June Lake, CA Aug. 17-21, 2007

[slosurfer]

Made it back home at about 8pm last night. We had a blast as always. It was great meeting everyone and seeing those that I hadn't seen in awhile. I'll get the pics and a trip report up later today. If anyone else has pics uploaded already, don't wait for me, post them up; I just wanted to get the thread started. :D

[cooldry]

Good to see you made it back. Wished I could've stayed longer. Seems like we had a little different trip than the guys at Big Bear. Here are some pics.

http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/aa186/cooldry/IMG_0549.jpg

http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/aa186/cooldry/IMG_0572_crop-1.jpg

http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/aa186/cooldry/IMG_0578.jpg

http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/aa186/cooldry/IMG_0580.jpg

http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/aa186/cooldry/IMG_0583-1.jpg

http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/aa186/cooldry/IMG_0573.jpg

http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/aa186/cooldry/IMG_0587.jpg

http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/aa186/cooldry/IMG_0593.jpg

http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/aa186/cooldry/IMG_0551.jpg

http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/aa186/cooldry/IMG_0547.jpg

Not too many wheeling pics, but still fun.

[slosurfer]

David, nice pics! I love the one of the Virginia Lake. It was nice getting to talk to you this trip, I got to know everyone much better this trip. Next time we'll have to go get your LC dirty.

How was the trip into Mammoth on your way home?

I'm glad you got a pic of the only thing that you guys came close to catching. :tapedshut:


http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/aa186/cooldry/IMG_0593.jpg

[cooldry]

Yeah, Lance was trying so hard to catch that chipmunk. Chipmunk was just too fast. Luckily, it was pot luck night so he didn't have to go hungry. :rofl: The trip back wasn't too bad. Fricken HOT. Stopped off at Mammoth for lunch and a quick stop at Mansinar. I'm sure your view was better going home. I'll definitely have the LC at Pismo. Looking forward to going back to Mammoth next week. This time with the LC. :clap:

[slosurfer]

Friday, Aug. 17th
After packing well into the night on Thursday and getting up early on Friday, we still didn't get out of town till 11am. We headed out Hwy 41 towards Yosemite, stopping in Kettleman City for a potty break and some In N Out burgers. Jack fell asleep when we got into Yosemite so this is the only shot I got of the valley. We normally stop at Bridalveil Falls for a pit stop, but due to the lack of rain and snowfall the falls were not flowing well. :(

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e113/slosurfer27/June%20Lake%2007/IMG_6013.jpg

We stopped again at White Wolf off of 120 in Yosemite for a break, walked around with the dog for awhile, and got back on our way. Next stop was Oh Ridge Campground in June Lake at about 7pm (it might have been earlier, I'm not sure). We got camp set up just before dark. I promised myself that next year we are leaving super early so we can get more pics of the 120 section of Yosemite.

Saturday, Aug. 18th
Took our time getting ready for the day and then we all set out for Virginia Lakes to do some fishing.
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e113/slosurfer27/June%20Lake%2007/IMG_6021.jpg

This included us, JnJ (Jen, her daughter Caitlyn, and her father Art), Bob_98SR5 (Bob and Patti), Cooldry (Chang), Goodburger (Lance, Yoko, and their friends Dave and Jen), Sonny and his cousin Satsuro (sp?) We had a great time hanging out at the lake and watching everyone fish. Jack had a great time on his first fishing trip, even though he was fishing with a dummy fish made for practice casting.

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e113/slosurfer27/June%20Lake%2007/IMG_6049.jpg

Jack and Caitlyn had a blast together. Good thing because he will have a sister soon enough.

