Return from the Mojave Trail March '08

**Tbars4** · 03-19-2008, 04:26 PM

....This is dedicated to Brian1 whose planning lead to this run....he was in a 139 car pileup just west of flagstaff with his folks...They are alright but his rig could not make the trip...here is a link to that thread with info starting at post #88
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/...=206814&page=5

...i am curently at the calico ghost mines camping...will post pics a.s.a.p. as i have limited service...

**Tbars4** · 03-19-2008, 05:29 PM

...This trip is a must do on any offroader's or campers list...i knew people who did this trail when i was a kid and i finally got to do it myself...not overly exciting but yet an adventure which has been on my list for quite some time...

...This is about a 130mi. trek across the desert...we started about a mile inside the nevada state line and there is no signage marking the trail until you are on it...we did the trail in 1 1/2 days and did some site seeing along the way...A gps, wood, lots of water, spare cans of fuel, and spare tires are something you should definately bring as you are quite a ways from help and the road is not always marked...
...the first half of the trail is rough with cactus and joshua trees and you will have to keep an eye out for pumpkin busters and tire cutters the whole trip as they pop up when you least expect them...
...the last half of the trip, pretty boring stuff...30-40 miles of nothing but wash with soda lake in the middle...you could probably run it at 50-60 mph pretty easy except at soda lake as it is part of the preserve... but who would want to drive that fast for that many miles...

...

Gas Prices
...these were the lowest prices i could find
home = 3.39
barstow= 3.38
needles= 4.07
az. 7 mi from needles= 3.28
Bullhead city= 3.17
laughlin= 3.58
got home= 3.39

Attendee's
Brian1 (Detoured)
Thunderhorse
Joel (son w/jeep)
Tbars

..the vehicles that attended this run at the avi casino...

...and this is at the very beginning of the trail...

...this sign is about 1/3 the way thru by the cima store..

...and the jeep started the trail with a leaky water pump...he made it all the way to the end of the trail before he got a code lite but i believe he made it home all the way...his dad followed him home..

**Tbars4** · 03-20-2008, 02:08 PM

...one of my favorite pics of the trip...when in california, you got to do the twist...

...fort paiute and some random pics..

...Cima store and it was open...this is where we discovered i had lost my shackle...

...the rock house...

...this is our first stop and the only place we really got run off of...

**Tbars4** · 03-20-2008, 02:17 PM

...the schoolbus marker..

...the site of the last gunfight in this valley...

...the empty water trough...

...an old indian work rock???

some random...

**Tbars4** · 03-20-2008, 02:53 PM

...at the halfway, sign in post...

...ye old camp site at the 3 cinders...

...for dinner we had some of the biggest juicest steaks i've had in a long time

, followed by some protein bars for desert...For breakfast, we heated up some choriso and egg burrito's..

**Tbars4** · 03-20-2008, 02:59 PM

...heading out to soda lake...

..traveller's rock pile...

cybergasm · 03-20-2008, 03:07 PM

lol I like the plaque in that last pic

**Tbars4** · 03-20-2008, 03:09 PM

...and the desert is blooming...my guess would be full bloom within the next 2 weeks...i would also recommend death valley for those who like to see the desert in full bloom..

**Tbars4** · 03-20-2008, 03:12 PM

...and some more scenic shots...

**Tbars4** · 03-20-2008, 03:15 PM

...and we explored one of the mines...

...and yes, there were a few water crossings at the end...

**Tbars4** · 03-20-2008, 04:38 PM

...i am sure thunderhorse and his son will have some more pics to post up later...

*Brian1* · 03-20-2008, 04:45 PM

Im really bummed. Looks like it was a good time.

How was the road & lake bed, any problems from the weather?

You should take that pic of the rockpile plaque down, its supposed to be a secret that only those who have driven the road are supposed to know.

*Stic-o* · 03-20-2008, 04:57 PM

Just put a censored tag on it

Looks like you guys had a great time, what was the total distance?

Sojourner · 03-20-2008, 05:05 PM

Dagnabbit! Now you got me wanting to go and I don't even have a 4 wheeler!!!

Those pics are awesome, tbars! What kind of camera did you use?

Oh! And I am feeling better, by the way!

JeepMaster · 03-20-2008, 06:51 PM

I posted a few pics (224) of them on my website last night.
You can see them at http://www.gijoel.net/?q=node/1011

The camera I used for the shots was a Nikon D40 DSLR with a 18-55 AF Zoom lens with 2 or three pics taken using a 55-200 AF Zoom Lens.

The Jeep finished the trail and got me home. We (Thunderhorse and I) stopped and filled the overflow bottle in Barstow and then again at the break check area. We made it home safely and had a wonderful time.

Will definitely look forward to doing it again.

Thanks again to tbars for the good time.

