HERE is a link to the information. I was told it would be about 1 hour out of Reno and 1 Hour or so on the dirt to get to the site where the kids are. Anyway, if you're looking to do a run August 21st-22nd. This is a great cause, and should be some good wheeling.

Charlie

Great trip for a great cause charlie. Do you mind if I send this out to the yahoo group? Any ideas if it will be stock X friendly?

I really can't say for sure if it's stock friendly, but I can't imagine them wanting to place kids in harms way. If stock X's show, someone will let them know if it's adviseable or not. Most of the trail ratings discussed have to do with the "side runs" before we meet up with the kids at the lake. Camp WAMP is truly a good deal. A lot of the kids are wheelchair athletes from what a friend of mine at the Center (NNCIL) says. We'll make sure it's a good time for all and won't test too many limits on this one.

Feel free to post the information as the attitudes expressed by the Hills Angels are along the lines of "The more, the merrier."

This sounds interesting to me. It's a location to which I've never traveled before, and it's not only an opportunity to lube up the front diff, but it performs a valuable service, too. (Any way to write off the gas expense? ) I'm guessing that the trail totally stock friendly. I can't imagine having a non-profit camp so remote that only lifted, locked Jeeps could get there. If you want to do any 'wheeling on Saturday (which has nothing to do with toting disabled kids around), it appears that the trail difficulty is your discretion... just don't break down before it's your time to be a taxicab! :p

Here\'s their official web site. Based on the info posted by the HillsAngels member, it looks like some of the logistical issues will be:
1) getting to the camp's remote location by 9AM on Sunday.
2) suitable passenger capacity (plus space to possibly transport one or more wheelchairs)

The HillsAngels guy proposed camping the night before, but in my experience I think many of us tend to fill up our entire trucks with camping gear, leaving little space for extra passengers! Packing lightly will be a necessity.

Charlie count me in for this one!

I've also emailed the group to see if we can get more people interested in going.

Can you post any more info that you might have about traveling out there on Sat and camping? Also any other info that will help with the trip in general. Thanks!

Will do! I will forward information as I get it. You might want to e-mail Mark and let him know you're in... washoelaw@earthlink.net

Packing lightly will be needed for sure, but can you imagine how lightly you would have to pack a Jeep? You could bring what? A candy bar and a bottle of water

Thanks for all the help on this guys

Cool Charlie, I emailed Mark. Anyone else interested? Let me know soon and I'll send on the RSVP to mark.

Here's where Johnsville (the nearest town to the camp) is in case you were wandering.

http://maps.yahoo.com/maps.py?&addr=&csz=Johnsville,CA

A stock X should have no problem with this trail. I ran it the other way with Mark back in June. I'd advise low range for running it the way WAMP is taking. Not too sure I'd make it up in the Freelander.

It's the Gold Valley trail in the books "Backcountry Adventures: Northern CA" and "Guide to Northern California Backroads" if anybody has a copy.

Pictures from our trek are here although some of the later ones are not from this trail. Unfortunately I didn't get pictures of the steeper portions, but nobody should have a problem.

To: CharlieX

I can be there with my stock X to help transport kids and gear. Sounds like a great cause and a good way for us to help.

Jay

Oops, just re-read Mark's message - stock rigs can still make it, but should probably enter from Downieville as opposed to Snake Lake.

Here is the latest update from Mark:

