Thanksgiving Trip Report 11/27 ~ 12/01/2003

[JackSilb]

I have not seen the trip report yet for the 2003 Thanksgiving trip.
I hope this is not a duplicated Thread.

-JACK

12/06/03 Added picture link
Thumbnails of gallery 1 (http://www.rxtx.com:8085/4wdtrips/photogallery/categories.php?cat_id=77)(Srisuda)
12/17/03 Added picture links
Index of gallery 2 (http://www.bajataco.com/kofa2003/index.htm)(BajaTaco)


Post Edited By Moderator (WhiteThaiGer) : 12/17/2003 4:17:53 PM GMT

[JackSilb]

Hello,

We are back. I spoke with Uwe today already. Like you, we are very busy at work. That is why you don't have pictures here yet.

I don't have words to describe the treat Uwe and Sirusuda gave us during this trip. The fondue and the cool (I mean warm) German drink was too much.
THANKKKK YOOOOUU!

This time I took the whole family but the dogs. I left them in the hotel. Ouch! I got the dogs and paid the bill today. Lets just leave it as it cost me about 2 VHF radios. But next time I will use someone to come home and take care of them for much less. Or take the dogs with us.

As usual, I left work about 9:00 PM. It was 12:30 AM when we left home. The GPS shown 3.5 hours of driving, like what Uwe said. But I got there 5:30 AM. I was too sleepy so I decided to stop often and top on the coffee. That is probably why took so long.
Since I have paid the hotel, I decided to use the room for 1+ hours. Breakfast was schedule for 7:00 AM.

I left the kids and boss at the hotel room. I met Al, Uwe, and Sirusuda (I am sure I am misspelling her name, I need to check this). By a tremendous coincidence we met BajaExplorer at the breakfast place. But he was there just by chance. He has a nice truck setup. BajaExplorer Please share some pictures with us when you have a chance.

After some good food and arranging for a meeting point, I left to drop breakfast for my crew, went to do some groceries (nop, I have not done that at that point), then returned to start the 4WD trip. This was a good idea. Doing so, Al and Uwe did not need to wait for me. They could start some exploration while I was getting my crew ready. I was not worry about holding anyone. I will propose this scheme always when possible. That worked great.

The VHF radios kept us in touch with no problem. I was 20+ miles away when I heard Al and Uwe talking. If you don't have one yet. This is a good time to get one. You will love it.

I met them and we started the track. I will leave the route, maps and pictures for Al and Uwe.

During the night, it was time to set my new tent. The tent was huge. Not very easy to setup in terms of doing it alone with my son. With the help of Uwe and Al we did it easy.
I did not like this tent. It is too large, too tall, not easy to setup with two people, can't really close the windows, and the posts are too heavy.

I will probably follow Uwe's idea of using two tents for the family.

During the night, Georgia woke up telling me, 'a bomb, I heard a bomb'. Come on, it was just a bad dream I said. Go back to sleep. 'Oh, earthquake! Jack wake up!!'.

You got it, right? She did not sleep very well that night.

The next morning I found out that she was correct. We were close to the army proving grounds. She did indeed hear the 'bomb' and the ground shook.

Let me get back to work. I will continue later.

-JACK


So much to see, so little time. Try using your 4WD tosee and do more.
Tread Lightly! empowers generations to enjoy the outdoors responsibly...
http://www.4wdtrips.net

[BajaTaco]

JackSilb said...
Hello,

...Ouch! I got the dogs and paid the bill today. Lets just leave it as it cost me about 2 VHF radios...

...Since I have paid the hotel, I decided to use the room for 1+ hours...

...The tent was huge.

...During the night, Georgia woke up telling me, "a bomb, I heard a bomb"...

http://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/baja_rofl.gif Jack, I must say... you are a dedicated man. I admire your patience and willpower.

This group is sooo fun to adventure with. WOW! What a great trip! Yea, I ended up going. After I talked to Scott and found out that Stephanie was not feeling well, and the Sedona trip was cancelled, and I managed to get most of my work done on Thursday, I was able to get out of here on Friday at a reasonable time. I had notified Mr. S ahead of time, and I called Al when I got to Quartzsite and surprised him with the news that I would be joining them on Sat. morning. I rambled out into the desert Friday night around 8:30 pm (MST) and found a nice spot to camp. I really enjoyed the time alone with the stars and the coyotes. I slept really good.

Sat. morning I woke up before the butt crack of dawn, and headed into Quartzsite for some breakfast. Just as I was finishing breakfast, ol' sol was showing signs of rising yet again. I met the gang at the Pilot station (well... most of the gang... Steve and Dave ditched us!) and then we headed down 95 to the exit that would take us into the Castle Dome mountains. We had some ideal weather and scenery all day long as we toured this world-class desert - the roads were sweet and the views soo beautiful. We all had 2 meter radios, so we could travel really spread out, and out of each other's dust, but still talk to everyone like we were all together.I think on average, the lead vehicle was probably anywhere from3 to 7 miles ahead of the sweep vehicle. We visited the Big Eye mine and ended up finding an excellent camp at the end of the road, in a broad sandy wash at the footof some rugged canyons that went up into the mountain tops.