Joel

*thunderhorse* · 03-20-2008, 07:31 PM

This is a very easy run 4 wheel drive is not needed but for the sand washes, which could suck you down to a stop. But for as easy as the run is it is very scenic.
The weather was just great no wind and temps in the 70s. I would suggest that everyone do this road at least once, and just think about the people way back in the day, coming across in that desert.

Sojourner · 03-21-2008, 12:07 PM

Those are great pictures, JeepMaster! I have a Nikon CoolPix 4 and a Canon Powershot SX100 IS. I get pretty good pictures with both and, after I get used to the Canon that I have now, I am thinking of stepping up to the SLR next. Thank you for sharing those! They left me wanting more!

**Tbars4** · 03-21-2008, 01:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sojourner

Dagnabbit! Now you got me wanting to go and I don't even have a 4 wheeler!!!

Those pics are awesome, tbars! What kind of camera did you use?

Oh! And I am feeling better, by the way!

...glad to hear you are better from your trapese accident...i told you, just stay away from those little people...

...btw, my camera is an old beatup olympus d-550...

...joel, thanks for the link to your great pictures...i added a couple more in the above threads...

...brian1, i really didn't want to post the weather info but since you asked, it was perfect...the wind died down the first couple miles onto the trail and the temp was perfect...the night was cool, not cold, but at the end of the trail at the mine, it must have got into the 80's...driving home on the highway i had the same 40 mph plus winds i had when i headed out...

...it was really a gorgeous trip and we definately were bummed you missed this trip...

Sojourner · 03-21-2008, 02:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tbars4

...glad to hear you are better from your trapese accident...i told you, just stay away from those little people...

...btw, my camera is an old beatup olympus d-550...

Yeah... the circus life just isn't what it used to be! I guess it's the age setting in! Do you think maybe I should look for another profession?

By the way, it looks like Harley had a great time on the trip! The pictures of her in Joel's album look like she was having the time of her life!

**IZwack** · 03-21-2008, 02:30 PM

WOW that looks nice!! I'm digging the scenery

03-19-2008, 04:26 PM	#1
Tbars4 Offroad Moderator anaheim hills,california 95 ranger 4x4/ 91 X 4x4 Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 21,948 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	Return from the Mojave Trail March '08 ....This is dedicated to Brian1 whose planning lead to this run....he was in a 139 car pileup just west of flagstaff with his folks...They are alright but his rig could not make the trip...here is a link to that thread with info starting at post #88 http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/...=206814&page=5 ...i am curently at the calico ghost mines camping...will post pics a.s.a.p. as i have limited service... __________________ I have Rocks in my head. What's in yours? '95 ranger xl 4x4 2.3L std cab, 2 sticks Ranger RegistryThe Squirrel '91 4x4=To much to list, much more to add.. Project "X" and more Pics & Mod's List How to: Wheels,Tires, & Lifts... Buy Explorerforum.com Items here

03-19-2008, 05:29 PM	#2
Tbars4 Offroad Moderator anaheim hills,california 95 ranger 4x4/ 91 X 4x4 Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 21,948 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	Trip Report ...This trip is a must do on any offroader's or campers list...i knew people who did this trail when i was a kid and i finally got to do it myself...not overly exciting but yet an adventure which has been on my list for quite some time... ...This is about a 130mi. trek across the desert...we started about a mile inside the nevada state line and there is no signage marking the trail until you are on it...we did the trail in 1 1/2 days and did some site seeing along the way...A gps, wood, lots of water, spare cans of fuel, and spare tires are something you should definately bring as you are quite a ways from help and the road is not always marked... ...the first half of the trail is rough with cactus and joshua trees and you will have to keep an eye out for pumpkin busters and tire cutters the whole trip as they pop up when you least expect them... ...the last half of the trip, pretty boring stuff...30-40 miles of nothing but wash with soda lake in the middle...you could probably run it at 50-60 mph pretty easy except at soda lake as it is part of the preserve... but who would want to drive that fast for that many miles...... Gas Prices ...these were the lowest prices i could find home = 3.39 barstow= 3.38 needles= 4.07 az. 7 mi from needles= 3.28 Bullhead city= 3.17 laughlin= 3.58 got home= 3.39 Attendee's Brian1 (Detoured) Thunderhorse Joel (son w/jeep) Tbars ..the vehicles that attended this run at the avi casino... ...and this is at the very beginning of the trail... ...this sign is about 1/3 the way thru by the cima store.. ...and the jeep started the trail with a leaky water pump...he made it all the way to the end of the trail before he got a code lite but i believe he made it home all the way...his dad followed him home.. __________________ I have Rocks in my head. What's in yours? '95 ranger xl 4x4 2.3L std cab, 2 sticks Ranger RegistryThe Squirrel '91 4x4=To much to list, much more to add.. Project "X" and more Pics & Mod's List How to: Wheels,Tires, & Lifts... Buy Explorerforum.com Items here Last edited by Tbars4; 03-20-2008 at 03:49 PM.

