Once again I have to thank all of the NorCal crew for making things like this happen.
The day started off at my place trying to convince my wife and daughter to get up and go wheeling. This is no easy task in my neck of the woods. With the most challenging obstacle addressed, things were looking good. Next stop, Checkpoint Charlie, Snowshoe brewery, Arnold, CA at 9:00 a.m.
Well, let’s say we roll in late. Pheew! A parking lot full of some of the finest vehicles ever made. This is the place, and everyone’s already here, SWEET!
We park and chat with some of the greatest folks and K9s around. After much self cursing about not having a 2m radio yet, we head off, according to plan, to the Sourgrass/Boards Crossing area.
Paul (ME) , in his sweetheart of a FJ60 (The Moose), is the local area expert and takes the lead. We all follow with big smiles on our faces. Coming down into the canyon the group encounters the first challenge: Navigation of an unmaintained county road with its numerous ice and snow patches plus rock fields. We passed with flying colors and arrive at the Sourgrass recreation area, yep, all 10 of us!!!
As a line of Land Cruisers forms, the group begins the scientific task of airing down.
Even though there are numerous methods and gadgets to accomplish this mysterious affair, some of us overdo it. But, no worries, this is what we carry CO2 tanks for.
On we go. This trail follows the South bank of the Stanislaus River. There’s so much to look at, that it’s hard to concentrate on the trail. There’s something to be said about riding shotgun, passengers don’t have to be looking out for the next obstacle. After about 10 minuets of nice and easy riding, a set of slabs with ice flows are in front of us. And here we are faced with the timeless dilemma: “Do we remove the mud flaps or let the trail do it for us?”. The dilemma is easily solved and we partake in a flap removal party!
Now that the company has performed this prophylactic procedure, $1000s of factory goods are sitting on the backs of our cruisers; we are ready to roll again.
Being out here and enjoying such a beauty of a day, I’m reminded of what my good buddy and I would say on days that we’d ditch school and go skiing: "If we were playing by the rules right now, what would we be doing?"
OK, on to the crux and probably the most entertaining part of the day. As you cross a pretty little stream stands a small piece of dirt that just happens to be at a good little angle and contain some poorly placed roots and rocks. For most of the contingent it’s a non issue For the stock rigs... well, let’s just say they struggled a bit. But by the looks on their faces once they completed the obstacle, they would not have changed that moment for anything in the world.
The trail ends soon after this obstacle at a great open area. It would make an awesome camping spot. We stop, open the tailgates, and grab lunch.
On our way down, the going is easy and the pace is good. We make it back at the day use area and the decision is made to scrap the quest for snow. Skies are getting dark and some want to be with their families down in the valley. Others want to grab a cold one. As we roll out, the view to the East is becoming very dark and ominous, you can tell snow is falling above 6500 ft.
When the now smaller group enters Murphy's we stumble on a nice little eatery with a wood fired oven and a diverse menu. The staff is extremely friendly they are willing to please their customers. Just as an example, I believe Alvaro consumed a burrito with gorgonzola... go figure. But what struck me the most were the handles at the main door: axes welded to the door. Go figure x 2.
We said our goodbyes and hence ended another fun-filled day of wheeling. To everyone who made it up, thank you. It was great hanging with you guys/gals, we had blast.
Cant wait for the next time.
Ken Dean
AKA 450 DUDE
