Dates are set. Friday March 30, 2012 through Sunday April 1, 2012.
ALL 6 SPOTS ARE FULL. IF ANYONE DROPS OUT, THEIR SPOT WILL REOPEN, ALL THE WAY UP TO THE EVENT
If you can't make it the whole weekend, come out and join us for a day trip, or skip Friday's jaunt and join us at our campsite for the other days. Camps will be clearly indicated as the even approaches.
See Second Post for Itinerary, Maps, Camp Locations, and Other Related Information
you have approximately 4 months to make these dates work. please put in for vacation ASAP!
The first two posts will be continually updated with more information, locations, suggestions, etc.
Information:
East to West - Beginning on Needles Highway (near Avi Casino) and ending at Afton Canyon Camp Ground.
6 Vehicle/14 Person Max (NPS regulations - otherwise we must apply for a permit(im sure there could be some wiggle room here))
Attendees:
1. Seanz0rz - Sean & Alexus
2. Troy, Marie (will know better when closer)
3. JD + Fam. (Maybe)
4. Kafene + fam (90%)
5. Kevin +1
6. Kevin's Friend in the Tundra
Important Information:
CB Channel 16
Vehicle Requirements:
- Vehicle in Good Working Condition, with No Known Faults
- Working 4wd
- 1 Spare within 2" of Other Tires
- Working, Suitable Jack
- CB Radio or Ham Radio in Good Working Order
Note: Stock Vehicles are welcome on this trip. There are only a couple of small, difficult spots, and they are easily bypassed. The vast majority of the road will be a single track thorough the desert. Some areas present unrelenting configurations, 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.
Required Equipment and Supplies:
- Enough fuel to travel 200 miles in 4wd
- Minimum 1 Gallon Water per Person, per Day
- Well stocked, Current First Aid Kit
- Tow Strap & Shackel
- Method to Refill Tires, if you choose to air down (recommended, especially on the western edge)
- Basic Tools
- Spare Parts (up to you!)
- Sanitation Supplies - anywhere from a shovel and TP to a PETT toilet and privy, your choice.
Recommended Items:
- Rear Locker
- Full Size Spare
- Spares for Common Items (axles, etc)
- 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: travel light but do not forget comfort items. Three days on the road without good 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.
Firewood:
We will be camping 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 65 and 90 in the day, and 40-65 at night. Layers are suggested.
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