February 2008 Meeting Minutes
February 2008 Meeting Minutes
Gettin Off 4x4 Club
The meeting was started at approximately 7:30pm and Terry greeted everyone to the February 2008 meeting.
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INTRODUCTIONS AND NEW GUESTS:
Bill Bailey attended as a new guest. Bill purchased former member Jeff Aielo's white TJ Jeep. Bill introduced himself and talked a bit about his outdoor activities. He is an avid skier and has spend considerable time in the Sierras. Welcome Bill.
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PROJECTS AND PAINS:
Terry is working on the TJ to replace/repair his compressor for Terry Trot. Will be working on it Thursday to be ready for Terry Trot. The installation of the compressor is a tight fit, and taking a lot of time to remove the compressor assembly itself. The Yota is in need of some TLC and has a few leaks that need to be fixed before the next big trip along with a front axle assy that came out of the driver's side knuckle???
Paul E. had an Ox locker installed in the front axle of his XJ, to match his rear Ox locker. Paul installed the cable assembly which was a tight fit apparently.
Aaron is still waiting for some parts to get his CJ back on the road. Has a new D44 axle that was built up specifically for the CJ. Also has a 20 for the rear.
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ON THE ROCKS TV:
Terry is Tevo'ing the shows... They seem to be airing on Comcast channel 406.
Some comments from those who have seen the show indicate that it has not been all that exciting...maybe due to the extremely low budget with which it is being produced.
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PAST RUNS:
Clear Creek: apparently only one person showed up at the designated meeting point. So instead of going to Clear Creek, they went to Hollister Hills.
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RUNS COMING UP:
TERRY TROT: Friday, Feb 15 Travel to Ridgecrest CA , Econo-Lodge.
A caravan will form up at John "Chuck" Erreca rest stop. This rest stop is the meeting point on Highway 5 for Death Valley/Panamint Valley trips. Please plan to arrive there before 8:30AM, we will leave there at approximately 8:30AM.
The John "Chuck" Erreca rest stop is located approximately 15 miles south of the intersection of Highway 152 and Highway 5.
This location is approximately 90 minutes from the greater San Jose area so plan accordingly.
From the John "Chuck" Erreca rest stop, the caravan will travel south on
highway 5 to highway 46, then take
highway 46 east to highway 99.
We will take highway 99 south to the
“Flying J” truck stop on highway 99, approximately 5 miles north of Bakersfield . They have a ton of CB’s and accessories in case you need any. We will stop there for lunch, and gas. From the Flying J Truck Stop, we will travel south on 99 to Bakersfield.
TERRY TROT Saturday, Feb 16 –
Sat morning usual drill - Have had breakfast, a full tank of gas, and be ready to go at 7:30 a.m. across the street from the Econo Lodge office. If you are camping Fri night let us know where so we can meet you on Sat morning. There will be a drivers meeting in front of the Econo Lodge, then we travel to meet with the group camping in Panamint Valley .
Fish Cyn is a favorite trail for a couple of reasons. It gets us off the highway much sooner, and Terry loves the view as we pass over the top of the Slate Range dropping in to Panamint Valley. Also, the historical significance of the trail when the families 130 some years ago were trying to escape Death Valley. From there we will travel on the west side of the dry lake bed to Ballarat.
After dropping into Panamint Valley and coming to the dry lake bed, this year we will make a left and follow the trail along the west side of the dry lake bed. This will take us to the road leading to Ballarat from the main highway. We will make a stop at Ballarat and if the General Store is open you may pick up a souvenir if you wish. From Ballarat we will take Indian Ranch Rd to Jail Cyn. It has been about 6 years since we last visited Jail Cyn. After Jail Cyn then we will return to our motel in Ridgecrest or to our campsite at Ballarat.
TERRY TROT Sunday, Feb 17 –
We will again meet across the street from the Ridgecrest Econo-Lodge at 8AM and travel to Panamint Valley.
It also has been 6 years since we visited the Charcoal Kilns. The bee hive shape buildings are pretty cool. We plan to continue to Mahogany Flat where you can get a view of Death Valley from about 9,000'. The elevation is pretty high so bring some warm comfortable clothing. From Mahogany Flat we will head back to Tucki Mine. Tucki Mine is a new trail for me. It is about 20 miles toward Stovepipe Wells once we get back to the highway. It is 10 miles up and back to the mine. From what I understand it has some overhangs which may prove challenging for the taller vehicles.
After Tucki Mine you have a choice of heading back to your base camp or motel, or joining us for the optional day on Monday. If you are heading home on Monday you can return to Ridgecrest or your camp site on Sunday afternoon. If you plan to stay with us for the optional day on Monday we will be staying in Beatty on Sunday night.
TERRY TROT Monday, Feb 18 –
This is an optional day, or a return day for some. The plan is to leave Beatty and run Titus Canyon , then on to Chloride City . After that, the group will split up, and begin their return back home, with some folks heading up to Tahoe and parts beyond.
RUNS COMING UP ...continued:
CB WORKSHOP - March 15th at Calabazas Truck and RV Repair in Santa Clara, at 10am.
SNOW RUN: March 29th, location to be determined.
HOLLISTER: April 12th.
MOAB: April 19th - 26th. Lyle to send out further information next month.
ADOPT-A-TRAIL: Sometime in May (TBD).
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Next Meeting is March 11, 2008.
The meeting was adjourned at approximately 8:30pm.
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