Kevin (outbkjack) suggested this in a thread below. I'm free the week after X-mas and believe so is Matt (with the Heap). Anyone intersted? What day (def. a day trip for me, and yes Kev i am afraid of the cold )? Where (I think Eagle Lakes would be cool)?

I'll bring my sleds (disks) incase there's just too much snow...we can just sled instead.

BTW, this is a not the Praire City trip. I believe Ryan is planning that one for a weekend.

So anyone interested?

----------------------------------

[New Info!]

Ok one final recap:

Eagle Lakes on Tues Dec 28

You can see the trail near Fordice on this map


Meeting times and locations
-7:30 (no later than (7:45)
Sears at Sunvally Mall (meet in the parking lot near the Sears Auto Center)
1001 SUNVALLEY BLVD
SUNVALLEY MALL
CONCORD, CA 94520

-9:30 Safeways in Rocklin
4805 Granite Dr
Rocklin, CA 95677
ph: (916) 624-0669

-10:30 Eagle Lakes trail head
Location: Take Interstate 80 to Eagle Lakes Road. Follow Eagles lake road on the North bound side of the exit. Follow the Eagle Lakes signs about 3 miles from the Interstate and on your right hand side you will find the Fordyce Creek trail head. It should have a sign labeled OHV route.

FRS (motorola or other type of handheld talkabout) ch. 8.0 / CB ch. 4

Sign-up
---------------------------
1. Huey
2. GrgX
3. XSAL
4. alfalfa
5. THEEPOLARBEAR
6. outbkjack (trail head at eagle lake)
7. aldalfa's buddy
8. Sonny
9. slamson00? you know you want to go!
10. Xtopher
11. Matt better come!

This trip is on (unless ofcourse a blizzard moves in).



stuff to pack
-warm cloths (water proof) and some spares just in case
-water proof shoes
-recovery gear
-snacks (it could be a long day)
-water/coffee/whatever...just stay hydrated
-a shovel if you have it
-sleads if you have any
-you xterra or other 4x4 (must have xterra labeling on there somewhere...j/k )
-your happy to be on vacation attitude

I guess I can take any day off of that week... Gotta use some of that vacation days. How about 28th (Tu)?

During the week?? Bastards!!! I'm using all my vacation time for the move

well hell if you are thinkin about a snow trip, then maybe we could plan a weekend trip up to my area. got a ski park, lots of places to sled, and even some good roads to drive around on. just a thought. although this is a pretty busy time of year in the tourest trap town. but maybe we could get something going in the beginning of next year!

tues the 28 works for me

This is a snow run, right? Not, a ski/snowboard trip like Polar Bear's talking about?

Mike... How about using your sick days wisely?

It can be on a weekend... It's always some can make it, and others can't...unfortunately.

Although this is my busiest time of year, if you are planing a snow trip during mid week, my vote would be for a Wednesday or Thursday. But then I know that probebly won't work for most of you.
It has been so long since I have been wheelin, I think I forgot want it is like.
If you are planning a trip to Eagle Lakes, I could got out and scout it for you guys to see if it is even doable. Let me know


Casper

I'm interested. A day trip would work for me too, Tuesday the 28th sounds good.

How's about Foresthill area? How's the snow up there?

I just came back from Northstar yesterday and there's a lot of snow around Crystal Lake/Immigrant Gap/Eagles Lake.

....

If it's more of a day trip i'm in.

I'm interested.
Tues. the 28th sounds good to me too.
When I've been snow wheeling up in the Sierras, I usually have gone up Hwy 50 to the Sly Park Resevoir area. It is a good area for snow wheeling with a broad elevation range to choose from, and easy and fast to get to from Sacramento.

definatley a snow run but for those who would like to ski I think we could hook a rope up to one of our vechiles and tow you Any day that week is fine with me my calender is open just choose and let me know. My truck needs to exercise it wheel drive again.

I have the time off and am interested in going. I just go the X about a month ago and haven't taken it in the snow yet. Can I go snowwheelin with the stock tires or do I need chains? Thanks.

alfalfa

just bring a friend, and a tow strap or 2.. you will be fine..

i requested the day off so i should be able to make it

If you have chains carry them I always do its always fun chaining up 4 tires Dont worry enough of us have winches and always a good yank and you will be fine. Just remove step bars I ve seen enough damaged on snow runs. Dont worry im bring my titan as back up for yanking vechiles I gotta see what it can do.Im not doing a denny and getting it super stuck

Me like snow!

