Hello Esprit de Four,
Some members/prospective members attended the Public Comments on the Clear Creek Closure last night.

Bill Farley
Ole & Sherry Stortroen
Jim O’leary
Jason Green
Richard Beard

Chris Mains
Coby ????
(I apologize if others attended and we didn’t see you)

This meeting was an opportunity for the public to make a comment about the park closure. Keep in mind, although the BLM (Bureau of Land Management) was in attendance, they were clear that what was said last night had no bearing on their decision. Essentially it was more or less a government process that they had to follow. However, it was certainly a good opportunity for many of us to show up, and demonstrate that there is a force behind our cause. It was also a good opportunity for me/us to hear the arguments against the closure and include these in the comments we make.

For us to be effective, we must make a written comment, whether it be via snail mail or e-mail.

Not only do I encourage you, I am asking you, to take time out and send in a comment, even if at this point your are only asking for an extension on the comment period, which currently has a deadline of March 5, 2010. (You can use the argument that it took the EPA, 19 + months to come out with a report, why should we have such a short period to make comments)

-> For those never having been to Clear Creek - I am one of those. You may be asking, or reasoning to yourself, it’s not familiar to me, it doesn’t affect me. The truth is, it does. If we don’t stand together in support of our sport and our activity when we can, soon, we will stand alone and it will be easier for them to knock us down. They will come to your park next! Furthermore, you may have not used it in the past, but wouldn’t you want the opportunity to have to use it in the future?

Here are some of the arguments I heard last night - I didn’t write them down so it’s coming off of memory:
1. The asbestos found at Clear Creek is not the industrial type that leads to health issues, the EPA has bastardized/generalized them into one category and made the wrong presumption.
2. The presumptions and or assertions of the EPA’s report are based on questionable data, and there should be more time to allow an independent organization to conduct their on research. While that is being conducted, the park should be kept open. It’s been open for the history of the country, why now the urgency to close it - keep it open, until facts are agreed upon.

….Others whom were in attendance, please add other things you heard, so that our membership can leverage that. You do not have to include everything in your comment, but please include something. Here’s the BLM’s website: http://www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/fo/hollister/clear_creek_management_area.html

You can also find the DEIS at the bottom of this page: http://www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/fo/hollister/clear_creek_management_area/CCMA_RMP.html

You can send your comments to:

Mail: Bureau of Land Management
Attn: CCMA RMP/EIS
20 Hamilton Court
Hollister, CA 95023

E-mail: cahormp@ca.blm.gov

Fax: (831) 630-5055 Attn: CCMA RMP/EIS

For everyone, please make your comment, and if you do nothing, else, please support the organizations that are fighting this fight on our behalf: (Donate or become a member)

Friends of Clear Creek Management Area - http://www.ffocma.org
Blue Ribbon Coalition - http://www.sharetrails.org
Facebook Group - http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=131594804989&ref=mf

I apologize if this e-mail got a little long, but I hope you all understand the magnitude of what action and inaction on your part means! The government, it’s entities should work for you and me, not against us. Remember these few numbers, 15% of all house holds are OHV users, in any election there is only 50% of the population that votes, by my calculations, that means we are 30% of the voting population. Now I’m not a union leader and I’m not telling you how to vote, but if you feel like you’re alone, you’re not.

Kindest Regards,
Michael Phorn
President, Esprit de Four

P.S. Please feel free to add, and forward this to all your friends & aquaintances, we must spread the message and keep up the fight and bring it to them (even though, they should be working for us)

Posted in Clear Creek, Community Service, Molina Ghost Run |

We first went to meet at the Big Lots on parking lot on Camden in San Jose to meet up for the toys for tots caravan. There were a lot of people there from the club…more than 15 vehicles (most decorated) showed up. We took the slow route through San Jose to get to the drop off for the toy drive. We went to Christmas in the Park in downtown San Jose and delivered our toys to the United States Marines that were collecting them. They gave us a Christmas music CD and a carnation.

