10/27/2012 - Sherman Pass Jeep Trail
Sherman Pass Jeep Trail (33E48) in Sequoia National Forest is located approx 3 hours north of the LA metro area. The trail is rated "most difficut" via USFS ratings and rated difficult in the Charles Wells guide to Northern California Backroads & 4 Wheel Drive Trails (trail #68). Being its a difficult trailI would reccomend a lift at a bare minimum and sliders / diff guards would be handy as well. Not recommended for stock vehicles. That being said the plan is to be on trail by 10:00. The trail head is approximately one hour north of Kernville. We will take the Sherman Pass Jeep Trail (33E48) north to the junction of North Meadows Pass Road (33E29). We will take this road south to the Embree Cabin / Mine. After exploring the area and possibly having lunch we will back track up 33E29 to a spur road and head up to the top of Sherman Peak (elevation 9909) and take in the views before heading back to 33E48 and continuing on. We'll take 33E48 to the end and then head back down to pavement via 21S28 to 22S41. Total time on trail should
be around 4-5 hours.
10/28/2012 Lake Isabella to Jawbone Station OHV area
For those interested in taking the senic route home out of the mountains on sunday instead of pounding pavement We are going to basically run the trip #71 in the Charles Wells guide to Northern California Backroads & 4 Wheel Drive Trails. This starts just south of the town of Lake Isabella along Bodfish-Caliente road. We'll head east up the hill on Saddle Spring Road (27S02) eventually topping out near Piute Peak and the starting our decent from the forest down onto Jawbone Canyon Road to the Mojave desert below. This trail is rated easy and should be drama free. Just a nice deversion from pavement on the way back home. Total time to run this leg should be around 3 hours according to all the reports i have read.
Since this trip will take place at the end of October in the High Sierras the weather could vary from warm to pretty cold. Please pack accordingly, remember layers work best as you can add or take off clothes as conditions change. Even though it will be a bit late in the season we may run into some fall colour still lingering at those elevations as well.
The plan is to leave the LA area after work on friday evening from Pasadena and make it up to Kernville by around 22:00 give or take. I can provide a place to stay for a limited amount of people. I just need to know how many people will be attending a couple of weeks in advance so we can sort out accomodations. There are plenty of campgrounds and hotels in the area for anyone that wants to head up early on friday. Its the off season so availability should be no
problem. For anyone that cant make it Friday night the plan is to leave Kernville around 9:00 Saturday morning to make it to the trailhead by 10:00. Pot luck BBQ to follow the trail run back in Kernville, people are welcome to hang out and unwind after a day on the trail. Planning to leave Kernville for Lake Isabella around 11:00 Sunday to do the run up over the mountain to Jawbone Station and then back to the LA area.
http://www.sclr.org/calendar/event/103-sherman-pass--lake-isabella-to-jawbone.html
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
4 Day Trip to Bishop
A 4 day trip to the Bishop, California area to camp in the Coyote Flats area south west of Bishop. Camp will be around 8,000 to 10,000 feet, with base camp in the Baker Creek area at the south end of Coyote Flats. Plan is to explore, fish, enjoy the alpine country. This area is immediately adjacent to the John Muir Wilderness and is known for its meadows, creeks, and beautiful scenery. The plans below are tentative and will put up a trip sheet as details come together.
Massey Guidebook Pages
Day Two (Sunday) - Explore the various trails around Coyote Flats, and stop in at some of the lakes to do some fishing. If time allows, head slightly north to the Buttermilk area to explore the trails and scenery.
Day Three (Monday) - Depending on group's desire, head down the mountain, through Bishop and out toward the town of Laws, to visit the railroad museum, and then head up the trail toward White Mountain. While there is a road to the top of the 14,000 peak where there is a weather station, we have to turn around about 11,000 feet. Then head back through town for either dinner in town or back at the camp.
Day Four (Tuesday) - Break camp and depending on group desire, either fish in am, explore in am, or possibly head north to Mammoth Area to drive to Laurel Lakes, a moderate trail that drops into a beautiful alpine valley just south of town of Mammoth Lakes. Then head home.
The more adventurous can spend the night there, or in nearby Sherwin Campground and then watch fireworks the next day over Crowley Lake.
Trail selection is a little loose at this point and will depend on the vehicles that come up. Any stock Rover can make the drive up to Coyote Flats area. Camping is primitive, however there is a pit toilet at Baker Creek. Since this is a longer trip than usual, and the schedule is rather flexible, there shouldn't be a problem if you can't make all of the days.