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e113/slosurfer27/June%20Lake%2007/IMG_6053.jpg

Watch out for the gay fishermen

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e113/slosurfer27/June%20Lake%2007/IMG_6062.jpg

Bruce (our dog) was having a great time as you can see here:

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e113/slosurfer27/June%20Lake%2007/IMG_6077.jpg

We ended up leaving before everyone else and headed out to do some exploring and hopefully Jack would grab a nap. We checked out Virginia Creek Campground on the way back down to 395. Then, on a whim, I decided to head up to see the Horse Meadows. It was an easy dirt road to the Lower Meadow and a mild 4WD trail up to the Upper Meadow. We spent some time relaxing and playing at the Upper Meadow and April collected a few pine cones to use as Christmas decorations.

Upper Meadow
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e113/slosurfer27/June%20Lake%2007/IMG_6087.jpg

Jack and his pole
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e113/slosurfer27/June%20Lake%2007/IMG_6095.jpg

Old horse feeding trough
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e113/slosurfer27/June%20Lake%2007/IMG_6099.jpg

Bruce and our "horse"
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e113/slosurfer27/June%20Lake%2007/IMG_6100.jpg

We opted to head back down the way we came rather than complete the loop, coming down a steep rutted hill, we ran into Jen (JnJ) coming up. The elocker worked great backing up the hill and I actually had to back up the hill again as I ended up meeting another vehicle coming up after I let Jen go by. The Tacoma did awesome and was a blast to drive offroad, one of the reasons I opted to head back the way we came was that I was able to open it up on the fun sandy road heading down to 395 :D

We went back to the campsite and ended up meeting Eric (blackrunner) who had decided to come up at the last moment. Me and Sonny got the fire going and cooked sweet potatoes and chicken on the fire for the potluck. Reggie (Reggie00) and his son Tucker finally showed up after having a hell of time getting there (I'll let him tell his story). The potluck was awesome like always and we had a great time chatting and hanging out by the fire. Lance and Yoko made some awesome Sangria, I had to stop drinking it as I was afraid it would sneak up on me. Lucky for everyone, Lance opted to keep the rum out of it. :angel:

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e113/slosurfer27/June%20Lake%2007/IMG_6107.jpg

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e113/slosurfer27/June%20Lake%2007/IMG_6108.jpg

[slosurfer]

Sunday, Aug. 20th
This day saw us saying goodbye to most of the group which left just us, JnJ's group, and Reggie and his son. We took our time getting ready for the day, getting in last minute visiting with everyone, and saying our goodbyes.

After lunch, Reggie and Tucker headed out to Bodie Ghost Town while Jen, Caitlyn, Art, and us headed out on the June Lake loop. We stopped at the last lake in the loop, Grant Lake, so the dogs could play in the water. Both of us forgot our cameras at camp, so we swung by camp, and then Art led us to the Obsidian Domes between Mammoth and June. It was very cool to see these huge chunks of obsidian and the cliffs that they keep falling from. The kids had a great time scaring the parents by climbing all over the rocks.

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e113/slosurfer27/June%20Lake%2007/IMG_6113.jpg

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e113/slosurfer27/June%20Lake%2007/IMG_6115.jpg

Don't ask! :shake:
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e113/slosurfer27/June%20Lake%2007/IMG_6138.jpg

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e113/slosurfer27/June%20Lake%2007/IMG_6153.jpg

We weren't ready to head home yet and Jenn and I needed to do some 4wheeling. I looked on the map and found what I thought were hot springs that were close by that we could wheel to. After some real dusty offroading in silt and a couple u-turns we found Hartley Springs. They were very cool but not hot springs. No pics, as we both left our cameras in the vehicles which were up a really steep hill. We found a few good pieces of pumice stone (thanks Jen for being our resident geologist) and headed back down the trail and went and checked out Hartley Springs Campground. It was very cool and I will definately be heading back there to camp. We made it back to June Lake with just enough daylight left to make dinner.

