Vern... i don't have the Massey book for CA. I've been planning using the Wells and Mojave Road books. The Massey books are way more detailed, so you may have more information than I do.
My 2 cents gathered from my research:
Wells ends the trail (my planned starting point) at I-15 exit 221, Afton Canyon. It bypasses Camp Cady, Manix Wash and points south. That portion of the trail parallels the highway and train tracks. Getting on the trail at exit 206, Harvard and Yermo Roads, adds 15 miles of dirt. It doesn't seem that scenic or interesting and wastes time we could use for exploring more interesting places farther into the trail.
As for camping... as described by Wells, the trail is 124 miles, give or take.
I've looked at four camping spots, depending on how late it gets...
- Marl Springs is 54 miles into the trail
- Beale Mountain area is at 57 miles
- Mid Hills (a developed site) is 68 miles into the trail and 5 miles south off paved Black Canyon Road
- Rock Springs is at 74 miles
- and of course, primitive camping is allowed anywhere along the trail.
I would presume it would depend on how late it gets as to where we camp, and if we find a good place along the trail that catches our fancy. Keep in mind the first half of the trail has more things to see and do than the second half. Another thought... the second day we don't have to worry about stopping to set up camp, which gives us more time to complete the trail.
I sure wish a few of us would have gotten together earlier, to better plan things out a little more, instead of this last minute internet stuff.
As it stands now, Beth gets out of work Friday at 1500. depending on traffic, that should put us in Barstow 2100~2200 Friday night. Too late to get together for some final planning. We'll gas up and get ice etc. Saturday morning, before meeting up with everyone at 0700 for breakfast, at IHOP. I'm still looking at an 0800 roll out. I guess we can finalize our starting point, camping spot and anything else over breakfast....
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