Email for more information.
jimbiram@usa.net
Massey Guidebook Pages
Day Two (Sunday) - Explore the various trails around Coyote Flats, and stop in at some of the lakes to do some fishing. If time allows, head slightly north to the Buttermilk area to explore the trails and scenery.
Day Three (Monday) - Depending on group's desire, head down the mountain, through Bishop and out toward the town of Laws, to visit the railroad museum, and then head up the trail toward White Mountain. While there is a road to the top of the 14,000 peak where there is a weather station, we have to turn around about 11,000 feet. Then head back through town for either dinner in town or back at the camp.
Day Four (Tuesday) - Break camp and depending on group desire, either fish in am, explore in am, or possibly head north to Mammoth Area to drive to Laurel Lakes, a moderate trail that drops into a beautiful alpine valley just south of town of Mammoth Lakes. Then head home.
The more adventurous can spend the night there, or in nearby Sherwin Campground and then watch fireworks the next day over Crowley Lake.
Trail selection is a little loose at this point and will depend on the vehicles that come up. Any stock Rover can make the drive up to Coyote Flats area. Camping is primitive, however there is a pit toilet at Baker Creek. Since this is a longer trip than usual, and the schedule is rather flexible, there shouldn't be a problem if you can't make all of the days.
Email for more information.
jimbiram@usa.net
Saturday, April 28, 2012
Ultimate 4x4 Motorhome Conversion
If you
don't think this is the coolest motor home EVER, you have issues! Marcus found
this rare 6.0 diesel class c, and started planning the build right away. He
teamed up with Inland Rovers in CA to install the 4" lift, and they just put the
final touches on this unique build. Here's his testimonial:
For many years I have wanted a 4x4 motorhome to bring me to remote, off the beaten path camping spots and travel through heavy snow. I think of snow storms as ideal travel time so I can hit the ski slopes when the snow is fresh! After research online and reading lots of top notch reviews and remarks of U-Joint’s product I decided that’s who I would call when the time came. I looked for about 1 year all over the internet to find the newest diesel powered class C motorhome on an e450 chassis possible. I finally found one that met my criteria about 750 miles away from my home in Southern California. After about 1 week of over the phone negotiations I was on my way to pick up my new rig. The day after I got home, I was locating parts and ordering from Chris at U-Joint. Chris was extremely helpful with all of my questions and guided me through the entire process. I have been very happy with how professional and experienced Chris’ advice has been since the first phone call I placed to him. Since I am not local to U-Joint Off Road’s facilities, I made a decision to have a professional shop highly experienced with off road, fabrication and plain “forging new ground” help me with the project. I wanted to get the entire 4x4 conversion installed very quickly and professionally. One place came to mind, Inland Rovers. They have done lots of work for my Land Rovers in the past and have always impressed me with their honesty, integrity and “will not give up” attitude. As soon as I told Gordon at Inland Rovers about what I wanted to do, he was almost jumping through the phone to grab me and get me down there to start on this epic build. I came through on my end and sourced all the components in record time. Soon enough my rig was down there torn to pieces. The installation process went extremely smooth thanks to Chris’ expert guidance and Gordon’s well stocked shop and extremely knowledgeable staff.
From order to completion I managed to finish the project in 3 weeks! It was a LOT of work and it paid off in a big way. Driving my motorhome around and seeing all the thumbs up, jaw dropping and positive comments every place I travel makes it worth the investment alone! From July 2011 until now March 2012, I have driven it over 12,000 miles and not a single hiccup! I have gone through soft sand, mud, snow and everything in between with confidence.
For many years I have wanted a 4x4 motorhome to bring me to remote, off the beaten path camping spots and travel through heavy snow. I think of snow storms as ideal travel time so I can hit the ski slopes when the snow is fresh! After research online and reading lots of top notch reviews and remarks of U-Joint’s product I decided that’s who I would call when the time came. I looked for about 1 year all over the internet to find the newest diesel powered class C motorhome on an e450 chassis possible. I finally found one that met my criteria about 750 miles away from my home in Southern California. After about 1 week of over the phone negotiations I was on my way to pick up my new rig. The day after I got home, I was locating parts and ordering from Chris at U-Joint. Chris was extremely helpful with all of my questions and guided me through the entire process. I have been very happy with how professional and experienced Chris’ advice has been since the first phone call I placed to him. Since I am not local to U-Joint Off Road’s facilities, I made a decision to have a professional shop highly experienced with off road, fabrication and plain “forging new ground” help me with the project. I wanted to get the entire 4x4 conversion installed very quickly and professionally. One place came to mind, Inland Rovers. They have done lots of work for my Land Rovers in the past and have always impressed me with their honesty, integrity and “will not give up” attitude. As soon as I told Gordon at Inland Rovers about what I wanted to do, he was almost jumping through the phone to grab me and get me down there to start on this epic build. I came through on my end and sourced all the components in record time. Soon enough my rig was down there torn to pieces. The installation process went extremely smooth thanks to Chris’ expert guidance and Gordon’s well stocked shop and extremely knowledgeable staff.