Later that evening we went to the ED4 Christmas party at the historical Santa Clara train station/museum. We took some time to peruse the model trains that were set up in the back room. They had two scales of trains (HO and N) with some very intricate layouts and scenery. The food was very filling and very good. This was our first year attending the party so we were able to experience the gift exchange for the first time. It is the best gift exchange we’ve ever seen. Some of the presents were very interestingly wrapped for the wrapping contest. The two main contenders were the drunk/peeing snow man and a realistic winter scene on the box top. The winter scene won the competition. Once the exchange began, everyone seemed to fight over the blankets. We took home some nice gifts after numerous switch ups. All in all, it was very fun and very interesting. We got to meet many people from the club that we had never met before and got to know everyone a little bit better. We hope to attend again next year.

Posted in Christmas Party |

Wow for the first run my wife and I really enjoyed the turnout for the toys for tots run. First we met Daryl at Flames for breakfast then we went over to Big Lots for the toy run. There was around 15 rigs that showed up for the run and it was great meeting everyone for the first time. We started out on Hillsdale to Meridian then we took Meridian to San Carlos and when we went by 4 Wheel Parts store everyone honked there horns. When we arrived at Christmas in the park we did a one time around the park then when we went in to the area to turn the toys over to the Marines soldiers that were there to take the gifts and they gave us a christmas cd and a flower to the women that were in rigs. After that the ones that had other things to do went on there way and some of others went over to the bowling ally.

I really enjoyed the run and I’m already looking forward to the next outting that I will be able to attend.

Bob Bragg

Posted in Toys 4 Tots |

Thursday 11/13/09: We arrived at about 6:30pm in Panamint Valley after a seven hour drive. We took 178 through Lake Isabella. It was a slightly longer drive, but a more scenic twisty road. We got there after dark, and waited in the long safety inspection line. But the line moved quickly. We were surprised by the “lack” of inspection compared to other automotive events like auto crossing. We somehow managed to find Richard Beard and his friends Richard and Anton after dark amongst the hundreds of campers, as well as Laurel and her camo Bronco. Shortly after we arrived, Gary and Danã, the other prospective members arrived. We ate dinner at the Ruff Rock café, which the PVD people prepared for us. Then we set up camp in very heavy winds…a trying experience…stakes are necessary.

Friday 11/14/09: We luckily all chose to take the same runs in the mornings. Among a convoy of about 40 vehicles for the Jail Canyon run were our YJ, Gary’s JK, RB’s TJ, Richard’s CJ, and Laurel’s camo Bronco. It’s quite amazing how long it takes to get a convoy of 40 started. By the time we were at the trail head the back of the convoy was hardly moving. While we were waiting for the convoy the move we had the opportunity to meet an interesting dog named Toby…but we like to call him the rock dog. He would hunt through his surroundings and find the perfect rock. After he had found said rock, he would bite it, roll it, push it, and play with it in any way he could find while making sounds like a monkey.

Jail canyon was a pretty mellow run, that took us up to an abandoned mine. Although the run was easy for our jeep, the CJ in our group sustained damage. We stopped for a bit to explore the mines, abandoned vehicles, and cabins. None of us were brave enough to go more than 100 ft into the mine. After one of us fell into the water on the ‘treacherous’ hike to the mine, we returned to our vehicles and went back to camp. The CJ was shortly thereafter put up for sale.

We ate lunch, and then Gary/Danà and we went on an easy sunset run to Lookout City. On the way there we were repeatedly buzzed by an F-16 who was showing off for our convoy… ‘free air show with the price of registration’ the trail leader told us. Once we got there the view was nice. Clouds obscured the view some, but not all. There was a village at the top in the form of ruins (the remains of lookout city). On the way back we got pretty annoyed because the people in front took off instead of waiting for those behind them. By the time we were on the road back to camp we could still se the headlights of those still on the trail. We returned to camp, ate, and took a slow drive down the highway to gas up at the overly priced gas station with a strangely empty convenience store in Panamint Springs, where one can also take a shower for a mere $3.00…less than one gallon of $3.99 gas.