Camp on Saturday night was definitely a highlight of the trip. Good friends, good food, and tasty treats, including... Feuerzangenbowle! Here's a pic of the sugar cone lit on fire and dripping into the spiced wine...

http://www.bajataco.com/kofa2003/kofa-58.jpg

We had so much fun with the fondu and the campfire... and stories... Steve even broke out the pipe (no, not what you are thinking! You have to come on a trip to find out what the "pipe" is, if you don't know yethttp://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/wink.gif) and proceeded to tell some funny-ass stories. Jack told a story too... having to do with he and Pedro wearing Speedos... that had Steve doing the funniest belly-laughs I have seen in a while. http://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/rofl.gif

Here's a pic of the backslider FireGod (and Fire Goddess)...

http://www.bajataco.com/kofa2003/kofa-42.jpg(noticetheir handsare on fire! http://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/freaked.gif )


Sunday morning we woke up in the shady canyon and it was about 39-40 degrees F if I remember correctly. We had some breakfast, then Jack helped me program some repeaters into my radio. We all headed back out into the desert for another fun day of exploring. We took another dead-end road (not really dead-end, but thru access was blocked as part of the wilderness preservation). This one ended up near some more canyons, and Al went off exploring on foot, and came back about 45 minutes later with news of "Shangri-la". We all had to go see it, so Al escorted us and did it twice! (so you know it was good!). The back of the canyon had a super tall, dry waterfall that was shrouded with a massive rock walled canyon - spectacular! The acoustics were great. Lots of evidence of the big horn sheep here.

We all headed back out to one of the main dirt roads. A better part of this journey was perpendicular to the alluvial plain. Lots of gullies and washes to cross, VERY frequently. The springs and shocks got a workout for sure. Once back at the main dirt road, we tallied up the gasoline and time left for each party. Some gas was given to Steve, Anitaand Dave, and they went on, deeper into the Kofa... they still had another day to play. The rest of us headed back out to I-95.

We had some fun with the 2 meter radios on the way out... Al, Uweand I were still talking about 17 miles apart as we went in different directions on 95. Al and Dave, and myself and Dave, had independent conversations while Dave and Steve were clear on the other side of the Kofas. Now get this... we had determined before we all split up, that I would try to radio Dave and Steve after I left Quartzsite headed for home. Well, I did... and I ended up having a conversation with Dave when I was on hwy 60 at Vicksburg Rd. He said they were somewhere just north of Engineer Pass I think... this is about 36 miles apart! Not bad for simplex (radio-to-radio, no repeaters). I have said it before, and I will say it again...

2-meter ROCKS! http://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/supercool.gif



Anita, look... you really did take the pic!

http://www.bajataco.com/kofa2003/kofa-72.jpg
</div>


http://www.bajataco.com
Vibram or BFG - getting there on rubber and seeing it all!

Post Edited (BajaTaco) : 12/2/2003 6:09:44 AM GMT

[WhiteThaiGer]

Day 1 (see map below)
We met Al at 7 am for breakfast at the coffee shop. As we drove up we saw a very nice Taco parked right next to Al’s. I noticed ‘BajaXplorer’ written on the windshield. Could it be a coincidence, could this be the BajaXplorer from the forum? We went in an ordered coffee. To our great surprise http://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/shocked.gif Jack pulled up before we even ordered! Unheard off!http://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/shocked.gif He was practically on time. Once we saw him walk up alone, though, we knew everything was in order and he was doing the Brazilian thing. He hadn’t done his shopping, the family was still sleeping….

When I saw someone getting into the BajaXplorer Taco I went out to talk to him: "You on the net some times" After a little hesitation: "Yes?" "Ever been to 4wdtrips" "Yes! Who are you on there?" We started chatting a little and went in to say hi to Al and Jack. How small the desert is!

We started our exploration in the north-western end of the KOFA refuge and explored one canyon before we met up with Jack and his sleeping family at marker post 27. It’s not quite clear how these markers are numbered, they are not mile posts and they are not numbered sequential in any direction of travel, curious…. We continued to KOFA cabin, a stone building now used as a storage shed. Just north of the cabin we picked up a pipline/powerline road and went west again towards Hwy 95.
We took Hwy 95 south to Palm Canyon road and went to the same canyon to get a glimpse of those Palms. Since the sun was going down rather quickly in the west and we approached the mountains from the west we got perfect light on the mountains. The hike to the canyon was a nice change from sitting all the time, particularly for Al and myself since we overshot the view point a little and got some extra hiking in.

By now it was time to look for camp. We headed back east and turned into Queen of KOFA canyon road. About 4miles up the road we found some nice camp sites with tent spots cleared of stones. Daylight was fading fast, so we did not hesitate to set up camp. When Al and we were done we noticed that Jack’s tent had not taken shape at all. He http://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/headscratch.gif and Pedro http://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/headscratch.gif were scratching there heads over the instructions. Time for Al and me to have a look. Turns out that the instructions were practically worthless, the only useful thing was the picture of the finished product. We tossed the instructions, looked at the parts and had the tent up in only a few minutes. It's a very BIG tent and it seems to be quick strong, but we didn't mind that there was no W to test just how strong.

Time for dinner and a small fire, we only had one bundle of wood... But Al, Jack and Georgia retired rather early anyways due to not feeling too well and sleep deprivation respectively. So we just sat with the kids and had some Marsh Mellows.
Once we were in the tent and about to fall asleep we heard some very loud booms/thunder. It didn't worry us, since this kind of sound is to be expected this close to the YPG. http://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/cool.gif


***************************************
http://www.confluence.org
http://www.usgo.org


Post Edited (WhiteThaiGer) : 12/2/2003 6:41:46 AM GMT

[JackSilb]

Aha,

After work people show up here. Good posting folks!

