Post by David Franz on Mar 8, 2007 14:06:55 GMT -5
Hello to everyone! ;D
First, again, thanks to those whom came out and had some fun with us this year! Second, so sorry to have missed those who couldn't make it. But, there will always be another time.
Got a couple of little things to put in text first....here goes...
Good
ADJECTIVE:
Being positive or desirable in nature-Having qualities that are desirable or destiniguishiing in a particular thing-Superior to average-Of high quality-Worthy of respect, honorable
Friend(s)
NOUN
A person whom one knows, likes and trusts-a person with whom one is allied in a struggle or cause-a comrade
...nearly sums it up for me...
The trip this year had far less "wheeling" then last year, at least in terms of terrain requiring 4WD. Which, was part due to my good trucks all being broken down currently. All I had was the little Ranger 2WD work truck. Though...managed to get around to places I haven't seen before. Well, I DID get stuck my first night there, twice. Josh and I had to walk well over a mile to last year's cabin which had a couple folks just settin up for camp, themselves. They were kind enough to give us a ride the last half mile or so back to our campsite where, Steve and I hopped in his truck to go rescue mine! Josh hung out with Mark while the great rescue was on and in a little bit, Steve got me out of the first spot only for me to try to turn around further up the wash to get stuck again! Poor Steve...THANKS! I might still be there in Red Rock if you hadn't helped me out....wait a minute....is that REALLY a bad thing!?!?!?!
I wanted to get to the campsite Thursday night. But, that just wasn't going to happen for me. Cooksterdog called me Thursday to let me know he actually made it work and would be in Goler around 4:30 p.m. Thursday afternoon! Very cool as he brought his popup trailer and "locked" in one cabin/site for the rest of us arriving later on. That insurance put my mind at ease just knowing we definately had a place for the night! Thanks, Steve!
Friday afternoon, I pulled up and there he was, Cooksterdog just relaxing on the ol' porch at the cabin. I guess Steve had a reasonably good night Thursday evening as well. We chit chatted as my son, Josh and I, got our gear out and set up inside the cabin. Finally, I could relax. And relaxing it was. I needed this trip, with or without, my trusty 4WD(s). I just needed to get away.
Scenic Wonder Runner (Mark) showed up and it was beginnng to feel like a group again. Though smaller then last year's group, no less appreciated and no less comforting....still missed the others, though. Really like to see them folks again!
Ghosttown arrived Saturday morning right around late breakfast time. It, as usual, was nice to put a face to the name...Joe...a really nice and informative guy and I am happy to say it was a pleasure to meet him.
I have a friend, Ryan, who was going to try to make the trip, possibly Saturday some time as well as my Partner, Duval. Neither of which could work out what they needed to in order to make it. So, it was down to Steve, Mark, Joe, Josh and myself. A much smaller group, but, extrememely relaxing with great conversation and laughs. That is one of the very best parts of a trip like this. Although, I had to call my other friends just to remind them of the fun they were missing...lol.
We wanted to head across Hwy 395, east of Randsburg / Jo-burg to the Searles mining district/area. Steve, Mark nor myself had been there before. However, Joe has. So, once ready...away we went. We putted around out there for what seemed like 4 or 5 hours. But, it was great. Once you head that direction, it doesn't take long for all remants of any civilization to dissappear. Which, is part of the experience. And a great one it was. Joe led us to a coulple sites, one very interesting to see. It was some sort of old cattle ranch. Unfortunately, when Joe was last there, the cabin was still standing, but, has since burned (or been burned) down. Very saddening to see the lack of care or concern some have when out on the trail...just disrespecting the little heritage left in the desert...tiny little remnants of a prioneer's life decades and even more then 100 years ago! It sickens me. But, despite the evidence of carelessness, vandalism or whatever it is that seems to continually ruin the images of history, our day trip was a good one! Thanks Joe, for leading the way. On our way back from the wild, Josh and I took a right slightly more direct trail back to Randsburg while Joe, Mark and Steve took one from the same spot, slighty south of my selected route. I knew the road I chose and did so because I have this really bad habit, I smoke. And, was out of cigarrettes. Disgusting, I know. But, we all have our vices...I also know what Mark is thinking while reading this talk about vices...and...yes, Mark, wouldn't you know it, beer aint just for breakfast anymore! LOL....anyhow, I got back to Randsburg , struggled my way on foot through seemingly hundreds of dirt bikers (Randsburg was so packed with 'em) in search of the cure for what ails me. Ahhh, finally, luck struck and I was choking again. Ahh, cough, hack, this is great stuff! And, I was feeling much better....I spose. Once finished in Randsburg, we headed back to camp. Camp was great. Got ready for some grub, had a couple beers (no comment Mark) and just generally got lazy with the evening.....felt good, too. That night, Mark putted around on his way back to camp and found a great place for some sunset viewing. A great spot, indeed. He took several pics and I can't wait to see how they turn out. Later, we had dinner....it was pure GOURMET with Josh at the grill! "Tonights dinner, sir, chili dogs, fresh off the shelf 99 cent buns and for finishing touch, topped with shredded cheese! Absolutely delectible!" I just love the finer things. After a gourmet meal such as this, there is only one thing to do....grab a beer and relax. Again, relaxing was good.....or did I mention that? Steve, Josh, myself, Joe and Mark just hung out, talked about where we have been, where we want to go, perhaps some future trips in mind, and listened to music while the sky got blacker and blacker and stars became whiter and brighter. You just cannot truly appreciate the vastness and depth of the desert night skies unless in the middle of knowhere....no city lights, no haze, no noise....just the splender of what God gave us.