Angels, The Hawley Lake rescue is a GO for August 21-22. We leave Saturday and return Sunday. The meeting place is the gas station (the only one) at the intersection of US 395 north and Cal SR70, hallaluagh junction. (N39.46.51, W120.2.34) This is about 10 miles north of Bordertown casino on US 395 north. Good place to fuel up, get snacks or whatever. Please be there at or before 9 am, and we'll roll approx. 9:15, after the 15 minute courtesy waiting period. Plan ahead.
From there, we will head west on SR 70 past Portola and exit at Blairsden/Graeagle. We'll then head thru Graeagle passing 'last chance gas' and another market. From there we'll take a right turn onto gold lake road and head to gold lake, exiting at the boat launch site. (N39.41.070, W120.6.52) We'll air down and for the old timers, lock in the hubs. We'll proceed along the south shore of gold lake, passing several choice camp sites. Here is where it gets interesting. Depending on the type of 4x4s that attend, our route from here to gold valley may change. Assuming all are trail capable (= not bone stock) we'll take the scenic switch backs up to the gold lake over look and from there intersect with the ridge road and drop into gold valley via the snake lake/little deer lake trail. We expect to camp at or near snake lake (bring ur snake bite kit, HAHA!). fishing is good here, so if ur inclined, bring ur fishing gear. < if a truly bone stock rig attends, we may have to split up and take different trails, but i think we can get all thru the snake lake short cut. We'll just have to alternate rigs w/ and w/out winches, easy!>
Dinner plans are open. Maybe a pot luck of sorts? Depending on the number of attending rigs, we may be slightly dispersed along the lake shore. No stores, 7-11s or gas stations here, this is primitive camping in a
VERY beautiful area. Pack it in/pack it out. I'll have lots of propane and a two burner stove to do a skillet dinner, likely stir-fry for ease of clean up. If ya want BBQ, someone else needs to bring that. (please, gas only, no charcoals) Side dishes are open, but good stuff to share are deli salads, etc. Several old mines in the area and LOTS of challenging trails close by.
We need to roll from camp no later than 8 am sunday morning. We'll be doing a very light 'contenintial' breakfast. From there, we will descend from snake lake into gold valley, hang a right turn and head up hill one mile to Hawley lake. (N39.40.989, W120.42.648) We'll get into the camp ground and meet with the powers that be, get assigned a rider or two and head out to PESP. Be sure to bring ur trail lunch for sunday. I'm told there will be a suburban or two to carry the chairs, but if u have room for one, that's great.
From Hawley Lake, we head north toward the La Porte road, hang a right and we'll soon be in PESP, where we'll say good bye to our guests. From there, its a downhill paved road 6 miles back to Graeagle and this completes the loop. From there, we may disperse or do something else, depending on interest. We'll be passing Joe's 4x4 ranch, so that's possible. Frenchmans? Maybe a back country run past bear valley loop to sardine valley, dog valley and home. That's open to ideas???
We now have approximately 8 rigs committed, so if u want to join thes public service event (we're supposed to get RGJ coverage) there is still time to go. Just email me off list if u can, but in any event, if u can go, follow the above plan or, if u really know the area, find us along the trail or at snake lake. I have a detailed map of the general area i can fax upon demand. Questions not answered? email me direct.
mb

Wow, Graegle is 4-1/2 hours from San Jose. Graeagle looks like it's about 45 minutes from their 9am meeting spot at Hwy395/SR70, so I'm guessing they'll be in Graeagle around 10am... which means I have to leave here at 5:30!!!!!

Hmmm. Maybe I'm not so keen on this trip after all...

Anyone in the east bay or Sacramento county willing to host an overnight guest (or possibly two) on Friday night?

I think that tabitha has offered her place to stay @ IN-N-OUT. But, she's in Stockton...Closer than coming from the bay area, but not that much, either.

Or, as CharlieX was mentioning on NAXC board, Josh (CASPER) lives in Truckee or nearby... he can help you...if he's around. I wonder if he was talking about going on a vacation around that time? I can't remember...

I spoke with Mark a while back about meeting them at camp, but I'll send him another email.

I highly doubt I'll wake up that early to meet them, so I'll make arangements for the Bay Area folk to caravan up and meet the group at camp.

That is quite a haul. I have a messy non-airconditioned house you are welcome to (that's why I'm up and on the web--it's 90+ in our room right now... ).

Also, if you're (or anyone else for that matter) interested I might be able to get away for some camping Friday near Boca and Stampede. From there we could take the back way to meet up with Mark and crew.

Hi all,

What a coincidence that I read about Camp WAMP here and then made the connection that this is the camp that my sister and nephew were helping with a fundraising event a few months ago.

So my nephew and I are leaving the 12th for a long weekend to do some volunteer work at the camp. We'll be going in to Hawley lake from Plumas-Eureka State Park (directions on the camp's web site.) I'll report on this trail when I get back if you want. It's probably not much of a challenge compared to the way in planned by Mark via Gold Lake.

This is a really beautiful area that I'll try my new tires on. BlueJ is no longer stock:31BFG AT's.

Hope to see you all soon, maybe for the 21-22. Meanwhile there are some meteor showers which should be great viewed from the mountains. Have fun at Pardos.
Jean

Hey Jean, good to hear from you and hope to see you there!

I'm still working out details for people leaving from the Bay area (been busy lately), so hold tight guys, but I'll assure you we won't be leaving at 5am.

Any word on the plans from the bay area? Id like to do my part and join if it isnt too late.

Definately not too late. I'll post something by tonight. Sorry for the delay guys but I've been really busy.

Ok, here's the meeting spots for the trip.

