Orocopia; East of Mecca

[MrS]

We went out to the Mecca Hills, Orocpia Mtn area 1-17 to 19. This area is East of Indio, and south of the 10 fwy.</div>
We met up at Chiriaco Summit, and headed south via Red Canyon. Great drive and we found a few side trials that would be fun for those who like difficult. Other wise it’s a great area for scenery. We took this route to the Bradshaw trail, then headed east. We then did the Amy’s wash loop, and checked out most of the side trails we found. This put us on Summit Rd, where we headed North. We ended up at the Great Western Mine, near the Red Cloud mine, but since people where camped there, we headed down wash and set-up camp.</div>
First night of camp was a catered affair (thanks to Whitetiger catering)http://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/cool.gif with a full bar http://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/beertoast.gif Not sure who to thank for all the booze). It was not all easy-street, we had to tend our own bar.http://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/confused.gif But we survived with the help of the new improved light pole. Next morning things got a little backed up at the changing room, but proved to be a popular show, I feel that we must do that again.</div>
Next morning we did a bunch of exploring along the base of the mountains towards the west end of Ship creek canyon. Then worked our way back over to the Opocpia Mtns. And found a great camp site, it was still early, but we set-up camp and enjoyed the view and sunshine, and just relaxed.</div>
Nect morning we headed west to drive Meccacopia Wash and drive the corridor between Mecca and Orocpia wildness areas. I think we cover the other areas real good, but this area is a must-return-to area.</div>
The weather was most cooperative, we had a slight breeze all day, which helped keep dust away, but the breeze died away as soon as the sun went down.</div>
I forgot all my camp cooking gearhttp://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/banghead.gif, so thanks everyone for covering our needs and bailing us out. We made a list as we unpacked last night, and cooking box was at the top of the list.</div>

KF6YSB

[expeditionswest]

That sounds like a fun trip. Have you been through Berboo Canyon north of Indio? It takes you to the southern edge of Joshua Tree. It is a pretty canyon after you get through the trash that people dump out there.

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

[MrS]

Scott Brady said...
Have you been through Berboo Canyon 4-5 times, even done Pinkham, and Fargo, but Rockhouse is a To-Do. Last time I did Pinkham, Thermal Canyon looked to be closed. http://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/confused.gif

KF6YSB

[JackSilb]

> I forgot all my camp cooking gear , so thanks everyone for covering our needs and bailing us out. We made a list as we unpacked
>last night, and cooking box was at the top of the list.

Yea, right!? http://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/rofl.gif

Good wayt o have free foodt and cooking. Nice thinking.
-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

[WhiteThaiGer]

We where along for the first 2 days, Steve summed it up pretty good, so let me just supplement with some pics. There is a small Gallery here (http://www.rxtx.com:8085/4wdtrips/photogallery/categories.php?cat_id=88&amp;sessionid=fff0ab8a33d89f5 1add7256724105c4a)

Thanks Al and Dave for stocking the bar (http://www.rxtx.com:8085/4wdtrips/photogallery/details.php?image_id=1177)! Note the bottle on the right.... It went into the Feuerzangenbowlehttp://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/jumpin.gif a drink most people here can not pronounce, but everybody likes. I think it'll become standard on trips with cool nights http://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/supercool.gif

Steve mentioned the changing tent (http://www.rxtx.com:8085/4wdtrips/photogallery/details.php?image_id=1179).

As Steve said, there are opportunities for difficult stuff. Al opted for one of the easier ones. The Hummers we met went for something a little more serious. Time to get a locker and go back there...

The 'catering' for dinner and breakfast worked out nicely and we even had some delicious left overs for lunch. There are already some menu ideas in the works for next time. http://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/burger.gif


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

[JackSilb]

Hey,

What is up with the changing tent?
Is really that, or a private location for other business?

-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) : 1/28/2004 5:45:06 AM GMT

[BajaTaco]

Dang, how did I miss this thread? Must have something to do with secrecy.. http://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/lol.gif

Looks like fun!!! Sounds like fun!!! Great pics. So Steve, why not elaborate a little more on the "improved" light pole. The changing tent looks kinda cool - like something Superman would use when he is in the desert. If I ever need to change - I just do it wherever I happen to be standing (or sitting) at the time, so I hope nobody minds http://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/biggrin.gif

That bar looks pretty serious. You guys are hardcore.
</div>


http://www.bajataco.com

[GoodTimes]

Huh. The "changing tent" looks alot like the "tent" we used for "other purposes" when we were on the rubicon trail.http://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/headscratch.gif


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

KG6OWO

Price is soon forgotton, quality is not.

