Annual Mojave Road trip! December 1-3

Count me in!

As of right now, Stephen and I plan on going. The military may change his availability. I plan on going.

Hey Fred, turns out I have to work on Friday, Dec 1st! Not going to make the trip this year. Checking on the other trips though...

Jonathan
jfree

Fred,

I plan on making the trip. I will be getting home Thursday morning from North Carolina and roll right into the Mojave Rood adventure possible spending the night at Grants Pass then hook up Friday morning with the rest of you. All depends on how much jet lag. If I go out Thursday I will be leaving around 2:00 pm and should get to Granite Pass around 5:00 pm. It's about a hour drive from Granite Pass to the Needles area.

Murrie

Allie and i will be there but will be heading home Saturday afternoon and starting with everyone on Friday morning. See you all!

Less than 5 days away.......time to plan and pack.

There will be some 1st timers and also some 2nd timers of this Mojave Road trip.

1st timers will be given priority behind me on the trail as we travel, followed by 2nd timers and the all you "old timers" will follow up at the rear.

Since we pretty much follow the same route each time I ask the old timers to lend a hand if one of the newer drivers falls behind and is not sure were to turn, you can help out.

There may be a trail closed after the Piute Fort visit which will require us to make a detour, of course we'll determine that as we get closer.

We LEAVE the parking lot of Ralphs Market (corner Colima & Whittier blvd) at 5 am sharp!
We'll travel over to Interstate 15 and will stop for breakfast at the Denny's restaurant at the Lynwood exit in Barstow, ( next to the Factory outlet stores) From there will will then take I-15 to I 40 and then east to River road just before Needles.

Here a some semi-important things to remember when preparing for the trip.

1. We start the trail at the Colorado River in Nevada and then head west ending near Barstow and interstate 15 sometime Sunday afternoon.

2. There is no requirement of carrying extra fuel as all vehicles should be able to make it from the fill up at the river to Barstow, (Just under 200 miles).

3. Plan food for 2 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 2 dinners. Bring your own fresh water.

4.Our first night out in the New York Mountains could be a cool/cold one this year. Expect it to get down to the low 30's. Layers are better than one thick coat. Daytime temps should be pleasant. Our second camp spot, Shaw pass, should be warmer and has a history of even being t-shirt temp. There will be shooting at Shaw pass for those so inclined.

5. Each vehicle should have some kind of tow point in the front and rear where a tow strap can be easily attached.

6. Bring a good spare tire and the tools to change your own tire.

7. We will air down at the beginning of the trail and stay that way until we hit pavement again Sunday afternoon. It's your option to or not to air down. If you do not have a air pump, there are usually several brought by the group and I'm sure someone will let you use theirs.

8. Every morning and evening we will have a campfire. That will be 4 in total. If you can bring at least one box of clean (nail and screw free) wood that will ensure that we have enough to enjoy a lengthy evening campfire.

9. There are no "facilities" of any kind once we leave the gas station near the Colorado River. If you need some help or instruction, just ask me and I will explain the basics to you. Or you can send me a PM.

10. If you can secure an 2 meter ham radio you will hear my narration and be able to communicate with most the group. Some of us will bring extra hand held radios which we are willing to lend out but always best to have a more powerful unit that runs off your vehicles battery.

11. For the history and mile by mile description of the trail try and securing the book, "The Mojave Road, an adventure through time" by Dennis Casebier

12. Anything else I left off, you old timers here help me out.

A couple of other items,

1. I will be bringing the larger grill to cook over the fire.

2. I will also be bringing my larger kettle for heating water

3. There is an abundance of kitchen utensils available for alls use.


This should make your packing easier, those newer to this kind of activity will find that just about everything you need to cook will already be brought by one of the old timers.


Thanks,
Fred
Explorer 1