Sat (8/21)

7:00am
-Exit 680 @ Monument Blvd (make 1st right meet at the old Montgomery Wards parking lot), just look for the deserted department store building to the right of the freeway

10:00 - 10:30am
-Safeways in Truckee
11290 Donner Pass Rd
Truckee CA 96161
(this will be a food stop)

12:00pm
-We should be in Graeagle

More info to come...I'm still working out trails.

well, sence the meeting place is like 3 exits from my house.. I guess I kinda can't worm my way out of this..
So I am in..

My plan is to get to Tahoe on Friday and play.
I will meet you at Safeway in Truckee.

I will be following Mark and crew and will no doubt see you all when you get there...It should be a fun couple of days.

Awsome! We'll see you there Charlie, keep your ears open for us on CB4 and FRS4.0 Hopefully we'll roll in around 4/5pm just in time for dinner.

So just to be sure the sign-up looks like this...

----------------
1. CharlieX (rolling w/ NV crew)
2. Huey (meeting at Pleasant Hill)
3. XPLORx4 (meeting ay Pleasant Hill)
4. JayMBA (meeting in Jackson)
5. BlueJ??? (Jackson???)
6. 4xNewb??? (Pleasant Hill???)
7. Xtopher (meeting at Pleasant Hill)

Note: if there are ??? next to your name please confirm if you are still going on the trip and your meeting spot.

Thanks!

So just to be sure the sign-up looks like this...

----------------
1. CharlieX (rolling w/ NV crew)
2. Huey (meeting at Pleasant Hill)
3. XPLORx4 (meeting ay Pleasant Hill)
4. JayMBA (meeting in Jackson)
5. BlueJ??? (Jackson???)
6. 4xNewb (meeting @ Pleasant Hill)
7. Xtopher (meeting at Pleasant Hill)

Note: if there are ??? next to your name please confirm if you are still going on the trip and your meeting spot.

Thanks!

Camp WAMP was great! The campers and adults were happy (and dirty) - what a great experience for them.

Stock 4x4s can make it on the road from Plumas Eureka State Park/Johnsville. For Sat. nite there's a nice, free camp spot called Ross Campsites 4 miles from the end of the Museum parking lot if anyone doesn't want to go in via Gold Lake & Gold Valley.

BlueJ

So just to be sure the sign-up looks like this...

----------------
1. CharlieX (rolling w/ NV crew)
2. Huey (meeting at Pleasant Hill)
3. XPLORx4 (meeting ay Pleasant Hill)
4. JayMBA (meeting in Jackson)
5. BlueJ ?still not sure (meeting @ Pleasant Hill)
6. 4xNewb (meeting @ Pleasant Hill)
7. Xtopher (meeting at Pleasant Hill)

Note: if there are ??? next to your name please confirm if you are still going on the trip and your meeting spot.

Thanks!

1. CharlieX (rolling w/ NV crew)
2. Huey (meeting at Pleasant Hill)
3. XPLORx4 and brother-in-law Eddie (meeting at Pleasant Hill)
4. JayMBA (meeting in TRUCKEE)
5. BlueJ ?still not sure (meeting @ Pleasant Hill)
6. 4xNewb (meeting @ Pleasant Hill)
7. Xtopher (meeting at Pleasant Hill)

1. CharlieX (rolling w/ NV crew)
2. Huey (meeting at Pleasant Hill)
3. XPLORx4 and brother-in-law Eddie (meeting at Pleasant Hill)
4. JayMBA (meeting in TRUCKEE)
5. BlueJ ?still not sure (meeting @ Pleasant Hill)
6. 4xNewb (meeting @ Pleasant Hill)
7. Xtopher (meeting at Pleasant Hill)

Thanks Dean for updating my meeting place. See you all on Saturday at Safeway in Truckee.

This is a kick-ass turn out...In case I don't mention it, thanks. You all have restored my faith in human kind and I'm getting kind of misty Seriously though, Thanks!

Here's a few of my photos of Camp Wamp -- thank you Huey.

http://www.grovestreet.com/jsp/picview.jsp?album=54832

See you at Pleasant Hill sat am.
Jean

Huey & group,

How about including going to the top of the Sierra Buttes? I guarantee that the view is spectacular! I've hiked it several times, would appreciate getting most of the way there by the jeep trail. Brian/BCM79 has some great photos here:
http://www.pbase.com/bcm79/sierra_buttes_gold_lake&page=1

Jean

I really like that idea! We should be done fairly early on Sunday and that could easily be a side trip before we head home. I'll bring it up with the group tomorrow.

Great job guys and gals!! Things were a little hectic for a bit, but it all worked out. It was great to meet everyone from the Xterra CROWD that showed up--and the enthusiasm really impressed the club out of Reno. You all did yourselves proud and gave a bunch of kids a great time.

