place you use needs to have an existing rock ring for a fire that has been used previously. Basically, existing sites only.

Right now, I have Camp 2A, 2B, and 2C.

Camp 2A is only a few hundred yards from the Mojave Road. It will be kind of tight but I think we could make it work. It is 33 miles in, at ~4500 feet, not much shelter. It is next to an old rock cabin, if any one is adventurous. (Please don't do this, people die from this stuff all the time)

Camp 2B is again a hundred yards or so from the route we take. It is bigger, I am pretty sure it has a fire ring, seen in 1 photograph and on google earth. It is at an old ranch, 65 miles in (10 or so of that is high speed graded dirt road), at ~4300 feet. No shelter from the wind.

Camp 2C is off the road about 82 miles in (if we skip seeing the Mojave Cross, otherwise, add 12.5 miles to that, or about 95 miles in). It is much more sheltered being at the base of a mountain. It is at ~3800 feet. This is the best camp site, but I am not sure we can travel that far on the first day.

I am trying to find others, but not much luck. We have camped between A and B before (closer to B). It was extremely windy and miserable, NO shelter what so ever. I am also looking for camps outside of washes in the event of flash floods.

We will keep an eye on the weather. I am down rain or shine, but I know not everyone feels that way.

[Jaydee914]

I'll be in the truck, even if Victoria comes. If the kids come, which is extremely unlikely, we'll have a tent as well. Plan for my truck only.

[Jaydee914]

What about staying up at Carruther's canyon on night 2 again? Camp Phallus had a good amount of wind protection, and there's several other fire rings on the perimeter of the canyon that have pretty decent shelter.

[Seanz0rz]

I'm not sure we can squeeze 8 rigs plus tents up there. Last time it was a bit of a chore to get 5. Also no guarantee of getting it before anyone else.

I'll look into how many vehicles others have put up there. I think our best bet is Thomas place. I'd love to make it all the way to Mojave Camp, but it's just too far.

[4x4mike]

Do the tents/vehicles need to be near the ring? I take it the ring is the identifier that it's a camp site? This seems a lot different from other desert destinations I've been to in the past and much different than camping up here.

I don't need to pitch my tent near the fire unless it's the rules. In fact my kids wake up before the chickens so being on the edge is fine. Wind on the other hand sucks especially with a taller tent. My wife and I talked about 2 backpacking tents but they would have a larger foot print and I have a feeling there would be musical tents in the middle of the night, worse case scenario both kids will want to sleep with mom.

[Seanz0rz]

It's more of "Don't make a new clearing". The areas of the preserve we will be in are actually pretty well covered. Not much space from bush to bush to plop down a tent. Not to mention the cactus.

Here's what I mean:

Thomas Place: https://www.google.com/maps/preview/@35.1753164,-115.4635523,116m/data=!3m1!1e3

Has a ton of room for vehicles. There might be some debris on the cleared spot, but nothing we can't work around.

In contrast, here is the stone cabin just off of Carruthers canyon road: https://www.google.com/maps/preview/@35.1413972,-115.2569782,107m/data=!3m1!1e3

They are nearly at the same scale, it is difficult due to the change in elevation. The stone cabin could work, but with 3 or 4 tents, we will probably be backing up onto the roads that lead to the house. That is fine, but not very comfortable. Honestly, Thomas place is a perfect site except for the lack of a wind break. Now that I have confirmed what to me looks like a fire ring, that is our target. If for some reason we come up short on Saturday with a vehicle problem or the like, we have a few alternatives. Our biggest obstacle is the private property north of Cedar Canyon road, and the issues of camping in a wash during rain, which may or may not happen that weekend.

Last year, we camped here: https://www.google.com/maps/preview/@35.1534577,-115.3376156,113m/data=!3m1!1e3

It is at nearly the high point of the range, 5k feet, and no wind break. It was miserable with the wind at dusk. It died down until the middle of the night, then picked up again. It nearly picked up Kevin, Neashell, and Kato the German Shepard.

