A Dusy of a trail

Running the Dusy-Ershim Trail August 25-27, 2006

Report & Pictures By Chuck Seeger,

Trails Coordinator & Run Leader - Geared 4 Fun 4x4 Club

Getting to the Dusy Our drive to Fresno was pretty uneventful - we got up at 4 a.m. and got on the road by 5:30 so that we could get through LA Traffic without a hitch - that worked great. Driving my Jeep through
LA traffic with half doors and two racks full of gear was interesting - I kept thinking about that commercial where the guy bypasses traffic by wheeling up the hill - damn - I COULD do that! But alas we were waiting for some real wheeling up in the Sierra's.

The weather in the Central valley was perfect and as we climbed the foothills out of Fresno the scenery just got more spectacluar. We arrived in the town of Shaver Lake in the early afternoon and stopped at a bait store and topped off at the gas station .

On our way into Courtwright Resevoir we stopped off at the McKinley Grove of Giant Sequoia's - wow what a way to start our trip. Those trees are awesome. Some are over 2000 years old and the biggest measures hundreds of feet high and over 16' around.

We arrived at Courtwright after about an hour drive through the forest. Mike & Nora missed a turn and went to see another lake but luckily because we were all on 2M radios we could communicate with them and direct them back to the right road even though we were several miles apart.



Courtwright was beautiful, and while Steve and Nora went fishing....

Mike and Chuck couldn't wait to find the start of the Dusy-Ershim trail and see what the deal was with "Chicken Rock" We found the start of the Dusy trail about 2 miles down the trail to Voyager Rock...

Immediately we knew this was going to be a real Dusy (pardon the pun) the trail started with a boulder field as a "Gate Keeper" then went straight up the face of Voyager Rock - I understand why the also call this "Chicken Rock" one could easily chicken out when you see the steepness of the climb. The view from on top was incredible and made the climb even better.

We headed down to the shore of Courtwright to fish but didn't catch anything. So we headed back to camp to get ready for tomorrow.

Thompson Hill Our first real day of wheeling started easy enough, we posed for some shots atop Chicken Rock but then moved on to beat a huge group of Toyotas that were running the Dusy this same weekend.
The first thing that strikes you about the Dusy is the forest... it is so green - healthy and thick. The trail runs between the trees and is so narrow it is hard to imagine a fullsize truck getting through this trail. We came across our first real obstacle only a mile or so in - this really didn't seem like much but it was a great warm up. As we proceeded through the forest Mike was and Steve wanted to keep a bit of distance to keep the dust down - unfortunately Steve kept a bit too much distance and the Toyotas started to over take him. By the time Mike & I got to Thompson Hill, Steve had let at least 10 vehicles pass him... So since we were in good communication we headed up Thompson hill, after at the 8 mile mark according to my GPS... as we crested a ridge I radioed to Mike that we were done with Thompson and it really hadn't been bad at all....

- OOPS - I was wrong! Way wrong! The real challenge of Thompson hill is in the last 1/4 mile as the trail turned into an uphill boulder field where I suddenly had caught up to several rock buggies who were "challenged"... Knowing that Mike was playing on some obstacles because he thought the trail was done I radioed to him urgently that indeed the trail was NOT done - I think my exact line was " Mikey don't go looking for trouble because it is most certainly going to find you when you get to where I am!!!"
At this point I was stuck and pointing sideways on the hill after trying to climb between a huge boulder and a Tree - gravity pulling my front end off the rock and in the wrong direction. I knew I needed to use my Winch to pull the front end in the right direction up the hill. There was no way to go backwards or to the side as rocks had me blocked in. Luckily I could pull forward enough to get my Winch gear out of the back of my Jeep. Mike assisted and we pulled a text book winching session - complete with Tree Saver strap to extracate my rig from this pickle.

As we spoke to Steve on the radio and learned of a rollover that was keeping him held up we agreed to push on to Thompson Lake to get the good campsite - which really paid off as the Toyota guys swarmed around us 45 minutes after we got in.

Rubi enjoyed relaxing in the grass after wheelin' all day.