The next morning, Sunday...
We got up, made some coffee, slowly got some breakfast going (what a disaster the pancakes were, lol) washed up and started to pack it in. Joe was the first to leave. He was going to head north to or through Tehachipi and sorta explore up in that area. The weather was awesome and I was even a little envious. Steve had the most work ahead of him with the "boxing up" of the popup trailer. It IS a little bit of a task. A task Mark and I were willing to help with, but just didn't know what went where enuff to be of much assistance...we tried, though. What a great little trailer too! Then, Mark was ready to head out as well. Mark had wanted to head north toward the Panamint Valley....and, Sunday morning, he did so. I wonder if he stayed another night or if he has made it back home yet. I almost talked myself into going as well and just calling in sick Monday. But, I felt that it was too last minute to toss in the bosses lap like that so opted to come home after all. But, Mark, you won't believe it! You and I had that talk about me possibly heading out with you (thanks for the invite, as well!) and how I probably shouldn't go because of work and things. When I got home last night, my wife was on the phone with her daughter (who works parttime in my office). She was working today( Mon.) because they thought I wasn't coming back until Monday night! I was covered the whole time at work and didn't even know it! How horrible! Dagnabbit! I could be in The Panamint Valley right now!
Oh well, there's always next time........
So in reference to the definitions above...
...I had a very good time, with very good friends, in a very good environment with very good weather!
My best to ya'll and we WILL put something together for this summer!
Laterness...
__________________
Mojavedave
First, again, thanks to those whom came out and had some fun with us this year! Second, so sorry to have missed those who couldn't make it. But, there will always be another time.
Got a couple of little things to put in text first....here goes...
Good
ADJECTIVE:
Being positive or desirable in nature-Having qualities that are desirable or destiniguishiing in a particular thing-Superior to average-Of high quality-Worthy of respect, honorable
Friend(s)
NOUN
A person whom one knows, likes and trusts-a person with whom one is allied in a struggle or cause-a comrade
...nearly sums it up for me...
The trip this year had far less "wheeling" then last year, at least in terms of terrain requiring 4WD. Which, was part due to my good trucks all being broken down currently. All I had was the little Ranger 2WD work truck. Though...managed to get around to places I haven't seen before. Well, I DID get stuck my first night there, twice. Josh and I had to walk well over a mile to last year's cabin which had a couple folks just settin up for camp, themselves. They were kind enough to give us a ride the last half mile or so back to our campsite where, Steve and I hopped in his truck to go rescue mine! Josh hung out with Mark while the great rescue was on and in a little bit, Steve got me out of the first spot only for me to try to turn around further up the wash to get stuck again! Poor Steve...THANKS! I might still be there in Red Rock if you hadn't helped me out....wait a minute....is that REALLY a bad thing!?!?!?!
I wanted to get to the campsite Thursday night. But, that just wasn't going to happen for me. Cooksterdog called me Thursday to let me know he actually made it work and would be in Goler around 4:30 p.m. Thursday afternoon! Very cool as he brought his popup trailer and "locked" in one cabin/site for the rest of us arriving later on. That insurance put my mind at ease just knowing we definately had a place for the night! Thanks, Steve!
Friday afternoon, I pulled up and there he was, Cooksterdog just relaxing on the ol' porch at the cabin. I guess Steve had a reasonably good night Thursday evening as well. We chit chatted as my son, Josh and I, got our gear out and set up inside the cabin. Finally, I could relax. And relaxing it was. I needed this trip, with or without, my trusty 4WD(s). I just needed to get away.
Scenic Wonder Runner (Mark) showed up and it was beginnng to feel like a group again. Though smaller then last year's group, no less appreciated and no less comforting....still missed the others, though. Really like to see them folks again!