Jen coming up a switchback to the springs
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e113/slosurfer27/June%20Lake%2007/IMG_6157.jpg

Wilson's Butte, right by the turn off of 395 to go to Obsidian Domes and Hartley Springs Campground
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e113/slosurfer27/June%20Lake%2007/IMG_6160.jpg

Monday, Aug. 19th
Reggie and Tucker went to explore Mammoth while us and JnJ went to Laurel Lakes. The trail was rocky as ever and it was pretty warm. Near the top we had to stop for a little bit in the shade and let the 1st gen cool down some. We then made our way to the top (no snow blocking it this year) and made our way down the switchbacks to Laurel lakes. The first switchback is a killer, Jen had commented about the trail being great for beginners till that switchback then she said, "That was not for beginners!" Down at the lake, we ate lunch while the kids threw rocks in the water and got a kick out of the dogs in the water. I even jumped in as I couldn't pass up the opportunity, man was that water cold!

On the way back we ran into two other toyotas, an 05+ Tacoma and an early 90's truck. Other than them, the only people we saw on the trail, were three guys who had parked their H3 at the trailhead near the top and were setting out on a hike. It ended up being a great day and we opted to head back and get dinner before it got too dark. We had hoped to check out Hot Creek thermal area but that would have put us back at camp well after dark.

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e113/slosurfer27/June%20Lake%2007/IMG_6165.jpg

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e113/slosurfer27/June%20Lake%2007/IMG_6169.jpg

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e113/slosurfer27/June%20Lake%2007/IMG_6173.jpg

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e113/slosurfer27/June%20Lake%2007/IMG_6176.jpg

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e113/slosurfer27/June%20Lake%2007/IMG_6183.jpg

40 point turn downhill switchback (not too easy with a manual tranny)
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e113/slosurfer27/June%20Lake%2007/IMG_6184.jpg

[slosurfer]

more Laurel Lakes...

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e113/slosurfer27/June%20Lake%2007/IMG_6189.jpg

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e113/slosurfer27/June%20Lake%2007/IMG_6213.jpg

Heading up the switchbacks
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e113/slosurfer27/June%20Lake%2007/IMG_6215.jpg

Upper Laurel Lake (we ate lunch on the grass on that "island")
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e113/slosurfer27/June%20Lake%2007/IMG_6217.jpg

Killer switchback (much easier heading up)
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e113/slosurfer27/June%20Lake%2007/IMG_6218.jpg

This should show how close this switchback is, Jen just passed it and I am just reaching it, this pic is taken without any zoom.
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e113/slosurfer27/June%20Lake%2007/IMG_6220.jpg

Toyotas ruled the day up there.
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e113/slosurfer27/June%20Lake%2007/IMG_6228.jpg

The dirty kids watching a DVD while the parents talked around the campfire
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e113/slosurfer27/June%20Lake%2007/IMG_6240.jpg

[slosurfer]

Tuesday, Aug. 21st
We packed up and said our goodbyes. Of course, we were the last ones out of there, leaving a little before 11am. We headed up Tioga Pass and the Tacoma pulled up it like a champ. Once in Yosemite, we drove down a heck of bumpy road to Tamarack Flat Campground to eat lunch and stretch our legs.

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e113/slosurfer27/June%20Lake%2007/IMG_6256.jpg

We then continued on and on a whim pulled into Yosemite Mtn. Sugar Pine Railroad which is just outside of the National Park. Jack loves trains and this place was awesome. They were done for the day, so we only checked out the gift shop and snapped a few pics of the trains. This will probably be a place that we stop everytime now. Next time we will ride the train.

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e113/slosurfer27/June%20Lake%2007/IMG_6257.jpg

Headed home and boy was it hot! 93 in Oakhurst, 101-103 from Fresno all the way through Kettleman City. About 20 miles from home it was still in the 90's when we got home I was so glad to see fog. It was 59 degrees at home. WE had a great trip, thanks to everyone for helping keep an eye on Jack.
Thanks to Lance and Bob for setting this up, too bad you couldn't stay till the end. It was great meeting everyone and I will see many of you at Pismo in Oct.

[blackrunner]

great pics chris. its was nice to finally meet you all.

