Official NCLR Oregon Discovery Trail '08 Thread

[Dbregman]

The trip is well into the planning stage. A link to detailed information and the sign-up sheet is here:

http://nclrclub.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=120&Itemid=111

A link to the overview map is here:


We are going to limit the trip to 12 trucks, so sign-up early. Please use this thread for addtional planning discussions.

Here is a list of the current participants:
David - dbregman - me
Gary - PCRover - co-leader
Brian - HMBRover
Leigh - SFDiscoII
Carlos - N2RVRS
Steve - stevenmd
Ben - RBBailey - from Oregon
Rohan - LandRoverRo- from Oregon
Tim - LCPDX - from Oregon
Dave - superpowerdave - guest
Gem - gmookher - Guest
Calvin - Guest of Carlos
Enrique - Disco Chef

[Dbregman]

Brian reminded me of a good point to mention from last year - there were many tight spots and a fair ammout of brush rubbing against the truck causing pin-striping.

We are a very different route this year, but it may be the same.

[PCRover]

Will you be distributing clear protective side and door coating for all of us?

[stevenmd]

Signed up!:)

[astateofmike]

Will you be distributing clear protective side and door coating for all of us?

Time to buy the mini chainsaws it seems...

I'd recommend putting David in front and letting his little girl scream "Go Fast" at her daddy..that should solve some of these issues.

[stevenmd]

David, after perusing the details of the trip, I must say I am more than impressed with the amount of work that you have put into this. Very cool.:cool:

[Dbregman]

Thanks - is has been fun.

[Dbregman]

One more comment for everyone - the miles listed on the trip sheet are actual trail miles.

[RBBailey]

Sweet! More of my pictures on the Web!

[stevenmd]

I am bringing my wife and daughter on this trip. Anyone else bringing their SO/family?

[RON CT110]

Oh yeah, I got my share of pin-striping last year! All good; all good! My CT110 is proud to wear these pins - what a great trip last year and look forward to this year (see if I can swing the time off)!

Great work David thus far!

Edit: I will probably not be able to make this trip; there is a Search and Rescue (SAR) navigational training (required) on June 1 unless I can do a make up class. Will find out more.


Brian reminded me of a good point to mention from last year - there were many tight spots and a fair ammout of brush rubbing against the truck causing pin-striping.

We are a very different route this year, but it may be the same.

[Dbregman]

I am bringing my wife and 4 1/2 year old daughter.

[Dbregman]

Edit: I will probably not be able to make this trip; there is a Search and Rescue (SAR) navigational training (required) on June 1 unless I can do a make up class. Will find out more.

I hope you can make it Ron - I will be missing a class as part of my SAR (Alamedia County) training, but am able to make it up. And yes, your joining convinced me to look into it. :)

[RON CT110]

Yippie! Let me know if you need a reference for SAR; certainly can put the good word in for you! I will simply say David + LR3 + winch = have not fear even if your D1's is dead as a door nail and ECU soaked in water! :D

This is great - you being in SAR; I can see a joint county SAR effort; Land Rovers in effect!

I will push for a make-up and will know soon.

I have a client call in Oregon to tag along w/this trip (makes it cost effective for me (gasoline cost wise)).

And certainly not just the gasoline savings, wouldn't mind going again on the Oregon Trail this year; had a blast last year!


I hope you can make it Ron - I will be missing a class as part of my SAR (Alamedia County) training, but am able to make it up. And yes, your joining convinced me to look into it. :)

[Dbregman]

Question for all those attending or planning on it:

I am in the process of applying for the Alameda County Search and Rescue. As part of that process there is a fairly rigourous training class. One of my classes is May 29th. I was wondering what people thought of moving the dates by a day, so it would be travel to Oregon on May 30th and the trail on the 31st, June 1 - 3 return on the 4th.

Thoughts?

[PCRover]

Doesn't matter to me.

We would need to change this asap and you would need to personally verify the change information was received by all that are signed up.

[stevenmd]

works for me, i'd have to take an extra day off anyways. let me know asap so my wife can reschedule her clients.

[Dbregman]

So it seems okay - I will check with Brian and make it official.

[Dbregman]

I have check with everyone who has signed-up for the trip and the new dates work.

Gary can you please push the dates by a day on the trip sheet?

[PCRover]

Done! Someone please proof read it to make sure I changed all the dates in the text.

[Dbregman]

The detailed trip info had the correct dates, but the wrong days. I.E. Thrusday the 30th. I realized that I could edit the page and have fixed it.

We now have 6 NCLR trucks and 2 Oregon Rover trucks for a total of 8 - this is shaping up to be a really great trip!

[stevenmd]

Does anyone have an offroad trailer similar to an http://www.adventuretrailers.com/ that they would be willing to rent out for this trip? I would rather keep a low COG and put stuff in a trailer in lieu of loading up the roof rack.

[stevenmd]

How come it says I don't have permission to access "Attachment 136" anymore? I was going to check out the trail map...

[Dbregman]

It worked for me.

[PCRover]

What link are you referencing Steven?

FYI I have pulled a trailer and it is WAY over-rated IMO. In reality it is a real pain in the butt when on the trail, lots of issues people just gloss over in there hard sell on trailers. Of course it is very nice once you get to camp.

I would just fill the roof rack and be done with it.

[stevenmd]

What link are you referencing Steven?

FYI I have pulled a trailer and it is WAY over-rated IMO. In reality it is a real pain in the butt when on the trail, lots of issues people just gloss over in there hard sell on trailers. Of course it is very nice once you get to camp.

I would just fill the roof rack and be done with it.

I am referring to the link "Attachment 136" in David's first post. No worries though, I had saved it when it first was posted and found it on my laptop.

As for the trailer, I will take your word for it. Right now I have a full length Yakima rack and can't stand it. I'm really looking forward to what this Roxtar guy can fab up. So far I like his bumpers.:cool:

[PCRover]

What is it about the Yakima that you dislike?

[Dbregman]

Steven,

I am selling my old roof rack complete with wired PIAA lights if you are interested. It measures about 6x4 and is solid.

[stevenmd]

Steven,

I am selling my old roof rack complete with wired PIAA lights if you are interested. It measures about 6x4 and is solid.

Brand? Fit a RRC LWB? Sides or no sides? How high up does it sit?:D

[stevenmd]

What is it about the Yakima that you dislike?

I prefer a rack with no sides - ala hannibal. Also, the Yakima seems to sit quite high. It does the job and if I replace it, it will be once other mods are completed... unless I like David's rack. Hey, wait a minute... that doesn't sound too good...:p

[superpowerdave]

Steven can attest, I've been bugging him about this trip since last summer when I first read about it while deployed. This'll be my first 'West Coast' ride, and a chance to met some of you guys I've been talking with/reading about for years.

I can't express how anxious I am to jump on the trail. Shawna is sad she won't be able to make it, but is excited that we'll finally get to put faces with guys we've been talking with online for some time, guys we've bought parts from, and folks who supported us as strangers during a difficult deployment.

[PCRover]

Good to see you posting here Dave and I am looking forward to meeting you on this trip. We can take lots of pictures to that you can show Shawna and she can enjoy the trip with you when you return. Hopefully there will be more trips that she can attend so we can all meet Shawna and her Rover(s).

[LCPDX]

Have room for 1 more rig? Can bring the XD this year!

Tim in Portland....




The trip is well into the planning stage. A link to detailed information and the sign-up sheet is here:

http://nclrclub.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=120&Itemid=111

A link to the overview map is here:


We are going to limit the trip to 12 trucks, so sign-up early. Please use this thread for addtional planning discussions.

[Dbregman]

Have room for 1 more rig? Can bring the XD this year!

Tim in Portland....

Won't be a problem. Let me know if you are confirmed, so I can update the total number of rigs.

[stevenmd]

Just out of curiosity... what time us everyone leaving on Friday morning to make it up to Glass Buttes? I estimate it to be a 10 hour drive.:eek:

[RBBailey]

Have room for 1 more rig? Can bring the XD this year!

Tim in Portland....

Sweet!

I'm very out of it right now, but after next week I will start paying more attention and getting things ready for the trip -- I really wasn't ready lat year -- Ron was very patient with me.

[RBBailey]

Does anyone have an offroad trailer similar to an http://www.adventuretrailers.com/ that they would be willing to rent out for this trip? I would rather keep a low COG and put stuff in a trailer in lieu of loading up the roof rack.

Steven --

I took mine last year. For the types of trails we did, and probably will be doing, the trailer is fine, but it can be annoying. I was much slower on the trail than I normally would have been. However, on the second day, I threw a few more things into the trailer and aired the tires way down and it was much better. This year I plan on putting even more weight back there and airing down to about 10-12 lbs. Unless you actually need to fill the thing because your truck is over packed, I would think that renting one would not be worth the hassle -- owning one is worth it if you go out for more than a few days at a time.

[stevenmd]

Steven --

I took mine last year. For the types of trails we did, and probably will be doing, the trailer is fine, but it can be annoying. I was much slower on the trail than I normally would have been. However, on the second day, I threw a few more things into the trailer and aired the tires way down and it was much better. This year I plan on putting even more weight back there and airing down to about 10-12 lbs. Unless you actually need to fill the thing because your truck is over packed, I would think that renting one would not be worth the hassle -- owning one is worth it if you go out for more than a few days at a time.

I thought briefly about bringing one b/c I thought my kids would be out of school by then... and heaven forbid if they find out I went without them! But they are still in school so they will not be with me - if they were, I would undoubtedly need a trailer.

[LandRoverRo]

What's wrong with a tent? Nothing like sleeping on the ground with the bugs, snakes and spiders and listening to the coyotes plotting to slit the super-thin nylon and steel away with your worldly possessions...:eek: suddenly a trailer sounds quite nice.

Seriously though, I did the beginning portion of this trail 2 years ago and camping out in the desert and hearing coyotes yipping to each other in the wee hours of the morning was very cool.

I'm looking forward to meeting you all and seeing a few familiar faces again. Hope you like the smell of fish and chips...perhaps I'll spend most of my time at the back of the pack.:D

Rohan.

[Dbregman]

Just out of curiosity... what time us everyone leaving on Friday morning to make it up to Glass Buttes? I estimate it to be a 10 hour drive.:eek:

I am going to try and leave the Bay Area by 7am. That should put me at camp no later then 6pm even if I need to make a lot of stops.

[stevenmd]

I am going to try and leave the Bay Area by 7am. That should put me at camp no later then 6pm even if I need to make a lot of stops.

We will most likely leave before then b/c Brooklyn is usually up by 5:00am anyways. With us driving the rangie, you should probably overtake us in Oregon at some point or we arrive at camp at the same time.:p

[superpowerdave]

I'm looking forward to meeting you all and seeing a few familiar faces again. Hope you like the smell of fish and chips...perhaps I'll spend most of my time at the back of the pack.:D

Rohan.

Rohan-

I spent two years in England so I can appreciate the aroma so I'll hang out in the back if no one else will have ya!