I guess it's time to schedule some more friendly (though next time it should be friendly for the vehicles...all vehicles...) runs and get things going

A big thanks to the gravity defying Dean for helping me get out of my "skid-plate and drive line test".

I'm sure more will be coming up in the way of a report, but for now I'm kind of beat and am headed off for a bit of rest

Charlie, I didn't see you on my way out...but I wanted to say THANK YOU for extending the invite for this trip. I also wanted to thank Mark for organizing the event, helping me plan, and guiding us through the trails. Finally I want to thank Dean, Jean (and sister), Sean, Cris, and Jay you guys made same kids very happy and i couldn't have picked a better crew to camp and star gaze with.

The trip was loads of fun and hopefully we can make this an annual run. Great trip for a great cause!!!

And now for the trip report...We spent Sat morning driving up (very tired as the start time was way to early...I know it was my fault... ) and arrived Truckee around 11:45. There we spent wayyy too long shopping for food and got on our way to Graeagle.

Arriving at 1ish we quicky aired down and hit the trail. The trail for the most part was easy and we had little issue. It wasn't till we reached a fork in the road that seemed to be a shortcut to camp. We traveled down the easy trail till we reached a VERY steap and ROCKY decent to what looked like camp litteraly a few hundread feet away. Dean went down 1st to feel out the trail. he got about 1/2 way down when he decided that it would be a bit much for the stockers. I got out and hiked my way down to help spot him as he was commited at this point. Before I could reach him he had managed to tear his front tire side wall on a nasty rock that stuck out into the trail. A few inches later he had rolled off his bead. Changing a tire at this point was not an option...so I spotted Dean down to a flat spot, but not before we hit a point where his vehicle was litteraly standing on his front bumper. You could see his entire roof!

Well Dean got his tire fixed with the help of Mark's crew and the rest of our group turned around and proceeded back and around the longer trail to camp (Dean had an easy ride from there to camp). All was well till we were stopped by a stuck 4runner that was being towed out due to a problematic t-case. This held us up for about 30min...and we got on our way with little trouble except for a loose hill climb were I had to strap everyone (except Chris) up. Finally we reached the base of a hill climp that lead to camp. At this point the trail proved too much for the group as I tested it up and we decided to turn around and camp at the base. But before I could make it down, the hill proved it's nastyness and I ended breaking hub bolts (again!) and limping down.

We set up and had a much deserved rest. Spending the night joking around and star gazing. The next morning the Jeep group came down to our camp and we all headed to to Camp WAMP, I limped my way in 2wd low (using my locker to get through rough spots). We made it to camp and got the kids and headed out. After gettig air we spent some quality time in HWY80 trffic...

I only shot 10 pics... I\'m getting lazy...

The area is a long way from the Bay Area, but offers great views and trails ranging from easy to very hard.

Imagine following the Jeeps through the "short-cut" (fun trail though) At least now I know the $ for the skids was money well spent. I got stuck in some nasty spots a couple of times, but other than that it was pretty smooth going. I didn't have a camera as the spouse took it with her on vacation...maybe next time.

Glad you all had a great time. Sounded like a rough trip.

Huey, did the bolts work themselves loose or they just broke?

Dean, hope you can warranty that tire.

....

My warns have been having issues since I switched to 33s (probably not the sole problem, but a contributing factor)...the bolts work themselves loose which causes play in them. From there if I hit a loose spot and gain instant traction (even if it's slight) the torque breaks the bolts!!! And yes I checked to see if the bolts were tight before the run.

I carry a box of bolts with me now but was too lazy to deal with it this time and since the hub wasn't spinning by itself this time, I decided to just do the trail in 2wd.

I'm done with the warns...I'm going to order a set of Nissan manuals and call it a day.

Great trip! Diana and I really enjoyed it. Thanks to all.
Here are my photos.
http://www.grovestreet.com/jsp/picview.jsp?album=55102

Jean

Note: Di found her fishing pole in the trunk of her car. yaay
-and if you had eaten more donut holes I wouldn't have had to fry them in butter for Monday breakfast-

Hay, you got my best side!!

Charliex, thanks for putting the info out on this run.

I fully enjoyed myself on this trip. I dont think I could ask for a better crew of people to go out with on my first venture.

The getting stuck, camping, laughing, stargazing, and waiting, was all worthwhile.

Glad we all made it there and back OK.

until next time...

Pictures (duh)

RIDE UP:

got spares?

more drive pics


shot of the lake from trail..

Why drunks shouldn't be allowed to ride atv's..

that was the first time he flipped on that rock..
we were 200 feet away the second, and only heard it.. sorry, couldn't see it..