I went to laurel canyon on sunday around 11 but didn't spot anyone there. I did a solo run but turned around shy of the end point. i got tired of getting stuck behind a very slow moving jeep the whole way up, and my empty stomach wasn't helping my mood either, so i called it off and cursed all the way down the trail and to subway in mammoth.

did you guys hear the people screaming on saturady night.???

the guys next to me decided to set camp deeper into the woods and were apparently greeted by a mountain lion trying to knock down their tent in the middle of the night. after screaming for an hour the host of the campground finally came to the rescue. I didn't know where the screams were coming from, and by the time I got out i saw them running into their subi and taking off and not coming back till the morning.

[reggie 00]

Nice posts.

Like last year i had a great time. Its nice to be able to meet the people we see here day in and day out. It is even better to meet new people.

Well like mentioned earlier.....

Me and the Dude got a late start too. But that was because i didnt pack anything till Friday morning :screwy:

I had spent weekends for quite a while go thru stuff fixing and or upgrading things to get ready for this trip. Had to spend a pretty penny to get it aligned on Wednesday, flipping idler arm :flipoff:

Got on the road about 1130. Was doing pretty good, Ac was cold, was running smooth and straight (as it should after that bill).

Yep all was good in the hood until........



Tioga Pass. :(


Of course one of the things i could get around to cause of time and mostly money was the radiator. Like most older Toyota's out there it has probably been introduced to non Toyota coolants. Which we all know...... rust the living out of things.
I did a flush the other day when i had the intake off, dont think it helped much.

Well any way as we start up the pass it starts to get pretty warm going up the grades.
Closer to the park entrance it starts to get really warm. In the park we start to really cook. Lost count at the number of times we had to dive off the side of the road to let it sit and cool down. Probably put in 3 gal of water (had 2 filled up once at a stream). Exploded the expansion tank twice. The second time by my guess we where probably just 20-30 min from 395.

Well that's enough of that should flip it around...... Started out after cooling down a few.... get a couple miles gas station, gas and more water.... start out over heats like mad, no hot air out of the heater... well that's not good.
Truck dies, hmm not good. Cools off starts up and off we go... Dudes getting pretty scared now... " dont worry buddy I'll blow this thing up if that's what it takes to get home", "Ok".

Red lines fast coming around corner, dies wont restart right in front of a rest area, with a phone....
Thank you for small favors, and a God who seems to like watching over fools like me.

So.... we spent some time here:

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n74/reggiemiller00/DSCF1606.jpg

The two cars were not there. The is actually a phone in front of the bear dumpster.

It is a fitting place i find out after i get ahold of my mom, (important side note. Carry a phone card. i found out these park phones do not accept coins, who's going to come out and collect it all the time. Card or Collect. Cant call cell phones collect)

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n74/reggiemiller00/DSCF1605.jpg

Mom gets a hold of Pop's, of course true to the situation and the area name he's not off work yet and has been up since 2am, nice its 630pm and he's like 4hrs away at least.

Also true to form the two bathrooms in our area..... Locked, had to walk up the street to use this one:

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n74/reggiemiller00/DSCF1604.jpg

Getting dark Dude falls asleep in his seat, Stood outside from 630 till 1130 till it got way too cold and way to many things started moving around, was soooo tempted to load the 45.

Family that was having dinner there offered help, also stopped by on their way out around 1030 to make sure everything was OK. Very nice... wish more people practiced a little of that.

Had a lantern hanging off the truck all night ( if you have a need highly recommend the Colman 8D cell flor lantern) 11pm call mom, " i just talked to him a few mins ago (!@<$ he's still got a ways to go if he still has cell service) got a trailer and what not". Ok going to sit tight a while longer.

During my forced rest period i got the cap off the rad, it took like 3-3.5 gallons of water, opps. That might be way we overheated so fast and had no hot air huh.
Idled for 30-40 min not over temp, no smoke, nothing in the oil. Did need oil as the synthetic seems to have been burnt up in the heat. Probably down 2-3q. nice this should be fun.