Ghosttown arrived Saturday morning right around late breakfast time. It, as usual, was nice to put a face to the name...Joe...a really nice and informative guy and I am happy to say it was a pleasure to meet him.
I have a friend, Ryan, who was going to try to make the trip, possibly Saturday some time as well as my Partner, Duval. Neither of which could work out what they needed to in order to make it. So, it was down to Steve, Mark, Joe, Josh and myself. A much smaller group, but, extrememely relaxing with great conversation and laughs. That is one of the very best parts of a trip like this. Although, I had to call my other friends just to remind them of the fun they were missing...lol.
We wanted to head across Hwy 395, east of Randsburg / Jo-burg to the Searles mining district/area. Steve, Mark nor myself had been there before. However, Joe has. So, once ready...away we went. We putted around out there for what seemed like 4 or 5 hours. But, it was great. Once you head that direction, it doesn't take long for all remants of any civilization to dissappear. Which, is part of the experience. And a great one it was. Joe led us to a coulple sites, one very interesting to see. It was some sort of old cattle ranch. Unfortunately, when Joe was last there, the cabin was still standing, but, has since burned (or been burned) down. Very saddening to see the lack of care or concern some have when out on the trail...just disrespecting the little heritage left in the desert...tiny little remnants of a prioneer's life decades and even more then 100 years ago! It sickens me. But, despite the evidence of carelessness, vandalism or whatever it is that seems to continually ruin the images of history, our day trip was a good one! Thanks Joe, for leading the way. On our way back from the wild, Josh and I took a right slightly more direct trail back to Randsburg while Joe, Mark and Steve took one from the same spot, slighty south of my selected route. I knew the road I chose and did so because I have this really bad habit, I smoke. And, was out of cigarrettes. Disgusting, I know. But, we all have our vices...I also know what Mark is thinking while reading this talk about vices...and...yes, Mark, wouldn't you know it, beer aint just for breakfast anymore! LOL....anyhow, I got back to Randsburg , struggled my way on foot through seemingly hundreds of dirt bikers (Randsburg was so packed with 'em) in search of the cure for what ails me. Ahhh, finally, luck struck and I was choking again. Ahh, cough, hack, this is great stuff! And, I was feeling much better....I spose. Once finished in Randsburg, we headed back to camp. Camp was great. Got ready for some grub, had a couple beers (no comment Mark) and just generally got lazy with the evening.....felt good, too. That night, Mark putted around on his way back to camp and found a great place for some sunset viewing. A great spot, indeed. He took several pics and I can't wait to see how they turn out. Later, we had dinner....it was pure GOURMET with Josh at the grill! "Tonights dinner, sir, chili dogs, fresh off the shelf 99 cent buns and for finishing touch, topped with shredded cheese! Absolutely delectible!" I just love the finer things. After a gourmet meal such as this, there is only one thing to do....grab a beer and relax. Again, relaxing was good.....or did I mention that? Steve, Josh, myself, Joe and Mark just hung out, talked about where we have been, where we want to go, perhaps some future trips in mind, and listened to music while the sky got blacker and blacker and stars became whiter and brighter. You just cannot truly appreciate the vastness and depth of the desert night skies unless in the middle of knowhere....no city lights, no haze, no noise....just the splender of what God gave us.
The next morning, Sunday...
We got up, made some coffee, slowly got some breakfast going (what a disaster the pancakes were, lol) washed up and started to pack it in. Joe was the first to leave. He was going to head north to or through Tehachipi and sorta explore up in that area. The weather was awesome and I was even a little envious. Steve had the most work ahead of him with the "boxing up" of the popup trailer. It IS a little bit of a task. A task Mark and I were willing to help with, but just didn't know what went where enuff to be of much assistance...we tried, though. What a great little trailer too! Then, Mark was ready to head out as well. Mark had wanted to head north toward the Panamint Valley....and, Sunday morning, he did so. I wonder if he stayed another night or if he has made it back home yet. I almost talked myself into going as well and just calling in sick Monday. But, I felt that it was too last minute to toss in the bosses lap like that so opted to come home after all. But, Mark, you won't believe it! You and I had that talk about me possibly heading out with you (thanks for the invite, as well!) and how I probably shouldn't go because of work and things. When I got home last night, my wife was on the phone with her daughter (who works parttime in my office). She was working today( Mon.) because they thought I wasn't coming back until Monday night! I was covered the whole time at work and didn't even know it! How horrible! Dagnabbit! I could be in The Panamint Valley right now!
Oh well, there's always next time........
So in reference to the definitions above...
...I had a very good time, with very good friends, in a very good environment with very good weather!
My best to ya'll and we WILL put something together for this summer!
Laterness...
__________________
Mojavedave
