Gold Lake Planning

[Desertcrawler]

Ok, it's not too early to start planning for the Gold Lake trip. Those of you going, make sure you register. I am setting up this thread, with a poll, so we can get some of the group preferences down.

So far, it looks like we have about 15 rigs lined up for the trip. Here is a list as I see it based on registrations on the site and people who are interested -- please append to this post if for some reason your plans have changed and if you could also update the official registration system with your attendance status it would be helpful.

Remember this is a remote camp, so in addition to what you might normally bring make sure to have:

-toilet paper
-lots of water
-bathing suit
-sunscreen and bug repellant
-firewood (I will verify that they are allowed)

Gary and I will be doing a pre-run of the trails this weekend -- so if anyone cares to join us let me know. We will be doing the advanced stuff -- so your rig should be dialed in for the tougher trails..

Registered officially:

Chuck Mobraten DesertCrawler NCLR025 -- arrive Thursday
Gary Young PCRover NCLR002 -- arrive Thursday
David Badillo Sasquatch NCLR024
Daniel Harris TigerDan NCLR027
Stephano Watson Stephano NCLR074 -- arrive Thursday
Rupert Jung Roverman2 NCLR011 --- CANCELLED CAN'T MAKE IT...
Michael Walton w2334 NCLR018 -- arrive Thursday
Anthony Cerrone Tony DII NCLR003 -- CANCELLED CAN't MAKE IT...
Ben Parker b_j_parker NCLR039
Ed Connor NCLR091 NCLR091

Have posted they are going, but didn't take time to register:

Brian Hunt HMBRover NCLR019 -- arrive Thursday
Cameron Burgett Cambo NCLR007
Thomas Getchell NCLR101 NCLR101 -- arrive Thursday
Kamron Behadzi SFDIscoII NCLR032 -- arrive Thursday
Will Selden GotRovr NCLR001

[PCRover]

I am up for a Thursday Recce trip and the advanced trails for sure. But certainly do not mind an intermediate trail or two also. I am not sure what overnight arrangements I will be doing yet.

[HMBRover]

If I'm not all camped out and the Disco is running well, I'm up for this trip! I will plan to arrive Thursday, Friday at the latest and will be using the RTT. I opted for intermediate trails because the Disco needs to go to Arizona the next week and I don't want to break anything. Sounds great!!

[sasquatch]

Gotta vote intermediate for right now. Working on the sliders as we speak.

[TigerDan]

Sounds interesting, but please forgive my ignorance (just put me down as a newbie!)...where is Gold Lake, and what weekend are we talking about here?

[Desertcrawler]

This is scheduled for August 15, 16, and 17th, 2008.

Gold Lake is up near the Sierra's -- about an hour north of Truckee (near GraEagle).

Last year, we went too late and the weather was cold. This year, we are going when it should be hot and the swimming will be good.

Read the trip planner, and last years trip report for more details. As long as the fires don't shut us out of Tahoe National Forest -- we will be having a great time wheelin!

[TigerDan]

Hmm...sounds like a good one! I may be available that weekend. I have to be in Washington (state) for a Rennaisance fair that we're scheduled to perform at and that's the final weekend, but I may still be able to do this trip. I'll participate in the poll and keep my options open at this point. Thanks, Chuck!

[Desertcrawler]

Looks like Gold Lake is coming into focus...

We will camp same location as last year, at the beautiful shores of Gold Lake in the OHV Park. This means tents. I have not yet decided on whether I am bringing the tent trailer or the tent cots yet. The advantage of tent cots is that there is a nice trail heading back to Bay area we could all pack up and take home "expedition style"...

I am thinking we will lead 3 runs -- one on Friday (which will be the extreme Snake Lake run) -- and one on Saturday (the easier one). On Sunday, if we don't bring the trailer, we will exit the campground using a "back way" towards the main highway...

One open question would be whether someone would like to lead Snake Lake on Saturday, so those who don't arrive until then but want to try the challenge have that option. Let me know...

I am also thinking a Recce in early August will be in order. Anyone interested?