Saturday 11/15/09: Once again we all chose to take the same trail…Pleasant canyon. We stopped in a strange little ghost town called Ballarat with an interesting fellow at the “gift shop”. About 20 ft into the run a Suzuki locked up its t-case. It eventually caught up with us later on. Pleasant Canyon itself was quite pleasant…water = mud and plants. We stopped briefly at a mine only to find the hissing sound we heard was our air line getting a hole melted into it by our exhaust. Good thing we didn’t really need to use our rear locker. The trail went up more and more, until we found ourselves strangely enough in the middle of a forest in Death Valley…imagine that. The person two cars in front of us did not wait and we got stopped at multiple forks in the road…feeling quite like Hansel and Gretel with no bread crumbs. When we contacted the trail leader on the CB and said we were at a fork…he said he didn’t know which fork so he couldn’t tell us where to goJ. Eventually we caught up with everyone else and proceeded up and down the ridgeline to a vista point where we ate lunch. We had a show there because one of our convoy decided to get a flat on a very steep downhill/off camber section of the trail, and had to tie his vehicle to the two jeeps behind him to change it.

After lunch we proceeded to Chicken Corner, so named, because the Jeep-and-a-foot wide corner is held together with chicken wire with a deep drop directly outside the passenger window (or driver’s window depending on the direction travelled). The previous day a lovely pink-camo Cherokee XJ rolled off the cliff at chicken corner. Right when we were approaching and rounding the corner, a crew was pulling the now convertible Cherokee out of the ravine. So as the passenger, one gets a nice up and close view of the chicken wire support system holding up a 4000lb vehicle. That was quite exhilarating. Luckily everyone survived including the person that had rolled the previous day. There were nice cabins at the bottom of the hill, that anyone can use…first come first serve, and a nasty outhouse, with a sign on the door that says “warning, toxic fumes.” The rest of the trail was pleasant with a few waterless waterfalls to drive down and a very steep descent to the valley floor.

We went back to camp and bought raffle tickets. We then ate a wonderful dinner provided by the Ruff Rock café, and proceeded to freeze our butts off for about 2 hours during the raffle. We didn’t win. R.B. won twice. Next time we’re bringing chairs…it is a big mistake not to.

Sunday 11/16/09: We packed up camp, ate, aired up, and left for a lovely 7 hour ride home.

All in all it was a fun trip: Dusty, cold, sunny, windy, but fun. Its great not having to worry about 60% of your meals…mostly ones you cook. We had to bring lunches though. Bring chairs. Bring tent stakes. Bring cash. Bring warm clothes. We will definitely consider going back next year to PVD 2010. And if the person whose car alarm went off 4 times Friday night/Saturday morning and twice more Saturday night/Sunday morning …waking up the entire camp at all hours of the night (and we mean all hours) is reading this, you’d better shut off your alarm the next time or a break-in will be the least of your vehicle’s problems!

Does anyone have somewere on line where i can post the photos?

Posted in Panamint Valley |

Great report Connie. There is little I could add, except that you are being way too nice describing my little mishape on the return leg.

“That situation was caused by my losing concentration on the road ahead. The rock in question was in front of the passenger side tire and I simply forgot how big it was. Up the rock we went until gravity took over. It’s surprising how tough these jeep tops are, not a scratch from leaning aganist the tree.”

The best line of the trip came from CJ, at this point, as he jumps out of his jeep and yells:… “Gary, what do think you are doing…don’t move… Connie, grap your camera and come up here quick”. It’s clear he has a media backgroud and never wants to miss a photo oppurtunity. Between Connie and Gary F. there are plenty of pictures.

An excellent event and looking forward to the next…I need the practice. CJ really went out of his way to make this a great, safe and successful run.

