What is camp WAMP?

Click here to read about camp WAMP

What is NCCX's role in camp WAMP?

Camp WAMP is located along the Gold Valley trail (see map below), a route suitable only for 4WD vehicles. A tour bus transports the camp participants and counselors to a picnic area in the Plumas-Eureka State Park, and our role is to provide transportation from the picnic area to the camp on Saturday. This involves loading up the campers, counselors, luggage, wheelchairs, and other gear into our rigs, driving the 1-1/2 to 2-hour trail to the camp, and unloading everything.

After that, the weekend is open. NCCX normally runs the remainder of the Gold Valley trail on Saturday, then runs the Sierra Buttes trail on Sunday. We return home Sunday evening. It's a fun weekend adventure through some spectacular scenery.

Do I need special training to care for the disabled?

No. Your responsibility is only to provide safe transportation. Each severely disabled individual (i.e. those who cannot walk or have special physical or medical needs) is accompanied by at least one counselor, who is responsible for that person's care. They take care of loading and unloading that person from your vehicle.

Do I need special insurance?

No. Your vehicle's insurance policy is sufficient. Each vehicle and driver must present proof of current registration and liability insurance in order to participate. Seatbelts for all occupants are mandatory.

What type of vehicle do I need?

The trail is rough, rocky, and steep in places, and traverses through high-altitude terrain, reducing the power output of most engines. A high-clearance 4x4 vehicle with a part-time transfer case or lockable center differential, and either low-range gearing or a powerful engine is required. One year, a stock Honda CR-V was able to make it, but it had a rough time, scraping the undercarriage occasionally and needing a tow from another rig a couple of times. A stock Xterra is more than capable of handling this trail.

How difficult is the rest of the trail?

The Gold Valley trail beyond campWAMP becomes rougher, but with careful driving and spotting, can be done with a stock vehicle without damage. Portions of the route do pass through dense brush that flanks either side of the trail, so there is a risk to clearcoat paint scratches that may require buffing out.

The Sierra Buttes trail is easy, but very steep in places. The use of low range gears is essential.

Can I bring my family?

The primary goal of this trip is to provide transportation to others. Therefore, the more empty your vehicle, the more useful you'll be as a volunteer. However, since there is a secondary purpose to this trip (i.e. our own adventure that happens after we drop off the campWAMPers), feel free to bring a companion to keep you company. But try to have space in your rig for at least 2 passengers and some gear.

Can I deduct my travel expenses for this volunteer service from my income tax?

Yes. Note your vehicle's mileage before and after the trip, and keep your gas receipts for the trip, and you can deduct the expenses from your income tax. Contact your tax advisor about deducting travel expenses incurred by donating your time to campWAMP.

August 4 Departure times/locations:
7:35am- Krispy Kreme parking lot, Willow Pass Rd/I-680, Concord
Click here for map of leg 1 (~1 hr 39 mins)
9:15am- Raley's parking lot, Foresthill/I-80, Auburn
Click here for map of leg 2 (~1 hr)
(10:15am- Optional Refuel in Truckee) * Do this BEFORE the 10:30 departure time.
10:30am- Safeway parking lot, Hwy89/Donner Pass Rd, Truckee
Click here for map of leg 3 (~1 hr 30 mins)
(11:50am- Last chance for fuel in Johnsville/Graeagle. Last year it was cheaper here than in Truckee.)
12:00pm- Plumas-Eureka State Park, Johnsville

Communications:
CB channel 22
FRS channel 8-0

Here are GPS coordinates and maps for the trip. The info below is merely for your reference, if you'd like to plug in the data into your GPS unit.

Gold Valley Map (Saturday's trail run)


Gold Valley GPS Waypoints (GPS Datum: NAD27CONUS)
#_Mileage____Latitude___Longitude
1____0.0___39 37 10.7___120 39 59.0
2____1.5___39 37 58.3___120 40 41.8
3____3.7___39 39 01.7___120 41 07.8
4____5.3___39 39 11.5___120 42 25.3
5____7.6___39 40 38.1___120 41 56.6
6___10.7___39 42 23.4___120 42 58.4
7___13.1___39 42 55.8___120 44 38.5
8___12.9___39 46 18.0___120 37 09.2

*We will run this trail from north to south, which is in reverse order of the waypoints. CampWAMP is held at Hawley Lake on the map.