I plan on leaving Mountain Home, Idaho early afternoon on Thursday which puts me at start coordinates before 1800L that evening. I guess that will leave me some downtime before the NorCal guys start showing up. Any recommendations for camping spots or things to do and see while I'm biding my time? Any PNW guys showing up early?

Haven't been to Bend since I drove through on my way to Alaska years back so maybe I'll run up there and tool around a bit? Suggestions are welcome!

And one more thing, as far as the final date at Lily Lake campground - are people packing up from there and rolling out that night or are folks going to camp that evening? I'll be on leave and hope to hang out some that night, just wondering if that was the plan or if I'll be camping alone :)

[Dbregman]

Dave - a couple of things - the start date is now Saturday 5/31. We will be camping Friday night 5/30 about 19 miles from the start at Glass Butte:
N43° 33' 40.10" W120° 04' 2.28"

I think we will be arriving around 1700 Friday.

Most of us are planning on camping at Lilly lake on the last night (now Tuesday 6/3) and driving home on Wednesday.

[superpowerdave]

Okay Dave, copy on the dates and times.

My departure time may slip to Friday morning or, if there are going to be some PNW folks heading up early, I might still head up Thursday and hang out. While my club here in town is great, they're all Jeep and Land Cruiser guys and just don't understand the pain we Rover owners go through so it'll be a welcome relief to be in familiar company :)

[LCPDX]

Please use this as my official confirmation. I will be traveling from Portland in the XD. I anticipate to meet up with some of the good folks from NCLR & Bend on this trip and look forward to seeing familiar faces!

For what its worth, I have been fortunate enough to have been part of my clubs' (PCRC) Glass Buttes trip on 2 very different trips. 1st one was with 18 rigs in early Oct. 2nd one was with 3 rigs in early November. There are some incredible geological finds in this area and would like to share my knowledge with you all but do not want to take up your bandwith unless approved. The trip with 18 rigs included a film crew who produced a video that made its way on cable tv channel called Americas Outdoor Journal. I have this show on DVD and would be pleased to make it available to the NCLRclub if you like. The video is shot at the Glass Buttes area and includes additional video from the Lost Forest, Sand Dunes and Green Mountain area. The entire video is professionally produced and family friendly with lots of different Rovers (and a sweet FJ40!)

Here are 2 links of the 2005 PCRC Glass Buttes run:

http://pcrc.net/gb2005.php
http://www.pbase.com/troutrover/glass_butte_2005

Tim Goldsmith
Portland Oregon
1997 Discovery XD
1984 Italian Spec. Range Rover
1978 FJ40
1979 FJ40
1967 FJ45






Won't be a problem. Let me know if you are confirmed, so I can update the total number of rigs.

[stevenmd]

Nice pics Tim! Thanks for sharing, makes me even more anxious to get going!

[LandRoverRo]

While we're posting pics of the area:

Taken on the trip with Tim and the PCRC 2 years ago.

Hope this whets your appetite some. I was intending to head out there this weekend with Todd, but his Rover is still in the shop.

Rohan.

[stevenmd]

Anybody taking their dog along? I don't want to leave Missy home alone for that many days.

[LandRoverRo]

Anybody taking their dog along? I don't want to leave Missy home alone for that many days.I'd consider bringing mine but she doesn't like bouncing around in the Series. if you do bring your dog, it might be worth buying some booties for the first day at Glass Buttes due to the obsidian. It would be pretty nasty having a bleeding pad while out in the desert.
Just a suggestion.

Rohan.

[gmookher]

Looks like i'll be joing you all for this trip, driving down from seattle...with dog(s) and girlfriend...

[stevenmd]

Looks like i'll be joing you all for this trip, driving down from seattle...with dog(s) and girlfriend...

Cool! Suzi will be glad there is another woman coming.

[RBBailey]

Does the link to the trip info show the current version dates, times, places for when this is all going down?

BTW, I was just in Central Oregon over the weekend, lots of snow. Probably not as much where we are going, but chances are there could still be snow in the higher alts, and I'm hoping there will be some wet dirt, not dust, and lots of blooming flora.

[RBBailey]

I can't get the download of the map for some reason, won't let me.

Could someone send it to me?

[Dbregman]

Does the link to the trip info show the current version dates, times, places for when this is all going down?

BTW, I was just in Central Oregon over the weekend, lots of snow. Probably not as much where we are going, but chances are there could still be snow in the higher alts, and I'm hoping there will be some wet dirt, not dust, and lots of blooming flora.

Yes - the dates are Sat the 31st through Tuesday the 3rd (on trail).

[Dbregman]

Cool! Suzi will be glad there is another woman coming.

My wife is thinking of coming depending on work.

[Dbregman]

I can't get the download of the map for some reason, won't let me.

Could someone send it to me?

PM me your email and I will sent it to you and add you to the email list.

[Dbregman]

I have updated the list of those registered - if you so not see you name here and are wanting / planning on attending please PM me and include your email address. If you see you name here and are not going to attend, please do the same.

Also if you have note received an email with trip information from me and are on the list, please PM me your email address.

David - dbregman - me
Gary - PCRover - co-leader
Brian - HMBRover
Leigh - SFDiscoII
Carlos - N2RVRS
Steve - stevenmd
Ben - RBBailey - from Oregon
Rohan - LandRoverRo- from Oregon
Tim - LCPDX - from Oregon
Dave - superpowerdave - guest
Gem - gmookher - Guest

[PCRover]

Looks like a great group!

[HMBRover]

My wife is planning to come with me "if other women are going." :D

[RBBailey]

Yes - the dates are Sat the 31st through Tuesday the 3rd (on trail).

As in, you plan to be at Glass Buttes camping Friday night, starting on the trail Saturday morning right?

I'm thinking I might try to get the day off, spend all day driving to get there on Friday evening. I have a few places I want to stop for photos on the way down, and if our timing is right Ro and I might caravan from Bend.

Gem, glad to hear I will finally meet you, seen you around DWeb and NWOLS for a while now.

bhcmbailey at comcast dott knett

[stevenmd]

My wife is planning to come with me "if other women are going." :D

Cool, Suzi will be glad to hear that as well.:)

[RBBailey]

Looking at the map, I'm wondering how close to reality are the Lat/Long positions you give for the daily start/stop positions? I'm trying to figure out where I will need to bail to get back to work on Monday.

[RBBailey]

Some Links for interest:

http://www.duneguide.com/sand_dune_guide_christmas_valley.htm
http://www.outbackscenicbyway31.org/map2.php
http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/centraloregon/recreation/rockhounding/where-glass.shtml

[stevenmd]

Heads up guys, certain parts of Oregon got 300+% of normal snowfall this year. I think it might be safe to say we can expect to hit some snow on this trip. Do any of you Oregon guys think we'll hit any impassable snow banks? If so, looking at the maps of the area, we should be able to find alternate routes around any impassable parts.

[LandRoverRo]

Heads up guys, certain parts of Oregon got 300+% of normal snowfall this year. I think it might be safe to say we can expect to hit some snow on this trip. Do any of you Oregon guys think we'll hit any impassable snow banks? If so, looking at the maps of the area, we should be able to find alternate routes around any impassable parts.Yes, we have had a huge amount of snow. The skiing has been, and continues to be, excellent. There will almost certainly be snow in the higher altitudes and might prove to be impassable and require detours. However, the weather up here is rediculously unpredictable and we could get some crazy thaws which will clear a path for us. For example, it's ~40 deg today with an inch of new snow on the ground this morning, but by Saturday, it's forecast to be over 70 deg and sunny. Go figure.
Whatever happens, it'll be a blast.

[stevenmd]

Whatever happens, it'll be a blast.

Now that's the landie attitude I love! The fact that we could be facing obstacles makes it even more exciting to me. I am driving Suzi crazy b/c all I talk about is this trip... meal prep, clothes to bring, etc.:p

[RBBailey]

I'm looking forward to it being wet on the ground -- less dust than last time, eh?

I'm also looking forward to the wild flowers and new growth on the sage to be in full bloom -- if our timing is right.

I'm also actually planning ahead this year, I will have my truck all ready -- as long as it doesn't break down.

Snow? Here you go -- SNOW (http://www.weatherstreet.com/local_forecast_files/oregon-snow-cover.htm) coverage reports.

[stevenmd]

I am bringing a spare fuel pump - should fit all RRC's and DI's.

[RON CT110]

Sounds like another Shaver Lake Snow Fest... Sign me up! :D


Yes, we have had a huge amount of snow. The skiing has been, and continues to be, excellent. There will almost certainly be snow in the higher altitudes and might prove to be impassable and require detours. However, the weather up here is rediculously unpredictable and we could get some crazy thaws which will clear a path for us. For example, it's ~40 deg today with an inch of new snow on the ground this morning, but by Saturday, it's forecast to be over 70 deg and sunny. Go figure.
Whatever happens, it'll be a blast.

[superpowerdave]

I have been forcing myself not to watch this thread because I am so excited about it!

I'm still trying to get RoverJoe (buddy of my from back east) to fly out and make the trip but we'll see. Shawna is still angered she's not going to make it but we're making up for that with a trip to Sitka, Alaska for her to visit family so the score will be settled :)

[Desertcrawler]

this trip looks awesome. How much room is left... I am getting tempted...

[PCRover]

Looks like there is one spot left Chuck, it just waiting for you!

[RBBailey]

The area we are camping on Friday night has some of the rarest obsidian on earth. It is the only place on earth known to have a certain type of rainbow fire obsidian.

Crack in the ground is a rare spot too, the lava channels and cracks in the face of large lava flows are almost always covered over with time -- crack in the ground is something like 2 miles long and it is one of the only ones on the face of the earth that has not collapsed or been filled in.

The lava field it comes out of has 4 very fine shaped cinder cones, and as you will see, the lava flows here appear to simply flow across the ground, then stop at one point and freeze in time.

The basin where Summer Lake and the other bodies of water are, is one of the few places in Oregon where water gets trapped -- there is no way out on all sides, so it is slowly becoming a dry lake bed. Our route will be taking us over sand dunes (where a Cold War Era Over the Horizon Radar Array is hidden) past alkali flats, through farm lands, dry lake beds, extinct volcanos, desert, snow, cliffs, and endless tumbleweeds and sage brush.

Yes, it is really in the middle of nowhere, but it should be a lot of fun. Oh, and there are also petroglyphs in at least one or two spots along the way. And some of the oldest known native American artifacts have been found in caves in this area -- the latest find was a 7000 year old pile of human... uh... waste.:p

[RBBailey]

Did I mention the ghost towns and ice caves?

Fort Rock or Hole in the Ground? Big Hole in the Ground?

Some of those are out of the way to the North.

[DiscoChef]

this trip looks awesome. How much room is left... I am getting tempted...

Maaan, indeed this trip is sounding awesome... C'mon Mr. Bregman, make room for Chuck and me!
I need to consult the boss first though.

[astateofmike]

Who's going to run Mexxi's while you and Carlos are both away? Maybe scout some Oregon Locations...