Gary S.

Posted in Deer Valley/Blue Lakes |

Here’s my belated Blue Lakes trip report (I’ll send the Slickrock portion of the trip separately…)

Blue Lakes Trip Report - October 17, 2009

7:00 AM

Our gathering place for the Blue Lakes run was the Dorrington Hotel parking lot. Five rigs showed up:

- Carlos in his XJ with two kids
- CJ in his CJ7 (the run organizer and trail-lead for the weekend), with Connie riding shotgun
- Gary F. (myself) in my recently lifted (2″) 2007 JK with brand-new 33″ MT2s with Doña riding shotgun
- Gary S. in his recently-aquired TJ Rubicon, with Marlene riding shotgun and their dog, Molly, in back
- Mike C. in his well-equiped 2008 JK, with his Dad, Herb, riding shotgun

Our departure was briefly delayed by last-minute errand running (we needed bread to complete our planned PB&J lunch!) I must have taken a little too long at the store, because as I was heading back toward the hotel I was passed by our caravan heading the opposite direction. A quick U-turn and I was bringing up the rear in no time.

8:30 AM

Our planned gas stop was in Bear Valley. Unfortunately the station was closed leaving at least one driver without a full tank of gas. CJ had a hose so, worst case, we could siphon fuel from one vehicle to another. We pressed on a arrived at the trail head at 8:30.

We aired down and headed a short distance up the trail to “Gate Keeper,” the jumble of boulders intended by Mother Nature to keep timid 4-wheelers from reaching the trail beyond.

9:30 AM

We took our first break about an hour later. It was nice to stretch our legs, socialize and take in the view. I had an opportunity to confirm that I had, indeed, scratched all four new rims, just like Jeff Arabia requested. I also had a chance to scramble over boulders, which is fun too!

9:50 AM

Twenty minutes later we stopped to rearrange a log obstruction so all vehicles could pass. Ten minutes later we encountered another and did the same.

10:28 AM

Our first stream crossing! Of course it was on a few inches deep and a few feet across. I assumed this was not the stream crossing CJ had told us we’d encounter around noon, so we pressed on.

11:10 AM

The promised stream crossing. CJ ferried Connie across as we lined up our Jeeps for a photo op (note that the term “Jeep” is correct in this context, as we were all driving Jeeps.) Connie took a group shot and then, one-by-one, we forded the stream.

11:45 AM

Another stream crossing and we were just a short distance from Blue Lake. CJ informs us that the rest of the trail is a “piece of cake.” I’m picturing a boring stretch of boulder-less dirt road, but in my estimation the rest of the trail was more of the same. I suspect CJ and I have very different opinions on cake, too.

12:12 PM

We arrived at Blue Lakes pretty much on schedule.

1:01 PM

After lunch most of us gathered in a circle a chatted a bit, learning a little about one another. I felt drawn to the water’s edge and wandered off to take pictures.

3:00 PM

Around 2:00 we voted to see who wanted return back the way we’d come versus the taking the highway. Everyone voted for the trail, although Carlos had to head off down the highway in search of gas. The trail looked completely different from the opposite direction at times: new obstacles were discovered and minor technical difficulties were dealt with (such as a damaged valve stem cap which was releasing air from one of the tires on Gary S.’s Jeep.)

3:49 PM

Shortly before 4:00 I rounded a bend and saw an unexpected sight up ahead: a Jeep with one wheel high in the air. By the time I arrived CJ had already leaped into action, as this photo attests. Thanks to the hitherto unused winch on Mike C.’s Jeep, the errant vehicle was back on all fours in no time.

4:08 PM

Unfortunately, Mike’s Jeep wouldn’t start after the rescue operation, but CJ found a surprising solution to that problem and we were on our way again.

The remainder of the trip down the trail was uneventful, after which we heading back into town to clean up and go out to dinner.