Sierra Buttes Map (Sunday's trail run)


Sierra Buttes GPS Waypoints (GPS Datum: NAD27CONUS)
#_Mileage____Latitude___Longitude
1____0.0___39 33 56.6___120 38 4.7
2____2.5___39 34 33.8___120 39 36.7
3____4.8___39 35 03.6___120 40 23.7
4____5.2___39 25 16.6___120 40 1.4
5____1.2___39 35 43.0___120 39 11.2
6____2.7___39 36 51.8___120 39 56.2
7____3.1___39 37 10.7___120 39 59.0

We can camp along the Gold Valley trail or at a very nice turnout east of the Packer Saddle summit (N39 36 59.2 W120 39 33.5) . The camping location will not have water or toilets, so be prepared. I'll be bringing my PETT portable toilet for all to use.

A Garmin .gdb file is available for download here: right-click and save as...

Photos from previous trips:
campWAMP 2006 album 1
campWAMP 2006 album 2
campWAMP 2005
campWAMP 2004

***Note: You may be asked to transport wheelchairs or other gear, possibly on your roof. If you care about your paint, bring an old blanket, towels, etc. to prevent scratches.

At the moment, the estimated attendance is about 40 people (campers and counselors) plus their gear. As the event date draws nearer, I will update this post.

Name: Passenger capacity
01. Dean: 4
02. Huey: 4
03. Josh: 1 (sorry, not much people room)+ Tons of storage space
04. Jay: 3
05. Christi & Ron: 2
06. Vitaliy & Kate: 2
07. Charlie: room for 2-3 passengers, doubtful on the cargo
08. Brad & Lily: 2
09. (NPORA/XOC) Andrew: 2-3
10. (NPORA )Sean 3-4+some cargo.
11. Peter - 3 passenger's and cargo. (Friend of Christi & Ron)
12. Jean: 3
13. Damon: 2
14. Josh (FJ Cruiser): 2

Total: ~38

Name: Passenger capacity
01. Dean: 3
02. Huey: 3-4
03.
04.
05.
06.
07.
08.
09.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.

Make sure your AC blows icy cold air.

Name: Passenger capacity
01. Dean: 3
02. Huey: 3-4
03. Josh: 1 (sorry, not much people room)+ Tons of storage space
04.
05.
06.
07.
08.
09.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.[/QB][/QUOTE]

Dean, thanks for setting this up.

Name: Passenger capacity
01. Dean: 3
02. Huey: 3-4
03. Josh: 1 (sorry, not much people room)+ Tons of storage space
04. Jay: 3
05.
06.
07.
08.
09.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.

Name: Passenger capacity
01. Dean: 3
02. Huey: 3-4
03. Josh: 1 (sorry, not much people room)+ Tons of storage space
04. Jay: 3
05. Christi & Ron: 2
06.
07.
08.
09.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.

Count me in!

Name: Passenger capacity
01. Dean: 3
02. Huey: 3-4
03. Josh: 1 (sorry, not much people room)+ Tons of storage space
04. Jay: 3
05. Christi & Ron: 2
06. Vitaliy & Kate: 2
07.
08.
09.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.

Our group out off Reno might already be involved with this, but I'll throw my hat in the ring as this is one of my favorite events. If you all don't mind a former X owner tagging along I'm in

Name: Passenger capacity
01. Dean: 3
02. Huey: 3-4
03. Josh: 1 (sorry, not much people room)+ Tons of storage space
04. Jay: 3
05. Christi & Ron: 2
06. Vitaliy & Kate: 2
07. Charlie: room for 2-3 passengers, doubtful on the cargo
08.
09.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.

Assuming that the Honda made the trail, it should be doable with the stock Rugged Trails, right?

Absolutely. You'll still want to air down to about 18psi, though. It will help the tire get better traction, conform to the terrain better, and provide a more comfortable ride.

Name: Passenger capacity
01. Dean: 3
02. Huey: 3-4
03. Josh: 1 (sorry, not much people room)+ Tons of storage space
04. Jay: 3
05. Christi & Ron: 2
06. Vitaliy & Kate: 2
07. Charlie: room for 2-3 passengers, doubtful on the cargo
08. Brad & Lily: 2
09.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.