[TigerDan]

I'm definintely in for the trip, don't know if the Recce is in the cards though...looks to be about a 4-hour drive. I might be able to swing it depending on when.

[esteban]

Damn! Sounds like fun but I'll just be getting back from a week in Yosemite. I don't think I'll be able to get out of work. :( I'll make on one of these trips sooner or later......

Steve

[monty]

this trip has peaked my interest. i will more than likely have to sacrifice the morg for this one.

[Desertcrawler]

this trip has peaked my interest. i will more than likely have to sacrifice the morg for this one.


Great country, good wheelin, and some good swimming too...

[NCLR074]

Chuck, looking forward to having you as a trip leader. You did a great job on the Mojave trip.

What maps cover the area? I plan on running up early Friday.

[Desertcrawler]

Can you post the entire trip information sheet? I know I submitted it some time ago, but for some reason it isn't showing in the trip section.

Gold Lake is located close to GraEagle and the Sierra Buttes. In the trip sheet I posted the quadrangles. The intermediate wheeling starts at Gold Lake OHV campground, and heads on a trail called "Snake Lake" which also goes past Little Deer Lake. I am doing a recce the weekend before. Our only risk is that for some reason if fires close down OHV access within either Lake Tahoe or Plumas National Forests....

[PCRover]

It is there and has been there for so long it way down on the list. I will pump it up to the top for you Chuck.

[Desertcrawler]

Also, it looks like some people asked for multiple registrations -- by my count we have 10 rigs officially signed up, but system says only 2 spots left. Could you adjust the registrations so that each rig is a single registration? Don't want to leave anyone out!

Everyone planning on going please make sure your registration is up to date with requested information. I'll be sending out confirmation notes over the weekend to the attendees...

[monty]

sorry Chuck. have to bail. didn't realize the scheduling conflict on those days.

[Cambo]

I may be up for this trip. Does the campground have any facilities?

[Desertcrawler]

It is rough camping. Pit toilet. Only water source is the lake. You'll probably be taking a bath int he lake each morning..

[Desertcrawler]

updated first post to reflect the current people signed up.

Doing a pre-run recce this weekend and will post more information as trip draws near...

[HMBRover]

Just registered! I'll be arriving Friday PM and plan to run the intermediate trails on Saturday and whatever comes along Sunday. The G4 is at Cerrone's now getting some TLC and should be good to go later this week. See you there! :D

[TigerDan]

I'm going to have to tentatively cancel...just got laid off today and have to start hoarding my pennies so I doubt I can get the head gasket on the Rangie taken care of in time, not to mention funding the regular trip expenditures. I'm scrambling to bring in some bucks otherwise so there's a chance yet, and maybe I can seal up the head gasket enough for one more trip so don't write me off yet. I thought I was going to have to cancel on the Oregon trip but made it anyway, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed for this one...now if you other Rangie guys would buy lots of parts off of my parts rovers...:D

[Cambo]

I should be arriving early afternoon friday.

[NCLR101]

Chuck and all,

I plan on joining and sounds like fun, if I can join you would be Friday. Hoping to get a chance to perhaps ride along with someone on the "big boy" trials. My truck is not there, yet :)

Thommy

[NCLR101]

Chuck, where are those directions? I saw them posted somewhere. Need to find you all and there was a lot of trip odometer zeroing and such...

Thommy

[HMBRover]

Try here: http://nclrclub.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=123&Itemid=111

Chuck is out this weekend pre-running the trails for next weekend.

Great to have you joining us!

[NCLR074]

Does anybody have a tuner for a CB radio? If so, can you bring it on this run? I have a Cobra CB with a Firestick that has a whopping range of 100 yards.

[TigerDan]

I have one now, Stef. If I can make the trip, I'll bring it along.

[HMBRover]

I can bring my home brew SWR bridge if you promise not to laugh when you see it. :D

[NCLR074]

"Home Brew" sounds like some kind of beer.

Dan, I look forward to seeing you again. There is plenty of water at the lake for your thirsty rig.