[RBBailey]

Well, you do have to dig for the good obsidian!

And it could be really, really dusty.

There is a reason there are ghost towns after all.

No contact with other humans is likely.




...oh well, I tried. Now it sounds even better now doesn't it?

[Desertcrawler]

too much wheeling ... Mojave, RR8, Hollister already this year... away from wife and kids......

This trip sounds awesome....

[ROVRMAN2]

Tell SO that u need to hand deliver the $$ u owe me and since RB is 1/2 way to OR why not continue?...:D

[Desertcrawler]

Tell SO that u need to hand deliver the $$ u owe me and since RB is 1/2 way to OR why not continue?...:D

:rolleyes: hmmm... might just work...

[stevenmd]

David - what route are you planning on taking to get to Glass Buttes? Suzi has taken Thursday May 29th off. We are toying with the idea of leaving that afternoon and staying somewhere near the border. Just taking our time to get there. Not sure yet. If we can find some cool things to see on the way, maybe...:)

[superpowerdave]

Hey guys I'm still planning on heading into town Thursday early evening. Shawna and the baby will be in Alaska so I'll be itching to get out of town so rolling into Oregon early is the plan for now.

Anybody else planning on camping Thursday night?

[LandRoverRo]

Hey guys I'm still planning on heading into town Thursday early evening. Shawna and the baby will be in Alaska so I'll be itching to get out of town so rolling into Oregon early is the plan for now.

Anybody else planning on camping Thursday night?Are you planning on coming into town (Bend) on Thursday or Friday? I'd be happy to meet up with you for a bite to eat and beer Thursday evening, or Friday lunch time. I'll be heading out to Glass Buttes Friday late afternoon but it'll be a slow drive.
Rohan

[superpowerdave]

Rohan, guess it all depends on how far Bend is from Glass Campground? If it's not much farther a drive for me I'd be up for anything. Pretty sure my wife and child will be in Alaska by this time for some much needed R&R so I'll be itching to get out of the house and figured if there was something for me to get into early I'd head out. I would be completely up for meeting up in Bend for a beer and a bite so long as there is a campground nearby I can stretch a tent out on :)

[Dbregman]

Bend is about 90 miles North West of the pre-night camp site on Hwy 20.

[Jantiz]

I really, really hate having to miss this one. Have been following the posts hoping some miracle would happen, but it isn't. I have to fly to Florida for my daughter's graduation. Talking with Carlos last night sounds like it's gonna be so much fun. At any rate, I'll try to have my schedulle ready for next year's trip!

[stevenmd]

Wat would the best route to Glass Buttes be for those of us coming from Kalifornia? Suzi and I might leave Thursday afternoon for some additional site seeing on the way up. Anything worthy of a gander on your recommended route?

[DiscoChef]

I am happy to announce that my 2 1/2 daughter, 10 y/o son and I will be attending this trip.

[stevenmd]

Wat would the best route to Glass Buttes be for those of us coming from Kalifornia? Suzi and I might leave Thursday afternoon for some additional site seeing on the way up. Anything worthy of a gander on your recommended route?

We will be taking the I5N to the 299N out of Redding to Alturas. From there we will take the 395N to Riley, OR, then the 20W to the Glass Buttes area. A few questions:
1 - How do I get to Glass Buttes from the 20?
and
2 - Are there any "must see" attractions/historical sites, etc., along the route I am taking?

Thanks!

[ROVRMAN2]

We will be taking the I5N to the 299N out of Redding to Alturas. From there we will take the 395N to Riley, OR, then the 20W to the Glass Buttes area. A few questions:

2 - Are there any "must see" attractions/historical sites, etc., along the route I am taking?

Thanks!

u could stop in RB("attraction"?) & visit me("historical site"?) :)

Main St Pharmacy
222 S. Main St.
530-529-3103

[stevenmd]

u could stop in RB("attraction"?) & visit me("historical site"?) :)

Main St Pharmacy
222 S. Main St.
530-529-3103

What time do you close Rupert? One of the reasons why we are thinking of heading out on Thursday instead of Friday is that I will be so excited to get going that I probably won't sleep Thursday night and then I'll be tired driving on Friday and this a run-on sentence... so why not leave Thursday?:)

[Dbregman]

We will be taking the I5N to the 299N out of Redding to Alturas. From there we will take the 395N to Riley, OR, then the 20W to the Glass Buttes area. A few questions:
1 - How do I get to Glass Buttes from the 20?
and
2 - Are there any "must see" attractions/historical sites, etc., along the route I am taking?

Thanks!

Here is a map from route 20 (about 30 miles West of Bend) to the Glass Buttes camp ground. Is is in PDF format. I can send you more detailed directions if you want. Let me know if you have trouble reading it.

[ROVRMAN2]

What time do you close Rupert? One of the reasons why we are thinking of heading out on Thursday instead of Friday is that I will be so excited to get going that I probably won't sleep Thursday night and then I'll be tired driving on Friday and this a run-on sentence... so why not leave Thursday?:)

M-F 9:30A to 5:30P

While on 299, POIs: Burney Falls SP; if its late try PGE campground on N side of Lk Britton..much nicer than SP; in Alturas, Brass Rail restaurant (Basque style food)... other pois, but that's for another trip...

[stevenmd]

Here is a map from route 20 (about 30 miles West of Bend) to the Glass Buttes camp ground. Is is in PDF format. I can send you more detailed directions if you want. Let me know if you have trouble reading it.


David - are there signs for the turn off on 20? I'm not too good at reading GPS, etc. (maybe I should take a course!:)) Perhaps I will meet up with some of the Bend folk Friday morning...:p

Looking at my Rand McNally map, do you think it will be faster to take I5N to 97N through Bend to get to Glass Buttes or the way I originally planned?

[ROVRMAN2]

Faster via 97.
Shorter via 299.
Ditch the James Kim (aka Rand McNally) map of the lost. Get real topos or maps.
SAR in OR has bad rap of poor coordination since that incident.

[LandRoverRo]

David - are there signs for the turn off on 20? I'm not too good at reading GPS, etc. (maybe I should take a course!:)) Perhaps I will meet up with some of the Bend folk Friday morning...:p

Looking at my Rand McNally map, do you think it will be faster to take I5N to 97N through Bend to get to Glass Buttes or the way I originally planned?
I will be heading out to Glass Buttes on Friday afternoon after I my son (8)finishes school (3.30). I'd be happy to convoy out there with anyone that afternoon. Tim and Ben, when are you coming through town?

Conditions Report:
Christmas Valley - no snow, soft sand.
East of Bend (not as far as Glass Buttes) - lots and lots of dust already. Bring a spare air filter.

So, hope for lots of rain the week leading up to the trip.

[stevenmd]

Perhaps we'll spend Thursday night in the Redding area and meet up with some of the OR folk...

Dave (of the super power variety) - what time are you leaving Bend? (Assuming you are spending Thursday night in Bend).

[superpowerdave]

Steven my plans are still in the gray area, but unless something weird changes I'll be leaving Idaho early Thursday morning to get me into Bend around early evening.

Rohan doesn't know it yet but I'm going to be calling him to catch some beers and dinner :D

No real plans on when to leave and I'll probably just wait and see who shows up and wants to caravan. If you and the little lady are going to be rolling through town I'd be more than happy to follow you guys into Glass Butte on Friday.

Still on the hunt for a good camping site Thursday in Bend so if anybody knows of a place let me know, I'm open for intel :)

[LandRoverRo]

Rohan doesn't know it yet but I'm going to be calling him to catch some beers and dinner :D

Still on the hunt for a good camping site Thursday in Bend so if anybody knows of a place let me know, I'm open for intel :)Now I do. Gotta work out the logistics with the family and we'll put something together.

Tumalo State Park is a nice place to camp. It's right on the northwest side of town. I'll try to track down a number for booking.

[LandRoverRo]

Inch and a half of snow on the ground in town this morning... This weather has a month to sort itself out. Bring shorts and a down jacket.

[stevenmd]

Inch and a half of snow on the ground in town this morning... This weather has a month to sort itself out. Bring shorts and a down jacket.

...my kind of outfit!:)

[Desertcrawler]

especially like this..

[TigerDan]

Hmm...looks like all the slots are filled. Any chance of squeezing in another one or is the limit firm? I've been following this thread and thinking about it, but I have a conflict on the first of June that it now looks like I can get out of...

[LCPDX]

[QUOTE=LandRoverRo;2821]I will be heading out to Glass Buttes on Friday afternoon after I my son (8)finishes school (3.30). I'd be happy to convoy out there with anyone that afternoon. Tim and Ben, when are you coming through town?

G'day Rho,

Am not even sure if I am going to go through Bend as I am very tempted to do the Prineville Resovoir to Hwy. 20 route. I know if takes a bit longer but this is possibly one of my favorite drives in Oregon. Are you familiar with this road?
Of course all are welcome to convoy with me on this road, I suspect it will take an hour or two extra but so worth it.

I would be up for meeting you or anybody in Brothers. Brothers is a wide spot on the Hwy. that is comprised of a few buildings one of which is a authentic stage stop right out of the old West. It is a great place to buy a cold drink and poke around the store for a few minutes. They do have fuel, not sure about diesel availability, however all the fuel will be very pricey. There is also a nice rest area about 100 yards or so from this general store so that is a good place to meet up with other rigs. If you leave Bend around 3:30, let me know what time you think you will pass through Brothers and I can try and time it to meet you there. Then we could convoy on down to the Glass Buttes.

On another note, I have camped at the Glass Buttes a few times. On the SW corner, there is a excellent established 'hunters' camp. We call it this as it has a large fire pit with a huge wooden cable wire spool nearby that makes for a excellent table or bar. I have heard that it is called a hunters camp as it has 2 large poles embedded in the ground with another pole laying across the top. The kill is hung from these poles. Anyway, a couple times we have stayed at the hunters camp, we usually can hear coyotes baying at night. If the lunar calender holds true, we will have the tail end of the last quarter of the moon so we should have a great sky show of stars, meteors, satellites and whatever else is up there. Anybody bringing their telescopes?

If y'all are interested in this hunters camp, I will try and get the gps coordinates.

That is all.

Tim

[LandRoverRo]

G'day Rho,

Am not even sure if I am going to go through Bend as I am very tempted to do the Prineville Resovoir to Hwy. 20 route. I know if takes a bit longer but this is possibly one of my favorite drives in Oregon. Are you familiar with this road?
Of course all are welcome to convoy with me on this road, I suspect it will take an hour or two extra but so worth it.

I would be up for meeting you or anybody in Brothers. Brothers is a wide spot on the Hwy. that is comprised of a few buildings one of which is a authentic stage stop right out of the old West. It is a great place to buy a cold drink and poke around the store for a few minutes. They do have fuel, not sure about diesel availability, however all the fuel will be very pricey. There is also a nice rest area about 100 yards or so from this general store so that is a good place to meet up with other rigs. If you leave Bend around 3:30, let me know what time you think you will pass through Brothers and I can try and time it to meet you there. Then we could convoy on down to the Glass Buttes.