[BajaTaco]

I think Steve might use it to change himself into a man who is 10 lbs. lighter http://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/biggrin.gif


http://www.bajataco.com

[MrS]

[quote]

BajaTaco said...


So Steve, why not elaborate a little more on the "improved" light pole. I got to phase II of the prototype. http://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/biggrin.gif

Using the feedback from phase I, we moved from full time gas lighting to a switchable 110 volt 100 watt area lighting. This turns out to be the path I will follow on Phase III,which will be12V lighting. The basic pole is unchanged, and a base / stand / support will be address after the lighting system is complete.

BTY the changing room is a multi-use device.

KF6YSB

[MrsS]

BTY the changing room is a multi-use device.
</div> No it's not! It's a changing room!

MrsShttp://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/nono.gif

[MrS]

MrsS said...




BTY the changing room is a multi-use device.
No it's not! It's a changing room!

MrsShttp://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/nono.gif
http://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/blush.gif "THAT'S A FACT JACK"

(not you Jack, I'm using Jack as a multi-use name)

Anyone want to talk about my light. The changing room I just store, set-up, take-down, etc. The light I have more control over its use, don't I MrsS?

KF6YSB

[MrsS]

Anyone want to talk about my light. The changing room I just store, set-up, take-down, etc. The light I have more control over its use, don't I MrsS?
</div>
Yes - you can do whatever you want with the light. If more than you and I use the changing tent, it will be only a changing tent. Not a bathroom. Unless we end up getting a shower some day.</div>
MrsShttp://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/cool.gif </div>

[BajaTaco]

http://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/lol.gif</div>
OK, more details on the light - but in a proper topic area please. MrS and MrsS really need to come to El Golfo!!!!!! C'mon, we will take good care of you. (I know... I know.. MrS is probably going to work on Prez day so he can make another bazillion dollars for the bat cave...)</div>


http://www.bajataco.com

[4RunnerDave]

Steve, I think that you should mention that in phase III your plans for aremote controller for your light. That is going to bean important added feature that I amlooking forward to seeing.Also I was thinking that maybe having some changes of colored lenses available might to add different moods to the evening campfire. What do you think? </div>
I also wanted to add my comments about Red Canyon! Very cool! Even though the trail description sounds scary (driving on a backbone with dizzying heights) it was a very scenic and pleasant drive. There are some good campsites around therealso, but when we were there is was too early to stop.However with this new changing tent now in the picture, I can envision that on future trips we may be stopping a lot earlier just so Steve and Anita can havemore time to change. Now they'regoing to start bringinga lot moreoutfits.A variety of trail outfits-depending on the terrain (casual for the easy trails, maybe a more rugged look for the difficult ones), a change of clothesfor dinner,lounging, hiking, pajamas and so on. </div>



</div>

Dave L.
KC6MPQ

[MrsS]

4RunnerDave said...

However with this new changing tent now in the picture, I can envision that on future trips we may be stopping a lot earlier just so Steve and Anita can havemore time to change. Now they'regoing to start bringinga lot moreoutfits.A variety of trail outfits-depending on the terrain (casual for the easy trails, maybe a more rugged look for the difficult ones), a change of clothesfor dinner,lounging, hiking, pajamas and so on.



</div>
Dave:
I don't think we have enough room for all the different outfits. Good idea though. You know that MrS and I like to be stylish.
MrsShttp://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/hop.gif

[4RunnerDave]

Yes, I know, and stylish you are. Now you will be even more so. But isn't that what roof racks are for - the clothing trunk?

Dave L.
KC6MPQ

[MrS]

4RunnerDave said...

Steve, I think that you should mention that in phase III your plans for aremote controller for your light.Since you and A are working out the fashion stuff, I keep my comment to the light.

My research about the remote control lights stopped when the lights I like are in the $150 to $200 range. So that lighting may have to wait till phase X http://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/biggrin.gif

If anyone would like to underwrite the funding to this lighting project, I will set you up with yourOWN remote control to control the camplighting at the camp site.

KF6YSB

[MrS]

BajaTaco said...

http://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/lol.gif
OK, more details on the light - but in a proper topic area please. Yes you are right about the subject. This lighting talk has gone alot farther than I had planned. I think after field testing has started with the Phase III mods, I will start a proper topic.

Since my truck is so Box-Stock, unlike all of your rigs, I hope I can have my Phase III lighting done for the BP get together, so I can have my own Lime-Light.http://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/yeah.gif

KF6YSB

[BajaTaco]

LMAO at Dave http://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/lol.gif

What is the BP get together?

We need a disco ball... that's what we need.


http://www.bajataco.com

[MrS]

BajaTaco said...


What is the BP get together?