After getting to Thompson Lake went fishing and relaxing.

I learned not to come between Mikey & his Steak

Thompson to Ershim Lake Day 2 on the trail was probably the easiest as there were no huge obstacles to overcome. The forest was very tight in places, there was one fun part for Steve & Mike as they climbed a tough hill

and we got into Ershim lake around 1:30 pm with plenty of time for fishing and relaxing - again beating the group of Toyotas because we left camp at 8:30 a.m. as they were just awakeing.

Ershim Lake is really beautiful and the fishing turned out to be better than over at Thompson... at least for Nora & Uncle Fred.

In camp that night we learned just how much Mikey likes gasoline for starting fires - so I played Barbqueue by Eddie Murphy on my iPod over the Jeep's speakers...

... we all laughed at Mikey's impersonation of "Uncle Gus".

Ershim Lake was really spectacluar.

On Sunday morning we took our time hitting the trail so we wouldn't be right on the tail of the Trail Gear guys.

As we headed out on the 3rd day there were several challenging sections including this drop off that were fun.

There were lots of rocks and Trees to navigate through and over. Everyone who attended can say that they drove at least part of the Dusy-Ershim Trail

On the way out we stopped at Lakecamp Lake - another jaw-droppingly beautiful lake - this one with a creek feeding it that was so glassy it was unbelievable we had to take a few pictures (too bad I couldn't get the camera higher for the group picture.

Steve & Nora made for a great picture here.

Mike started experiencing mechanical issues a bit before Lakecamp Lake with his rear axle making weird noises - probably a broken spider gear. He engaged his rear ARB Locker and that seemed to be a good trail fix for the problem - we just needed to get 4 more miles to get to pavement.

As we climbed to the highest point of our trip - over 10,500' we felt like we were on top of the world ... the views in every direction were incredible - there was even still snow in the distance.

Mikey almost fell off the mountain -- hee hee

In the end thankfully we all made it all the way through the Dusy-Ershim Trail without serious incident and we all had a blast on what has to be one of the most scenic and challenging trails I've ever been on.

Imagestation Photo Gallery

Dusy Ershim Trail Report 8/24/06

Dusy Ershim Trail Report

Attendees:

• Charlie Seeger w/ Robert & Rubi in yellow TJ
• Mike Parsons w/ Uncle Fred in red TJ
• Steve Unwin w/ Nora in white TJ

Summary: We finished the 3-day, 33 mile Dusy Ershim Trail in the Sierra Nevadas as planned. There were some mechanical breakdowns, and some body damage, but we all made it off the trail on our own power. The trail was longer and more difficult than the Rubicon Trail. The scenery was magnificent. The fishing at Ershim Lake was good. Next time we should do it from North to South.

Day 1: Thursday was for driving up to the Courtright Reservoir where the trail begins. We met up with Mike in Oceanside about 5AM and continued north. We kept in touch with Charlie who started off about 1/2 later over the 2M radios. The all day trip went off without a problem and we arrived at Courtright in the early afternoon. After setting up camp Nora and I fished the reservoir while Charlie and Mike explored the beginning on the trail. While fishing we observed a large group of Toyotas (about 15) driving up. After not catching fish we returned to camp and settled by the campfire.

Day 2: The Second day was our first day on the trail. Our group, led by Charlie managed to start early enough to be first on the trail. We climbed the steep and tall granite slab called Chicken Rock. We negotiated the trail through the dense forest leading up to Thompson Hill. Along the way 3 rock buggies from the Toyota group caught up and overcame our group. Later some more Toyotas passed us and we found ourselves stuck in a column of Toyotas unable to catch up to our group. Meanwhile Charlie and Mike were miles away doing their best to get to Thompson Lake, our camping destination to reserve us a good spot. We stayed in continual contact using 2M radios.

The highlight of the first day was Thompson Hill. Our group made it up this steep and loose hill with no real problems. The Toyota group had a broken driveshaft and 2 rollovers. While heading up we encountered another group, The San Diego 4 Wheelers retreating off the mountain due to a snapped driveshaft. There was an additional group of 2 Jeeps that was broken and sidelined on Thompson hill with a bent tie rod.