On another note, I have camped at the Glass Buttes a few times. On the SW corner, there is a excellent established 'hunters' camp. We call it this as it has a large fire pit with a huge wooden cable wire spool nearby that makes for a excellent table or bar. I have heard that it is called a hunters camp as it has 2 large poles embedded in the ground with another pole laying across the top. The kill is hung from these poles. Anyway, a couple times we have stayed at the hunters camp, we usually can hear coyotes baying at night. If the lunar calender holds true, we will have the tail end of the last quarter of the moon so we should have a great sky show of stars, meteors, satellites and whatever else is up there. Anybody bringing their telescopes?

If y'all are interested in this hunters camp, I will try and get the gps coordinates.

That is all.

TimThat might work out great Tim. We'll stay in touch and see if it pans out. That drive along the Crooked River is a great one for sure.

Dave B, the campground that Tim is talking about is probably the same one that Todd has coordinates for. The coyotes are way cool.

[RBBailey]

Update on what I'm planning:

I'm going to leave Portland early on Friday morning. I will travel up the gorge and come down hwy 197. In this way I will be stopping here and there along the way to do some photography, and to survey a few ghost towns in the area for a course I am trying to complete.

I really have no clue how long this will take, but I plan to move fast once I get to hwy 97 -- maybe... noon? Which would put me in Bend 1:00 to 2:00. I would be happy to meet up with anyone who is there at the time, or to meet at Brothers. Either way, I plan on being into camp on Friday evening with time to spare before sunset... I just stepped into a John Wayne movie.

I will need to pay attention to where we are because I need to be back in Portland by Sunday night. So, Saturday will be my only full day, and on Sunday I will be heading north around noon. High noon.

[RBBailey]

....and hopefully, one of you will be going the other direction with a new off-road camper trailer. ;)

[HMBRover]

Is it possible to buy a genuine 5 gal metal jerry can in Oregon? CARB has just about killed their availability here in California even though some manufacturers are making a "CARB compliant" one. Where in Bend is a good place to pick one up? Thanks!

[RBBailey]

Just about anyplace that would sell off-road, sporting, camping equipment.

There is also a surplus place right in the middle of town, I was there last month and I think they did have jerry cans.

I've just finished a few home projects... the next few weeks look wide open for preparing for this trip!

[LCPDX]

Just about anyplace that would sell off-road, sporting, camping equipment.

There is also a surplus place right in the middle of town, I was there last month and I think they did have jerry cans.

I've just finished a few home projects... the next few weeks look wide open for preparing for this trip!
Best place to buy 5 gallon metal fuel/Jerry cans in Bend Oregon would be the Army Surplus store. The main road through town is Highway 97. When Hwy 97 drops down under the the railroad overpass, look for this surplus store on the South East side. This would be the best place for NATO style fuel cans. The other option would be the crappy USA style Gerry Cans (the ones with the 'spin on' style fuel cap. The retail store 'GI JOES' have these ones. There is a GI JOES retail store on HWY 97 towards the North end of town.

Here are some online sources:
http://www.man-a-fre.com/parts_accessories/NATO%20Style%2020%20Litre%20Steel%20Fuel%20Contain er.htm

or

https://www.expeditionexchange.com/wedco/

Regards,

Tim

[Desertcrawler]

There is an Army Navy Surplus in Mountain VIew on El Camino that sells the Nato style cans, used. There were a bunch on the shelves a couple weeks ago. Can't remember cross street -- it is the one next to the Baskin Robbins, if that helps..

[TigerDan]

I just checked the registration page and there were still two spots available, so I grabbed one of them...so I guess I'm in as well! I'm so excited I think I just peed myself...

[HMBRover]

Thanks guys. I'll look at those places in Bend if I don't come up with another one first.

[Dbregman]

At this point I am going to say the trip is full. If you are really interested, let me know and I will see if we can accomodate. We don't want too many rigs on the trip.

[stevenmd]

David - after much arguing with Suzi due to the events of the recent Mendo atrocity, I am out. I will explain more details in a PM.:(

[TigerDan]

At this point I am going to say the trip is full. If you are really interested, let me know and I will see if we can accomodate. We don't want too many rigs on the trip.

Would you rather I step down then? If so, it's no problem...

[Dbregman]

Would you rather I step down then? If so, it's no problem...

You are good - I am closing it after you :)

[superpowerdave]

Guys unfortunately I will not be able to make this trip, as sad as it makes me. Shawna's pregnancy has been anything but normal and she's come into complications that make the smart decision to stick around the local area.

I'd been looking forward to this trip since Steven hit up on it while deployed last summer and it just wasn't in the cards for this season either. We'll keep our fingers crossed and our hopes up for making the trip next year with a healthy family of four!

We'll live vicariously through your words and pictures.

[astateofmike]

Keeping Shawna safe and the baby healthy is the priority. Maybe both our families can get the time to go next year!

[LandRoverRo]

Sorry to hear some folks have had to drop out. I don't think I'm going to get the chance to scout the trails before the trip weekend. I suppose that just means it'll be a surprise for all of us huh?
This will be my last chance to go on a trip with the CA folk as my family and I are moving back to Australia at the end of August. I'll be putting the Rover up for sale the day I get back from the trip so it's kind of a last hoorah! I'm sorry I won't get the chance to meet some of you, but I look forward to spending some quality time with those that are left.

[RBBailey]

So.... I'm trying to sell the camper trailer. Just wanted you guys to know that I will be bringing it on the trip, and I hope to not drive back with it -- if you know what I mean!

I start preparing the truck next week!

[astateofmike]

A pic to post would be nice...

[RBBailey]

Oh, yeah!

I was only sort of half-way posting a "classified" so I didn't really think about it.

Click Away (http://picasaweb.google.com/bhcmrovings/Trailer)

[Dbregman]

The trips is two weeks away and I will be sending out an email to all of you over the weekend with some additional details. I hope you are all as excited as I am. Please post a reply here letting me know that you are still planning on attending.

Here is the list I have:

David - dbregman - me
Gary - PCRover - co-leader
Brian - HMBRover
Leigh - SFDiscoII
Carlos - N2RVRS
Ben - RBBailey - from Oregon
Rohan - LandRoverRo- from Oregon
Tim - LCPDX - from Oregon
Gem - gmookher - Guest
Calvin - Guest of Carlos
Enrique - Disco Chef
TigerDan

[HMBRover]

We're still on track to attend. We're planning to leave the bay area on Thursday and camp, probably at Crater Lake. Then we'll go through Bend and probably hit the Volcano Museum and then on into Glass Buttes to meet the group and camp Friday night. :D

[LandRoverRo]

Still here and still in. See you in less than two weeks.:D

[DiscoChef]

I'm bummed. I was really looking forward to going on this trip but I must pull the plug.
We have three large catering gigs for that weekend and even though I have very capable people that can help us, it just doesn't feel right to not be there.

You guys have a great trip!!

(sorry TigerDan, I'll miss you banjo playing)

[Dbregman]

Ah Enrique you are such a dissapointment :)

Sorry to hear you can't make it, but understand.

On the flip side - Ron is going to be able to make the trip!

Here is the revised list:

David - dbregman - me - CONFIRMED
Gary - PCRover - co-leader - CONFIRMED
Brian - HMBRover - CONFIRMED
Leigh - SFDiscoII - First Aid Leader - CONFIRMED
Carlos - N2RVRS - CONFIRMED
Ben - RBBailey - from Oregon - CONFIRMED
Rohan - LandRoverRo- from Oregon - CONFIRMED
Tim - LCPDX - from Oregon
Gem - gmookher - Guest
Calvin - Guest of Carlos - CONFIRMED
TigerDan - CONFIRMED
Ron - RonCT110 - CONFIRMED

[RON CT110]

Sorry to hear Enrique that you decided not to go; I was going to bring some baloot and San Miguel for you! Now it will be up to Tim/Ben/Rohan, our Pacific Northwest brothers, to help me eat them. And save some for Dan (I heard it will enhance your banjo playing) :D

On the other hand, going with your gut instinct and staying w/the crew to help oversee the gig/take care of business first, is probably the better choice! I would (one of the reason I missed the Mojave trip this year - needed to take care of business).

Anyways, I will take your spot Enrique. I was able to re-schedule my req Search and Rescue (SAR) navigational class on June 1. Reason I couldn't confirm early on during the planning stage. Now I am cleared to go! Yippie!

Ok, I need to catch up with reading (looks like there are 13 pages on this post to read), trip sheet to read and packing -order some more Petts Wag bags also! :)

I am excited! And I remember from last year's trip to Oregon; don't bring any firewood from California right! Just a big axe! :)

[PCRover]

Good to hear you are coming along Ron, will it be in the new DII? No Ballot for me though...

We certainly understand Enrique, there are some things that have to take priority.

I am still in and planning on rolling out the Defender for this trip. There is still a lot of work to get it ready, but confidence is high it will be done in time. I am off to work on some projects right now.

[SFDiscoII]

David,

Count me in still. Looks like it will be me, Jack (9) and Calum (5)

Looking forward to it:D

[LandRoverRo]

Oh yeah, I guess I should mention my son Oliver (8) is coming with me again. He loved the trip last year, even without other kids for the second half.

[Dbregman]

I will be bringing my daughter Wallis (4) and there is still a chance my wife will come - waiting to see how things progress with work.

[DiscoChef]

Ah Enrique you are such a dissapointment :)


Funny you should say that Dave... My parents used to tell me that the whole time as I was growing up. It's good to be reminded of it every now and then! Thanks,








Just Kidding:D:D Hopefully you'll do this one again next year, then Carlos stays and I go!! And to top it off, NOW Ron is going... gonna miss out on the Balloot, you have one for me Dave.
















Sorry to hear you can't make it, but understand.

On the flip side - Ron is going to be able to make the trip!

Here is the revised list:

David - dbregman - me - CONFIRMED
Gary - PCRover - co-leader - CONFIRMED
Brian - HMBRover - CONFIRMED
Leigh - SFDiscoII - First Aid Leader - CONFIRMED
Carlos - N2RVRS
Ben - RBBailey - from Oregon
Rohan - LandRoverRo- from Oregon - CONFIRMED
Tim - LCPDX - from Oregon
Gem - gmookher - Guest
Calvin - Guest of Carlos
TigerDan
Ron - RonCT110 - CONFIRMED

Question for CT110-
Hi-Jack ON, Ron do you know if the 03 D2 comes with the CDL lever already installed? Hi-Jack OFF

[Desertcrawler]

03 doesn't have CDL installed, or even the nipple for it....unless the transfer case has been replaced. I think 04 was when the transfer case with CDL came back...

[RON CT110]

Question for CT110-
Hi-Jack ON, Ron do you know if the 03 D2 comes with the CDL lever already installed? Hi-Jack OFF

When I was test driving an 03 DII (before I bought my 04), I recall seeing a lever but it was only Hi and low open! Not the same Hi and low open, and move to the left for hi low diff lock on my 04.