Also, there is the miles game. If we don't do enough miles on Friday, then we will have too many to do on Saturday to reach our preferred or even secondary camps. If we are forced to find a new camp Saturday, then Sunday will become an even longer day.

Traditionally, Friday has been sort of a short day. I think it is completely possible to push a bit further, especially where 7 miles of it is high speed graded county road. If we can get Rock springs, Bert G Smith cabin and Gov't Holes done Friday afternoon, it will give us plenty of time to explore the DV mine, lava tubes, Aiken mine, and cross the cinder cones on a road I have never driven to get to camp before dusk. I worry that that road may be a bit of a challenge. If it is, there is a way around, but it could cost us some time.

[Seanz0rz]

Great news!

I was going through some of my files and found some notes I had forgotten about. They had some tips about other camp sites. They are a bit further, at about 70 miles in, but they are a great backup. We are still planning for Thomas place, but I have several alternatives now.

I am also looking into ways to create a wind break with the vehicles. Tarps, plywood, etc. We might be able to make enough of a wind break to make it liveable in the event of bad wind.

I feel much better with the alternate camp sites. Even if we have to spread out into smaller groups, some of the alternate sites are grouped close together.

I will ask everyone to bring at least 1 bundle of firewood. 8 bundles should be plenty for 2 nights.


WOOOOOO! 41 days left!

First post links to maps have been updated and are current. These should be the last updates. They will also be emailed to everyone 2 weeks prior to departure, along with other critical information.

[paddlenbike]

WOOOOOO! 41 days left!



41 days. Today we started preparing Stuart's rig for the trip. :-)
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-nkJ6ek8p_sg/UuxtktMtvUI/AAAAAAAAMZY/kTv6VKcM8yU/s640/%255BUNSET%255D.jpg

[Stuman]

I'd like to get an idea of who will be in tents and who will be sleeping in a vehicle. Let me know soon, I am working on selecting campsites and I'm trying to see if there is enough room for all of us.

Rose and I will be sleeping in the runner
Thanks

[Seanz0rz]

Welcome to the board Stuart! I am SUPER jealous!

puns are fun!

[4x4mike]

Hi Stuart.

[Stuman]

Welcome to the board Stuart! I am SUPER jealous!

puns are fun!
Thanks !
Thanks for organizing the trip I am really charged up !

[Seanz0rz]

You're very welcome!

I'm so excited!

[paddlenbike]

Thanks !
Thanks for organizing the trip I am really charged up !

Nice choice of words. Welcome to Ultimateyota!

Ken

[Seanz0rz]

bump again, who's truck sleeping and who's pitchin' a tent?

[troyboy162]

Truck sleepin

[Seanz0rz]

Emails sent out. 34 days...

[scottiac]

Looks like Molly and I will likely be tenting. Is it ok if we bring our two pups with us? Super dog-friendly, good with people too. (Except for people that look like squirrels.)

I've got a hand-held ham now; will try to get a mobile before the trip. I've got 5 gallons extra fuel now; I can get another 5 if I stop by Bishop on the way to the start! (Doh! Left my can there last year.)

I'm waffling on carrying fuel inside (which I've done before with no problem) and roof... only problem with roof is there goes my mileage even further, and I'm already averaging 14. May do it anyway because of space if the doggies come with... Hmmm. Time to get my planning on...

[Seanz0rz]

Dogs should be fine, we have had a dog before. Just keep them leashed up.

Thanks for posting up. Too tired for any other words. lol

[kafene]

Dogs should be fine, we have had a dog before. Just keep them leashed up.

Thanks for posting up. Too tired for any other words. lol

Too tired?!?! WTH? You gettin' old? It's way too early. 8)

[Seanz0rz]

Worked the entire day cleaning out the garage and wiring up some outdoor lights. That means up and down the ladder a few dozen times, and a whole lot of romex staples to hammer in. I'm also fat and out of shape, so imagine doing those things dragging around a 50 pound sack of flour.