Baja, can I have that cool picture of the trucks and drivers in full resolution? I loved it.

I like the fire picture too. Did you make any modification of the fire path or it was like that for start?


Uwe,

What nice map/track/3D pictures. Very cool! I knew you and Bob Rocks on these. This add lots to the trips.

Thanks,
-JACK

</div>


So much to see, so little time. Try using your 4WD tosee and do more.
Tread Lightly! empowers generations to enjoy the outdoors responsibly...
http://www.4wdtrips.net


Post Edited (JackSilb) : 12/2/2003 7:20:38 AM GMT

[WhiteThaiGer]

Day 2
After breakfast we explored the Queen of KOFA canyon. Another very nice canyon! Lots of little arches high up, the rock here also tends to have bubbley caves.

We then went to see the actual KOFA mine on the way back from the mine we helped out couple camped in the desert with there Xterra. They had listened "a little" to some music over the previous 2 nights and that had done there little car battery in.

Next stop were the Little White Tanks, where we actually saw some water. The place had some fences and hunting blinds. We met a guy there who informed us that the Bighorn season starts on monday. After some exploring on the rocks and lunch we found this nice spot fora picture ofJack's truck:

http://www.rxtx.com:8085/4wdtrips/photogallery/data/media/45/Jack_castledome.JPG

From here we back tracked a little and then went south of the over McPherson Pass, maybe the nicest road we took. We passed the site where the balloon/blimp thats visible from anywhere in the KOFA refuge, is controlled. By now some of us were running low on fuel and we all were running low on daylight, so we headed out to Yuma to fill up. Then it was up to Blythe again where we were to meet MrsS&amp;MrS and Dave in the morning.

The event's of days 3 &amp; 4 have been already covered elsewhere, so I'll just add the maps here.


</div>


***************************************
http://www.confluence.org
http://www.usgo.org

[MrS]

Just a quick FYI, Dave, Anita and I made it home. A &amp; S rolled into the homestead about 8PM last night, shower, made lunch, and hit the sack for the 4am get-up.

Will try and get a trail report posted soon.

THANKS GUYS for the GREAT time.

BTY; regaurdless of what 4RerDave thinks, "I don't need no stinking mapping software".*

Inside joke between Dave and I. Not a story, just a great moment for 007.

KF6YSB

[BajaTaco]

Great stuff in this thread so far... we still need to hear from Srisuda, Anita, Georgia, Dave and Al.

I think after this trip, some of us have a good idea of what we want for Christmas... http://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/turn.gif

Steve... mapping software? Hehehehe! C'mon, it will be like when you got your 2 meter radio! ("why didn't I do this sooner?!!")

Uwe, those maps are fabulous! Thanks for taking the time to post those. I always look forward to them. That red color northwest of the Kofa cabin on Day 1 is amazing. Those images are like artwork. I will need to get my track file to you for the canyon hike we did on Sunday.

Srisuda, let's see some of those A70 pics!

Jack, yes - I will send you the full copy of the group shot. Thanks to Anita for snapping that one. Regarding the pic of the blue flame - that is untouched! That is the real color and image of the photo - all I did was crop the picture since most of the outer parts ofit were just black. BTW, I put the small pics in here so Steve could see them too (he has a slow connection at work).


http://www.bajataco.com
Vibram or BFG - getting there on rubber and seeing it all!

[JackSilb]

Uwe,

I can't stop browsing your cool pics / maps. I am sure it gives you some extra work. We appreciate that.
You need to show me what is involved in creating these.
For instance, from where do you get your satellite pictures? Can you get it within Ozi? How do you make the correlation to the map? Scale it?

No need to spend too much time answering. This can be a class you and Bob give us during the next trip or party.

Thanks,
-JACK


So much to see, so little time. Try using your 4WD tosee and do more.
Tread Lightly! empowers generations to enjoy the outdoors responsibly...
http://www.4wdtrips.net

[MrS]

FYI for future Kofa travelers.

There is a gas station on the East sideof the Kofa NWP on interstate 10 and Vicksburg Rd.

Turns out we (Dave and us) didn't have time to explore all the places we had hoped to. But if we would have had time, it would have taken that extra 5 Gal. that Uwe and Jack set us up with. So thanks guys.

KF6YSB

[YukonBob]

Baja said...
He said they were somewhere just north of Engineer Pass I thinkProbably Engesser Pass, I think

What's so nice about your photos, reports and maps is I can follow along and pretend likeI had a good too.http://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/hop.gif


Uwe, are you going to post your Ozi plots?

[BajaTaco]

Yea, you are probably right Bob - engesser sounds about right http://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/blush.gif

We missed you on this trip. Oh well - my chance to rub it in... (El Golfo.. hint hint...) http://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/joker1.gif


http://www.bajataco.com
Vibram or BFG - getting there on rubber and seeing it all!

[GoodTimes]

BajaTaco said...
Yea, you are probably right Bob - engesser sounds about right http://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/blush.gif

Baja, if you were talking from Quartzite to Engineer pass, well, you have one HELL of a 2 meter. Engineer pass is in Colorado. Quite a nice ride too, from what I understand. My mother has been over it a couple of times (back when I was in highschool).

Now, we want more pics!!!!!!http://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/cool.gif


olllllllo <---- If you can read that, roll me over.

