Prepared by John Cary
January 11, 2010
We had a pretty good turnout for the wheeling. Weather was outstanding.
John, Wendy and Nova
Keith and his friend Dominic
Ric and his girlfriend Lisa
Tom and Jayme
Dan and his son
Tori and his son
Joe Picker
Damien
Eric
Daytrippers - Russ, Bill
Those camping at Calico - Dan arrived Thursday and Keith, John, Tom and Ric arrived Friday evening.
Joe, Eric and Damien spent the night in Barstow.
Friday we planned for dinner at the Idle Spurs. Eric, Dami, Tori(+son) and Joe went early. A couple of us got off to a later start than anticipated. While Tom and Keith were getting ready to leave camp for dinner, both had problems. Tom's would not start(loose wire) and Keith's had no running lights (blown fuse and short). Finally arrived 1/2 hours late.
Saturday morning I replaced front brake pads (down to metal) and Tom again would not start(loose wire.) Four of us tried the Gatekeeper. Keith made it through with no damage. The rest had to be strapped. Joe blew his front end and lost a shock.
We had a lot of fun going up the trail. Keith took the little side trail and Ric followed. Only Ric rolled on his side and we had to strap him and pull him over. No damage. I think we strapped one other time, but can't remember who.
At the one V notch waterfall, Eric managed to rearrange his right rear quarter panel. Dan managed to bend his tie rod. Fixed that with a bottle jack.
Lunch at the top. The weather was outstanding. A slight breeze, plenty of sun and mid 60's.
Dan and Tory did a great job on the trail.
Down Odessa and out by 4. Lit the fire and relaxed until 6 with mixers and snacks. Headed down to Peggy Sue's around. Back at the camp around 7:30, relite the fire and enjoyed the evening. The wind was lite and temps were in the 50's.
Sunday Keith, Tom and Ric found another trail that goes around Calico mountain to the left and ends up at the mine on top. They said the trail was great with some excellent views. Coming back into camp Tom menti! oned his sterring was loose. I asked him to turn the wheel while I looked. Two bolts missing from the mount. Steering box was moving all over the place.
It was decided in the future that we would bypass the Gatekeeper in the morning, do the trails and those that wanted to do the Gatekeeper could do it in the afternoon.
If I missed anything, chime in.