I have posted this on Pathfinder Off-Road Assoc. forum, and have gotten some additional volunteers.

Name: Passenger capacity
01. Dean: 3
02. Huey: 3-4
03. Josh: 1 (sorry, not much people room)+ Tons of storage space
04. Jay: 3
05. Christi & Ron: 2
06. Vitaliy & Kate: 2
07. Charlie: room for 2-3 passengers, doubtful on the cargo
08. Brad & Lily: 2
09. Peter - 3 passenger's and cargo. (Friend of Christi & Ron)
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.

Name: Passenger capacity
01. Dean: 3
02. Huey: 3-4
03. Josh: 1 (sorry, not much people room)+ Tons of storage space
04. Jay: 3
05. Christi & Ron: 2
06. Vitaliy & Kate: 2
07. Charlie: room for 2-3 passengers, doubtful on the cargo
08. Brad & Lily: 2
09. Peter - 3 passenger's and cargo. (Friend of Christi & Ron)
10. Jean: 3
11.
12.
13.
14.

Name: Passenger capacity
01. Dean: 3
02. Huey: 3-4
03. Josh: 1 (sorry, not much people room)+ Tons of storage space
04. Jay: 3
05. Christi & Ron: 2
06. Vitaliy & Kate: 2
07. Charlie: room for 2-3 passengers, doubtful on the cargo
08. Brad & Lily: 2
09. Peter - 3 passenger's and cargo. (Friend of Christi & Ron)
10. Jean: 3
11. Damon: 2
12.
13.
14.

The "master" attendee list ( click here ) has been updated.

I was telling a friend about the camp wamp trip and he showed great interest in participating - but to quote him; "do you think the xterra group would mind if a Fj cruiser came along?"

Absolutely not at all! I have invited some friends who have 4Runners (although I've not gotten a firm commitment from them yet). Bring an open mind, good attitude, friendly disposition, and environmentally responsible behavior to any "organized" run, and we don't care WHAT kind of vehicle you drive!

PS. In case you haven't noticed, I don't even own an Xterra!

Name: Passenger capacity
01. Dean: 3
02. Huey: 3-4
03. Josh: 1 (sorry, not much people room)+ Tons of storage space
04. Jay: 3
05. Christi & Ron: 2
06. Vitaliy & Kate: 2
07. Charlie: room for 2-3 passengers, doubtful on the cargo
08. Brad & Lily: 2
09. Peter - 3 passenger's and cargo. (Friend of Christi & Ron)
10. Jean: 3
11. Damon: 2
12. Josh 2
13.
14.

I assumethat's:
12. Josh (FJ Cruiser): 2

right?

(since there's another Josh in the group.)

Updated list:

Name: Passenger capacity
01. Dean: 4
02. Huey: 4
03. Josh: 1 (sorry, not much people room)+ Tons of storage space
04. Jay: 3
05. Christi & Ron: 2
06. Vitaliy & Kate: 2
07. Charlie: room for 2-3 passengers, doubtful on the cargo
08. Brad & Lily: 2
09. (NPORA/XOC) Andrew: 2-3
10. (NPORA )Sean 3-4+some cargo.
11. Peter - 3 passenger's and cargo. (Friend of Christi & Ron)
12. Jean: 3
13. Damon: 2
14. Josh (FJ Cruiser): 2
15.

Total: ~38

Hey,

When did you usually get home on Sunday? My fiance has to run a camp on Monday morning and she was curious (still going, just asking). Thank you,

/v

Returning home on Sunday is flexible. If you break camp in the morning and head straight home, you can easily get back to the bay area by 1 or 2pm. If you run the Sierra Buttes trail, you can expect to get home around 7 or 8pm.

Optionally, if you choose NOT to camp Saturday night, you can expect to reach the bay area before midnight on Saturday.

yep, that's him.

I'm still going, however I'll have my brother and nephew with me. That'll leave me one seat. On our Reno4x4 board, it was said the 4th was overbooked with rigs, so I'm assuming this wouldn't be a problem. There will still be folks from Hills Angels and possibly R4x4 going in to the best of my knowlege.

Dean,
After talking with a friend of mine tonight he said he would love to join in this weekend. He drives a new gen toyota 4 runner. Tires are the only upgrade, AT's I think. Other then that he is completely stock. He is MAYBE as tall as a stock xterra. I don't remember the trail all that well, do you think he can make it? The toy has a low range, and he has done some offroading a few years back. If so then we will have one more truck for people room.