KG6OWO

Price is soon forgotton, quality is not.

[YukonBob]

I see too many comments about Steve needing moving map software for Christmas. There has to be a story herehttp://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/headscratch.gif

[WhiteThaiGer]

YukonBob said...
What's so nice about your photos, reports and maps is I can follow along and pretend likeI had a good too.http://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/hop.gif


Uwe, are you going to post your Ozi plots?Photos will follow....

Did you mean the Ozi plot files? Or more plots on maps or DOQQ's? I don't have any DOQQ's for that area handy right now neither do I have DEM's. I'll probably get both and play around, but for now I'll attach the raw plot files. Note that they contain some errors, gaps and approach tracks.




***************************************
http://www.confluence.org
http://www.usgo.org

[WhiteThaiGer]

JackSilb said...
Uwe,

I can't stop browsing your cool pics / maps. I am sure it gives you some extra work. We appreciate that.
You need to show me what is involved in creating these.
For instance, from where do you get your satellite pictures? Can you get it within Ozi? How do you make the correlation to the map? Scale it?

No need to spend too much time answering. This can be a class you and Bob give us during the next trip or party.
Yeah, you can give us a repeater class and we show you how to work with Ozi http://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/biggrin.gif
The sat pics are from NASA (who else http://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/wink.gif ?) The come geo-referenced and can be loaded into Ozi. To create the maps Bob and I post here you just have to load a track, capture the screen and post. You can annotate in Ozi, but I prefer to do it in a graphics program. For scaling I try to create a picture that fits on a 1024x768 display and is not too big in bytes so the people with dial-up can view it too.


***************************************
http://www.confluence.org
http://www.usgo.org

[JackSilb]

Bob, when are you free for the next trip?

3.5 hours, like KOFA, is something we can do in a weekend trip to get there. Would leave Friday afternoon and return Sunday night. That way we can be somewhere close to the Az folks.

Scott, seems to have some nice trips coming. Need to check on the driving time.

-JACK


So much to see, so little time. Try using your 4WD tosee and do more.
Tread Lightly! empowers generations to enjoy the outdoors responsibly...
http://www.4wdtrips.net

[YukonBob]

Uwe said...
Yeah, you can give us a repeater class and we show you how to work with Ozi http://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/biggrin.gif I going to guess that the repeater exercise didn't go very wellhttp://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/cry.gif

Post Edited (YukonBob) : 12/3/2003 4:55:40 AM GMT

[YukonBob]

Uwe

I got your ozi .plt files. That's what I wanted. Thanks. They tell a lot. I notice that you went home through Yuma and didn't slow down to spit?


I also so that on your first day on your trip through Burro Canyon you stayed on the road one way and you traveled line of sight the other way. That's probably a mod we need to hear about. http://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/joker1.gif

I've attached a map so you can see if you have forgotten.



Post Edited (YukonBob) : 12/3/2003 5:09:52 AM GMT

[YukonBob]

Jack said...
Bob, when are you free for the next trip?
Nice of you to think of me Jack. I'm not really sure.

Yes, KOFA is almost a nobrainer from here and I would really like to see the area. A lot of history to be explored.

I think the next time a get a few days I'd like to go to El Golfo and map all of the roads.

The next time I get a week, I'd like to go to the waist of Baja and explore and map all the new roads and travel as much of the old dirt road as I can.

I've got no idea when any of it will happen.

[JackSilb]

Week?
We are talking about the weekend.

-Jack


So much to see, so little time. Try using your 4WD tosee and do more.
Tread Lightly! empowers generations to enjoy the outdoors responsibly...
http://www.4wdtrips.net

[BajaXplorer]

Hi All, It was a pleasure to meet some of you at the Towne restaurant Thanksgiving Day morning in Blythe. Have been reading the posts, and it looks like you all had a great time. But, how could you not when your offroading with great friends, havegood weather, and are exploringnew geography.Glad to see Chris was able to make the trip after all. Love the sat maps.</div>
It is Engesser Pass that you can use coming down from the Vicksburg Rd area. My brother and I tried to find our way north from King of Arizona mine through the pass, but recent rains had washed away any signs of the route. After searching for a couple of hours it got dark and we camped near Kofa Butte. Next morning it was raining hard and we had to get out while we still could. Another day!</div>
Cheers</div>

[WhiteThaiGer]

[quote]

YukonBob said...

Uwe

I got your ozi .plt files. That's what I wanted. Thanks. They tell a lot. I notice that you went home through Yuma and didn't slow down to spit?


I also so that on your first day on your trip through Burro Canyon you stayed on the road one way and you traveled line of sight the other way. That's probably a mod we need to hear about. http://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/joker1.gif

I've attached a map so you can see if you have forgotten.