Half asleep from 12-2 as i had to wake up to check out cars passing. 315 Dude wakes up again getting pretty upset. Wants Grandpa.. "all right dude let go see if we can find him."

Getting way to cold out start it up, heater on, put it in rev.....

Pop's comes around the corner.... Man i should have done that earlier. Thanks Murphy.

Load it up and get out of Dodge. in a Dodge.

630pm-345am Slight detour @ Yosemite rest area.
345am-1030am Transit time w/bfast @ Dennys
1030am-1230pm Dude watches TV Dad naps
1230pm lunch for Dude Dad packs Tahoe
1pm- showers for everyone
130pm let go
130pm-652pm Transit to June Lake.

Thanks to everyone who let us poach on the pot luck.


More to follow as i get film developed.

[reggie 00]

did you guys hear the people screaming on saturady night.???

the guys next to me decided to set camp deeper into the woods and were apparently greeted by a mountain lion trying to knock down their tent in the middle of the night. after screaming for an hour the host of the campground finally came to the rescue. I didn't know where the screams were coming from, and by the time I got out i saw them running into their subi and taking off and not coming back till the morning.


Nice this was by us in Squirrel?

[YotaGirl]

Great write ups everyone! Chris...you and April caught some wonderful shots of the kids.

I just finished loading all my pictures into photobucket. I'll do a write up with pictures tomorrow. Got to get to bed now, I have to get up early in the morning. :(

[Bob98SR5]

Hey guys,

Sorry for being so anti-wheelin' social :hillbill: but man, after spending a grip on fishing gear, i think you'd be too! t'was disappointed in the fishing, but not disappointed in meeting old friends and meeting new ones.

jenn: it was great talking with you about biodiesel :) your dad is one cool cat too. i promise i will wheel next time! :D ihope we can arrange a time to hang out sometime soon. you got me even more motivated to get seaworld (my temp name for my all blue mercedes) fixed. i'm making a trip to the mechanic on saturday for a true, down and dirty estimate

chris and family: great to see you, april, jack and bruce again. seems like jack was fishing everywhere including the dirt :D can't wait to see you all at pismo again and have some good clam chowda!

lance and nihon crew: nice meeting you all and leanring some useful japanese phrases! let's do it again, but next time, split the fishing and the wheeling equally. lance: get your s##t fixed asap!

eric: man, it was like you were just there for a few hours! that is so hilarious that a mtn lion was spooking those off trail campers! you konw, come to think of it, i thought i heard screaming, but i just figured it was lance screaming that he forgot his hello kitty nightie :tongueout: but you konw, around 2-3 am, i heard some walking around our tent in between the howling wind. i was thinking that it was someone walking to the bathroom, but the walking was constant. i figured it'd be better to stay in the tent rather than sticking my head out and getting mauled by who-knows-what. funny too that the spousal unit walked out around the same time to #1. she wasn't wearing her glasses either...maybe that was a good thing.

reg: great seeing you and tucker again. you missed out on the churros! next year! or i can bring some to pisom just for you guys if you are going there

chang: i hope you guys have a good time up in mammy. if you go fishing, youre more than welcome to use my stuff. lemme know. oh, im sending you my zaino kit for you to try out. it'll arrive by next week.

bob

[cooldry]

Hey Chris, it looks like you and Jen had some more fun after everyone left. Now I'm looking forward to the Pismo trip. Just got my CDL button from Slee. Can't wait to try it out on sand.

Bob, thanks for the zaino, I'll let you know when it arrives.


David

[slosurfer]

David, you are heading back up there next week?

Yep, we had some fun exploring the area. Laurel Lakes always makes for a good day trip. Next time I really want to check out some of the hot springs.

I'm really looking forward to seeing everyone at Pismo again.