Casper

His 4Runner can make it. It sounds like we'll likely be over capacity for transportation needs, so that's good. Better to have more than required than not enough.

The challenge for us, as a group, will be to figure out where to find a camping area large enough to accomodate us all! I don't think last year's location will be big enough to fit so many rigs!

Is anyone planning NOT to camp on Saturday night?

If I remember right we camped at the bottom of that steep winedy road. little road off to the right??? If that is the spot we should be able to fit 15 vehicles in there provided that noone is in the other sites. I seem to remember that there where 3 or 4 sites at that spot.

Casper.

Casper-

Lily wanted to confirm that you were bringing Porthos along for the run? All week I have heard, "I get to see Porthos this weekend!" Haha. By the way, how is that mac pro working out, you sob!

I never leave home without him. Thats one of the reasons I can only carry one passenger.
As for the mac, there's definatly a learning a learning curve. But I love it.
It's nice having a little luck once in awhile.

Casper

Yeah, I looked after I posted and saw you+1, dumb of me. Yeah, I have a G5 [mac] at work and for the first few months I felt a bit dumb. Now I love it for my Photoshop and Illustrator needs. Well, we will see you Saturday afternoon, until then!

Howdy,

Since we have a large group, I am curious if some of you like to play board games. We have a bunch of games, like Boggle, that we can bring. If you have something that you like or know something that you like, please let me know. I am sure we have that too

/v

well, no Josh - FJ Cruiser had a little leak from the transfer case;
Leaky Linky

from his last run to Ouray - so it's at Toyota getting Warranty work done waiting for a parts, he's not happy but, he has a loner car, a Toyota Avalon, I told him he should bring that up on the trail - ...he declined

Is anyone planning NOT to camp on Saturday night?

Not staying Saturday night. I need to be back early Sunday.

Just a note: It is our group and Diablo 4 Wheelers. Hills Angels will not be there since with our two groups we will have plenty of space.
Thanks to all of you that have signed up.

Well, I guess it's a good thing that there is a lot of participation this weekend. Regretfully, I have to back out, due to a family emergency. I am really bummed I can't make it, as I look forward to this trip every year, but I'm sure you all will do just fine without me.

Bring what you like. I usually have a domino game and cards with me.

Casper

Is anyone coming from San Jose ish area? I think I'm the only on coming from there, but I dunno. I would love to caravan with someone if they are coming from San Jose. Thanks.

All, with Dean out on this one Josh and I will be leading the group. I'm sure we won't be able to live up to Dean's incredible job he has done in the past, but trust me we will make it work.

Dean, good luck with your family matters, you and your family will be in our thoughts.

BTW, please be prompt to the meeting spots. We have a tight time-line and need to be at the bus meeting spot at 12.

Dean,
Sorry to here you can't make it. Hope your family matters work out ok.

Like Huey said, I am sure we won't do quite as good as Dean does, but don't worry, this is my back yard. I can get us lost better then anyone I know... :p :p

Casper

You will have at least one Hills Angel on the trip, though I will be utterly useless for the task at hand and will be 'hanging out'. I'm bringing a full vehicle in with me, though should be available for recovery duty or whatever else. I'll help Josh with getting lost

Hey,

I am coming from San Mateo. Not really San Jose... But if you want to join me, I am going to be heading to Concord via 92.

/v

Hi All,

I'm heading up to Camp WAMP today to help get the place ready for campers, so I'll meet you at noon Saturday where the bus parks.

Dean, sorry you can't make it, we'll miss you and we send good thoughts to you and your family.

Jean

I have never been up there before, but it appears there are plenty of fishing opportunities up there. I am not an avid fisherman, but I think I am going to try and throw a line in sometime during the weekend. Is there anyone that knows what they are doing or plans on doing the same as me?

gtsorbet-

Be aware that all day Saturday will be consumed by transporting the kids to the camp and running the remainder of the Gold Valley trail (map on page 1), unless you choose not to run the trail, and return to the highway the way you came in.

Those who are not planning to run the remainder of the Gold Valley trail on Saturday or the Sierra Buttes trail on Sunday should coordinate amongst yourselves.