Dogs should help keep any wild animals away, and as long as they don't bark, I'm cool with it. We have a barking dog in back of us somewhere. Super annoying. We can't even figure out what house, so we can't call animal control.

Wednesday I got my truck smogged. Barely passed! And then I promptly lost my wallet. Should receive the rest of my replacement cards in the next 2 weeks. bleh.

Tomorrow, I will be doing the airsoft mod. More on that to come.

[Seanz0rz]

4 weeks and 2 days!

Looked up the moon tables, we will have a full moon on Sunday, March 16th. Moon rise on the 14th is approximately 5:30PM and on the 15th, approximately 6:20PM. This should give us great light for camping but will ruin the star gazing (which honestly isn't all that great due to the proximity to Vegas).

I have not heard back from Troy, JD, Ken, or Scott. Check your emails!!! and please reply. I sent from my more official (less spam every day) account, so it may have gone to your spam folders.

[paddlenbike]

Cool, I'm excited. I'll have to sleuth through my emails later today or tomorrow.

[Seanz0rz]

Thanks for the email Ken.

Still looking for Scott, JD, and Troy to email me back. hint hint.

[troyboy162]

No allergies here and no assigned doctors or relevant medical history thankfully. Insurance cards are in my pocket so if you recover the body we're good to go lol.
these days in the case of unconscious or emergency medical your highest concerns are lawsuits and aids. I'm free of both lol.

email sent with my cell in case you lost it

I cant wait to go!!!!

[Seanz0rz]

All emails received. 4 weeks! w00t!

[paddlenbike]

Not many of us norcal guys had a fuel solution, so I ordered 3 gallon rotopax fuel containers and mounts for myself, Bill and Stuart. They aren't cheap, but have consistently good reviews. Should be fine for fuel now.

[Seanz0rz]

Great news!

I find even local trips to the mountains in the snow (not this year obviously), I usually carry an extra 5 Gallons, just in case I need to build a camp fire or come across a stranded vehicle. I'm always way over prepared, it's a running joke at this point! But, that one time when someone needs to do a timing belt in the desert, and blows every fuse, I got them covered!

I got all the necessary work done on the truck (with the exception of aiming offroad lights, but I will probably do that out there). Next weekend I will test the camping stuff and replace/repair as necessary.

SOOOO EXCITED!!!

[paddlenbike]

I'm always way over prepared, it's a running joke at this point! But, that one time when someone needs to do a timing belt in the desert, and blows every fuse, I got them covered!



You should have never said that. You know I had Stuart and Mike help me clean my IAC, throttle body and MAF at In & Out Burger in Kettleman City on the way to the Pismo Jamboree? Mojave could be my opportunity for free labor on a timing belt change, haha.

[Seanz0rz]

Just bring the parts and a torque wrench!

I do suspect I have a leak somewhere after the MAF. Another issue for another day.

[troyboy162]

This is great news! I'll bring my shocks along for install

[Seanz0rz]

Looks like the bus is no longer on its wheels:
http://youtu.be/aIV-UhGlaUY?t=14m

If it is still like that, we might mount an effort to right it. So sad.

[paddlenbike]

What jackasses!!!!!!!!!

[Seanz0rz]

Video has probably been taken down by now, along with the Steel Soldier forum post about the trip that featured the video.

A friend of a friend has informed us that his recent trip out, they righted the bus and it is back on its wheels. As for the damage, we will see in 3 weeks.

Very sad that this happened at all. If it was just ignorance, I hope this is a learning experience for them. If it was just a malicious act (more likely), I hope they get what is coming to them, through legal means or just the universe in general.

[4x4mike]

They obviously don't care about getting in trouble because they filmed and posted it up. I plan to document none of my firework/pyrotechnic activities, testing of home made firearms or post my write up of my on board moonshine distillery on this trip.

[Seanz0rz]

I hope that is in jest, I don't want a visit from the feds! Except the moonshine. that sounds good to me.

I still can't believe we have people like that around, makes me sick.