Pick me up Josh As long as it's before Dec.30th and after Jan.8th...How's the engine btw?

I wish I had sick days :rolleyes: It's probably going to be dead that week so if I get off early...

The gates still open at china wall if you guys go to foresthill.

Ok let's simplify this. Dec 28th (Tues) since most people agreed to that date.

Where would our best bet be for a doable snow run?

Let's start an official sign-up and a vote for an area we want to try.

-------------------
1. Huey (HWY 50 Wentworth Springs/Loon Lake?)
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

1. Huey (HWY 50 Wentworth Springs/Loon Lake?)
2. GrgX -Hwy 50 wenworth springs/loon lake
3.
4.
5.
6.

I think I'll wait a bit to hear from Josh... Maybe he can tell us some possible locations?

1. Huey (HWY 50 Wentworth Springs/Loon Lake?)
2. GrgX -Hwy 50 wenworth springs/loon lake
3. XSAL (?)
4.
5.
6.

4. alfalfa (somewhere w/snow)

1. Huey (HWY 50 Wentworth Springs/Loon Lake?)
2. GrgX -Hwy 50 wenworth springs/loon lake
3. XSAL (?)
4. alfalfa (somewhere w/snow)
5. THEEPOLARBEAR - somewhere other than my house
6.

1. Huey (HWY 50 Wentworth Springs/Loon Lake?)
2. GrgX -Hwy 50 wenworth springs/loon lake
3. XSAL (?)
4. alfalfa (somewhere w/snow)
5. THEEPOLARBEAR - somewhere other than my house
6. outbkjack-(HWY 50 Wentworth Springs/Loon Lake?)

wentworth springs should be fun, but you'll probably hit a big wall of snow at the main road to loon lake. Here\'s the trail conditions page.

Have fun, wish I could make it

My buddy (who has a TRD Taco) is going to come with us also. So that makes seven!

alfalfa

Put me down too...tentatively pending a day off approval from boss. I have a boatload of projects to finish off before New Year

1. Huey (HWY 50 Wentworth Springs/Loon Lake?)
2. GrgX -Hwy 50 wenworth springs/loon lake
3. XSAL (?)
4. alfalfa (somewhere w/snow)
5. THEEPOLARBEAR - somewhere other than my house
6. outbkjack-(HWY 50 Wentworth Springs/Loon Lake?)
7. aldalfa's buddy
8. Sonny (go where there's a winch-equiped truck )

....

I have been looking for a first run to take with you guys. Would this be a good run for a stock 4 x 4 with no step bars or mud flaps, tow hooks by then, and a new 3 x 30 tow strap?

Yep that will work. There should be enough of us with winches also.

Ok I'm changing the location since I have no idea what to expect at Wentworth...We're headed to Eagles Lakes!

The TTORA guys were there last week and it looks like they were able to wheel the area.

thread

pics

OK now a few notes.

-Anyone can make this trip (stockers should remove step rails and mudflaps)
-Bring warm clothes, preferably skiing stuff (heavy pants and jacket) it will be cold
-Water proof shoes (no ones likes cold wet feet)
-Any recovery gear you might have, don't worry if you don't have any yet. There should be more than enough between the rest of the crew.
-A shovel if you have it

I guess I'll post some meeting times soon (expect an early start for us Bay Area guys).

So to recap, we're going to Eagle Lakes on Tues Dec 28.

Almost forgot...if you have sledding stuff bring it. There is still a good possibility this will be a sledding/snow ball fight trip.

What year? The 17th is a friday this year...

Crap my head is in the gutter today...

Tues Dec 28th

where abouts is this eagle lakes we are speaking of?? how long is the trip gonna be from the bay area? just wondering....

You can see it marked next to the Fordice Trail on this map.

Its about two hours from napa. And buy looking at the pics the trail should be easy and fun even vor srockers. We did the trail twice last year. And it was fun.

Anybody out there familiar with this trail in the snow..........how deep of water crossings are we looking at? I have an open air filter element and (FIPK) and dont want to get water anywhere near it.

Thinking about going on this trip if I can get the day off.

***************
1. Huey (HWY 50 Wentworth Springs/Loon Lake?)
2. GrgX -Hwy 50 wenworth springs/loon lake
3. XSAL (?)
4. alfalfa (somewhere w/snow)
5. THEEPOLARBEAR - somewhere other than my house
6. outbkjack-(HWY 50 Wentworth Springs/Loon Lake?)
7. aldalfa's buddy
8. Sonny (go where there's a winch-equiped truck )
9. slamson00 (???)