I was thinking about taking Monday off work as an option as well, so that is probably when I would have time to fish. It was just a thought and surely not a must...

Name: Passenger capacity
01. Dean: 4
02. Huey: 4
03. Josh: 1 (sorry, not much people room)+ Tons of storage space
04. Jay: 3
05. Christi & Ron: 2
06. Vitaliy & Kate: 2
07. Charlie: room for 2-3 passengers, doubtful on the cargo
08. Brad & Lily: 2
09. (NPORA/XOC) Andrew: 2-3
10. (NPORA )Sean 3-4+some cargo.
11. Peter - 3 passenger's and cargo. (Friend of Christi & Ron)
12. Jean: 3
13. Damon: 2
14. Josh (FJ Cruiser): 2
15. Bridges(Yukon):3 Passengers (Friend of Enjoi408)

One more friend is still deciding on whether he's want to come. He will finalize his decision on friday.

It looks like things are well in hand and I'm going to bow out of this one. I'll be in the area though, hopefully at Gold Lake, so drop by if you're in the neighborhood

Name: Passenger capacity
01. Gary: 1 plus gear (Caspers friend)
02. Huey: 4
03. Josh: 1 (sorry, not much people room)+ Tons of storage space
04. Jay: 3
05. Christi & Ron: 2
06. Vitaliy & Kate: 2
07. Brad & Lily: 2
08. (NPORA/XOC) Andrew: 2-3
09. (NPORA )Sean 3-4+some cargo.
10. Peter - 3 passenger's and cargo. (Friend of Christi & Ron)
11. Jean: 3
12. Damon: 2
13. Bridges(Yukon):3 Passengers (Friend of Enjoi408)

One more friend is still deciding on whether he's want to come. He will finalize his decision on friday.

OK, if I read all the posts right this is our final count. 13 rigs with room for 31 pasangers and cargo. With the Hills Angles group this should be great.

One final note. Everyone should be aware that campfires are STRICKLY FORBIDEN right now. Gas powered stoves and gas powerd bbq's are all that are aloud. Sorry, but as they say "Thems the rules"

See you all tomorrow in Truckee.

Casper

Hi everyone, Ron, Peter & I all had a great time and Peter is already looking forward to next year...Yeah!

But, the thing is that somehow Peter's CO tank was unloaded at camp. It's a converted 5lb fire extinguisher, has a white cross painted on it. It has regulators on it with an air hose. We really do need to get it back for him, if possible. So if anyone will be up this weekend, please let Jenny know so that she can put it aside for us as we will be back up on 8-18 to help.

Thanks a bunch and see everyone soon!

Thank you everybody for a good time! Ron and Christi -- we owe you some beers and food

Kate and I were really touched by the kids and we will definitely do the trip again!

/v

Christi, also PM JayMBA. He's doing the transportation coordination and can possibly help locate it.

BTW, great trip guys, hope you all didn't mind the whole getting lost business. I'll post my pics tonight.

Huey, Big thanks for being Road and Trail Boss it really made for a great ride - and even the little taste of adventure looking for the Raley's

and Dean, another Big thanks for setting this run up it was blast to meet up with the great folks of NCCX, and being around those kids was such great energy... I'm so there next time around!

OK, let the flurry of photo's begin;

Flickr Linky

Yeah, I did contact him and he said he would look for me, so hopefully we will get it back for Peter.

Vitaly & Kate - not worried about a few drinks or a tiny bit of food...we have all been in the same position too!

hope you all didn't mind the whole getting lost business

?? How many got lost? Hopefully not more than the two I found.

I am glad you all had a great time.

On behalf of Camp WAMP and especially the kids, thank you very much. The kids, staff and the organizers really appreciate your help.

Sadly I still have not gotten my goneMOAB pictures up yet, but found time to do the campWAMP pictures. The pictures I took can be seen here . Enjoy!

Brad, Great pictures! - and I even made it into one - - I guess "That Guy" is pretty good at taking photos

Finally got my pics up.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/hogre/sets/72157601298820093/

Did anyone get a picture of "that guy" when his truck was busted?

Brad, sorry I didn't get a pic of your truck broke down...Ron wants to know if you kept your metric rock?

Of course! I actually put it in my recovery box I have in the back of my X. I am sure the day I take it out, that will be the day I will need it. It fit too perfectly to just throw away!