I forgot to add a link to the rest of the pics. Clicky Linky (http://s38.photobucket.com/albums/e113/slosurfer27/June%20Lake%2007/)

[cooldry]

Yup, going back up with another couple and my wife. This time we're staying at a condo in Mammoth for 4 days. I figure I'll probably make a run over to Laural Lakes and take Jonah (my dog) with me.

[YotaGirl]

Here is my report...finally!

We ended up leaving around 8:30. The plan was to meet at the truck stop at 7am, but I realized that I didn't have enough room in the 4Runner for all the stuff I had packed. My dad came over to my house and we repacked everything between our 2 trucks. I ended up not needing half the stuff I brought...I'll know for next time! I hate over packing.

Once we got on the road, it was smooth sailing until all the grades. Then we were down to 45mi/hr. At least I got to really check out all the scenery! Here are some pictures I snapped coming into the the Mammoth Lakes area...

http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z288/jnjhargrove/June%20Lake%20August%202007/DSC00628.jpg
http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z288/jnjhargrove/June%20Lake%20August%202007/DSC00629.jpg

We got into Oh Ridge campground at about 2:15. We got our camp set up and just relaxed for awhile before dinner.

The next morning we went to Virginia Lakes. Caitlynne has so much fun throwing rocks into the water.
http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z288/jnjhargrove/June%20Lake%20August%202007/DSC00630.jpg
<a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z288/jnjhargrove/June%20Lake%20August%202007/DSC00634.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a>

The fish weren't biting so we headed back to camp. On our way out we decided to check out Horse Meadows. That was a fun little trail. The upper meadow was beautiful. We saw Chris and his family coming back down as we were going up.
http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z288/jnjhargrove/June%20Lake%20August%202007/DSC00635.jpg
http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z288/jnjhargrove/June%20Lake%20August%202007/DSC00637.jpg

We chose to complete the loop. It was a nice drive. There was even a small water crossing (sorry I didn't get a picture of that)! After taking a wrong turn, we made it back to 395. We took the June Lake loop to get back to camp.

Pot luck that night was excellent! All of the food was great. I had a great time getting to know everyone better...sorry I had to go to bed so early, I didn't want to leave Caitlynne alone. I was actually more tired than I thought, I went to sleep pretty quickly. I was out! I didn't hear any of the screaming that Eric described!

The next morning I had the chance to talk biodiesel with Bob... I too, am excited to finish my processor. We will definitely have to get together soon.

Later that day we went to Obsidian Dome. The kids had so much fun climbing around on the rocks. Here are some pictures I took...
http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z288/jnjhargrove/June%20Lake%20August%202007/DSC00643.jpg
http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z288/jnjhargrove/June%20Lake%20August%202007/DSC00646.jpg
http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z288/jnjhargrove/June%20Lake%20August%202007/DSC00650.jpg

After exploring the rocks we headed out on a trail to find Hartley Springs. It was super dusty, especially for us who had to follow in an open vehicle!
Somewhere in that dust cloud is Chris' truck!
http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z288/jnjhargrove/June%20Lake%20August%202007/DSC00657.jpg

There it is!!
http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z288/jnjhargrove/June%20Lake%20August%202007/DSC00658.jpg

The springs were pretty amazing. It's crazy to see water coming out of a rock. It was well worth the trek to find them! On the way out we stopped by the Hartley Springs Campground. That looks like a great place to camp! The sites are big, flat and shaded. They have toilets available, just no running water. Packing in water is relatively easy, though! Plus, the campground is right next to a myriad of off-road trails!

The next day was Laurel Lakes. I was really looking forward to this run. The trail was pretty easy except for that one switchback. That was gnarly! At one point all I could see was the hood of my truck and then valley floor! My hands were shaking a little bit on that one! Once we made it down to the lake we had lunch and let the kids play.