In fact, I was inq w/Rovertech18 about buying an 03 DII and installing an 04 transfer case (since 03 didn't come with CDL). Rovertech18 mentioned that the CDL lever will be needed. Well, I found a better deal (thanks to Nick for sourcing it out) $15999 for 04 D2 SE7 less trade-in for my Jeep (paid just lil over 10k for it) plus didn't have to deal with the swap.

Are you thinking of getting a DII?

Hopefully someone with an 03 or knowledge of 03 will chime in and confirm.

Edit: looks like Chuck and I were responding at the same time. He confirmed 03 = no CDL.

[HMBRover]

Correctamundo .. The 2003 has NO CDL in the transfer case. The only thing the 2003 has going for it is the 4.6L engine, a slightly improved traction control logic and the fancy headlamps. The 2003 is also known to have a flaw in some engine block castings that will eventually fail the oil pump. Not good.

[DiscoChef]

Thanks for your responses gents. The D1 may need an engine overhaul that can cost between 5 & 8K and I just saw the 03 DII for sale in Arizona (posted in LRRF) that's going for 9K. It got me thinking:confused:

Sell the D1 for 4K maybe and I'd be getting a DII with 73K miles, but no CDL...Humm, probably not worth it.

[DiscoChef]

Dave et al...sorry for the distraction, I'll start a new thread.

[PCRover]

Tony Cerrone is selling a '99 DII with a new 4.6L if you are interested.

[astateofmike]

Tony Cerrone is selling a '99 DII with a new 4.6L if you are interested.


Where is that link?

[PCRover]

http://www.lrrforums.com/showthread.php?t=7463

[astateofmike]

http://www.lrrforums.com/showthread.php?t=7463

ahhhhhhh...great, thanks...more to ponder.

[PCRover]

Make him an offer he can't refuse...

[astateofmike]

wife doesn't like the gold at all........and i need to sort the RRC anyway.

[Dbregman]

AHEM!

Back on topic! If you are planning on attending the trip and do not receive an email from by by this evening - PLEASE pm me with your email address.

[RBBailey]

I'm coming too!

bhcmbailey (at) comcast (dot) net

And I know of another set up DII with a 4.6 that is for sale if you are interested, but it is up in Washington. Great car though.

[HMBRover]

OK, now that the Oregon 2008 trip is a week away, I've started the planning and worrying. Since the start of the trail is pretty remote from civilization, where are the closest places to top off fuel? Bend, surely but it's 100 miles from the start of the trail. I found several gas stations in Burns which is on US395 and US20 East of the trail start about 40 miles but about 60 miles from Glass Buttes. So ... If I top off in Bend I'm 100 miles into the tank at the start of the trail. If I go through Burns to Glass Buttes and then to the trail head, I'm 80 miles into the tank.

The next fuel availability, according to David's writeup is at Summer Lake which is 48 trail miles from the start of Day 2 or 125 miles from the start of the trail for a total of 200-225 miles since topping off. That's doable but will take extra fuel in cans for most folks.

It's about 68 trail miles or 30 highway miles from Summer Lake south to Paisley, David's other identified fuel stop.

If we get fuel at one of these two locations, we should be good until we reach civilization again,although there is other fuel availability on Day 4.

[DiscoChef]

For those local to the Bay Area and need a Jerry can, I have two that are available on loan. They pretty new and seal really well and I'm not worry about getting scratched.


Have a great trip!!

[PCRover]

My single tank range is going to be around 180 miles maximum. What is the longest stretch of the trip without fuel being available?

[RON CT110]

Thanks for the offer Enrique; might take your offer on that! I have one Jerry can and could use (borrow) one or two more for emergency back-up! Let me know and can pick it up next week; perhaps buy my family dinner @ Mexxis while at it! C yah!


For those local to the Bay Area and need a Jerry can, I have two that are available on loan. They pretty new and seal really well and I'm not worry about getting scratched.


Have a great trip!!

[DiscoChef]

Sounds like you'll be needing the cans Gary.

let me know.



My single tank range is going to be around 180 miles maximum. What is the longest stretch of the trip without fuel being available?

[DiscoChef]

Thanks for the offer Enrique; might take your offer on that! I have one Jerry can and could use (borrow) one or two more for emergency back-up! Let me know and can pick it up next week; perhaps buy my family dinner @ Mexxis while at it! C yah!

Oooops, looks like we were both typing at the same time, Yes you are welcome to use them or if Gary needs one, then you could each have one.

They come with the holding brackets that you can attach to a roof rack (if you have one).

I'll have then at Mexxi's

I also have a Hi-Lift

small shovel

shackles

strap

etc... you ask me

[PCRover]

I have two can's I bring if required and it sounds like they will be needed. Thanks for the offer of the gear Enrique.

[stevenmd]

I also have two NATO jerry fuel cans and 4 Scepter jerry water cans people are welcome to borrow. Along with a Hannibal dual jerry can holder and two single BP jerry can holders.

[RBBailey]

I'll be bringing at least one 5 gallon can.

Also, we might think about cutting some time off the first route by going directly south from the first camp on glass buttes. Just a thought, but it is a wide loop to go all the way out, turn east, then down south, then back west to even with where we just were.

I have it saved as a Google Earth KMZ, but I can't get my FTP to work so I can link to it right now... so here is a screen shot:

[astateofmike]

I have 2 or 3, 2 metal one plastic jerry's for use if anyone needs them. This was my concern with the trip, fuel. I am not sure, but I think I would need about 3 cans to feel comfortable. Highway I get 14, but trial (steep) like 8mpg. Carlos will be sporting 3 cans. If anyone is thinking/worried, look at a hitch mounted "cargo basket" which run like $75 or so. Can hold like 300#,s on the hitch and also makes a nice place to strap trash. Harder to get into the rear of the truck, but as you empty them, they are easier to use. It's how I carry larger coolers or fuel on longer trips....just an idea.

[Dbregman]

Ben - that is a great idea. I will just need to let people who are not camping Friday night to meet us at the camp ground. I will send out an update email. Can you send me the map file?



I'll be bringing at least one 5 gallon can.

Also, we might think about cutting some time off the first route by going directly south from the first camp on glass buttes. Just a thought, but it is a wide loop to go all the way out, turn east, then down south, then back west to even with where we just were.

I have it saved as a Google Earth KMZ, but I can't get my FTP to work so I can link to it right now... so here is a screen shot:

[LandRoverRo]

I'll be bringing at least one 5 gallon can.

Also, we might think about cutting some time off the first route by going directly south from the first camp on glass buttes. Just a thought, but it is a wide loop to go all the way out, turn east, then down south, then back west to even with where we just were.

I have it saved as a Google Earth KMZ, but I can't get my FTP to work so I can link to it right now... so here is a screen shot:

Dave B, Ben brings up a good point. I'm sure it's nothing that can't be worked out on Friday evening, but it would mean more time to play on the dunes and check out Crack in the Ground and the Lost Forest. But hey, I'm just happy to be along for the ride and have a great time whatever route we take.

When I did this trip in my RRC, I was able to fill up at Christmas Valley after playing on the dunes. I didn't even get close to using my can, but we didn't do the extra loop to the east.

Ron, you shouldn't have any issues with fuel in your 110. I might add another 5 gal can to my luggage, but only because I'm bringing my own bio-d. I am, however, unsure of the fuel situation south of Paisley.

Weather update: Been hot and dry here until last night. Now we have rain forecast for the next few days. More rain and warm temperatures is what we want all next week leading up to the trip so everyone get out your rain-god idols and start chanting.

See y'all soon.
Rohan.

[RBBailey]

I'll send it to you this evening.

Also, I was looking at the route at the ridge line above Summer Lake. The route you have is fine, but it takes the inside route, not the actual Rim Road route that would probably afford better views and such. That is only a matter of staying on the Rim Road instead of moving back out to the next parallel road to the west.

I will probably be trekking up the ridge with all of you on Sunday, I would like to get up high, find a good look-out to the east, then will probably head back to Portland via Fort Rock -- have have to be at work at 8:00 the next morning.

[RON CT110]

Rohan/Ben,

It will be great to wheel w/you guys again!

Ben, trailer or no trailer, no a problem for me; it worked out for me last year following you since I was just getting used to driving the 110 last year and pace was just right.

Now I can shift, eat a burger, and turn the wheel at the same time! :D

Rohan, I am bringing my newer 04 D2 this time; no need to bring extra boi-D. Since the 110 didn't have AC, thought I'd try out the D2 for this trip.

And hopefully, see you two in Cali (also Tim form Portland), someone is planning a Cali Trophy Challenge. Planning to enter my 110: http://tractorair.com/CaliTrophy/CaliTrophy08.htm

As a side note, one of my clients is Skyy Spirits, and will bet getting a case of Sky Vodka for this trip. Most importantly, want to know how much Vodka to bring and who would most like to join me for cocktails (atleast once daily) at the end of day and once we are settled in camp (of course moderation - we have to get up the next day)! :)

Ok, more planning to do...

[LandRoverRo]

As a side note, one of my clients is Skyy Spirits, and will bet getting a case of Sky Vodka for this trip. Most importantly, want to know how much Vodka to bring and who would most like to join me for cocktails (atleast once daily) at the end of day and once we are settled in camp (of course moderation - we have to get up the next day)! :)


Count me in!!! :D

[RBBailey]

This may sound stupid, considering that it's been in the planning for a year, but I may have to cancel after all. The fact is, it may not be in the budget -- not that we are in financial trouble or anything, don't get me wrong -- but if you've got to spend the money on something else, well it just isn't in the budget, and I've got to prioritize. On top of a few things that I need to do to the car before driving that far, the gas prices are just too high for me to spend on a three day trip without my family.

I'm going to figure it out for sure by tomorrow morning so that anyone who is still waiting in line may jump in at the last minute. If we decide it can be done, it will be a sure thing that only a breakdown on the way there can stop. And if I decide not to go, someone can take my place.

I hope you guys understand.

[TigerDan]

Sorry to see another drop out, but sometimes we have to make the hard decisions. Hope it works out that you can indeed make it...

Work progresses on my own rig. It's currently sitting in the shop sans engine, and I plan to drop the replacement 3.9 in tomorrow, after a bit of clean-up and inspection. Then it's on to the drivetrain problems. Hopefully I'll have everything ship-shape by the end of the weekend. And I haven't even started building the roof rack yet!. So much to do, so little time...

For the folks travelling from the SF Bay Area on Friday morning, I'd like to meet up with you in Williams on I-5 as I'll be cutting over on hwy. 20. Driving time from the East Bay to Williams looks to be about 1-1/2 hours or so, if y'all are still planning to pull out at 7:00am that puts you passing by Williams at around 8:30-8:45 by my reckoning...

[Dbregman]

That works out well. We should start coordinating the carvan from the bay area.