Charlie managed to get good campsites at Thompson Lake and we quickly set up camp and began to fish the lake hoping to provide dinner for the night. We caught no fish this time.

Day 3: We woke up early and immediately packed up the Jeeps. It was clear to all that an early start and no stopping or breakdowns meant the pick of the campsites at the next camping destination, Ershim Lake. So we kept a fast pace on this day.

This segment of the trail was comparatively easy to the first day and although the scenery was great the trail posed no significant difficulties. In spite of that Mike broke off a track bar bracket and we had to stop in order to remove the broken parts. Thankfully he finished the work before a group of Jeeps overcame us.

Getting to Ershim Lake took about 6 hours and again we were the first ones there. We set up camp and I jumped in the lake to take a bath. It felt great! Nora and I started fishing and with Fred’s instruction she caught 2 nice Brook Trout. Fred caught a Brook Trout and a Rainbow Trout. 3 or 4 hours later the other group began to arrive. They were delayed by a broken axle and a long stop for lunch.

That night Nora cooked up the great fish and we all enjoyed a taste. Robert tended the fire while Mike told stories of former motocross glory and Mad Max days at Glamis.

Day 4: It was not critical to get an early start on this day since we were not camping on the trail. We ate breakfast and slowly packed up for the last day on the trail. We left about 10:30AM and had a breakdown 5 minutes into the trail. Part of Mike’s homebrew suspension came apart and we stopped along the trail to fix it. Fortunately Mike had the spare parts and tools to fix it and we were underway within 20 minutes.

This day was by far the most scenic of all and Nora and I enjoyed it the most. Most of the trail was around 10,000 ft elevation and from there we could see for hundreds of miles. Nora and I alternated driving this day and all of us were lighthearted since there was no frantic pace to maintain. Mike had a hard day due to additional mechanical trouble but it didn’t keep him from finishing the trail.

We drove off the mountain and into Shaver Lake to have a burger and get a couple gallons of gas. After that we all drove back to Courtright Reservoir and set up camp for the last time. This night was fun and relaxing. We sat around the campfire and looked at pictures of our trip. The lies and exaggerations began to form.

Day 5: Charlie and I woke up at 5AM to begin our drive home. Charlie and I were able to maintain radio communication for most of the way home. Along the way Charlie radioed that he had a breakdown so we turned around to meet up with him. His driveshaft had come apart. My driveshaft wouldn’t fit his jeep so he ended up driving home in front wheel drive only while we followed behind him. Other than that there was no troubles getting home.

The PICTURE ALBUM is posted on imagestation.

More Pinion Mountain Stuff

Pinion Mountain Night Run Trail Report, Aug 12, 2006

Attendees: in order of showing up

• Larry Gumm- Silver LJ Rubicon
• David Heker/Jennifer – Brownish LJ Rubicon
• Steve Unwin/Nora –White TJ
• Adam Burch/Siler – Yellow Rubicon
• Charlie Seeger/John Lanford – Yellow TJ
• Steve Porretta/Tracy – Suzuki Samurai
• Chris Zeitler/Liz – Silver Tombraider Rubicon
• Errol Poe – Black TJ

The start of the run was significantly delayed by late arrivals. It might be better for a run like this to caravan from a meeting place in town. That way cell coverage won’t be an issue trying to find out where people are at or if they are coming or not. Charlie led the run while I remained at the meeting place waiting for the last guy to show. When he did show we unloaded his Jeep from the trailer and were able to catch up with the rest of the group at the Jeep Squeeze.

The Squeeze was a little harder at night since it was hard for the spotter to see with headlights in his face. John Lanford did most of the spotting for the evening; thanks John. Charlie did nearly all the picture taking; thanks Charlie. After the Squeeze we ambled along toward Heart Attack Hill. Along the way there were a couple fun rock gardens but everyone was able to negotiate the obstacles with no problems.