[Gotrovr]

have I missed something, does the campground require pre registration or first come first serve?

I plan on tenting

[Desertcrawler]

Gary and I wheeled pretty hard on Saturday.

Good news in that it looks like campground will have room (it wasn't full on the Saturday we were there), weather was good (in the 80's to 90's -- expected to get a bit warmer), and trails were fun. Most importantly, no fire closures this year -- so far at least!

Note we are staying in Gold Lake OHV campground. From our house, on the Peninsula, you are looking at about a 5 hour drive. The last 2 miles will be on very rocky, offroad trail -- allow yourself an hour to get to camp. No registration required, it is first come first serve. We plan on leaving Thursday at noon -- that should get us into camp by 5pm or 6pm if we stop anywhere along the way. When I left at 4:30 on Friday for the recce, we didn't get to Gary's cabin until 10:30 -- wouldn't have made camp until 11:30.. and that was with the carpool lanes in use -- so don't underestimate traffic on rush hour Friday getting out of the Bay...

Trailwise, we did the "tough" trail (little Deer and Snake Lake) and only needed to break out the winch twice. Gary's full size Range Rover (lifted 2") made it through with no carnage. If you are planning on the "extreme" section, we agreed that you either need a lift or sliders-- and should be prepared for body damage. Also, there a two spots where winching will be likely for any vehicle that doesn't have lockers. Rocks combined with dust make a slippery surface...There is also a very tight "squeeze rock" which when combined with a little off-camber due to rocks under the wheel makes getting your quarter panels through unscathed a testimony to driver skill...


While packing, remember to bring sun screen, bug juice, swimsuit and towel (water feels good when it is hot and you are dusty/dirty) as well as plenty of water. THere is a gas station/store within about 10 miles of camp, but to exit camp you've gotta take that tough road you drove on the way in..

[Desertcrawler]

We scouted sites, and this year we will be aiming to get one down near the far end of the campgound (along the water). So when you arrive, keep on driving all the way along the lakeshore and look to the right. Eventually, you should see a camp with Rovers (or a Rover sign).

I need to track down the NCLR banner. Anyone know who's got it?

[Gotrovr]

I will be bringing the banner, hopefully late thursday night

[NCLR091]

My name is Eddie and I am a new member and this will be my first outing with you. I am looking forward to a good time and meeting all of you. I sorry I have not made some earlier contact but I have been very busy this past weekend. (wedding and rugby tournaments) I will be arriving Thursday I hope to get out of the Bay Area before noon. But, it depends on my girlfriend being ready to go or not. Will we be staying at the same campsite all of the nights or moving around? I might have to scale down my gear I was planning to bring for easier setup/breakdown.

[Desertcrawler]

We will be staying at one campsite. Looking forward to meeting you!

[TigerDan]

Everything looks like a go for me at this point. I plan to head out on Thursday as well. What's your route, Chuck? Maybe we can hook up along the way and caravan up there together...I'm coming from Clear lake so it looks like the best route for me is 20 to 49. Are you going clear up to Truckee and over 89 from there?

[NCLR074]

Sorry but I have to bail on this one. I was hoping to put harvest off until next week, but you cannot mess with Mother nature. The heat this week accelerated things a bit. Will start picking Pinot Grigio on Friday. Cameron, Dan give me a ring if you get a cell service on Sat. Maybe, just maybe, if I can swing a couple of things I'll show up Sat late for a night run!

[TigerDan]

Well Stef, maybe I can borrow the D90 so at least it doesn't have to miss out on the trip...:D

Bummer, hope you can still make it for part of the trip anyway.

[Cambo]

Wheres the link to the old Gold Lakes trip? I searched on Lrrforums and didn't find it. Anybody?

[Gotrovr]

Sorry but I have to bail on this one. I was hoping to put harvest off until next week, but you cannot mess with Mother nature. The heat this week accelerated things a bit. Will start picking Pinot Grigio on Friday. Cameron, Dan give me a ring if you get a cell service on Sat. Maybe, just maybe, if I can swing a couple of things I'll show up Sat late for a night run!