[RBBailey]

I'm feeling much more comfortable about going now, since I've really figured out exactly what it's going to cost, and sliced off a chunk of driving. Wish I could do more, but it's going to be a lot of fun just to get out and camp for two nights with everyone. I stayed up late, and got up early to hash it all out. Initial gas sticker price shock has worn off. :eek:

Like I said in my email, I'll be coming into the first camp Friday evening, hopefully before it actually gets dark.

[Dbregman]

Glad to hear you came to your senses :D

[RBBailey]

:rolleyes:


By the way, I think I might leave the trailer behind. I've been trying to sell it, and I don't like pulling a trailer. But I would be willing to bring it along if any of you are remotely interested in buying it. Just let me know, or chances are I will leave it here.

[ROVRMAN2]

Hope this trip dosen't turn into a mud or snow run with this crummy weather in norcal this wk.

[HMBRover]

I've been watching the weather along our route up there. Rain all week due to stop Thurs night and clear off Friday. The temps are lows in the 40s and only one mention of snow flurries at the high elevations (7000 ft) south of Paisley where we'll be Monday (day 3). Not much chance of snow on the trails but maybe all the wet will keep the dust down. :)

[RBBailey]

Ya, I'm not complaining, I still have dust in my truck from last year.

The water tends to run off quick out there, but it leaves big puddles in the spots where it runs to.

[Dbregman]

Carlos, Calvin and I will be leaving from Livermore at 6:30am on Friday morning. We plan to meet with with Ron somewhere in Hercules around 7:30am. I know that Tigerdan wants to meet in Williams around 8:45am - 9am.

Brian, Leigh and Gary - do you want to caravan with us, or are you going early?

[HMBRover]

We were planning to go Thursday but have had a change of plans since Crater Lake weather is rainy and a low of 35F for Thursday night.

In the interest of missing the traffic in SF, we will be leaving HMB Friday between 5:00 and 5:30 (possibly earlier) so we'll be a couple hours ahead of you. Since I drive the speed limit or slower and stop frequently, you may catch up to us. I'll have the CB on channel 7 the whole trip so if you see an orange truck (other than CalTrans) give me a shout.

David, are you going to send out an email with cell phone numbers or did you already and I missed it?

[RBBailey]

Weather is looking like it will be OK, not going to be hot, which will be good. Has a chance of raining, but usually the rain is short lived over there. Mixed sun and clouds with short downpours. Glad it's not going to be hot. I just hope now that the nights will be clear. There shouldn't be much of a moon at all, so the stars should be spectacular if there are no clouds. We will be a long way from any light pollution.

[TigerDan]

We were planning to go Thursday but have had a change of plans since Crater Lake weather is rainy and a low of 35F for Thursday night.

In the interest of missing the traffic in SF, we will be leaving HMB Friday between 5:00 and 5:30 (possibly earlier) so we'll be a couple hours ahead of you. Since I drive the speed limit or slower and stop frequently, you may catch up to us. I'll have the CB on channel 7 the whole trip so if you see an orange truck (other than CalTrans) give me a shout.

So are Gary and Leigh caravanning with you?

David, are you going to send out an email with cell phone numbers or did you already and I missed it?

I just PM'd my cell to David. I think it's a good idea if everyone on the trip has everyone else's cell number, sure makes it easier to coordinate things. Ron and Gary already have mine (if they haven't lost it!) and I have theirs (if I haven't lost them(!) but a complete list would be good...

I'm looking forward to this trip...can't believe how much I've already spent and I've only invested in one tank of gas for it so far...!:eek:

[PCRover]

My travel plans are fluid, but my intention is to meet everyone Saturday AM at the trail head. I have some business to tend to on the way North so won't be able to caravan with others Friday.

[RBBailey]

I've sent out an email with vehicle, contact, and arrival info.

[HMBRover]

So are Gary and Leigh caravanning with you?

Sorry, I was using the "corporate we" -- my wife and I. I have no caravan plans at this time.

[Dbregman]

Gary - please note that we are now meeting at the campground Saturday Morning not the 'old' trailhead.



My travel plans are fluid, but my intention is to meet everyone Saturday AM at the trail head. I have some business to tend to on the way North so won't be able to caravan with others Friday.

[LandRoverRo]

OK, so rather than read back over 18 pages of posts, (;)) and now that travel plans are being finalized, what time are folks planning on arriving at Glass Buttes CG? I know it's hard to nail down a time for those travelling so far, but given the amount of planning from some folks here, I'm sure you can calculate within an hour or so.

[Dbregman]

The NorCal caravan is shooting for arrive around 6-7pm

[HMBRover]

The travel time from HMB to Glass Buttes I have calculated is 11:06 so if we leave at 5:00AM we will be there at 4:06 PM. :D Just kidding. I can never keep up with pre-calculated times so it's likely I'll be a couple hours later than that, particularly if I stop in Bend to pick up another jerry can and top off fuel. So I'd say roughly 6:00.

I think Dave said in one his earlier posts his convoy is shooting for 7:00 PM but I don't know if that still holds.

Getting eager! Hope the weather is nice.

[RBBailey]

I will be leaving Gresham at 4:00, I think I can get there in 5 hours, I would not count on as early as 8:00, but I hope to be there before 10:00! I've strapped on my big off road lights -- so you'll see me coming!

[SFDiscoII]

As a side note, one of my clients is Skyy Spirits, and will bet getting a case of Sky Vodka for this trip. Most importantly, want to know how much Vodka to bring and who would most like to join me for cocktails (atleast once daily) at the end of day and once we are settled in camp (of course moderation - we have to get up the next day)! :)

Ok, more planning to do...

I will most likely partake in a adult beverage, I plan on bringing something from scotland and Ireland but would love to try your vodka as well.:D

[SFDiscoII]

I am planning to Join the caravan in Hercules. Looks like I am running solo, the kids have decided that going on the trip is not going to be fun.

I have tried to change their minds however the last four nights camping up near Yosemite in the cold rain has not been good for my case. I am still drying out the gear so i can repack for Oregon. My spirits are not dampened just my gear:D

[TigerDan]

Looks like I may be out...the engine I just put in the Rover seems to have some unforseen problems. I'm not quite ready to throw in the towel just yet, I'll keep working on it in the (perhaps vain) hope that I may be able to get it sorted out, but at this point it isn't looking too good...

[RBBailey]

I will most likely partake in a adult beverage, I plan on bringing something from scotland and Ireland but would love to try your vodka as well.:D

Hummmmmmmmm.....

[LandRoverRo]

Just checked weather for Christmas Valley. Better pack your rain gear and wellington boots alongside your dust mask. :D

T-storms forecast for Sunday (camping at Green Mtn nearby Sat. night).:eek:

Seems like you've all been doing a good job with your offerings to the rain gods. Perhaps one of you sacrificed a virgin which might have been a step too far.

Just installed the CB yesterday and bought ear muffs for the kid. Things are coming together.

Ron, you might want to think about bringing some dry firewood from CA. ;)

Ro. (enough emoticons for ya?)

[TigerDan]

Looks like I may be out...the engine I just put in the Rover seems to have some unforseen problems. I'm not quite ready to throw in the towel just yet, I'll keep working on it in the (perhaps vain) hope that I may be able to get it sorted out, but at this point it isn't looking too good...

Looking better today...runs and drives great! I'm keeping my fingers crossed. We'll see how it pans out over the next day or so...

[RBBailey]

Sweet, I am so looking forward to having an RRC on the trail with us.

[TigerDan]

You won't be if you wind up having to tow it...:D

[HMBRover]

As a side note, one of my clients is Skyy Spirits, and will bet getting a case of Sky Vodka for this trip. Most importantly, want to know how much Vodka to bring and who would most like to join me for cocktails (atleast once daily) at the end of day and once we are settled in camp (of course moderation - we have to get up the next day)! :)

How did I miss this one? :eek: We will plan to bring our vodka glasses obtained in Russia. Count on us for a couple toasts, particularly if it's raining. Nostrovia!!

[Dbregman]

Sweet, I am so looking forward to having an RRC on the trail with us.

There will be two as Carlos has one as well.

[LandRoverRo]

I think I just picked up another passenger. Now my 6 year old daughter wants to come too (need to buy another pair of ear muffs). How many kids are now coming?

I've got my 8 yr old son and 6 yr old daughter.

I know this is kind of idle chat, but it helps to build up their excitement (like they need it. They're almost as excited as I am).

[Dbregman]

That's awesome! My 4.5 year daughter will be so excited!

[RBBailey]

My almost 6 year old son will be with us again this year.

[TigerDan]

It's getting down to the wire...quite a bit left to do today (and tonight!) but the pile of camping gear in the kitchen is growing, as is my sense of excitement!

I still have no contact numbers for others on the trip though. It would be nice to be able to call someone when I'm sitting at the top of the I-5 onramp in Williams tomorrow morning and say, "Where the hell are you guys...?":D

[Dbregman]

Please check your email in boxes for a note regarding contact information.

[RBBailey]

All the road cameras show rainy and wet. Wet streets, standing water on the shoulders. Bring a tarp.

[LandRoverRo]

All the road cameras show rainy and wet. Wet streets, standing water on the shoulders. Bring a tarp.

Yep, weather for Christmas Valley and Paisley (if you haven't looked) is calling for isolated t-storms for Saturday and Sunday with temps in the high 60s, then clearing to partly cloudy and 70+ for the next few days.

It's been wet in Bend for a week. Crazy. I don't think we'll have a problem with dust and I'm hoping that we get a few muddy ruts which were evident in the dry a few years ago. That really would be fun. Dave and Brian know how much I love the mud and water.:D

Later,
Ro.

[RBBailey]

My SuperWinch is warmed up for you, Ro!

I just hope we can get a dry place to sleep, and clearing at night to see the stars, other than that, I don't mind whatever we get.

[Dbregman]

I'm glad I have a fly for my tent cot! I also have a awning on my hannibal, so we can keep somewhat dry.

[LandRoverRo]

I'm glad I have a fly for my tent cot! I also have a awning on my hannibal, so we can keep somewhat dry.

I have a large tarp/fly I plan on stringing up behind the Rover. Plenty of room for one (maybe even two) more vehicles to back up under it.

[RBBailey]

I had some things come up, or I would have got my awning ready to bring also. Maybe I can rig something up quickly tonight.

It is looking more and more like I will be pulling into camp late dusk, I hope you guys will have a fire going and a place for me to park! I'll bring some wood.

Tomorrow is going to be a long day before work is done and I can leave! Can't wait to get on the road.

[HMBRover]

I have a Hannibal awning and will bring some poles and a tarp. Umbrellas too. Maybe if we all come prepared it won't rain. :D

Just finished putting the tent on the rack and beer and cola in the refer. Still have to pack some clothes and food but it's coming together.

See ya all there or on the road.

[LandRoverRo]

I had some things come up, or I would have got my awning ready to bring also. Maybe I can rig something up quickly tonight.

It is looking more and more like I will be pulling into camp late dusk, I hope you guys will have a fire going and a place for me to park! I'll bring some wood.

Tomorrow is going to be a long day before work is done and I can leave! Can't wait to get on the road.

