Mojave Road and Death Valley, March 2011

[Scott B.]

I have 7" wheels - even if I did have 8" wheels, I'm not interested in 12.50s.

For my use, they are unnecessarily wide.

 

[BlackedOut]

This is something im interested in for sure. I dont think ill have my suspension done by then so how would a pretty much stock Mounty handle the trip? I should have my lights and stuff done by then though. Hopefully some better tires too.

 

[Tbars4]

...You should be fine as long as you are 4wd...

...Have you been "remote" camping before?

 

[BlackedOut]

I love remote camping............ and yes, i am 4WD

 

[Ritsui]

Scott,

Can you update the front page? As I posted back in October, Rachel and I are in. It would be nice to meet up at Avi or Bullhead as on previous trips, but let us know in any case and we can plan to caravan to the trailhead with anyone else from Socal.

I also need to do some electical fixes and get new tires, but that should all be done next month

 

[Tbars4]

...I for one am glad you both can make this trip..:biggthump

...We will be meeting up at Bullhead city Monday a.m. (time?) for fuel and groceries... I'm sure we will exchange phone numbers but maybe he can post a cb channel too as my phone doesn't seem to work where I need it to..

 

[Scott B.]

I will get it updated in the next day or two - so much to still do, and only a few short weeks!

As Tbars said, we can meet in Bullhead City. I'll be spending the night in Kingman, which is about an hour away, so I'm thinking a 10:00 AM departure should work.

We can meet up at 9:00 AM, to meet, get fuel and groceries.

How does that sound?

I hate to get such a late start - if people think that is too late, I can stay in Bullhead City instead of Kingman.

 

[Tbars4]

...If you were going to stay somewhere, Laughlin always has $18-$19 rooms at the Casino's...

..You look across the River to Bullhead City, connected by a bridge..

 

[Scott B.]

Yes, but I plan on sleeping - not sure I could get good sleep in a casino...

 

[Ritsui]

10:00am isn't late if we are leaving from Lake Arrowhead (4+ hour drive). We're still planning, but we may visit a friend in Vegas over the weekend and grab a room in Bullhead/Laughlin Sunday night. If so, any departure time would work.

Pre-trail todos:
_x_ Fix 12v and 120v rear power.
_x_ Import trip GPS data into Backcountry Navigator.
_x_ Replace driver's side hub/bearing.
_x_ Check/pack roof rack for tent, sleeping bag, table, etc.
_x_ New tires. 02-16: ordered! 02-22: Treadwrights ON!
___ Work out fuel/spare tire storage.
_?_ Rebuild front diff (limited slip?)
_?_ Replace passenger side wheel hub/bearing.

 

[FROADER]

Just saw this on another forum. Just incase you guys were planning on checking them out.

Mitchell Caverns will be closed from January to October 2011.

The final Mitchell Caverns tour dates for 2010 were:
Saturday, December 18 at 1:30 p.m.
Sunday, December 19 at 1:30 p.m.
Sunday, December 26 at 1:30 p.m.

 

[Tbars4]

...I couldn't find a reason for the closure...

...I would assume it's to let the area to either recoup from human impact but I'm leaning toward lack of State funding..

...I did find an older link with some pics and story of the area...
http://travel.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977413072

 

[Tbars4]

...I'm sittin here making some of my semi famous chili for this weekend..

...I was wondering if anyone wants me to bring some?...It's a bit spicy but not real bad...I make a bunch of it when I do make it so it's either a yea or nea on bringing it..

...It makes for some great burrito's too..::biggthump

 

[Scott B.]

Glad you're not sleeping in my tent...

 

[Tbars4]

...I enjoy my chili with a campfire...:

 

[Scott B.]

6 Weeks to go - Who's in?

6 weeks to go!

I've updated the itinerary on the first page.

To those who are interested and/or planning to attend, could you post up your name, number in party, and days you are planning to attend? I will update the first post with the names.

Thanks.

 

[Ritsui]

I intend to be there with my wife Rachel for the 21st -> 23rd. We're starting from Southern CA, so we plan to stay overnight somewhere nearer there (Bullhead?) and either meet at the beginning in Kingman or (more likley) at the crossing of Needles Highway near the AVI casino.

It's just the two of us humans and possibly one or two canines (if we can fit them in with all the gear). We'd love to continue to Death Valley, but business will almost certainly prevent this.

 

[Tbars4]

...When did I get moved to the probable/maybe group..:scratch:

..You really took the Brian and I eating at In n Out hard...He made me do it but I will go to Barstow and get one for you...:

 

[Scott B.]

When you didn't reply, I guess I assumed you weren't sure... I fixed it.

What's the deal with Brian? Is he going to make it? And his Dad?

 

[Tbars4]

...I know they are wanting to go...

..I'm sure Brian will chime in as soon as he gets his current schedule squared away..:biggthump