I was hoping to finally getting to do some wheeling with you and for a little tug-o-war action

[PCRover]

Go to the main club site. It is there.

[Desertcrawler]

sitting at a bar in LAX connecting up to wireless.

Flight delayed -- hope to make it home and get stuff all ready for a NOON departure tommorow.

I am going Truckee way...

Will have cell phone on. 650-208-1175 Would offer to convoy but don't know good place to meet up.....perhaps near Truckee?

I have final list of those who registered, will print out along with cell info and will do a little dialing along the way once I hit Vallejo. In the meantime, feel free to call me after about 1pm for a progress update..

I will also put up a pie plate or something at the trail head and at our camp site that says NCLR so people know they are going the right way. IF you don't see it, you will know I am running late...

[Desertcrawler]

Go to the main club site. It is there.

If you go to LLRFORUMs, search under "Gold Lake:, last years pictures and a q&a board come up in your search results..

[Gotrovr]

working late tonight to free up early departure tomorrow

planned route is thru Truckee

[TigerDan]

Is that the quickest route from the Bay Area? I know 89 is a pretty good road (or at least it was when I used to travel it occasionally, many years back) but it sure seems like it's a long way around. Has anyone tried getting roght onto 49 at Auburn and going up that way? Reason I ask is that it looks like a decent route for me to take, though Google maps shows one shortcut from Browns Valley (off of 20) to Camptonville (on 49) that will supposedly save me some time. My intended route comes in at 181 miles, and a shade under 4 hours. If I go clear up to Truckee and across, it comes in at 225 miles and shade over 5 hours.

I just ran the route from SF to Gold Lake through Google maps, and it shows 214 miles and just over 4 hours going onto hwy 49 at Auburn, but only 235 miles and 4 hours 11 minutes going up through Truckee so I suppose it is indeed a better route for you guys, since 49 is pretty twisty going out of Nevada City as I recall.

[PCRover]

Fastest route is through Truckee hands down. 70 avg on freeway vs 45 avg on 49 is a no brainer to me.

[TigerDan]

With my truck, my tired 3.9 is not likely to be able to do 70 up Donner Summit...I'd be the dork in the slow lane doing 45 anyway...:D

[PCRover]

You might actually make it sooner going 49 then since it is less miles.

[Desertcrawler]

and my 3.9 does get me up to 70, sometimes at least..

[Gotrovr]

plotted route using Delorme topo 5

Aptos to Gold Lake campground via Truckee

65 MPH max

6 hrs 20 minutes :eek:

[TigerDan]

Mine will do 70, on the flat or a downhill but I doubt it going up Donner. Don't want to push it that hard, I'd like to make it home afterwards...! Now, when I get the 4.2 in there it should be a different story. Worn out 3.9 W/90psi compression vs. fresh 4.2...that should be a no-brainer!

I'll go ahead and take my Google-recommended route and plan on a leisurely drive. I hope to pull out around noon, a little earlier if I can swing it.

[Desertcrawler]

Well, it looks like as usual we will be a few hours late leaving peninsula. Probably 2pm. That means we won't be hitting camp until about 7pm. If you get there ahead of me, pick one of the good sites near the far end of the campground (with a beach) that looks like we can stick a tent trailer in it and get it turned around without a major incident.

[TigerDan]

I'm only about 30 minutes away from pulling out. Got a couple of stops to make, but I should be pulling into camp around 4:30-5:00 if all goes well (as in, I don't get lost!)

I have a couple of NCLR signs I made up for the Cow Mountain run, I'll bring 'em along just in case.

[Phil.]

have a great and safe trip everyone. take lots of pics and make us all jealous we couldn't make it.

[Desertcrawler]

I'm only about 30 minutes away from pulling out. Got a couple of stops to make, but I should be pulling into camp around 4:30-5:00 if all goes well (as in, I don't get lost!)

I have a couple of NCLR signs I made up for the Cow Mountain run, I'll bring 'em along just in case.