From order to completion I managed to finish the project in 3 weeks! It was a LOT of work and it paid off in a big way. Driving my motorhome around and seeing all the thumbs up, jaw dropping and positive comments every place I travel makes it worth the investment alone! From July 2011 until now March 2012, I have driven it over 12,000 miles and not a single hiccup! I have gone through soft sand, mud, snow and everything in between with confidence.
4XHome Specs:
2005 Forest River Class C 29’
6.0L PowerStroke Diesel
Free flowing exhaust
19.5” Vision Heavy Hauler alloy wheels powder coated black
225/70/19.5 Cooper RM190 Tires
UJOR 4” lift
UJOR trac bar
UJOR Extended brake lines
UJOR Real wheel adapter/spacers
UJOR Steering kit
UJOR Front frame support
UJOR Shock mounts
UJOR Tcase kit
NV271 Transfer Case mated to the 5R110
Custom drive shafts by Reel Driveline
Custom driveline disc parking brake
4.11 Gearing
7.5” Net lift with tires
Re-arched and rebuilt rear springs by Atlas
Billet grille, rear ladder, bumper & misc. parts powder coated black
All windows tinted
All factory stickers/graphics removed and buffed out
Bilstein 5100 series shocks all around
Re-arched and rebuilt rear springs by Atlas
Billet grille, rear ladder, bumper & misc. parts powder coated black
All windows tinted
All factory stickers/graphics removed and buffed out
Bilstein 5100 series shocks all around
Dual steering
stabilizer with Bilstein 5100 shocks
Marcus Richards
Expert Reaction, Inc.
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
May 18-20, 2012 Pismo Beach, CA
Trail Leader: None.
This is an NCLR gathering similar to the MORG @ Hollister. No trip leader. Each person is responsible for their action and need to abide by Oceano SVRA park rules and regulations: http://ohv.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=1215
Date/Time: May 18-20. Fri-Sun
Brief Trail Description:
Welcome to Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area (SVRA). Formerly Pismo Dunes SVRA, this sand dune complex is geologically unique and also provides an impressive playground for off-highway enthusiasts from throughout the United States. Oceano Dunes also offers visitors other recreational activities such as swimming, surfing, surf fishing, camping, and hiking: http://ohv.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=1207
Meeting Location: Eucalyptus Campground; look for me .I will be there in the morning.Directions to Oceano Dunes and Eucalyptus Campground: Use this address for your vehicle GPS: 100 Pier Ave, Oceano, CA. Or take: - North or South Interstate 101. - Take the Grand Avenue exit. - Turn right (heading west). - Approx 2 miles turn left on Pacific Coast Highway intersection - Approx 1 mile turn right on Pier Avenue intersection (light). - Aprox. ½ mile is the entrance to Oceano, SVRA (100 Pier Ave)
Here's an aerial view of this SVRA park: http://www.classiccalifornia.com/dunesmap.htm# As you can see in the aerial view, there's the "Pier Ave" ramp (100 Pier Ave); follow Pole 1, 2, 3.... Use the map provided to get the camp - after Pole 6 and before Pole 7 (Competition Hill), turn towards camp. Radio Requirements: CB 7 (FRS7 if you don't have a CB) Fees (yes);
Make your reservation: http://www.reserveamerica.com/ca/Oce...&;parkId=120065 Vehicle Requirements: Stock Land Rovers welcomed, but best with high clearance 4x4 vehicles. Air down to the recommend psi for your tires/vehicles while on the beach; for example, I'm running 255/85/16 KMs on my D2 - going down between 10-15 psi. Also make sure your vehicle is in working condition.
Required Safety Equipment: fire extinguisher and CB to call out for help Required Recovery Equipment: Strong recovery points (front and rear) Misc Equipment: shovel, first aid kit, repair tools (to suit your vehicle), tire gauge and tire pump. Weather Forecast and Trail Conditions: mostly sunny; windy highs in the 60s lows in the 40s at night.