You should be just fine the deepest water last year during the winter was to to the tops of my rubber boots and man it was cold. If was spring time it would be a different question.

1. Huey (HWY 50 Wentworth Springs/Loon Lake?)
2. GrgX -Hwy 50 wenworth springs/loon lake
3. XSAL (?)
4. alfalfa (somewhere w/snow)
5. THEEPOLARBEAR - somewhere other than my house
6. outbkjack-(trail head at eagle lake)
7. aldalfa's buddy
8. Sonny (go where there's a winch-equiped truck )
9. slamson00 (???)

you can check out the post from last year with some pics from eagle lakes on AC\'s board here

Hey XSAL,
Yea, eagle lakes is really nice right now, and the weather looks like it will hold for the trip. I went up there yesturday and had alittle fun. As for going, sorry I only have Wednesdays and Thursdays off. But have fun. If you guys do come up and need anything at the end of the day, give me a call.

CharlieX, sorry, I won't be makeing this one. But I do need settle up. Cal me next week. Wed or thurs.

Casper

1. Huey (HWY 50 Wentworth Springs/Loon Lake?)
2. GrgX -Hwy 50 wenworth springs/loon lake
3. XSAL (Eagle Lakes)
4. alfalfa (somewhere w/snow)
5. THEEPOLARBEAR - somewhere other than my house
6. outbkjack-(trail head at eagle lake)
7. aldalfa's buddy
8. Sonny (go where there's a winch-equiped truck )
9. slamson00 (???)
10.

So, what time do we plan to meet at I-80 exit for Eagle Lakes? (I don't remember which exit, but I know that it's one exit before Cisco Grove exit. :p )

It's reported that rain/snow will be coming this Sunday and Monday. Will the trip still be on rain or snow?

....

As much as I want to it looks like I am probably out for this trip. Taking a two week trip to Death Valley......arizona...and socal deserts in January and I need to conserve all the vacation time I can.

If anything changes and I will repost.

On a side note....has anyone ever considered heading up to Icehouse for a snow run (may have been mentioned earlier). Great places to sled up there....and then on the way back you can take the old Pony Express trail back down to Highway 50 aka Webber Mill Rd. Rated a 2 out of 10 when dry but a little harrier when wet and muddy (when I tried it with stock long trails). Mix in a little snow and you would have the perfect trail with scenery to get you back down to 50 and back home. Best of both works some off roading and sledding all in one location. May want to keep it for another run in Jan or Feb?

Let's keep an eye on the weather and our fingers crossed. For now the trip is still on.

Ryan, hope you can make it.

I still want to go no matter what . The weather makes it funner. Tues looks like partly cloudy. Looking at the pictures posted earlier it would take alot of snow to make it impossible to run. Fresh powder will also be much funner. At least its worth a try.

I had a brief conversation w/ Huey last night, and...

Meeting place:
Montgomery Ward parking lot in Pleasant Hill, Monument Blvd Exit off of I-680 @ 7:30 am. (You don't need to be there before 7:30 but on 7:30 or shortly after would be great...)

The plan is to arrive at ...what's the name of the exit? I know it's one exit before Cisco Grove on I-80...about 10:00 am. (Pleasant Hill to Cisco Grove: 140 miles/2 hours)

FRS ch. 8.0 / CB ch. 4

Uh, what's a FRS channel? Is that for the Motorola-type talkabouts? I'm still in, but don't have a CB. I do have a talkabout though.

alfalfa

Yep. That's it.

Akio can we add another stop in there for a lunch pick-up or is everyone packing a lunch (I guess I could do that)? BTW thanks for posting the times.

Okay, okay... Let me find a Safeway for you. Let's see... Here...

SAFEWAY
4805 Granite Dr
Rocklin, CA 95677
ph: (916) 624-0669

This place has a Deli & Bakery. I guess you can just buy your lunch here if you don't want to bring your own pre-packaged lunch. :p

I guess that we would be at Safeway about 9:30 am, and this would also change the arrival time at the Eagle Lakes exit about 10:30 am or so, then...