03-20-2008, 02:08 PM	#3
Tbars4 Offroad Moderator anaheim hills,california 95 ranger 4x4/ 91 X 4x4 Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 21,948 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	...one of my favorite pics of the trip...when in california, you got to do the twist... ...fort paiute and some random pics.. ...Cima store and it was open...this is where we discovered i had lost my shackle... ...the rock house... ...this is our first stop and the only place we really got run off of... __________________ I have Rocks in my head. What's in yours? '95 ranger xl 4x4 2.3L std cab, 2 sticks Ranger RegistryThe Squirrel '91 4x4=To much to list, much more to add.. Project "X" and more Pics & Mod's List How to: Wheels,Tires, & Lifts... Buy Explorerforum.com Items here

03-20-2008, 02:17 PM	#4
Tbars4 Offroad Moderator anaheim hills,california 95 ranger 4x4/ 91 X 4x4 Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 21,948 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	...the schoolbus marker.. ...the site of the last gunfight in this valley... ...the empty water trough... ...an old indian work rock??? some random... __________________ I have Rocks in my head. What's in yours? '95 ranger xl 4x4 2.3L std cab, 2 sticks Ranger RegistryThe Squirrel '91 4x4=To much to list, much more to add.. Project "X" and more Pics & Mod's List How to: Wheels,Tires, & Lifts... Buy Explorerforum.com Items here

03-20-2008, 02:53 PM	#5
Tbars4 Offroad Moderator anaheim hills,california 95 ranger 4x4/ 91 X 4x4 Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 21,948 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	...at the halfway, sign in post... ...ye old camp site at the 3 cinders... ...for dinner we had some of the biggest juicest steaks i've had in a long time , followed by some protein bars for desert...For breakfast, we heated up some choriso and egg burrito's.. __________________ I have Rocks in my head. What's in yours? '95 ranger xl 4x4 2.3L std cab, 2 sticks Ranger RegistryThe Squirrel '91 4x4=To much to list, much more to add.. Project "X" and more Pics & Mod's List How to: Wheels,Tires, & Lifts... Buy Explorerforum.com Items here Last edited by Tbars4; 03-21-2008 at 01:16 PM.

03-20-2008, 02:59 PM	#6
Tbars4 Offroad Moderator anaheim hills,california 95 ranger 4x4/ 91 X 4x4 Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 21,948 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	...heading out to soda lake... ..traveller's rock pile... __________________ I have Rocks in my head. What's in yours? '95 ranger xl 4x4 2.3L std cab, 2 sticks Ranger RegistryThe Squirrel '91 4x4=To much to list, much more to add.. Project "X" and more Pics & Mod's List How to: Wheels,Tires, & Lifts... Buy Explorerforum.com Items here Last edited by Tbars4; 03-20-2008 at 08:14 PM.

03-20-2008, 03:07 PM	#7
cybergasm B Humboldt Ks 1997 Mountaineer 5.0 Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 6,603 Vehicle Specs	lol I like the plaque in that last pic

03-20-2008, 03:09 PM	#8
Tbars4 Offroad Moderator anaheim hills,california 95 ranger 4x4/ 91 X 4x4 Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 21,948 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	...and the desert is blooming...my guess would be full bloom within the next 2 weeks...i would also recommend death valley for those who like to see the desert in full bloom.. __________________ I have Rocks in my head. What's in yours? '95 ranger xl 4x4 2.3L std cab, 2 sticks Ranger RegistryThe Squirrel '91 4x4=To much to list, much more to add.. Project "X" and more Pics & Mod's List How to: Wheels,Tires, & Lifts... Buy Explorerforum.com Items here

03-20-2008, 03:12 PM	#9
Tbars4 Offroad Moderator anaheim hills,california 95 ranger 4x4/ 91 X 4x4 Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 21,948 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	...and some more scenic shots... __________________ I have Rocks in my head. What's in yours? '95 ranger xl 4x4 2.3L std cab, 2 sticks Ranger RegistryThe Squirrel '91 4x4=To much to list, much more to add.. Project "X" and more Pics & Mod's List How to: Wheels,Tires, & Lifts... Buy Explorerforum.com Items here

03-20-2008, 03:15 PM	#10
Tbars4 Offroad Moderator anaheim hills,california 95 ranger 4x4/ 91 X 4x4 Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 21,948 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	...and we explored one of the mines... ...and yes, there were a few water crossings at the end... __________________ I have Rocks in my head. What's in yours? '95 ranger xl 4x4 2.3L std cab, 2 sticks Ranger RegistryThe Squirrel '91 4x4=To much to list, much more to add.. Project "X" and more Pics & Mod's List How to: Wheels,Tires, & Lifts... Buy Explorerforum.com Items here Last edited by Tbars4; 03-21-2008 at 01:13 PM.