[paddlenbike]

I hope that is in jest, I don't want a visit from the feds! Except the moonshine. that sounds good to me.



I haven't been on a trip with Mike yet where the FBI hasn't shown up.

[Seanz0rz]

Only because of his sexy parties:
http://youtu.be/dCUXjdlaJII

[Seanz0rz]

Less than 2 weeks away!

The weather is always a concern. With the severe weather we are experiencing in SoCal, it is pretty hard to tell exactly what we are going to have for our trip. All signs point to a maximum high of ~80F, and a minimum low of ~45F, which is a little bit warm for my preference, but it should be nice. Camp will be a bit chilly on Friday night, but so far it looks OK. The wind looks like it will be as minimal as possible as well. I don't see any reason to expect rain (much like the rest of this winter), and it should generally be nice.

It is still 14 days out, so there is much to happen in the next week or so. I will send out a final email on Monday, 3-10, with final information, including weather.

[troyboy162]

Woohoo! almost time to hit the dusty trails. Should be in bloom out there too!
http://i723.photobucket.com/albums/ww234/troyboy162/Mojave%20Road%2020120401/IMG_0250.jpg

[4x4mike]

On our weekly trip to the library with the kids we picked up the original Dennis Casebier book. It's pretty dang old and it's very interesting. I don't do much of any book reading but I like older books like this.

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-HuKg03ekOjs/UxdDBREISCI/AAAAAAAA8kk/N9pOCvsMBlE/s800/20140304_191945.jpg

[Seanz0rz]

That's an awesome find! I've read mine at least twice, I'll probably read through again before we set off. It takes about 3 or 4 hours to read it slowly and examine the pictures.

I'll try to track down my older version and compare it to the new. I think there is a bit more history in the older version I have, I actually used it for a big school project about 5 years ago.

[Jaydee914]

So I thought I said it here, but it must have been in my email (or maybe just in my head???) but as always, I'm not going to be able to make the first night after all. I have an 8am Friday department meeting that I need to attend so I won't get onto the road till at least 9, but more likely closer to 11. I'll probably meet you guys at camp 2, if not somewhere on the road. What time do you think you'll make camp?

[Seanz0rz]

Hoping to be at camp by 5PM, or so. I will send you some specific instructions on meeting up, and I think one of the dropbox docs has the camping info. If you get out of there at a decent time, you could meet up with us near Lanfair Road, but more likely closer to Mid Hills area, which is really close to the camp site anyway. I will broadcast our location towards the middle of the day for you. I probably won't be able to hear you, but with 50W, you might get me. If we have cell coverage, we will text you.

Email will come probably Saturday or Sunday. Weather is looking good. Wind is really the only huge variable now, right now they are looking slightly elevated above normal levels, but only by 3-5 mph.

[Jaydee914]

OK cool. I hope to get out there as early as I can so that I can get a little Friday exploring in - I'll find you.
And are you guys serious about doing some wrenching while you're out there? I have a pair of disconnecting front swaybar links that need to get installed and I'm not going to have time after work next week...

[troyboy162]

I'll help you with the links if you want. That's a big help off road so the trail would be a great place to get used it disconnected

[Seanz0rz]

The only wrenching I am planning on doing is when I break something! Those shouldn't take too long, and something you could do in camp.

[Jaydee914]

I'm hoping to at least get it all prepped over this weekend, (I think I need to move a brake line mount, figure out a way to keep the disconnected sway bar up and out of the way, and apply a liberal amount of anti-sieze) and then they show up on Monday. Who knows, I might be able to whack it out some day after work.

[Seanz0rz]

I'm an idiot.

I fell out of my truck, and on the way down, tried to grab onto something.

I managed to snap off the driver's rear door courtesy light switch. DOH! 25 bucks and I'll have a new one. The plastic was SOOO brittle!

[paddlenbike]

I'm an idiot.

I fell out of my truck, and on the way down, tried to grab onto something.

I managed to snap off the driver's rear door courtesy light switch. DOH! 25 bucks and I'll have a new one. The plastic was SOOO brittle!