We saw a cool looking caterpillar crawling in the grass. Caitlynne kept trying to squash it. :shake:
http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z288/jnjhargrove/June%20Lake%20August%202007/DSC00682.jpg
http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z288/jnjhargrove/June%20Lake%20August%202007/DSC00683.jpg
http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z288/jnjhargrove/June%20Lake%20August%202007/DSC00684.jpg
http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z288/jnjhargrove/June%20Lake%20August%202007/DSC00685.jpg

Here are some more pictures of the kids by the lake
http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z288/jnjhargrove/June%20Lake%20August%202007/DSC00687.jpg
http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z288/jnjhargrove/June%20Lake%20August%202007/DSC00688.jpg

Here is Chris making that nasty switchback look easy
http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z288/jnjhargrove/June%20Lake%20August%202007/DSC00689.jpg
http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z288/jnjhargrove/June%20Lake%20August%202007/DSC00690.jpg
http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z288/jnjhargrove/June%20Lake%20August%202007/DSC00691.jpg

On Tuesday, we packed up and headed home. The drive home was so hot. I was giving Caitlynne bottles of water and letting her pour them on herself. It was 99 in Hesperia at 4:30. I made it back in time to go to the Victor Valley 4 Wheelers Safari night.

I had such a wonderful time on this trip. I am really looking forward to the Pismo trip now!

[Good Times]

great photos everyone! I'll see if I can dig up some photos from yoko's camera to post up later tonight.

Bob & Patty: Thanks for the churros and hooking us up with the dishwasher/scrubber to clean my junk :)

David: Dude, you were suppose to bring your 80 man! dang it, that was suppose to be my highlight of the weekend since I didn't have my 4runner! Always good to see ya :)

Jenn, Art and Caitlyn + ladybug: It was great meeting all of ya and I'm bummed we couldn't hit the trails :(

Chris, April and Jack + bruce: Always a pleasure seeing ya guys and damn, Jack is growing too fast man!

Reggie and "the dude" (Tucker): Bummer on the truck man :( I'm still glad you made it. Maybe next time you'll be running 100% and we'll all be to hit the trails together!

Eric: Sorry for flaking out on the Laurel Lakes, everyone just decided to do other stuff :( As for the screaming on Saturday night, I have no clue. I did get out of bed to hit the jons twice but didn't hear anything or anyone. I guess I'm glad I didn't see or hear a mountain lion or a bear cuz damn I probably would have pissed on myself! haha We'll see you at Pismo in action!

I'm bummed that we didn't hit any trails but this trip was definitely a change for the best. Hitting the lake to fish (though this was definitely not fun due to the lack of interest by the dumb fishes) it was good relaxing and just chilling with everyone. Next year, we'll make sure to stick around the entire time and definitely hit some trails to fart around in.

I hope everyone had a blast and thanks again for participating in the pot luck. We definitely have to do this again and I'm confident we'll all cross paths shortly (Pismo!) Until then...

[blackrunner]

hey lance, no big deal on laurel lakes. the place was too crowded on sunday anyways.

on the way down I almost ran into a jeep liberty full of bunch of guys just hauling a** up the trail. If i didnt get a warning from a toyota guy who was in front of these maniacs i would have definitely had a collision on my hands.

i wonder if these guys made it up the trail in one piece.

not sure if i would do this trail again, at least not on a weekend.

[Robinhood4x4]

Bob & Patty: Thanks for the churros and hooking us up with the dishwasher/scrubber to clean my junk :)
:tapedshut:

A mountain lion? I don't think I've ever heard of a mountain lion at the camp grounds in mammoth. I'm sure they're up there, but never in the camp grounds. I wonder if it was actually a bobcat or something.

Hopefully next year will be less hectic for me and I can make it. Next time you guys might want to go see Devils Postpile in the town of mammoth.

[slosurfer]

Steve, in a way, part of you was there, right in the front end of Jen's first gen. :D

I was thinking the same thing about the mountain lion. Actually, that night was really windy and gusty, it would gust and look and feel like something was hitting your tent and pushing on it. Would be real easy to let your imagination go and think something was trying to get in. April thought the same thing till I pointed out that Bruce was just chilling and not barking, as all of you know he starts to growl and bark long before you make it into our campsite. I also thought it was weird that they said it stayed for that long, I don't think a mountain lion would stick around that long and not do anything. I did hear coyotes that night though.