Xmass present from the boss, I have tuesday off!!
BTW the parking lot at the old JC Pennys is closed.. they ripped the side of hte building off. Sun Valley Mall, (680N willow pass exit, turn left, under the freeway, first right at the light) N37.96490 W122.05893 may be a better meeting place up here.

1. Huey (HWY 50 Wentworth Springs/Loon Lake?)
2. GrgX -Hwy 50 wenworth springs/loon lake
3. XSAL (Eagle Lakes)
4. alfalfa (somewhere w/snow)
5. THEEPOLARBEAR - somewhere other than my house
6. outbkjack-(trail head at eagle lake)
7. aldalfa's buddy
8. Sonny (go where there's a winch-equiped truck )
9. slamson00 (???)
10. Xtopher - Pleasant Hill??

im assuming that we be traveling up 80 to get to this trip, that being assumed... can we possibly make a meeting place at the best buy again or let me know about what time the caravan will be hitting 680 so i (we) can catch up so those of us living over this way dont have to cank track. thanks

So what day are you guys going?

Ok one final recap:

Eagle Lakes on Tues Dec 28

You can see the trail near Fordice on this map


Meeting times and locations
-7:30 (no later than (7:45)
Sears at Sunvally Mall (meet in the parking lot near the Sears Auto Center)
1001 SUNVALLEY BLVD
SUNVALLEY MALL
CONCORD, CA 94520

-9:30 Safeways in Rocklin
4805 Granite Dr
Rocklin, CA 95677
ph: (916) 624-0669

-10:30 Eagle Lakes trail head
Location: Take Interstate 80 to Eagle Lakes Road. Follow Eagles lake road on the North bound side of the exit. Follow the Eagle Lakes signs about 3 miles from the Interstate and on your right hand side you will find the Fordyce Creek trail head. It should have a sign labeled OHV route.

FRS (motorola or other type of handheld talkabout) ch. 8.0 / CB ch. 4

Sign-up
---------------------------
1. Huey
2. GrgX
3. XSAL
4. alfalfa
5. THEEPOLARBEAR
6. outbkjack (trail head at eagle lake)
7. aldalfa's buddy
8. Sonny
9. slamson00? you know you want to go!
10. Xtopher
11. Matt better come!

This trip is on (unless ofcourse a blizzard moves in).



stuff to pack
-warm cloths (water proof) and some spares just in case
-water proof shoes
-recovery gear
-snacks (it could be a long day)
-water/coffee/whatever...just stay hydrated
-a shovel if you have it
-sleads if you have any
-you xterra or other 4x4 (must have xterra labeling on there somewhere...j/k )
-your happy to be on vacation attitude

Once you get off the highway isnt it left under the highway.

I believe you are right Kevin! Those were the directions from California Jeeper...I fixed it.

Depending on weather I might have the titan up there so if you see my hardbody left on the side of the road Im off testing the titan

Just thought I would let you guys know we are expecting weather up here. Sunday thru Friday. Could be a good storm to. Man, I wish I could go with you guys.

Have fun, drive safe and Happy Holidays


Casper

I just came down from up north not much snow even up high maybe a foot to foot and half. Made fun for riding 4wheelers on . On the way back down it was starting to snow.

So...are we making a quick stop at North Bay as well? :rolleyes:

Darn elitist XTerra owners....

- Matt

Fresh Snow!!!!!!
I may get to use that winch this time!!!!

This trip is still on!

Just called Josh and he said it looks like there will be snow falling, but nothing that will stop us from going up and wheelin.

Are you guys meeting polarbear at best buy. If so then i will meet you there. With the snow Im not chaining two vechiles up to go up the mountain.

Yeah, we can make a quick stop. I'm hoping to get moving so if you guys can be ready to go that would be great.

Best Buy
1547 Gateway Blvd.
Fairfield, CA 94533

See you guys there around 8:30?

Works for me. I still may tow up If 80 isnt requiring chains But I will still meet at best buy.

Just thought I would report from the summit. It has been snowing all day, but only left about 2 inches. It is supose to snow all night, but only leave a few inches. I will be at work just about 6:45 or 7:00. Huey or Akio if you want to call me and get a morning report go ahead. I can let you know what fell over night.

Have fun and drive safe.

Casper

P.S. Call me if you guys have any problems.

Thanks, Josh!

I'm in... last minute, I know.

Hey, my back bumper is already busted from a car that hit me while parked... if I hit a tree, I'll just charge it to the insurance!!

Look forward to meeting everyone. I'll be at the Safeway in Rocklin.

