Trip report
by Lisa and Ric
The First Annual Eric Bernocco Memorial Rowher Flats Day Run
April 15, 2011.
Attending: Ric (trail leader) and Lisa, Robb M., Bill C and Mike W, Gary M, John C, Will S, Richard and Vickie, Broughton and Mike B, Tyler B, Lyndol and Mary and kids, Dan B and Collin. Eleven jeeps in all.
Nothing but blue sky as we departed the Porter Ranch P & R at 8:09, caravanning to Denny's on Sand Cyn. for regrouping, gassing, and potting up, then off to Rush Cyn Rd where we aired down. We were greeted by the Ranger, who provided the entire group with maps (he really wanted to go on the run), thy are also looking for a club to adopt there training area. The group headed up to the Rowher Flats staging area where John and Richard played around on some of the rock piles. We took our first group shot there, on the rocks (where else?) - including Eric's baseball cap which Bill had brought.
The group then headed out for the trail head where Ric conducted a driver's meeting. Then it was onto the trail (as soon as we found the gate). Ric was having a little too much fun leading everyone around.............and around. The trail still had numerous mud holes from the rains, and so as the song goes " let's get a little mud on the tires". Some of the group decided to try the hill climb area on the way up and all who tried made it. The group continued up the trail, having outstanding vista views of the green valley's surrounded by snow capped mountains.
Next stop, well , round about stop........(hey, we found snow on the ground on the way, so consider it a little side trip ) was the rock pile at the top. Several members took the opportunity to play here also, with John posing his jeep for the next group photo opp. The break included enjoying more of the beautiful views, and enjoying some hot apple cider and warm cookies provided for the group. So after Mike W was done checking out Richards jeep, we loaded back up to head down the trail, with a picture like view of a very blue reservoir before us. The run ended at Bouquet Cyn, not even one breakdown! The group aired up, several having to leave for home, while the remainder of the group went to lunch at The Big Oaks USA just down the canyon.
All in all, a fun run with a great group. The run was dedicated to Eric, as he had led this run last year. I think Eric would be pleased.
Thank you everyone for making this such a pleasure full day!