I broke one of those on my friend's LTD. Awesome drive home with the door buzzer on constantly.

"Fell out of my truck." Ha, that's a sign it is properly high.

[Seanz0rz]

Luckily, this fails safe, so no light on the dash, but also no over head light and no alarm.

It was an awkward fall. I have the seat bottoms out, and the backs down. I was placing my pullpal between the cargo platform and the where the seat backs will end up. I went to put my hand on something to scoot out and missed, taking the switch with me.

I feel properly stupid for it, but it is far from the first, or the last, time I've fallen out of my truck. I don't even drink!

Here is the housing in the door jamb:
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7328/12999264043_43ae86f644_c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/98550067@N07/12999264043/)

And the plunger and other innards:
http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3404/12999529524_0969063634_c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/98550067@N07/12999529524/)

The yellow part is the plunger. Those are the three big pieces that fell out. There were about 4 or 6 more shards that fell out too. Too shattered to glue it back together, and I suspect it's made of a plastic that is impervious to glue.

Oh well. Just feel so silly.

[Seanz0rz]

Last email has been sent out.

Weather is looking good, if not a bit warm. Hopefully the winds cooperate (they won't).

JD, I provided some quick instructions on how to get to camp. Use the coords I sent out in the camping info document to get there with a gps. You can also come in on the 15, but it is a little more complicated.

I'm about 1/3 packed. All the tools are in, fuel cans strapped on, and I checked the vital areas.

I'm breaking down and replacing my LED 3rd brake light with a standard bulb. I am getting an intermittent ABS warning light (usually only when it's warm out). I will eventually add a proper resistor, but this is an easier fix for now.

[paddlenbike]

I'm about 1/3 packed. All the tools are in, fuel cans strapped on, and I checked the vital areas.



I'm all set too. I had to drive to one of those covered concrete parking lot thingies where I used a pump to draw some kind of flammable liquid fuel from an underground storage tank, which I then transferred into an 18.5 gallon liquified fuel storage container that is located under the 4Runner. I should be all set now.

[4x4mike]

We're doing our food shopping Tuesday night, hopefully we've got our menu down by then. Ice packs are made, beer is chilling, 4Runner is good to go with the exception of a car seat swap out. My clothes are packed and the kids laundry will be started tonight. Camping Action Packers have been pulled so they just need to be loaded.

We have spent most of our time gathering/buying activities for the kids. Some for the drive and some for camp. Four loads of laundry and we should have enough items to keep them clothed.

[Seanz0rz]

LOL shut up Ken!

As is typical of this time of year, gas has jumped half a dollar in the last few weeks. Why on earth is it $4/gallon now?

I'm hoping I get my door switch before we depart.

I did swap out my LED 3rd brake like for an incandescent one, hopefully that solves the ABS light coming on. Everything else is pretty much ready. Tomorrow will be my major pack day, trying to Tetris everything into the back of the truck. Most food has been purchased, some of it has been made and frozen. Still have to refrigerate drinks and water.

[paddlenbike]

I kid, I kid.

My incandescent 3rd brake light has burned out twice since I've had my LED taillights, and it triggers the ABS light every time. Incandescent sucks. I wonder how hot the load resistor gets...they're pretty small with huge cooling fins.

http://www.eautoworks.com/images/products/eawpics/pic33226.jpg

[Seanz0rz]

That is the ultimate solution for me. I was never really happy with how bright (or not bright) my LED 3rd was. I will replace it with something better, and include one of those resistors.

If they are the 25 watt resistors, they get a bit hotter than a 25 watt bulb, since all of the energy is dissipated as heat, as apposed to ~90% with a bulb, the rest being light.

[Seanz0rz]

Oh and Sunday is going to be hot. Close to 90 as a high. Saturday won't be much cooler, mid 80's. At least there is no rain!

[Seanz0rz]

And then there were 5... lol.

Troy, is Sheena coming along? And I drew a penis on your car and I'm not sorry.