What a wild trip down the mountain.

Ws took the long way, down 20..
got us here about the same time..
saw one truck off the road, driver wasn't there so we moved on.

We're finally at home at 8:20 pm.

It was a very eventful trip. Had a great time.

Sonny, how was the I-5?

What an awesome day!! It was great to have met you all. Hope to join you again for another trip!!

Thanks for all of your help along the trail.

Becky

At least you guys didnt get rear ended up there.

What happened to you, Becky? Were you guys w/ Huey/Matt group, or by yourself?

As Kevin is saying about "hits (as accidents)," we got hit by a blizzard...very hard. There were accidents all over right around Donner Pass. It was a huge mess. We did have fun while waiting on the freeway for it to open up, though.

We were right behind Mike (??-SORRY!! I'm so bad with names (drives the yellow X)) we were the first cars in the long traffic hold just before you hit the donner summit. I think most of the rest of the group made it through before caltrans stopped traffic.

Had to wait about 1hr or so before they let us pass. We heard about the accidents, but didn't see any on the way down. All cleared up.

I wanted to let everyone know that we had a good time and can't wait for the next trip. Glad to hear everyone made it home safe.

alfalfa

Yup we sure did have fun waiting for the road to open. Akio and Catherine made us some hot cocoa and alfalfa provided us with some beat to keep our bodies moving. "crip dance" It was nice to meet everyone!

Just finished uploading the pictures
enjoy!!!

Glad everyone got home safe! That drive home was a mess.

Aside from that it was a good trip, hope to see everyone on upcoming outings.

I'm glad everybody made it home safely. Sorry to hear about your accident(s) Kevin, hope there is no damage.

Here are some pictures:
http://www.blankwhitepage.com/gallery/eaglelakes20041228



- Matt

I had a tail light already which was free,the bumper was straightened with a a sledge hammer and crowbar , a little body damage cover up by black spray paint and a couple of cheap parts from the dealer. Other guys vechile was messed up bad. I told him dont bother with insurance because my damage was minimal.

Nice meeting everyone. Next time I'll be wearing my ski pants. It was cold standing around waiting... brrrrr...

I've never seen snow came down that hard that fast before. Glad none of us really got caught in all the big mess

Akio, as soon I took the south exit ram to I-5 and saw it was bumper to bumper I changed to I-5 North and came back down I-80 .. Got home exactly @ 8:00pm. Trird to radio you guys along the way but got nothing.

....

Smart and quick thinking.
8:00 pm? You must have passed us, then? Did you take I-680 all the way? We changed to mission blvd to I-880 to 237... Oh...maybe you passed us when we stopped for gas in Dixon. George's CB antenna is non-tuneable from Radio Shack, and Andy's and mine hadn't been tuned properly. So, none of us were really able to catch signals from some distance. (We just adjusted this afternoon, though. ---Thanks, Sonny. We used an SWR you donated. )

That's me . It sucked! We were sitting there for 2 hours. My kidneys were about to burst!!!!!!

Had lots of fun regardless

Got home @ 8:30 and played video game til' 4:30 AM

EDIT: Next trip I will have my Hitch & Recovery Kit, so I won't have to stay behind the pack (don't get lots of pics ) :p

you need either a front tow hook, or at least a shackle that fits.. I tried mine (warn) they are way to big for the stock holes..

picture!!!

I guess you weren't so lucky to stop next to those porta potties on the freeway, huh? That's the first place I went as soon as I came to a stop.

George: You have my small D-shackle from pulling out that ... Can you keep it in your truck, so that I can get it from you next time I see you?

By the way, does anyone want a stock tow hook? I've been carrying it on my truck for last two years for no reason.... If you want it, it's yours...

Yup the D-shackle is in good hands, great recovery on a blizzard. Feels great when you pull someone out . Did the guy thank any of you???

Well, I think I heard the guy says "thanks" to someone, but it wasn't to me. It's okay...we did a good thing... We had the ability to help out, so we did. It doesn't matter if we helped an appreciative person or not.

Here are some more pictures . Most of them were taken by Catherine.

Cool.. glad to know it's being used
How far the range can you get now?

Coming down I-80, I sometimes can pick up signal from far away, up to Baxter but sometimes I can't pick up Jack a few hundred yards away.

I think the guy pretty much gave a "peace homie" sign and took off, after you pulled him out and showed him how to put his truck into 4x4.

....