Yeah, Yeah.That's why I said raw plot files. Since the notebook is on the navigators lap cables can come lose on occasion. We got the signal cable to the GPS pretty well covered. When Srisuda jumps in and out for photos we put the closed notebook on the floor, i.e. we don't notice problems right away.
On this trip we had a couple of notebook related problems. On one occasion the notebook reset and we didn't notice right away. Then it went into hibernation on a couple of short stops, even though it shouldn't the way it's set up. I'll have to investigate. Anyway, for the sat pics clean up of the files was not so crucial, for the topos it looks a little strangehttp://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/wink.gif


***************************************
http://www.confluence.org
http://www.usgo.org

[MrsS]

Here's my input:</div>
See other stories for previous days:</div>
</o:p>Sunday afternoon the others headed home and Dave and us (Steve &amp; I) headed north along <st1:Street><st1:address>King Valley Road. We stopped at the Kofa Deep Well mill site, watched small rocks fall to the bottom of the well. Continued toward the Kofa mine. Took the dead end up to Kofa Butte, great little Cholla garden on that road. Ended up at Courthouse Mtn and headed north over <st1:place><st1:PlaceName>Engessor <st1:PlaceType>Pass. We got to Yaqui Tank road and found a good campsite in the wash about 30 minutes before sundown.</div>
</o:p>Next day we drove up to the end of the road towards Yaqui Tanks. Neat but slow road. Worth doing, but not a must see. Did have a scary time getting out because of a small side-hill. Lucky for us Dave was there and bailed Steve out by driving our truck for Steve since he hates side hills!! Back down at the main road we headed north again.</div>
</o:p>By-passed the Hoodoo Hilton since we had been there before and had a report of mad bees in the area. Went up to <st1:place><st1:PlaceName>Red <st1:PlaceType>Pass. Looked for Red Rock Dam - was unable to locate with map and GPS and asking some hunters. One didn’t know about it, the other had seen it but didn’t know where it was. Steve did it the old fashioned way – he looked for a good place to build a dam and there it was. That “internal GPS” of his is amazing. That’s why we don’t need a laptop with maps. Found a nice big stone tank with a lot of wildlife tracks and fresh digging at the bottom while looking for the dam. </div>
</o:p>By the time we got to the Pipeline it was too late to do the High tank area, and give it the time it would need. So it was off to Q-site for fuel. Hit a few swap meets and hit the highway.</div>
</o:p>I feel one more 3-day trip to the Kofa NWR will get us over to remaining roads. Knowing all the roads will help in planning any future trips, plus with the info Al company gave us we know what to see next.</div>
</o:p>So See you guys for Kofa #3 or whatever trip we do next.</div>
</o:p>Thanks Dave, Srisuta, Uwe, Al for the booze, food, &amp; firewood that we all got to enjoy. And thank you Jack for the marshmallows. Hope I didn’t forget anything other than the good conversation from everyone. Had a lot of laughs. Too bad Good Times wasn't there too - we missed you</div>
MrsShttp://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/supercool.gif</o:p></div>

[MrS]

MrsS said...

Did have a scary time getting out because of a small side-hill. Lucky for us Dave was there and bailed Steve out by driving our truck for Steve since he hates side hills!!
I don't think we needed to tell that part http://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/blush.gif Oh-well maybe they won't notice that part. Besides I'm a Newbie, maybe someday I'll be a grizzled old-timer let the rest. http://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/idea.gif

KF6YSB

[JackSilb]

Hi BajaXplorer,

Good to see your posting here.
We need to get a trip together so you can share some of your favorites spots with us.

Anita, nice writing.

Thanks,
-JACK


So much to see, so little time. Try using your 4WD tosee and do more.
Tread Lightly! empowers generations to enjoy the outdoors responsibly...
http://www.4wdtrips.net

[MrS]

[quote]

MrsS said...

</o:p> Looked for Red Rock Dam - was unable to locate with map and GPS and asking some hunters. One didn’t know about it, the other had seen it but didn’t know where it was. Steve did it the old fashioned way – he looked for a good place to build a dam and there it was. That “internal GPS” of his is amazing. That’s why we don’t need a laptop with maps. Ok you redeemed yourself. You could have hi-lited this and used caps, that would have been fine.http://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/biggrin.gif

Since I don't need all that hi-tech stuff, I'd think we have saved about $10,000. Since we saved that much, can I get a new radio? and a truck bed? bumper? tank?

KF6YSB

[MrsS]

I heard that Santa is giving you money for a new radio for Christmas. The other stuff - let's not push it. I was going to give you money for Christmas but I guess you need to research the radio stuff. Merry Christmas MrS! Hope everyone else is happy.</div>
MrsShttp://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/beertoast.gif </div>

[WhiteThaiGer]

MrsS said...

I heard that Santa is giving you money for a new radio for Christmas. The other stuff - let's not push it. I was going to give you money for Christmas but I guess you need to research the radio stuff. Merry Christmas MrS! Hope everyone else is happy.
MrsShttp://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/beertoast.gif http://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/hop.gif http://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/hop.gif http://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/hop.gif


***************************************
http://www.confluence.org
http://www.usgo.org

[MrS]

MrsS said...

I heard that Santa is giving you money for a new radio for Christmas. The other stuff - let's not push it. I was going to give you money for Christmas but I guess you need to research the radio stuff. Merry Christmas MrS! Hope everyone else is happy.
MrsShttp://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/beertoast.gif http://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/hop.gif http://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/hop.gif http://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/hop.gif http://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/hop.gif http://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/hop.gif

KF6YSB

[BajaTaco]

Hey good to hear from mister 'Xplorer! Yea, I thought that story about the chance meeting was really cool http://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/ok-kewl.gif

MrsS - awesome finish to the trip reports! I like all of the details (and I mean all of them, hehehehe http://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/turn.gif ). I guess since you are getting Steve a new radio for christmas, the least we can do is get him a 3-pack of new undershorts... http://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/lol.gif

I definitely want to go back and do the rest of the roads.. so if you all plan anything, let me know.


http://www.bajataco.com
Vibram or BFG - getting there on rubber and seeing it all!

