We had a GREAT turnout, and run, in the San Bernardino NF on Satuday.
I think the final count was 42 - we picked up a Swiss Unimog somewhere - know anything about that Nathan?
I want to thank everyone that came out for the run....and especially the others for NOT coming out. This was HUGE, but things went VERY well. You FJ guys and girls are a great group. Hope to see you all again.
After polling the group at the start, only one person wanted to do the EASY run up to Tip Top Mt., but later conceded to going with the other 40 down to Horsethief.
The Horsethief results were 3 blown tires and one major mis-aligned front end, and a few 3 wheel instances.
The only thing worse than the 3 blown tires was having to go through a half dozen Hi Lifts to find one that would jack up. Then we could'nt get that one to go back down after changing the tire. Sheesh.
I want to especially thank Nathan (nwoods) for doing a GREAT!! job as tail gunner. Nathan spent most of the day rounding up straying vehicles that missed important turn-offs. With out Nathan half of the group would still be in Big Bear.....or somehere. Also I want to thank Tony for helping me worry when the vehicle count went over 50.
We only had time for 2 mines - an unnamed Lone valley mine, and the Rose Mine. THe mines were very popular, especially with the kids. It was cool to see a bat hanging from the ceiling of one of the mines.
From the mines we went up through Round Valley and Juniper Springs on the way to Onyx Summit and Hwy 38.
We reached hwy 38 on schedule, 6:00 p.m. But the only mystery to me was how half the group arrived there on 1N01 and the other half on 2N02....can you explain this Nathan? But everyone arrived there safely, and that's what matters.
I THINK everyone had a great day...and NO we won't do this again!!.....well maybe.
mk
Here are a few pix form the BIG Bear run.
Link to slideshow
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Horsethief Flats Trail
A friendly resident Rattle Snake
The bottom of the Horsethief switchbacks
Horsethief Flats
The hill climb out of Horsethief.
We circled the wagons for lunch. With all the vehicles it felt like walking through a county fair.
Driving across Lone Valley Meadow
This mine was very popular with the group.
Junk around the Rose Mine. The Rose mine area tunnel is about 300ft in length.
Climbing up out of Round Valley
Nathan assisting a vehicle
One of the Giant Junipers in the Onyx summit area.
Airing up at Onyx Summit
Beautiful sunset over Lake Arrowhead