I'm make some space for you. As Brian mentioned, now that we're all gearing up for wet weather, it'll clear up and be fine.

[astateofmike]

Hey guys, have a great trip...with all the rain and all, I have a set of axles (24 spline) from Stevenmd after he upgraded to Rovertracks stuff..for me to upgrade from 10 splines....but have yet to get the diffs/lockers and do it....

I am sending the complete axels/cvs front all ready for ABS (24spline) with Carlos in the hopes you dont need them. Also extra steering parts...

Hopefully the mud won't get the best of you all, but better safe than sorry....

And for on the road issues, RoverHybrids in Redding area....phone/fax: 530-221-2541

Rover Hybrids
8865 Airport Rd., Suite V
Redding, CA 96003

[RON CT110]

Thanks for the well wishes Mike!

I am packed; gears, food, rain gear, Skyy Vodka and all.................. :)

Now I just need to take care of the important details:
- Ice; lots of ice!
- share the trips routes and contact tel to my wife in case she needs to reach me
- take the SPOT messenger with me
- Bring AAA card
- First Aid kit
- Search and Rescue pack (just in case).....

[sasquatch]

Have a great time Boys! Lots of pictures!!!!

[astateofmike]

Ok update, axles etc not taken. However, available for UPSing RED if the need arose.

[RBBailey]

I am bringing my new D200, I've got the ability to take 200+ RAW images on it... and I'm bringing my laptop, so I will be taking just as many photos as I possibly can.

In fact, be prepared for me to be changing order in line every time we stop; I'll get up front, then pull off and let people pass as I take photos, then catch up.

[PCRover]

David called me on his Sat Phone today to report all is well with the group. It has been wet there but nothing bad enough to dampen there spirits.

I am disapointed I wasn't able to make the trip, but after a quick shake down trail run today in the Defender I discovered a few things that needed to be addressed before making an overland trip like this. More on this to follow in another thread...

I will continue to post any contact I have with the group to keep everyone up to date.

[RBBailey]

The trip did go really well during the time that I was there. Great trails, lots of fun in camp, good people, good weather.

I have heard that they had a break down shortly after I left on Sunday evening. They were able to make it safely back to Bend, which is where Ro is from. I don't know details, but perhaps he will post here soon.

I will be posting up some of the photos I took tonight and tomorrow. I will post a link.

[astateofmike]

I just spoke to David by sat, as someone SMS'd him a where are you and he thought it was me...Ro had a timing chain break on the series and is headed home from what I got.

Today, the remaining contingent from CA drove 1 mile, hit 2 or more snow banks, cut and winched 2 trees across the road and after 4 hours, found out the road became impassable and u turned for another road......

but weather is great and they are wheeling!

[PCRover]

Thanks for posting the update Mike, you saved me all that typing... :D


I just spoke to David by sat, as someone SMS'd him a where are you and he thought it was me...Ro had a timing chain break on the series and is headed home from what I got.

Today, the remaining contingent from CA drove 1 mile, hit 2 or more snow banks, cut and winched 2 trees across the road and after 4 hours, found out the road became impassable and u turned for another road......

but weather is great and they are wheeling!

[LandRoverRo]

Hi guys. I'm sure there will be a new, post-Discovery Route thread started upon the group's return, but here's my day-late update.
The second day's trail was as fantastic as the first with incredible scenery, lots of rocks and just as much mud. A little less water, but more clay which stuck to everything.
About a mile from where the road came out onto Hwy 31 near Summer Lake, I was heading up the hill when I suddenly lost all power. We worked on a few things like power to the injection pump and fuel flow, then took a look inside the rocker cover and saw no movement. A broken timing belt was the diagnosis.
Leigh towed me out to the highway and Ron made all the necessary arrangements to get a tow back to Bend (luckily only ~90 miles). My towing only covered 50 miles so Ron used his AAA membership to get me a tow all the way home. Awesome stuff Ron.
While Ron and I waited for the tow truck, the rest of the group carried on up the next section of trail to find and prepare camp.
Today (as I'd already organized the day off) I emptied the Rover and pulled the front of the engine off to get at the broken belt. Such a simple item and I'm kicking myself for not having a spare as i could easily have replaced it in camp. Bummer.
Oh well, that's my story. I can't say enough good things about the folks on this trip. It was awesome last year, and better this year with more people and better trails. Can't wait to see Ben's photos.

[RBBailey]

Good to hear there is no serious damage.

Here are my photos. (http://picasaweb.google.com/bhcmrovings/NCLR08) I posted 127 of them, and I did a little bit of basic editing to make them presentable, but if you want any copies, please email me so I can at least send you a respectable resolution.

Feel free to use them for any personal use, let me know if you want to use them commercially -- which will be fine with me, but I just like to know, and get credited.

Thanks,

[LandRoverRo]

Great photos Ben. As usual. I'm interested in a few.

Probably my favourite (apart from the ones of my Rover) is the B&W one of Charlie on the dunes. Very nice.

Talk soon.

[sasquatch]

Amazing images!! I expected to see a very different landscape. I didn't realize you guys were rolling at higher altitude. Very fun looking trip. Maybe next year!!:)

[astateofmike]

Tlaked to David just now. Turns out that David and Leigh were 1 mile ahead for a Recce and so there were 2 camps last night (or so I understand). Hitting snow banks at 7k feet and after 4 or so hours of getting people unstuck, the group is about 1 hour of trail from getting to the pavement and home.

All Members Safe.
All Rovers accounted for.

Surely this will make for an interesting tale at the next get together.

[RBBailey]

Slide show of the photos is HERE (http://home.comcast.net/%7Ebhcmbailey/), a few of these have actually been edited.

Carlos, when you get back, I've been showing my photos around and a lot of people are commenting about your rear bumper and ladder. They want to know all about it on DiscoWeb.

[PCRover]

I believe the split camp was required to David and Leigh's group getting stuck in the snow bank. Apparently it also snowed on them last night too...What an adventure!

[rlwjaw]

Where were they when they got stuck in the snow?
We are planing to hed up that way but may put it off for a while if the snow is still too deep to do the forested sections of the OBCDR.
Thanks
Dick Wentworth

[TigerDan]

Man! What a trip! I don't have time to post much right now as I have to get to work...still a bit bleary-eyed...I got in at 12:15am and am still a bit out of it, and I know the Bay Area folks got in even later, so I'd imagine they'll all be chiming in with their input after they recover somewhat. Probably take David half the day to write up the trip report!

It was a fantastic trip with great people, we covered every type of terrain imaginable (and even a little that we couldn't have imagined!) and had extremely varied weather conditions. It's amazing how quickly the weather changes at high altitude up there in Oregon. We also got a lot of experience in trail clearing (as has been mentioned already) and in off-road recovery. I won't go into too many more details at this point, time doesn't allow at the moment.

I took a lot of pics, I'll be sorting and uploading to my Photobucket page over the next few days

Dick, in answer to your question, we were just over the border back into California when when we hit the worst of the snow drifts. Everything on the trail out on the plains was passable with a bit of work but the snow piled up on the trail in the forest was just too much for us. It'll be a couple of weeks yet before it's passable, just not enough sunlight penetrates through the trees there.

We were only a few miles from our intended campsite when we had to turn back and backtrack to Lakeview and drive out on the highways. Bummer, as it was the only trail that we could have taken to get from the mountains above and south of Lakeview through to California. The area where we were forced to camp was called Dismal Swamp, most aptly named under the conditions we experienced!

More later, but all in all, a wonderful trip and I'm glad to have done it...all of it! I made new friends and shared many experinces with them. Land Rover folks are certainly a unique bunch! Glad to have met you all, I wish the Oregon folks had been able to hang with us for the whole thing. Such a bummer that Ro had to back out early due to the timing belt, I was looking forward to spending more time on the trail with him. Of course, he'd have missed the most fun part up there in Dismal Swamp...:D

My Zen thought for the trip: In Land Rovering, as in life, it is not the destination but the journey that matters...

[DiscoChef]

Glad to hear everyone made it home safely!

Beautiful pictures and I'm sure there are some awesome stories to be told. Can't wait to hear/read the report.

Enrique

[HMBRover]

Nancy and I arrived safely home about 4:30 PM today after stopping in Redding for eleven hours sleep (!) and an extended shopping stop in Fairfield. We had a wonderful trip, what with exceptional people, great trails, super scenery, excellent food and drink, and all sorts of Rovers, how could it be anything else? We're sorry the Oregon folks couldn't continue on with us, particularly Ro due to the bad luck with his timing belt. The last two days were challenging to say the least but the group worked together to bring the people and Rovers out safely. Thanks, everyone!!

[TigerDan]

I've been uploading all evening. Total came out to about 245 pics, not quite as many as I thought. Below is a link to my Photobucket album of the trip, in order:

http://s94.photobucket.com/albums/l97/1TigerDan/Oregon%20Discovery%20Trail%202008/?mediafilter=images

[RBBailey]

Yeah! Nice snow banks. I can still see snow out my back windows on the hills in Washington above the river. Not surprised that you guys ran into snow -- wish I was there with you.

[TigerDan]

Me too Ben...you could have helped shovel!:D

Would have been nice to have all of the group who started the trip in there at the finish, but we knew going in that it it wasn't to be. Glad you were able to make it at all though.

[RON CT110]

Slide show of the photos is HERE (http://home.comcast.net/%7Ebhcmbailey/), a few of these have actually been edited.

Ben, amazing photos! One of my many favorites was pic 81 of 133 on the Dunes! I shared the rest of your photos w/my family; they enjoyed all of them especially the wild flowers, father/son photos, and back drop Oregon country sides.

Well speaking of amazing, that was an adventure! Caught up with sleep and cleaned the truck/gears yesterday; now I am ready for the next one! :)

Back to work; will post more details later...

[N2RVRS]

Oh my God, this was the trip I was dreaming about for a long time.
A well planned trip, unexpected events and friends with whom I will go to the end of the world with complete confidence.
These are the pictures I took.
I will come back later with the story of this odyssey.:)

www.picasaweb.google.com/carloslgc/NCLROregonTrail2008

[Desertcrawler]

(can you schedule it after the last day of school next year so the kids can come though?)....

[HMBRover]

... you bring home a little barbed wire souvenir wrapped around your rear drive shaft. I didn't hear this happen but I suspect is was during one of the water crossings. I'm glad it wasn't longer!



My photos of the trip are posted HERE (http://www.pbase.com/brhunt/oregon08).

[N2RVRS]

Ben, you really have the eye, your pictures are really astonishing, I love them.
My phone is 650.619.0332 if somebody wants to talk about my rear bumper that's fine, I'll be happy to help/:p

[DiscoChef]

Nice pics. Brian. I specially like the one "Holding hands in the forest"... lol

[TigerDan]

David, again many thanks for a well-planned and exciting trip. This is one I'll always remember.

New link to my pics, now in the order in which they were taken:

http://s94.photobucket.com/albums/l97/1TigerDan/Oregon%20Discovery%20Trail%202008/?mediafilter=images

Still working on captions for the pics. Some have them but you don't see them till you click on the pic.