JD, bringing Victoria? Kids?

Major Santa Ana event for Wednesday, but it looks like it will die down by Thursday and Friday.

http://www.southerncaliforniaweatherauthority.com/2014/03/11/santa-ana-wind-warning/

[4x4mike]

Troy, is Sheena coming along? And I drew a penis on your car and I'm not sorry.

JD, bringing Victoria? Kids?



X2 on the above information. Marin is now on the fence but I'm still in the game. If there were a couple of kids it would sway her towards going quite a bit. She also doesn't want to be home alone with them for 4 days.

[Seanz0rz]

Latest weather indicates lower than anticipated temps for Saturday and Sunday, approaching the mid 80's, 5 or 6 degrees cooler than reported earlier. This should make it much more comfortable.

Mike, if you drop out on me, I will hurt you so bad.

[4x4mike]

Your beating may feel like a massage compared to one administered by a wife.

[Jaydee914]

No kids, most likely no Victoria, especially as she's going away the entire following weekend. She has a bachelorette weekend in Miami... Quite a bit different

[4x4mike]

Oh man, tough night. For the most part the decision has been made that it's just going to be me, no wife and kids this trip.

We had been packing the last few nights but more and more as people dropped out things started to change. Long story short all the kid preps will be for a camping trip we have next month. There is no shortage of family camping/wheeling and we already have 3 other trips planned this year but the MR is too far to trek a 2 and 5 year old.

I owe my wife big time and there is still no guarantee I won't come home to rumble. She and the kids have been wanting chickens (as pets and egg makers, not food/meat) so guess what I may have agreed to while under pressure? While we mulled it over I made sure the kids got their marshmallow roasting in a few days early.
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-QyiGIgMJ0b0/Ux_BpBVIM7I/AAAAAAAA8lU/65oUx95uqws/s800/20140311_183430.jpg


So Sean, the 4x4Mike group will just 1 with plans to sleep in the 4Runner or a small tent. I'll be driving down with Stuart and his co-worker buddy Joe. We've got reservations at the Avi and I plan on beating feet back home after Afton.

[Seanz0rz]

Sounds good. We will miss the wife and kids, but I completely understand. After this trip, you will have a better idea of what to expect for the fam next time. Like I told Ken, it's an annual trip and will be there next year, as well as a trip in November.

Tell Marin thanks for me. And you might want to pick up some chickens on the way home...

[paddlenbike]

Sounds good. We will miss the wife and kids, but I completely understand. After this trip, you will have a better idea of what to expect for the fam next time. Like I told Ken, it's an annual trip and will be there next year, as well as a trip in November.



I feel terrible that I had to bail, but I couldn't leave my pregnant wife at home by herself on her 30th birthday. She's fighting the morning sickness/nausea, which means the trip is a no-go for her. I hope to catch up with you guys soon. It's sad seeing the 4Runner in the garage all geared-up with no place to go...
Ken

[troyboy162]

Sheena is coming. I'll know more if its a Thursday night send of or Friday depending on the shocks coming in.

[Seanz0rz]

Sounds good Troy. Let me know what happens.

Ken, no worries. Like I said, you have a REALLY good reason to not come!

I woke up late, but my plan is still to get 80% of the truck packed up today. Got my door switch yesterday and swapped it, now I have a working alarm and dome light again!

[paddlenbike]

Sean, is your dropbox account down? I am trying to download either the GPX or KML track file for Stuart and Dropbox isn't having it.

Can you email me either file format? Thanks!

[Seanz0rz]

Email sent with all 3 for whatever floats your boat.

Weird dropbox is down. works fine for me, maybe it's a workplace thing.

Mostly packed, still need to wash sleeping bags and then toss the last minute stuff in.

[paddlenbike]

It's probably my tablet. Nevertheless, got it imported into Backcountry Navigator and it looks perfect. Thanks Sean.

[Seanz0rz]

No problem!