At Heart Attack Hill everyone stopped and got out to survey the challenge. At night this thing looks scary! Charlie led the way and made it look easy with his big lift and 35” tires. The remaining vehicles had less than controlled descents that were scary to watch (and I’m sure to drive) but no damage was done. Its very tippy right there.

Beyond the Squeeze the group continued into Hapaha Flats, past Split Rock and down into Fish Creek. By then the moon was out and we could almost have turned off our headlights. Charlie led us up into Sandstone Canyon and we got to see some new signage indicating the official end of Sandstone Canyon which is about a mile before the furthest point we’ve gone before. Coming out the canyon we all made our way towards the Diablo Dropoff. One driver missed the turn but we were able to find him and get him back on track.

At the Diablo Dropoff most vehicles had no troubles. At the long sand hill Chris and Adam in their Rubicons got stuck in the sand. After airing down and getting enough momentum Chris made his way up the hill. Adam aired down and made it almost to the top. I tugged on him with a tow strap but saw my tires were digging in. Just as I was heading to hook up the winch line he miraculously pulled out of the thick sand and crawled his way to the top.

The group continued down Arroyo Seco Del Diablo to Carrizo Creek and back to the S2. We aired up and prepared to head home. We got home at 5:15AM.

Geeky Radio Stuff

The group used 2M radios exclusively to great effect. Those who did not have mobile hams in their rigs were given HTs by others to use. Everyone had a 2M radio except for 2 rigs. As the Tailgun I was able to communicate with the Trail Boss throughout the evening despite the twist and turns of the canyons we were in. We enjoyed clear inter-group communication throughout the evening. Later when our group was heading back to the Stagecoach RV campground I began losing reception on simplex since Charlie was too far away and behind mountains. We switch to the Monument Peak repeater and continued talking. This was truly fun.

Pinyon Mountain Night Run

We set out from the Stagecoach Trails RV Park finally getting underway at 9 pm. There were a couple of folks who were running late and we didn't wan't to leave them to run the trail alone.

Chuck took trail leader and lead most of the group ahead while Steve waited for his friend Errol from Monrovia.

We waited for the rest of the group to catch up just after Jeep Squeeze and we got these shots of Steve going through the Squeeze with his Rock Lights illuminating the way. - way cool shot!

Here's a shot of my Jeep and the rest of the crew behind us as we get read to run the rest of the trail after the Squeeze

I'm heading down Heart Attack Hill - always fun - just gotta use your gears!

Here

Here Adam makes it look pretty interesting in his stock Rubicon - check out that rear wheel in the air - was he about to go Ass over Tea-kettle or what???

Steve and his rocklights makes it look cool going down Heart Attack Hill

P.S. - I definately enjoyed "racing" Steve P baja style for the last mile out of the wash - Ain't gonna get beat by no 'zuk! LOL

Picture Gallery - Click Here

Nora at Holcomb Creek

Here's Nora proving that she can show the way. Always fun

Holcomb Creek Water Crossing- 2

Next we headed to Holcomb Creek - starting from the rock pile off 3N16 we ran West to East and finished at the water crossing where we had some fun.

Big Bear Fun - 3 trails

So we (Steve & Nora, Steve's dad Matt and myself - Chuck) started out in Arrowhead running trails from West to East - First we did Deep Creek . The actual Deep Creek water crossing is now a Cement bridge but the trail does have some challenging sections and was fun.

Chuck

Big Bear Jeep'n

We went back to Big Bear for some camp'n and Jeep'n. It was really nice being there on Thursday and Friday before the weekend crowd. We felt like we had the mountain to ourselves. We logged about 50 miles on the Willys without issue. Most of the trails we did were easy, but being that we were there by ourselves, we decided not to go on anything too difficult.

One of the trails we really enjoyed was 3N08 which heads east from Holcomb Creek towards John Bull. It's not marked very well so that added some adventure to the ride. We took some fun side spurs on the way back that got pretty narrow.

We also went up to the Lookout Tower at Butler Peak. It's worth the drive just for scenery. The Tower has great views of Big Bear Lake to the east and Lake Arrowhead to the west.


Mike & Sheri Carroll