[YotaGirl]

Steve, in a way, part of you was there, right in the front end of Jen's first gen. :D



Yep! Oh and everything works great!! The mechanic who installed it was impressed with the cleaning job, too.

[Robinhood4x4]

Good, glad to hear it. Did you get to use it yet? At least on a dirt road?

[reggie 00]

Ok, picked up my pics today.

Unfortunately because of Fridays events i dont have any off road pics. But This trip is more seeing friends and making some new friends type of thing at least for me. If i get to wheel that's just an added Bonus.

In no particular order or meaning captions where i can drum up some wit or something:

June lake
http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n74/reggiemiller00/IMG023-5.jpg

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n74/reggiemiller00/IMG021-4.jpg

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n74/reggiemiller00/IMG020-3.jpg

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n74/reggiemiller00/IMG019-4.jpg

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n74/reggiemiller00/IMG018-3.jpg

how far that nice view is from my campsite
http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n74/reggiemiller00/IMG022-2.jpg

roughing it?? :headscratch:
http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n74/reggiemiller00/IMG016-4.jpg

The devils post pile. Figured if i was going to take the Dude out of school at least make it educational huh.
http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n74/reggiemiller00/IMG014-4.jpg

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n74/reggiemiller00/IMG005-5.jpg

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n74/reggiemiller00/IMG007-5.jpg

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n74/reggiemiller00/IMG006-4.jpg

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n74/reggiemiller00/IMG004-4.jpg

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n74/reggiemiller00/IMG003-5.jpg

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n74/reggiemiller00/IMG008-4.jpg

after our .5 mile walk
http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n74/reggiemiller00/IMG002-3.jpg

Bodie Ghost town shots. Been twice and have yet to see and explore everything.

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n74/reggiemiller00/IMG023-4.jpg

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n74/reggiemiller00/IMG012-4.jpg

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n74/reggiemiller00/IMG021-3.jpg

its a little hard to tell but the filament on the lamp is burning orange somehow???
http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n74/reggiemiller00/IMG022-1.jpg

tour guide, good thing he worked cheap
http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n74/reggiemiller00/IMG017-3.jpg

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n74/reggiemiller00/IMG019-3.jpg

need a diff?
http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n74/reggiemiller00/IMG015-4.jpg

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n74/reggiemiller00/IMG013-5.jpg

motor?
http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n74/reggiemiller00/IMG009-3.jpg

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n74/reggiemiller00/IMG024-2.jpg

Camp shots:

if you dont know then you need to come next year so you can meet some very nice people.
http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n74/reggiemiller00/IMG008-3.jpg

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n74/reggiemiller00/IMG005-4.jpg

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n74/reggiemiller00/IMG006-3.jpg

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n74/reggiemiller00/IMG007-4.jpg

more Bodie

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n74/reggiemiller00/IMG013-4.jpg

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n74/reggiemiller00/IMG010-3.jpg

Recovery gear
http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n74/reggiemiller00/IMG007-3.jpg

man i bet i could build a couple rigs with what that's worth if it was full if cards.
http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n74/reggiemiller00/IMG004-3.jpg

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n74/reggiemiller00/IMG003-4.jpg

see Mrs. Cheshire we where still practicing our numbers :P
http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n74/reggiemiller00/IMG002-2.jpg

[YotaGirl]

Nice pictures Reggie! Some of those June Lake shots look like post cards!

Robinhood: You bet I got that diff out on some trails! I didn't need the locker for what we were running up in June. I took it out on some trails near my house this weekend and put it through its paces. I was climbing stuff I never thought I would go up!!

[paddlenbike]

Looks like everyone had a great time; I am sorry I was not able to make it this year.

Ken