If you could bring em, that would be great! Put one at the entrance to the rough offorad spot, and one by our campsite.

[Desertcrawler]

If you could bring em, that would be great! Put one at the entrance to the rough offorad spot, and one by our campsite.


Ok - Final Update...

Here is the final list of attendees I have...looks like 13 rigs..

Chuck Mobraten DesertCrawler NCLR025
Gary Young PCRover NCLR002
David Badillo Sasquatch NCLR024
Daniel Harris TigerDan NCLR027
Stephano Watson Stephano NCLR074
Rupert Jung Roverman2 NCLR011
Michael Walton w2334 NCLR018
Ben Parker b_j_parker NCLR039
Ed Connor NCLR091 NCLR091
Brian Hunt HMBRover NCLR019
Cameron Burgett Cambo NCLR007
Thomas Getchell NCLR101 NCLR101
Will Selden GotRovr NCLR001

I've heard from just about everyone, the few that might be tenative are:

Stephano (may only come Sat night)
Thommy (I don't have his cell, but think he is coming)

Lots of arrivals Thursday night and then more on Friday. I'll try to do some cell calling on the drive in -- there is no access at the campsite. If you need to contact me, you can try at 650-208-1175 until about 5pm when I enter the "dead zone". We will also be running CB Channel 7.

Gary, as I know you are staying in a cabin tonight, would you mind posting up the number there in case anyone needs to reach us in the evening? I'm assuming you and one of the other "ham" guys may be able to reach us at camp.

First run will leave around 9, 9:30 on Friday

Looking forward to it!

[sasquatch]

Found this info from last years run -

Campground GPS
N39'40.27' W120'40.38


See you all up there Friday afternoon!!:D

[HMBRover]

This is what I came up with looking at the Garmin maps:

N39 40.270 W120 39.980 (WGS 84)

It's about 1/4 mile east of yours on the shore of the lake at the NW end of the campground.

See 'ya Friday! :D

[PCRover]

I will be available via phone at the cabin till I leave for Gold Lake 07:30AM Friday Morning. Call me at 530-283-2264 if you can't make it or need assistance etc.

I will be on CB7 and HAM 146.460 Friday.

[Cambo]

have to pull out last minute as the t-case swap isn't going as planned and I don't want to rush it and have to pull it again. :mad:

[TigerDan]

Home again...got in about 2-1/2 hours ago. Made it an easy drive, took a little detour to try and find an old friend in North San Juan (and didn't succeed) and had to stop and top off the radiator twice, which is sort of strange since the truck ran without a hitch and didn't even need fluids added the whole trip up to that point. I guess the truck was trying to tell me it would rather have stayed and got in a few more runs...I know the feeling! I'd rather still be up there than down here, though I have to say I'm really looking forward to the shower I'm about to take...:D

Another great trip, thanks to our trip leader/planner and trail leader Chuck, as well as our chief spotter and winch man El Presidente Will. Having a pair of such experienced wheelers/spotters/winchers really boosted the confidence level!

The weather was beautiful and varied, mostly clear and hot but with a nice little thunder shower yesterday afternoon which helped to take the edge off. A really nice place to camp and wheel, I can see why Chuck lists it as one of his favorites. It's now one of mine as well! And I'd like to suggest that we make it mandatory that every trip that takes place in the warm summer months has to have its campsite near a swimmable body of water...being able to jump into that lake after a hot and dusty day of wheeling was Nirvana!

I'll refrain from saying any more about the trip at this point as I suspect we'll have an excellent trip report from lilcrawler before too long...:D

However, I now know considerably more about the limits of my vehicle. I'm glad I wasn't the only one who had to get winched up a couple of bad spots, but I'd say lockers are definitely in order before attempting it again...not to mention sliders, diff guards and maybe a skid plate! A little more lift and bigger tires wouldn't hurt either, my old BFGs are gettin' a little thin!:eek:

Missed you, Cam...bummer you had to bail. Next time, get the major work done well before the intended trip. Sounds like you've been taking lessons from me!

Brian, you make it home OK?