[AlWalter]

YukonBob said...

[quote]

Jack said...
Bob, when are you free for the next trip?
Nice of you to think of me Jack. I'm not really sure.

Yes, KOFA is almost a nobrainer from here and I would really like to see the area. A lot of history to be explored.

I think the next time a get a few days I'd like to go to El Golfo and map all of the roads.

The next time I get a week, I'd like to go to the waist of Baja and explore and map all the new roads and travel as much of the old dirt road as I can.

I've got no idea when any of it will happen.

El Golfo El Golfo, when are we going to El Golfohttp://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/hop.gif

[AlWalter]

I don't have a lot to add. Great trip with good food, drink, companionship, scenary & perfect weather.

Thanks for the write-ups, maps & pics.

Another 3 day week-end should get us the full coverage of Kofa NWR.

[JackSilb]

MrsS, Way to go!

You are making all of us happy by giving Steve a nice present.

Who is next? Lets start the pressure on his wife quick!
Maybe Uwe, to replace the go cart tires.


Steve, did you see the coupons I mentioned on the Yaesu radios? From $20 to $175(at the high end radios).

-Jack


So much to see, so little time. Try using your 4WD tosee and do more.
Tread Lightly! empowers generations to enjoy the outdoors responsibly...
http://www.4wdtrips.net

[WhiteThaiGer]

AlWalter said...
Thanks for the write-ups, maps &amp; pics.

Another 3 day week-end should get us the full coverage of Kofa NWR.More pics to come from us, I hope Baja has some too.

I'd like to explore all the roads, but I'd also like to do some hiking. For example, I want to go up to some of those arches we saw all over the place and inspect them. Hiking up to the top of that big dry fall would also be something. There are also numerous tanks all over the area, nice targets for hikes.


***************************************
http://www.confluence.org
http://www.usgo.org

[BajaTaco]

I'm with Uwe - let's hike in. There is waaaay more to see back in there. I think drive as far in to one of those canyons as we can (like where we camped Sat. night, or where we hiked from on Sunday) and then strap on the backpacks for an over-nighter. That would be fun.


http://www.bajataco.com
Vibram or BFG - getting there on rubber and seeing it all!

[4RunnerDave]

OK, dittos on everything that everyonehas said so far.Jeez, it has only been two days since I got back and I have been reading for a half hour! Now that I have caught up on the reading,I've got to throw in a few comments too. I am sorry to have missed the first few days of trails, and especially Jack and the tent episode. But once we (Steve, Anita, and me) joined up with everyone it sure was fun. The cheese fondue was great, and so was the wine thingy (can’t even begin to spell it) with the burning sugar cone (cool picture Baja!) – thanks to Ewe and Srisuda! It was great being out there with all of you. I had a great time. We missed all of you who could not make it, but hopefully next time you can. I don't think that I read anywhere about the super meteorite that Al and Baja saw on Saturday night while sitting around that campfire, but I guess it was something to see. </div>
One of my highlights was watching Steve search for the Red Rock Dam. It was marked on the map, but those Kofa maps aren't very good for their accuracy of scale.Shortly after we crested Red Rock Pass he was itching to find that dam! After one failed attempt we moved a short distance north and he went out searching again. I held back this time thinking that I would save my energy for something more promising. But a short time later he was back announcing success! We went to look and it was pretty cool. He should post a picture of it. He really does seem to have a knack for finding things out there. I believe I heard him mutter under his breath while walking back to the truck - " ... don't need no stinkin GPS", as he high fived Anita! http://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/ieh.gif</div>


Dave L.
KC6MPQ

[YukonBob]

Ok, Dave. Thanks for sharing with us. I don't know what it is but Steve stories always seem to the be the best. I guess that has a lot to say about the man.</div>



Maybe he'll turn to technology when he really wants to get to the Oatman sitehttp://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/headscratch.gif </div>

[MrsS]

He Chris:</div>
I must have missed something. Explain about the 3-pack of underwear (if you can). Maybe I don't want to know.</div>
MrsShttp://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/idea.gif </div>

[BajaTaco]

MrsS said...


...Did have a scary time getting out because of a small side-hill. Lucky for us Dave was there and bailed Steve out by driving our truck for Steve since he hates side hills!! That's what I was talking about. I was thinking that maybe Steve got his shorts a little dirty on the side-hill http://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/lol.gif But maybe not, maybe it's Dave who needs the new underwear http://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/shocked.gif


http://www.bajataco.com
Vibram or BFG - getting there on rubber and seeing it all!

[WhiteThaiGer]

There are problems with uploading pics to the photogallery tonight, so I'll just put up some 4Runner pics:</div>
We had 3 generations of WHITE 4Runners:</div>
http://www.rxtx.com:8085/4wdtrips/photogallery/data/media/45/121_2129.JPG</div>
http://www.rxtx.com:8085/4wdtrips/photogallery/data/media/45/121_2134.JPG


And here is a bonus 4Runner picture, it's of the one with the little tires...

http://www.rxtx.com:8085/4wdtrips/photogallery/data/media/45/121_2144.JPG


***************************************
http://www.confluence.org
http://www.usgo.org

[BajaTaco]

WOOOHOOOO!!! Peekchures!! http://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/camera_flash.gif


Nice flex for IFS!! Dang, that's pretty good!


http://www.bajataco.com
Vibram or BFG - getting there on rubber and seeing it all!