Overall this run was a fantastic experience. My Jeep handled the run with aplomb (thanks, in part, to slightly larger tires and 2″ lift prior to this trip.) I learned the the most improbable-appearing path through a given obstacle is usually the right path. Although I did a fair amount of scraping on the way up the trail to Blue Lakes, I found myself passing through threatening stretches of rocks with nary a scrape on the return trip. Which means either I learned something, or the trail is easier going back down. And the mini rescue clinic Gary S. unexpectedly scheduled for us during the return trip made the run that much more memorable.

Gary F.

Posted in Deer Valley/Blue Lakes |

October 16th, 17th & 18th

Attendees:
Carlos & the kids/Cherokee
CJ/CJ7
GaryF & D/JK
GaryS, Marleene & Molly/TJ
MikeC, Herb/JK
Myself/CJ7

Friday 16th - What beautiful weather for a trip! I left Fremont Friday morning heading for the hills. I stopped at the Pro Bass Shop off in Manteca for fun. When I got back to my Jeep it wouldn’t start. It sounded strong trying to turn over but just wouldn’t catch. Thanks to the detailed email CJ had sent out just before the weekend I knew roughly what time he might be passing through the area. It contained the contact info I needed too. Guess I’ll be keeping that Data Plan for my cell phone!

CJ was like a dog on a bone. He would not give up on my Jeep. And it was hot in Manteca. I decided on the last parts run that if that didn’t fix it I would hand the Jeep over to the towing service and take CJ up on his offer that I hop a ride with him up to Dorrington. Amazing! It was the last part that fixed it. The magnetic pickup in the distributor, a brand new part, less than a week old. CJ I can’t thank you enough for rescuing me! You are awesome!

It was because of me that CJ didn’t make it up to Arnold in time to organize the Friday afternoon Pine Needle Flat Trail. My apologies to all.

I stopped at the grocery store & sandwich shop in Arnold to pick up food items for the Saturday run. Then checked into my chalet at the Dorrington Inn.

Saturday 17th – At 7:00am we met up in the Dorrington Hotel parking lot. I was hesitant to take my Jeep on the run for a few reasons. I have no idea why a brand new magnetic pickup would fail, I didn’t have
another one and I would have been the only vehicle without lockers. CJ offered that I could ride shotgun for him and I did. We left on time.

I see why they call the entrance “The Gate Keeper”. After airing down, we all walked up it and CJ pointed out the best line. He spotted everyone up. Mike C wanted to test his skills & vehicle on a different line and CJ spotted him through it. That JK is so dialed in it looked like he was floating over those big boulders.

The pace was nice and I got the added attraction of watching our progress on CJ’s laptop with Topo software. Pretty nice set up! I even got to enter a few Way Points to mark where the fallen trees were across the trail.

This was my first time riding through a water crossing that came up over the hubs. Right full rudder! Five degree down bubble! Dive! Dive! Dive! [I think I’ve seen too many submarine movies. But I could have sworn I heard the soundtrack to “The Hunt for Red October”.]

We stopped when spotting was necessary, at different areas to enjoy the scenery, discuss obstacles just tackled and where to have lunch. I think we reached Blue Lake around 12:10. Found a nice area with a picnic table in the shade and ample seating size rocks in the sun. A little something for everyone.

After lunch Carlos & the kids took the highway back to the RV park. The rest of the group returned via the trail. It was interesting how different the trail looked and felt going in the opposite direction. Some areas seemed easier and others more difficult.

We had a little excitement near the end when the rear driver side tire of GaryS’s TJ slide off a rock and he wound up in an off camber position. It was a perfect time for Mike C to try out his winch! We all got to see it in use. Well, maybe not Marlene, as she was sitting calmly in the passenger seat holding onto Molly [the lab] who was laying partially between the driver & passenger seat. Great job everyone!

After passing through The Gate Keeper everyone hopped out and began the duties of airing up and organizing items in the vehicles. We discussed dinner and decided on the Snowshoe Brewery.