Expected Trail conditions: Will check as we get closer to the date. Clothing Suggestions: warm weather but bring layers as it gets cold at night. Property Information Oceano SVRA Ranger Station 928 Pacific Blvd. Oceano CA 805-773-7170 Call 911 for emergencies Entrance to the Park 100 Pier Ave. Oceano, CA
This is an NCLR gathering similar to the MORG @ Hollister. No trip leader. Each person is responsible for their action and need to abide by Oceano SVRA park rules and regulations: http://ohv.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=1215
Date/Time: May 18-20. Fri-Sun
Brief Trail Description:
Welcome to Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area (SVRA). Formerly Pismo Dunes SVRA, this sand dune complex is geologically unique and also provides an impressive playground for off-highway enthusiasts from throughout the United States. Oceano Dunes also offers visitors other recreational activities such as swimming, surfing, surf fishing, camping, and hiking: http://ohv.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=1207
Meeting Location: Eucalyptus Campground; look for me .I will be there in the morning.Directions to Oceano Dunes and Eucalyptus Campground: Use this address for your vehicle GPS: 100 Pier Ave, Oceano, CA. Or take: - North or South Interstate 101. - Take the Grand Avenue exit. - Turn right (heading west). - Approx 2 miles turn left on Pacific Coast Highway intersection - Approx 1 mile turn right on Pier Avenue intersection (light). - Aprox. ½ mile is the entrance to Oceano, SVRA (100 Pier Ave)
Here's an aerial view of this SVRA park: http://www.classiccalifornia.com/dunesmap.htm# As you can see in the aerial view, there's the "Pier Ave" ramp (100 Pier Ave); follow Pole 1, 2, 3.... Use the map provided to get the camp - after Pole 6 and before Pole 7 (Competition Hill), turn towards camp. Radio Requirements: CB 7 (FRS7 if you don't have a CB) Fees (yes);
Make your reservation: http://www.reserveamerica.com/ca/Oce...&;parkId=120065 Vehicle Requirements: Stock Land Rovers welcomed, but best with high clearance 4x4 vehicles. Air down to the recommend psi for your tires/vehicles while on the beach; for example, I'm running 255/85/16 KMs on my D2 - going down between 10-15 psi. Also make sure your vehicle is in working condition.
Required Safety Equipment: fire extinguisher and CB to call out for help Required Recovery Equipment: Strong recovery points (front and rear) Misc Equipment: shovel, first aid kit, repair tools (to suit your vehicle), tire gauge and tire pump. Weather Forecast and Trail Conditions: mostly sunny; windy highs in the 60s lows in the 40s at night.
Expected Trail conditions: Will check as we get closer to the date. Clothing Suggestions: warm weather but bring layers as it gets cold at night. Property Information Oceano SVRA Ranger Station 928 Pacific Blvd. Oceano CA 805-773-7170 Call 911 for emergencies Entrance to the Park 100 Pier Ave. Oceano, CA
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Why I Relay
My Reason to Relay, in honor of my father.
In honor of my father, Jerzy Jankowski who lost his battle against cancer two years ago, I am participating in the American Cancer Society?s Relay For Life because I want to make a meaningful difference in the fight against cancer.
Almost everyone has been touched by cancer, either through their own personal battle or through someone they love.
Every day, the American Cancer Society is helping us stay well by preventing cancer or finding it at its earliest, most treatable stages. They assist families in finding the best resources to help their friend or loved one deal with a diagnosis and their journey to get well. The American Cancer Society is also rallying communities (like ours!) through events like Relay For Life, to fight back and find cures for this disease.
Please join my team or make a donation to help the American Cancer Society create a world with less cancer and more birthdays. Together, we can help make sure that cancer never steals another year of anyone?s life!
My Reason to Relay, in honor of my father.
In honor of my father, Jerzy Jankowski who lost his battle against cancer two years ago, I am participating in the American Cancer Society?s Relay For Life because I want to make a meaningful difference in the fight against cancer.
Almost everyone has been touched by cancer, either through their own personal battle or through someone they love.
Every day, the American Cancer Society is helping us stay well by preventing cancer or finding it at its earliest, most treatable stages. They assist families in finding the best resources to help their friend or loved one deal with a diagnosis and their journey to get well. The American Cancer Society is also rallying communities (like ours!) through events like Relay For Life, to fight back and find cures for this disease.
Please join my team or make a donation to help the American Cancer Society create a world with less cancer and more birthdays. Together, we can help make sure that cancer never steals another year of anyone?s life!