On a side note, I don't see how anyone does anything productive on a tablet. It takes me 3x as long to post anything, and if I have to copy paste a bunch of links, forget about it.

[paddlenbike]

On a side note, I don't see how anyone does anything productive on a tablet. It takes me 3x as long to post anything, and if I have to copy paste a bunch of links, forget about it.

Zagg Keys Flex keyboard. Battery lasts for months, bluetooth connection is always reliable. It's small, works with Android or Apple; great for travel.
http://blogs.cio.com/sites/cio.com/files/u7741/ZAGGkeys_FLEX_1.jpg

[Seanz0rz]

See, I'd need the keyboard AND a mouse to really make it productive. My tablet is for nav and surfing the web. My laptop is for portable productivity, and my desktop is for ultimate productivity (which is code for facebook and cat videos)

[scottiac]

Sadly my earlier decision to bail (yeah, I suck) was validated today when the 4runner went 4 paws up just driving 12 miles from work. Guess I'll be doing some work on it this weekend instead of playing in it. Sigh. (No, not literally, just repeated engine stalls and a lot of exciting coasting in heavy freeway traffic.) BTW, commute hour drivers doth suck in the consideration department. In case that's a news flash for anyone.

[Seanz0rz]

Bummer Scott. Look into plugs and wires, those have caused all of my misfires in the past. Seems the wires are only good for 20k or so now.

[scottiac]

Sean, thanks. I'm going to start with removing the FTC-1 that I put on with the supercharger all those years ago. The codes for today were crank sensor and cam sensor (simultaneously.) While it may be possible for both to die at once, it's a lot cheaper to de-install the FTC and try to run for a while then it is to replace both sensors.

After that, probably replace plugs and wires, and restore the injectors to stock. But that's all noise for another thread.

I hope you guys have a great trip, and that I can join you next year for Mojave, or some other trip that comes up!

[Seanz0rz]

Thanks! Good luck on the truck. I forgot you were SC'd, start with those things. Wire problems usually come up with a misfire code if anything at all, so I think going after the FTC-1 is a good starting point.

The trip will be basically repeated this time next year. November I am thinking of doing something fun. Maybe a Cactus to Coast run, we'll see.

[paddlenbike]

Sean, thanks. I'm going to start with removing the FTC-1 that I put on with the supercharger all those years ago. The codes for today were crank sensor and cam sensor (simultaneously.) While it may be possible for both to die at once, it's a lot cheaper to de-install the FTC and try to run for a while then it is to replace both sensors.

After that, probably replace plugs and wires, and restore the injectors to stock. But that's all noise for another thread.

I hope you guys have a great trip, and that I can join you next year for Mojave, or some other trip that comes up!

Scott, I agree with the FTC removal and going back to stock injectors. That setup has a lot of headaches and makes it difficult for a mechanic to diagnose. I am out of town this weekend but happy to help you in any way I can. These are very well-built trucks...we just need to do the things mechanics don't take the time to do and do a full maintenance sweep--remove, check and clean the IAC, clean the TB and MAF, new plugs and wires, perhaps have the stock injectors cleaned by witch hunter (solved a bunch of problems for Bob).

[troyboy162]

still no word on shocks so I'm out for now :(

[Seanz0rz]

No bueno. Send me a text if things change.

[Jaydee914]

still no word on shocks so I'm out for now :(

That sucks Troy. Meet up with us Saturday night if you can.

[Jaydee914]

OK, I'm mostly packed and I'll be antsy to get going for the next 24 hours. I'll see you all (whoever's left!) tomorrow night at camp #2.

[Seanz0rz]

Sounds good JD. We are about 1 hour out from leaving, just finalizing the last bit of food and such.

Mike and Stuart are about half way there, with an ETA of 6pm. Our ETA is 5ish, maybe earlier.

[Seanz0rz]

We got here pretty early, filled up, ate with Mike, Stuart, and Joe, and now I'm about to fall asleep. Weather looks good, a low moved through today unexpectedly, but I don't think any rain fell.