It was a real treat for me to be riding with CJ. I had my own personal tour guide. His knowledge of the local history, sprinkled with stories of times spent at the family cabin, were wonderful.

Dinner time: Despite the restaurant being busy, we were lucky enough to be able to sit together for dinner, recapping the events of the day. I couldn’t believe it, but GaryF had already downloaded his photos onto his laptop and brought it in to show a few shots of when GaryS was in his off camber situation.

The conversation turned towards Sunday’s run. Slickrock was the plan. After the meeting time and place was determined, everyone headed off to their various abodes for a night of restful slumber.

Sunday 18th – I had planned on sleeping in and then heading home. I awoke in time to check out, drive over and wish the others a good day. Loro was there with Sierra & Alpine. I’m glad she made it as she was looking forward to the Slickrock run and missed the Deer Valley one.

My thanks to all for making it a fun event, and especially to CJ for hosting it and for rescuing me in Manteca! I’ll say it again You’re Awesome!

Sincerely,
Connie
1980 Green CJ7

Posted in Deer Valley/Blue Lakes, Slick Rock |

4 Wheel Parts Meet n’ Greet. Oct. 10, 2009

Thanks to all who made it out to 4 Wheel Parts on short notice. We had 7 members/prospective members in attendance. Those that made it out were, Loro, Connie, Gary S., C.J., Jim O., John R. & family, and myself.

Dusy and I arrived at 10:00 am. We were greeted by Loro, Sierra, and Alpine. We arrived with the parking lot full of rigs and several participates socializing in the parking lot. It is always a pleasure spending time talking to others about ED4 and our hobby.

Four Wheel parts provided lunch for us with one of their great taco feeds. Soon it was time for the raffle. Several ED4 members came away with prizes. The Ruiz’ family won a tow strap, and several of us won t-shirts. In some cases (Loro and Connie) won two t-shirts each. As promised, Carlos, had a drawing just for ED4 members. The prize was a $100 gift card. Congratulations to Jim O’Leary who won it.

Thanks again to all who made it out to the 4 Wheel Parts Meet n’ Greet.

Posted in Meet'n Greet |

Does anyone need a couple of pounds of clean beach sand? Just come vacuum out my Jeep!

This run almost died due to member attrition, but Lupe, her father Frank and I met up at her house about 1pm on Friday and headed south on 101 - into a massive back up due to a grass fire. It delayed us about an hour, and took it’s toll on the clutches driving stop and go up a hill in hot weather. But we had smooth sailing once past the fire, and still arrived in time for a fab sunset. We opted for dinner in town at Splash Cafe, and had some really good clam chowder an salads. Back to the sand for a campfire, and it got cold and very very damp. It was raining inside my tent.

Saturday started out overcast, but we got breakfast put away as CJ showed up with his friend (oops, should have written down his name:- { Out into the dunes with sand 101. Up dune, down dunes, and airing down. Soon we were playing follow the leader out into the deep dunes. About 10am, the wind picked up, and by 11am the overcast just started to clear when we headed back for lunch. The sand was flying and the wind was howling. My tent was full of sand, blow in under the rain fly and through the mesh! Since Lupe was still having problems with her Jeep slowing down going up some of the dune climbs, Lupe & CJ got out the owner’s manual and figured out how to turn off the traction control! Really? Traction control?? After securing the tents and covering everything we could it was back out.

More dunes, and then we spotted a limping pick up way out in the dunes. Tire off the rim. I radioed to CJ to ask if we should render aid? And he headed straight over! So, Lupe was treated to a demonstration of how to remount a tire. It took about 20 minutes, and we were back on our way, the driver having offered the usual beer bonus and the praise “You Jeep people are the best!” CJ picked up a great flag out in the dunes.