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Thursday, July 14, 2011
LAST CHANCE CANYON
Dates of Event: November 18 to 20th 2011
Location: Mojave Desert
Trip Leader: Hovik Mossessi
Details:
Friday: Nov 18, 2011
See GPS below if you wish to arrive a day early and camp at our hidden campsite before Bickel Camp. I plan to arrive there Friday evening. Please email me at hmossessi@gmail.comThis e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it if you want to caravan out.
Saturday: Nov 19, 2011
9-10am - Meet at Jawbone station. We will be there for an hour so please don't be late as we will leave promptly at 10am. We will head north on Highway 14 to Redrock Randsburg Road where we will turn right (East) and head towards Last Chance cut off. At Last Chance cutoff, we will turn left onto trail and air down.
Lunch - We will stop at Cudahy camp for lunch for 30-45 minutes before moving on to finish Last Chance Canyon. We will head out through Opal Canyon and East to EP30 to our campsite.
Sunday: Nov 20, 2011
Have a lazy day, wake up whenever you want, have breakfast, drive to Burro Schmidt Tunnel then head home.
What to Bring
Bring your food, water, firewood, chair, warm clothing, etc, etc....
Radio
FRS: Ch 7.2; CB: Ch 4
Questions
email at hmossessi at gmail dot com
Directions
From los Angeles area take Interstate 5 north to Highway 14. Take Hwy 14 through lancaster, Palmdale and Mojave. In Mojave you follow signs on main strip to stay on 14 traveling north. Approximately 20 miles past Mojave is Jawbone Station. This is the meeting spot for Saturday morning. If arriving Friday, pass Jawbone Station and turn right on Redrock Randsburg Road for approximately 11 miles, turn left where you see the Schmidth 7, Pole this will take you through EP 100 continue to EP 15 then to EP 30 on the right, I'll make sure I put a sign at the right enterence to the campsite.
Jawbone Station
N 35°18'00" W 118°00'03"
Redrock Randsburg Road (turnoff)
N 35°18'43" W 117°59'14"
Mesquite Canyon (turnoff)
N 35°23'18" W 117°49'00"
Camp site
N 35°26'13" W 117°52'35"
The El Paso Mountains Wilderness was created in 1994 and now has a total of 23,780 acres (96.2 km2). All of the wilderness is in the northern Mojave Desert in eastern Kern County, California and is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. It is located south of Ridgecrest, California.
Location: Mojave Desert
Trip Leader: Hovik Mossessi
Details:
Friday: Nov 18, 2011
See GPS below if you wish to arrive a day early and camp at our hidden campsite before Bickel Camp. I plan to arrive there Friday evening. Please email me at hmossessi@gmail.comThis e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it if you want to caravan out.
Saturday: Nov 19, 2011
9-10am - Meet at Jawbone station. We will be there for an hour so please don't be late as we will leave promptly at 10am. We will head north on Highway 14 to Redrock Randsburg Road where we will turn right (East) and head towards Last Chance cut off. At Last Chance cutoff, we will turn left onto trail and air down.
Lunch - We will stop at Cudahy camp for lunch for 30-45 minutes before moving on to finish Last Chance Canyon. We will head out through Opal Canyon and East to EP30 to our campsite.
Sunday: Nov 20, 2011
Have a lazy day, wake up whenever you want, have breakfast, drive to Burro Schmidt Tunnel then head home.
What to Bring
Bring your food, water, firewood, chair, warm clothing, etc, etc....
Radio
FRS: Ch 7.2; CB: Ch 4
Questions
email at hmossessi at gmail dot com
Directions
From los Angeles area take Interstate 5 north to Highway 14. Take Hwy 14 through lancaster, Palmdale and Mojave. In Mojave you follow signs on main strip to stay on 14 traveling north. Approximately 20 miles past Mojave is Jawbone Station. This is the meeting spot for Saturday morning. If arriving Friday, pass Jawbone Station and turn right on Redrock Randsburg Road for approximately 11 miles, turn left where you see the Schmidth 7, Pole this will take you through EP 100 continue to EP 15 then to EP 30 on the right, I'll make sure I put a sign at the right enterence to the campsite.
Jawbone Station
N 35°18'00" W 118°00'03"
Redrock Randsburg Road (turnoff)
N 35°18'43" W 117°59'14"
Mesquite Canyon (turnoff)
N 35°23'18" W 117°49'00"
Camp site
N 35°26'13" W 117°52'35"
The El Paso Mountains Wilderness was created in 1994 and now has a total of 23,780 acres (96.2 km2). All of the wilderness is in the northern Mojave Desert in eastern Kern County, California and is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. It is located south of Ridgecrest, California.
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