We need a disco ball... that's what we need.BP=Bob &amp; Peggy
ahhhDisco Ball http://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/idea.gif I think you may have something!

I was hoping to see a bunch of posting this morning from investors wanting to get in on the ground floor of the camp-light-.com thing. http://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/biggrin.gif Maybe they need to talk it over with their broker 1st.

KF6YSB

[YukonPeggy]

Dave said...
However with this new changing tent now in the picture, I can envision that on future trips we may be stopping a lot earlier just so Steve and Anita can havemore time to change. Now they'regoing to start bringinga lot moreoutfits.A variety of trail outfits-depending on the terrain (casual for the easy trails, maybe a more rugged look for the difficult ones), a change of clothesfor dinner,lounging, hiking, pajamas and so on. http://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/baja_rofl.gif http://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/baja_rofl.gif http://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/rofl.gif

Actually, YukonBob thought you were talking about my gear!




Good friends are like stars... You don't always see them, but you always know they're there.

[BajaTaco]

MrS said...

[quote]
I was hoping to see a bunch of posting this morning from investors wanting to get in on the ground floor of the camp-light-.com thing. http://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/biggrin.gif Maybe they need to talk it over with their broker 1st.
</div>http://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/baja_rofl.gif http://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/rofl.gif http://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/baja_rofl.gif

Count me in! I will cash in the IRA's for this one.


http://www.bajataco.com

[4RunnerDave]

Is this the proper topic area for disco balls and chance of a lifetime investments?
Good! Well I like the disco ball idea (good one Baja). What an effect that would have while camping. That might be an eerie sight for someone way out seeing it in the distance. What the &*$## is that?
As for making an investment in camp-light.com, I need to know the feasability of adding the motorized light and the weight capabilities of the pole (factoring in the wind, of course). And my broker suggested receiveing a pro forma before any money exchanges hands! Better hold on to your IRA money Baja.
BP get together, I need to look for that one I guess.
Have you found it yet Baja? Of course there is that outside (way outside) chance that we weren't invited, eh Baja!

Dave L.
KC6MPQ

[MrS]

4RunnerDave said...
As for making an investment in camp-light.com, I need to know the feasability of adding the motorized light and the weight capabilities of the pole (factoring in the wind, of course). And my broker suggested receiveing a pro forma before any money exchanges hands! I've worked out the weight, wind, factors.

If I had anything near a pro forma I would have had flame proof hard hats, and a fire watch crew with fire extinguishers in-hand before the set-up of Phase I at Kofa. I still shutter thinking about that one.

Besides this is R&amp;D, a total write (as in don't expect to get you $$ back). And any constraints would limit my creativity, hence the full usefulness of this light.

No we need the "free-spirt" thing here, you know that thinking "outside the box" thing.

What do we have here? One posting about the trip, and 20 something about lighting, disco, Ira's, investing, etc.? I this what we call "off-subject" ??

http://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/baja_rofl.gifhttp://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/baja_rofl.gif

KF6YSB

[4RunnerDave]

Ha Ha Ha, http://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/biggrin.gif </div>
Your too funny - the thought of a flame proof hard hatted fire watch crew! But you are right, it was scary.http://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/freaked.gif When that pole started to swing around, I thought something would get wiped out. </div>
Well, I understand R&amp;D, and I certainly don't want to constrict the flow of the creative juices that you possess. Put me down for a 1/3 interest, that would be 33.33333% in the camp-light venture. But all deals are off if this project getsput behind the on-board welder project. It would have to have some type of priority. </div>
Maybe we should start a new thread for the camp-light and disco project and pick up other investors. I think we are done with the past trip report anyway, aren't we? http://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/notme.gif </div>


Dave L.
KC6MPQ

[MrS]

Ha HA You are right. I'm LMAO

Lets drop this from the net till Phase III is set-up in camp.

KF6YSB

[BajaTaco]

Oh man, you guys are makin' me LMAO!

Dave said: "BP get together, I need to look for that one I guess.
Have you found it yet Baja? Of course there is that outside (way outside) chance that we weren't invited, eh Baja!"

My guess is that this has something to do with smuggled cartography goods from who knows where... or maybe they are conspiring another "death march" trip... but I'll bet we will be hearing about it soon, one way or another.


http://www.bajataco.com

[AlWalter]

MrS said...

[quote]


If I had anything near a pro forma I would have had flame proof hard hats, and a fire watch crew with fire extinguishers in-hand before the set-up of Phase I at Kofa. I still shutter thinking about that one.

http://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/baja_rofl.gifhttp://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/baja_rofl.gif
</div>You've gotten your phases confused. Phase I was on the El Camino Del Diablo.

KG6SGM
Always ready to go.