The wind was still howling, so we headed back to camp to see if the tents were still there (mostly) had a quick snack (Lupe has pictures of us huddled in the wind shadow of the Jeep) and took a quick walk around looking at the toys. Then a couple more hours lost in the sand until the sun started sinking. We went back to camp, cleaned up a bit, and then headed uptown to McKlintocks. CJ’s compressor and tank filled Lupe’s tires up to 20# in nothing flat while we watched another great sunset. The up through town.

We put our name in and were were told “45 minutes”. We spent about 30 minutes in the rest rooms de-sanding as best as possible (by now, I had sand in my shoes, sand in my hair, sand in my ears…) and got back to the lobby only to find it was going to be another 45 minutes. CJ’s local expert suggested Mo’s BBQ back in town, and we headed back. No wait, great Q, garlic fries, Tri-tip and home made potato chips. After deciding not to pay $2 for a nacho cheese flavored cricket, we stopped for frozen yogurt with an impressive array of toppings and sat in the nice warm store until they closed. Then split up and headed back to the beach. After another campfire that Frank miraculously lit in the windstorm, we went to bed. At least it was dry.

Sunday AM: We got about an hour of perfect Pismo weather: mostly clear skies, a gentle breeze and warm sun. So we started to pack with the idea that we might get a some time on the dunes in the nice weather. No such luck - the gale force wind came back and made packing unpleasant. Since it was 11 when we finished packing we decided to head home. We almost didn’t get off the beach with the trailer and aired up tires, but made it back to pavement. It was noon by the time we got gassed up and aired up, so we took to the highway, met up with CJ in SLO and caravanned home. The drive was uneventful except for the headwind, and occasional sideways gusts making driving straight a challenge.

I have to say, Lupe’s Jeep is VERY comfortable. The seats are very cushy, soft and supportive.

By the way, I still have sand in my ears!
Thanks for a great run,
Ellen

Posted in Uncategorized |

Trip Report: Lloyd Ohelo,

For my first club event it took me about three days prep, to gather equipment around the house that I might need, an to mount my high jack. left on friday about 12 noon an arrived at area 5 about 2pm, found a cool spot an settled in. As I was getting ready to unload a jeep pulled up and I introduced myself to Ralph an we talked for about an hour discussing the clinic. He drove in from North Bay for his first event, so we had something in common.

John pulled in sometime about 6 something, an we talked about Saturday’s events. Then a Bulldog pulled up an introduced herself ” Soffie ” and Mike at the end of a leash followed by a motorized “Kooler” speeding up to a screaching halt, ( guess what the thing has brakes ), guess who was sitting on it! Anyway to make a long story short I got my “first wine tasting invite”, You can bring a bottle of wine they said, or bring 5 dollars “Bar is open”. So I guess I owe somebody 5 dollars.

We gathered around the fire, Met Rich the fire god!, Wife Kathy or Cathy, an Cathy or Kathy and Darell an a few other people all tasting the wine so I followed suit. Bedtime was around 10pm.

Wakeup time was 7:30 am for me. Had a great time last night, sure wish I could have slept in but I was ready for vehicle inspection at 8:15am, inspector gave me 20 lbs on all four an Mike shuttled me off to class. In class I learned about the latest in 4wd safety rules, etc.

After class they shuttled us back to camp an we formed 4 groups of about 5-6 vehicles with colored flags, I drew “blue” an Ellen was our leader on the field, She proved to be an excellent leader and teacher too! lots of patients! I enjoyed the day, my favorite’s were the staircase and the revine where the last course I got my Ist Boo-Boo, a bent tailpipe fiberglass flare. We were the last group to come in at about 6pm.

Boy was I hungry, the chefs made us an excellent dinner, meat, beans, bread etc!, cake an ice cream, we settled down to some vidio’s and saw everyone participating, after that it was back to the fire an wine tasting.

After goodbuys for some on Saturday night after dinner, and Sunday, I left camp around 10am, stopped for lunch in Scotts Valley and got home at exactley 12 noon. Tahnks for a great time edfour. See you all soon!

Lloyd

Posted in Hollister Hills, Safety Clinic |