[HMBRover]

I seem to have come home with an extra 3 1/4 ton shackle, silver in color. It was in the HiLift bag that was taken to the Leigh/Dave recovery. Let me know if it's yours.

[sasquatch]

David, again many thanks for a well-planned and exciting trip. This is one I'll always remember.

New link to my pics, now in the order in which they were taken:

http://s94.photobucket.com/albums/l97/1TigerDan/Oregon%20Discovery%20Trail%202008/?mediafilter=images

Still working on captions for the pics. Some have them but you don't see them till you click on the pic.


Very nice Dan! Or should we call you "Mr. Meadows"?? Looks like a great time. Next year I hope....

[RON CT110]

David (Dbregman), are you fully recuperated yet (smile)?

Will wait for your trip report; in the meantime, here's a summary of my personal account/experience.

Lots of great moments for me on this trip; from the day the California folks caravaned to Oregon, then met the Oregon folks on Glass Butte to the last day camping in the Dismal Swamps (not by choice/due to the snow).

Like the "Aha" moments on traction control (TC) for me; it was my 2nd time wheeling the 04 DII and driving a LR with TC. Finally got the hang of letting TC do the work after a couple of days on the trail (less the flat tire issue but quickly got up and running with the spare). TC was amazing on the hills or slippery trails e.g. snow/mud - pick a good line, set the gear e.g. 3 or 2, manual mode at times and diff lock low or high depending on the trail, easy on the gas peddle for the most part, and let TC do the work. Besides, easy on the peddle and picking the right settings means less trashing the trail - that's treading lightly!

What can I say: The Oregon back-country was beautiful. Many enjoyable scenes, and nights including when we finally settled on a spot to camp on "Glass Butte" the first night (Friday), the evening skyline was gorgeous to watch especially the stars so bright; and waking up w/lots of obsidian all around us! Believe Brian/Nancy found one shaped like an arrow head.

More memorable nights including the tasty meals prepared by Carlos and Lilia including one night they served risotto and grilled pork; wow! That was a meal!

Watching sunrise was dazzling! One of my favorites was taking my personal bucket, a Petts wag bag on hand, and finding a secluded place to do my morning duty while watching the sunrise on "Green Mountain". To be more direct, it's the best shit or bio-break I had in a long time in the woods, nobody around, just birds chirping, and rabbits running across the fields. it was very encouraging to my satisfaction to say the least (smile) - see pic 1.

The driving experience was great; we drove thru varieties of trails from graded to dirt, rocky, sometimes flooded, muddy, sandy (dunes), snow and water crossing. Climbed hills and mountains including antenna station on Glass Butte - see pic 2.

We also used all of the recovery gears in tow including: winch, straps both static and kinetic, pull pal (pic 3), Hi-jack lift, sand ladders, and even stacking rocks to get us over an exposed drain near a creek or chopping/clearing fallen trees on the road (pic 4 - my poser shot).

Some things in the universe are just funny to me. Like watching the cows in passing (pic 5) was funny (especially the cows with the white faces who seems to want to join our caravan). Seeing more fallen trees on the road seems funny (after chopping and clearing one just a few miles before). The angry bush who gave most of us pin-striping.

Lessons learned or re-enforcements for me:
- Good communication is important. CB is fine for the most part, but Ham Radio is the best in the back-country.
- Traveling in two vehicles min.
- Be prepared for the worst: knowing we would hit higher elevation, I brought layers of clothes for the cold weather including shell parka when the wind kicked-in.
- Preferable to have a winch on every vehicle, or every other vehicle the least.
- Good tires and spare
- Think safety first and work as a team; we all did a great job being mindful of safety during winching operation and working in high altitude keeping hydrated, energized and warm.

Again, great seeing Ro and his Series truck (sorry to see the breakdown, but glad we all had fun pic 6), Ben and Tim on their yellow XDs on the trail, and the usually suspects from CA: David (LR3), Leigh, Brian and I on D2s, and Carlos & Dan on their RRCs. Also good to see folks bring their family members: Nancy (Brian's wife), Lelia (Carlos' wife) and kids: Walis, Oliver, Aida and Ben's son.

Glad we all made it back, safe and sound from the "Dismal Swamp" (pic 7). Getting stuck in the swamps, snowing, cold and high winds at night got me worried for a second, but never panicked - we had a great group who kept cool, held together well and worked on problems/resolution each time.

I am back at home, cleaned up my Rover (before and after photo; pic 8 & 9), and ready for the next adventure! By the ways, proud to wear the NCLR Oregon Discovery Trail sticker (pic 10)!

Until next time.... See you all in the next adventure!

[PCRover]

That is a telling picture of Brian's G4 in the snow. I would like to hear how everyones sleeping arrangements worked in the varying weather?

Were TentCots used and how did they do in the bad weather?
How did Brian's RTT do compared to other setups?
Anyone pitch a normal tent?

[stevenmd]

also wondering which trip you liked better, last year or this year - based on scenery, etc.

[HMBRover]

Our RTT worked very well. We were snug and fairly warm at 28 degrees F the morning Ron's photo was taken.

We learned lots about the tent and the sleeping arrangement. First: The rain fly sucks in the wind. We had to take it down the night at Dismal Swamp because if we hadn't it would have destroyed itself. It makes lots of noise even it fairly light winds. I'm now working on a method to tie it down better.

Second: The morning before it was raining and we folded the rain fly up with the tent after shaking as much water off it as we could. Not a good thing since it got the mattress pad damp around the edges. We put a tarp down so it wouldn't soak the bags and that worked pretty well. I can imagine if we camped for a week in the rain, things would be wet through and through.

Steven, to answer your question, I liked this year better than last because of a lot of things: more people (nine to start and six at the end), great scenery, better variety in the trails and better challenges, more variety in the weather and of course the sum of all those things pulled the group together and made it a real adventure.

[SFDiscoII]

That is a telling picture of Brian's G4 in the snow. I would like to hear how everyones sleeping arrangements worked in the varying weather?

Were TentCots used and how did they do in the bad weather?
How did Brian's RTT do compared to other setups?
Anyone pitch a normal tent?

I used my trusty 3 season North Face 2 man tent. Perfect size for one person and gear. Held up to the rain and snow perfectly and the full fly helps keep the heat in. Self inflating mat and a 0 degree Synthetic bag kept me warm and cosy.
My tent goes up and down really easily, but I did lust after the roof top tent on Brian and Nancy's G4.

[PCRover]

Thanks Brian and Leigh, nothing better than first hand info on how camping gear works in various weather conditions.

Brian, so you had another windy night on the roof of the G4 like Mojave? I can see why you slept for 11 hrs when you got to a quiet room.

Did Ron use his TentCot?

[HMBRover]

Ron, Dave and Carlos used tent cots. Carlos' was on his roof and he didn't use it the last night. He and Lilia slep in their truck. Dan had a ground tent and he got pretty wet one night. He also slept in his truck the last night.

[Gotrovr]

Guys, from what I've read and seen so far, this has to be our Club's best trip so far, WTG

[TigerDan]

Will, this whole wheeling thing is still pretty new to me. My first trip was Shaver Lake back in Feb. and I've been on a couple since then (including the Cow Mountain trip I put together) but this was certainly the best for me, but only just ahead of the Shaver Lake trip. That was a blast and a great way to get initiated into Rovering and off-roading, but I really enjoyed the expedition aspect of this trip; bringing all our gear with us on the trail and camping in a new location every night while covering all different sorts of terrain and experiencing such varied weather conditions with such a stalwart and upbeat group of people really gave me a feel for what it must be like on one of the big-time Rover expeditions. I just effing loved it!

For the record, my tent did a fairly good job. It's a new one and this was its maiden voyage. I got one that goes up and down in about 20 seconds so that I wouldn't be spending a bunch of time putting my tent up and taking it down every day. It only leaked at the seams, and I think an application of seam sealer and Scotchguard will take car of that.

One thing I learned was that an air mattress doesn't insulate against the cold very well and if I'd brought a foam pad to put on top of it, I'd have been fine. On the night it rained I didn't bother to use it, I just slept on a thin pad I borrowed from David and that's why I wound up in the water the next morning; if I'd been on my air mattress I would have been up higher and might have been dryer, but colder. Next time I'll be a little better prepared. It's all part of the learning process...:D

[RON CT110]

That is a telling picture of Brian's G4 in the snow. I would like to hear how everyones sleeping arrangements worked in the varying weather?

Were TentCots used and how did they do in the bad weather?
How did Brian's RTT do compared to other setups?
Anyone pitch a normal tent?

Hey Gary, I used a single man tent cot through-out this trip. Worked out well for me; it only took mins to setup and I was high up from the ground from mud and snow. Also it was convenient to tuck my muddy boots underneath before going inside the tent cot; easy to access next morning while keeping the muddy boots out.

However, it rained hard one of the nights, and encountered snow fall on the last night camping. I setup a make shift tarp/awning, and sprayed Camp Dry (silicon spray) on the tent cot seams (prior to the trip); it kept me dry inside. Without the tarp and silicon spray, I would have been soaked.

The problem with the tarp was the noise; when the wind kicked-in hard, it was flapping wildly/very noisey. Ideally, I would like to use both tarp/awning (during the day so I can cook/work in the pouring rain or snow), and then put it away at night and rely on the optional rain fly for the tent cot (next purchase).

David purchased the optional rain fly for his Tent Cot; it's suspended from the tent cot (an inch or two) - helped keep the morning dew or wetness away from the tent, and kept him and his daughter Walis dry inside despite the hard rain or snow per David. Will let David confirm this!

Like Leigh, I used a sub-zero mummy sleeping bag. Also I was using an REI sleeping pad/pillow, Patagonia base layer 4/3 long shelves and long johns/wool socks for clothing, an extra wool blank on top of the sleeping bag when the temp dropped being up 7700 ft elev and snow fall/wind hit in the Dismal Swamp. Needless to say, I was warm and comfy inside!

And as a side note, the tent cot has suspended pockets inside; I use the pockets to hold my LR keys, and head light (both stayed dry).

The one suggestion I'd like to make to the maker of Tent Cot is to increase the head room; looking at the design, it should not be hard for them to make it 3-6 inches taller. A taller ceiling would make it easier to change clothes inside, and when sitting up straight on the cot while putting on the boots in the morning!

[LCPDX]

Hey folks, just wanted to say THANKS! to all those who put in so much effort to make this a memorable event and a pleasure to meet so many fine people and re-connect with old friends. Had I continued on the expedition with ya'll, I would have missed out on a exciting high speed romp over double track, fording deep water holes & nearly catching air in a 4800 lb vehicle! (Thanks Ben!)

Here are some pics:
http://s157.photobucket.com/albums/t59/lcpdx/NCLRC%20Oregon%202008/?albumview=slideshow&direction=reverse

Ready to go back out there again! Can you say Steens Mountain 2009?


Tim

[Gotrovr]

excellent Tim, thanks for sharing