[AlWalter]

Something must of happened to my earlier post. That super meteorite was amazing. It had the longest, fierest & brightest tail that I have ever seem. It seemed so close. That showed up even before we had the potent potient.

[JackSilb]

Uwe,

Very nice pictures.
I love them.
I like the articulation on your 4Runner too. Maybe the go-cart tires happen on the articulation. Lets see how it goes with real truck tires.


> That super meteorite was amazing

Al, was this after we left?
I don't remember you mentioning it.

-JACK


So much to see, so little time. Try using your 4WD tosee and do more.
Tread Lightly! empowers generations to enjoy the outdoors responsibly...
http://www.4wdtrips.net

[YukonPeggy]

More important question, did you see the meteorite after the wine thingy?



"Do not worry about whether or not the sun willrise. Just be prepared to enjoy it."</div>

[YukonBob]

If the meteorite was that different from anything you had ever seen, I'd be willing to bet that it wasn't something you had ever seen. They do some pretty amazing things at the proving grounds.

[expeditionswest]

Dave,

Great solid axle 4Runner!!! One of my absolute favorite vehicles.

Scott

Scott Brady
2001 Land Rover Discovery II
1998 Isuzu Trooper
1994 Jeep Wrangler Sahara
mailto:guide@expeditionswest.com (guide@expeditionswest.com)
http://www.expeditionswest.com
http://www.expeditionswest.com/adventures/2003/El_Golfo_2003/thumbnails/DSC00417_JPG.jpg

[WhiteThaiGer]

http://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/camera_flash.gifI put some pics out they start here (http://www.rxtx.com:8085/4wdtrips/photogallery/details.php?image_id=913).http://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/camera_flash.gif

As usual click in the top right to get to the next picture.

Enjoy,there are about 40 pics, the last threeare by MrS.
</div>


***************************************
http://www.confluence.org
http://www.usgo.org

[MrS]

Thanks Uwe.

Like always I want MORE, not pics, just more. http://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/biggrin.gif

1. Is there a thumbnail viewer? If not no big deal, but since I need to "SLOOWWLLOOAADD" pics, it would be handy. You sure got a few neat pics.

2. did you post a link to the pictures in Jack's 1st posting? Make these a little easier to find. Just in case any of us forget post #48 has the picture link.

Thanks again Uwe for posting these.

KF6YSB

[WhiteThaiGer]

MrS said...
Thanks Uwe.

Like always I want MORE, not pics, just more. http://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/biggrin.gif

1. Is there a thumbnail viewer? If not no big deal, but since I need to "SLOOWWLLOOAADD" pics, it would be handy. You sure got a few neat pics.

2. did you post a link to the pictures in Jack's 1st posting? Make these a little easier to find. Just in case any of us forget post #48 has the picture link.

Thanks again Uwe for posting these.
</div>Thumbnails like this? (http://www.rxtx.com:8085/4wdtrips/photogallery/categories.php?cat_id=77)

I'll add a picture link to the first post.

About the slow download. How does it handle the pictures in the posts? We have done that more often again lately.


***************************************
http://www.confluence.org
http://www.usgo.org

[YukonBob]

Uwe said...
About the slow download. How does it handle the pictures in the posts? We have done that more often again lately.When I'm on dialup there are some threads I have to avoid. Slow death.Fortunately, I cansee what I missed later from the satellite high speed connection.

Nice pictures by the way. My compliments to the http://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/camera_flash.gif

[MrS]

WhiteThaiGer said...Thumbnails like this? (http://www.rxtx.com:8085/4wdtrips/photogallery/categories.php?cat_id=77)
http://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/ok-kewl.gif WONDERFUL


Was that always there and I just needed to click on something?

KF6YSB

[WhiteThaiGer]

MrS said...



WhiteThaiGer said...Thumbnails like this? (http://www.rxtx.com:8085/4wdtrips/photogallery/categories.php?cat_id=77)
http://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/ok-kewl.gif WONDERFUL


Was that always there and I just needed to click on something?
</div>Yep. I currently put my pics into the 4WDTrips photogallery at http://www.rxtx.com:8085/4wdtrips/photogallery/index.php

There you can walk through the folders, in this case Users->WhiteThaiGer->Trips->Kofa 11/03.


***************************************
http://www.confluence.org
http://www.usgo.org

[JackSilb]

Uwe,

These are great pictures. I know it take a good time to get the pictures where they are.
Thank you!

Boy, I need to get a scheme going to the photogallery server VERY quick. I started it as prototype, I never got to the mirror the drive and backup part.
Imagine if the HD crashes now. You guys will http://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/smashfreakb.gifhttp://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/hitting.gifhttp://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/skull.gif me.

-JACK


</div>


So much to see, so little time. Try using your 4WD tosee and do more.
Tread Lightly! empowers generations to enjoy the outdoors responsibly...
http://www.4wdtrips.net

[BajaTaco]

Great photos http://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/ok-kewl.gif Thanks for sharing them. I managed to get almost all of my gallery photos processed yesterday, now I just need to build the gallery.


http://www.bajataco.com
Vibram or BFG - getting there on rubber and seeing it all!

[AlWalter]

Jack,
Chris & I were the only ones to see the meteorite. Pedro knew about the sighting, but was looking the wrong way & miswsed it.

Bob,
It was before the hot wine.

KG6SGM
Always ready to go.