Plan is to depart Avi at 830 and start the trail.

Again, big thanks to Mike and Stuart for driving all the way from Sac. Oh, and we miss you Ken.

[paddlenbike]

Ah, thanks Sean, haha. I am looking forward to hearing all about the trip when you get back.

[toyotech]

I would love to get in on something like this the next time you guys do a trip. Mostly be in my 1st gen tundra since it be better for the long haul.

[Seanz0rz]

Home!

Toyotech, come out next time!

Full write up probably tomorrow.

Thanks so much for coming out! I really appreciate it!

[toyotech]

Looks like I need to get a ham. Looking at a hAnd held till I find more friends willing to switch or I do more trips with you guys. I hard find local people to go do what you guys do. Thanks for the invite and I'll be ready for your next adventure.

[Jaydee914]

Toyotech, the Baofung (sp?) is a great intro unit to HAM. That's all I run at the moment, hooked up to a cheap magnetic rooftop antenna and a plug-in handheld mic. Works great for wheeling with a group. You're not going to bounce signals off the atmosphere to reach Thailand, but the trucks around you will hear you just as well as with an expensive in-dash unit.

[toyotech]

Toyotech, the Baofung (sp?) is a great intro unit to HAM. That's all I run at the moment, hooked up to a cheap magnetic rooftop antenna and a plug-in handheld mic. Works great for wheeling with a group. You're not going to bounce signals off the atmosphere to reach Thailand, but the trucks around you will hear you just as well as with an expensive in-dash unit.

Yea that's the one I was looking at. Think in gonna order it tonight. I just don't much about programming them. Didn't know why you would lol. Guess in used to CB radios. Than I got to take the test.

[Seanz0rz]

Before you order, you might want to check out their other radios.

http://www.miklor.com/COM/Compare-UV82-UV5R.php
http://www.miklor.com/UV82/

The 82 might be a better option. I haven't looked into it much, but I hear it is a much better radio.

50 isn't bad for a better radio.
http://www.amazon.com/BaoFeng-UV-82L-Two-Radio-Black/dp/B00F4OOMQ0/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1395188179&sr=8-2&keywords=uv82

[toyotech]

Before you order, you might want to check out their other radios.

http://www.miklor.com/COM/Compare-UV82-UV5R.php
http://www.miklor.com/UV82/

The 82 might be a better option. I haven't looked into it much, but I hear it is a much better radio.

50 isn't bad for a better radio.
http://www.amazon.com/BaoFeng-UV-82L-Two-Radio-Black/dp/B00F4OOMQ0/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1395188179&sr=8-2&keywords=uv82

Well I was ready to order this but now you out a few more to pick from. All they all the same and which one should I go with? I was gonna do a two pack just because prices goes up over the year and I want a spare. I hate to keep buying different models and really just want a good one for trips like yours where I need ham.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00C3DJXSC/ref=gno_cart_title_3?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A4U8LXKS13UZR

[toyotech]

Looks like the 82 and 82l are the same? If so I think I may do the 82l

[4x4mike]

Getting 2, especially for the price is a good idea. Having 2 of the same radios is nice as far as programming and use. The Boafengs can also be set up to work as a mini repeater which could be helpful for places like camp. On night 2 we camped in a mini canyon. The below setup could be placed a short walk from camp and increase the signal in and out.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_KrH86Dzhnc

Equally important is getting your radio license which is pretty easy and informative.

[Seanz0rz]

82l comes with the mic you will never use (most likely) so I'd go 82.

I will probably buy another 5r simply because I already have one. This way I can share batteries and chargers.

[troyboy162]

for what its worth I dont think we have seen any short comings of the 5R models. Every trip they work well and sound good. The new ones may be a shade better, but I know I wouldn't be able to tell anyhow myself and the double PTT would drive me nuts. I'm currently trying to trade my wouxon for a baofeng 5R.

[Seanz0rz]

Yeah, I'm hesitant about that PTT button. I'm a button masher, so having fitness on the PTT button sounds frustrating.