03-20-2008, 04:38 PM	#11
Tbars4 Offroad Moderator anaheim hills,california 95 ranger 4x4/ 91 X 4x4 Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 21,948 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	...i am sure thunderhorse and his son will have some more pics to post up later... __________________ I have Rocks in my head. What's in yours? '95 ranger xl 4x4 2.3L std cab, 2 sticks Ranger RegistryThe Squirrel '91 4x4=To much to list, much more to add.. Project "X" and more Pics & Mod's List How to: Wheels,Tires, & Lifts... Buy Explorerforum.com Items here

03-20-2008, 04:45 PM	#12
Brian1 Elite Explorer Albuquerque, NM 1991 XLT Join Date: Feb 2000 Posts: 4,253 Vehicle Specs	Im really bummed. Looks like it was a good time. How was the road & lake bed, any problems from the weather? You should take that pic of the rockpile plaque down, its supposed to be a secret that only those who have driven the road are supposed to know. __________________ Brian 91 XLT 4x4 and My Explorer Registry 1942 GPW Rock Crawler

03-20-2008, 04:57 PM	#13
Stic-o Elite Movie Star Tujunga, CA '99 XL 4x4 & '06 XLT 4x2 Join Date: Sep 2002 Posts: 12,426 Vehicle Specs	Just put a censored tag on it Looks like you guys had a great time, what was the total distance? __________________ The JP Mobile ~'99 Explorer XL The Mall Crawler ~'06 Explorer XLT The Tow Rig ~ '05 F-150 SuperCrew The Commuter ~ '10 Focus SES

03-20-2008, 05:05 PM	#14
Sojourner Wannabe Elite Explorer Out in the boonies, California (Homeland/Romoland) 2000 Toyota Camry Join Date: Sep 2003 Posts: 642 Vehicle Specs	Dagnabbit! Now you got me wanting to go and I don't even have a 4 wheeler!!! Those pics are awesome, tbars! What kind of camera did you use? Oh! And I am feeling better, by the way! __________________ ~~~I don't suffer from my addiction to~~~ ~~~Orlando Bloom and Johnny Depp!~~~ ~~~I enjoy every minute of it!~~~

03-20-2008, 06:51 PM	#15
JeepMaster Wannabe Elite Explorer Corona,Ca '97 Jeep Wrangler TJ Join Date: Jan 2004 Posts: 16 Vehicle Specs	I posted a few pics (224) of them on my website last night. You can see them at http://www.gijoel.net/?q=node/1011 The camera I used for the shots was a Nikon D40 DSLR with a 18-55 AF Zoom lens with 2 or three pics taken using a 55-200 AF Zoom Lens. The Jeep finished the trail and got me home. We (Thunderhorse and I) stopped and filled the overflow bottle in Barstow and then again at the break check area. We made it home safely and had a wonderful time. Will definitely look forward to doing it again. Thanks again to tbars for the good time. Joel __________________ Jeeps are a Way of Life; Resistance if FUTILE. If you do not want to stand behind our Troop; Feel Free to stand in front of them.

03-20-2008, 07:31 PM	#16
thunderhorse Elite Explorer Nashville Tennessee 2001 Sport Trac 4x4 Join Date: Mar 1999 Posts: 303 Vehicle Specs	This is a very easy run 4 wheel drive is not needed but for the sand washes, which could suck you down to a stop. But for as easy as the run is it is very scenic. The weather was just great no wind and temps in the 70s. I would suggest that everyone do this road at least once, and just think about the people way back in the day, coming across in that desert. __________________ 1992 XLT 33s locked gone 2001 Trac 33s locked gone 1988 Suzuki Samurai 2.2L Diesel THIS "INFIDEL" SHOOTS BACK

03-21-2008, 12:07 PM	#17
Sojourner Wannabe Elite Explorer Out in the boonies, California (Homeland/Romoland) 2000 Toyota Camry Join Date: Sep 2003 Posts: 642 Vehicle Specs	Those are great pictures, JeepMaster! I have a Nikon CoolPix 4 and a Canon Powershot SX100 IS. I get pretty good pictures with both and, after I get used to the Canon that I have now, I am thinking of stepping up to the SLR next. Thank you for sharing those! They left me wanting more! __________________ ~~~I don't suffer from my addiction to~~~ ~~~Orlando Bloom and Johnny Depp!~~~ ~~~I enjoy every minute of it!~~~

03-21-2008, 02:30 PM	#20
IZwack Germantown, MD Join Date: Feb 2003 Posts: 22,389 Vehicle Specs	WOW that looks nice!! I'm digging the scenery __________________ »»»»»...how'd the moon get there, how'd the moon get there?