[4RunnerDave]

Uwe - great pictures of the 4Runners, and all the other ones that you posted also.

Bob -you know-maybe that wasn't a meteorite. It may have come from the Yuma Proving Grounds and was meant for Al and Steve for trespassing. Of course their aim isn't very good if that's what it was.

Scott - thanks for the notice of my 4Runner. I like it and it has been lots of fun on many past trips.



Dave L.
KC6MPQ

[expeditionswest]

You bet Dave! </div>
I think your truck makes a great expedition/trail platform. Very solid and simple.</div>
I owned an 85 solid axle truck for a few years. If they are geared right, they a wonderful vehicles. I have much fonder memories of that truck, than I do of my new Discovery (I could teach myself a lesson with that realization...). I also had an 89 4Runner. It was a great truck too!</div>
http://www.expeditionswest.com/vehicles/past_ew_vehicles/1985Toyota/images/brueno_jpg.jpg
</div>

http://www.expeditionswest.com/vehicles/past_ew_vehicles/images/894runner_jpg.jpg



Scott Brady
2001 Land Rover Discovery II
1998 Isuzu Trooper
1994 Jeep Wrangler Sahara
mailto:guide@expeditionswest.com (guide@expeditionswest.com)
http://www.expeditionswest.com

[BajaTaco]

OK, my trip pics are HERE (http://www.bajataco.com/kofa2003/index.htm)http://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/biggrin.gif

...now I better get the Sierra Madre pics finished, or Bob might http://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/smashfreakb.gif


http://www.bajataco.com
Vibram or BFG - getting there on rubber and seeing it all!

[JackSilb]

These pictures just make me want to go back. Way too cool.

Thanks!
-JACK


So much to see, so little time. Try using your 4WD tosee and do more.
Tread Lightly! empowers generations to enjoy the outdoors responsibly...
http://www.4wdtrips.net

[WhiteThaiGer]

BajaTaco said...
OK, my trip pics are HERE (http://www.bajataco.com/kofa2003/index.htm)http://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/biggrin.gif

...now I better get the Sierra Madre pics finished, or Bob might http://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/smashfreakb.gif
</div>Very nice http://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/camera_flash.gif

Yes, give us the Sierra Madre pics http://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/hop.gif


***************************************
http://www.confluence.org
http://www.usgo.org

[AlWalter]

Great shots Chris! Almost ready to go back.

KG6SGM
Always ready to go.

[4RunnerDave]

Those are super pictures Baja! And the format made them very easy to look at. </div>
And now I know who is putting up those "no vehicle signs" it is the devil himself. I always knew that closing up roads was evil. Now I know for sure!</div>
Anyway, as others have said, those pictures made me relive that very fun trip. Hopefully we can all get together soon for some more good stuff like that.</div>








Dave L.
KC6MPQ

[BajaTaco]

4RunnerDave said...

...it is the devil himself.
HAHAHA! I know a certain someone hasn't seen that yet. Probably because he is on dial-up. HAHAHA! http://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/devil.gif </div>
I'm glad you all are enjoying the pics! I'm ready to go back too!</div>


http://www.bajataco.com
Vibram or BFG - getting there on rubber and seeing it all!

[WhiteThaiGer]

Baja, some more comments on your pics:</div>
Srisuda: 'He has a good eye, great pictures' (she is down with the flu, too weak even to sit at the computer for long)</div>
My sister: 'Those pictures capture the atmosphere. I could go for some camping like that!'</div>



***************************************
http://www.confluence.org
http://www.usgo.org

[BajaTaco]

Uwe, that's great - thanks!

Please give my best wishes to Srisuda http://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/cry.gif Take good care of her!


http://www.bajataco.com

[WhiteThaiGer]

BajaTaco said...

...Take good care of her!...Easier said then done, I've been down with a fever too for the last 2 days. We are improving though.

Nice Avatar. Now you just need to come up with a nice sig again. I really like the Vibram and BFG one. I think I have one pair of boots with Vibram, the truck has BFG's, so maybe I can borrow the sig, keep it alive http://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/wink.gif


***************************************
http://www.confluence.org
http://www.usgo.org

[JackSilb]

Please give my best wishes to Srisuda Take good care of her!
Please give my best wishes to Srisuda Take good care of her!
Please give my best wishes to Srisuda Take good care of her!
Please give my best wishes to Srisuda Take good care of her!
Please give my best wishes to Srisuda Take good care of her!

Take care of you too.
We need you two on the next trips.

-JACK


So much to see, so little time. Try using your 4WD tosee and do more.
Tread Lightly! empowers generations to enjoy the outdoors responsibly...
http://www.4wdtrips.net

[MrS]

Thanks for the pic Baja. Who's that handsom devil?

Uwe, are you sure Srisuda not faking to get out of work? Hope she gets well soon, and I hope she didn't give it to me.

KF6YSB

[WhiteThaiGer]

MrS said...

Uwe, are you sure Srisuda not faking to get out of work? Hope she gets well soon, and I hope she didn't give it to me.
Trust me, she would no go through this just to get to stay home, in bed!

I hope you are ok and none of the food was contaminated http://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/eyes.gif, she did wash her handbefore she touched anything.
I am sure I cought it because we were sitting in the car most of the weekend, air set to recycle and her sneezing and coughing. The only way to be more sure to get the flu would have been a direct injection![/quote]


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http://www.confluence.org
http://www.usgo.org