Disco2Guy Posted February 3, 2014 Report Share Posted February 3, 2014 The timing couldn't have been better for this year's snow run. After the driest year in a century we get a foot of snow the day before we arrive. The marina webcam showed rain so there was a good chance of snow on Bad Mountain. However, that meant potential muddy conditions at camp, and that's no fun in the cold. The last part of the climb towards Camp Edison was covered in snow, and it was still falling when Chris filled up at a "downtown" gas station. It had been sowing all day according to the ladies in the camp office and they couldn't believe that's why we were there. That night there was some good moonshine passed around the campfire. It continued to snow on and off that night, but the weather forecast called for a sunny day on Saturday. Not a half mile down 168, heading towards Dinkey Creek Rd., we were stopped by police and 4-5 fire trucks. A pickup towing a small boat jack knifed and slid off the road. The road wasn't too icy, but we proceeded at a safe enough pace. Once we arrived at the Rock Creek Rd. turnoff and aired down we made good time to the beginning of the Bald Mountain trail. The snow was just right, not too deep and compact enough to keep you from sliding all over the place. The first big hill climb was tackled in various ways this year. I was able to climb straight up. Chris smoked some tire, but with the use of the sand ladders, and winch he made it to the top. Colin and Paul followed up there after. After a few walks up and down that hill it was time to eat some lunch. As Polin and I were eating, a guy we dubbed Duck Dynasty, for his obvious resemblance to the tv character got out of a Jeep. We gave him a friendly "Hi", and he immediately went off on us about blocking the trail and how he had buddies at the bottom of the hill who needed to come up. We told him we were in the same situation and that he was now completely blocking the trail. As he headed back down we and warned everyone over HAM about him. Since this was the first real snowfall of the year the trail was much busier than any previous year. Once half of our group made it up we were stuck deciding on who should go first. We let a solo guy get through and then some teens in an Xtrerra and stock Jeep. One of them was wearing tennis shoes. Not 20 yards after we started they were stopped on the trail with a punctured tire on the Jeep. The driver walks up to me and asks if I have a jack, and I point to the Hi Lift sitting on the front bumper. He removes the spare tire and goes to break the lugs on the road wheel. They are a different size and he wasn't sure if he had the right size wrench. I grab my tools and he gets to work on the tire. Thankfully his bumper was strong enough for the Hi Lift. I had him dig some snow from under the tire instead of lifting the truck more and it was back on. We continued on and quickly came to a short incline and then another long hill climb. Most of the group was at the bottom, and after some debate, it was decided we should turn around at this point. The clouds were rolling in and were very grey, the temperature was starting to drop and the trail was beginning to ice over. More traffic came from both directions which included Duck Dynasty. Colin and Paul said there was a kid who seemed to be left on the trail by his friends, walking around drunk. They let Duck Dynasty know and he seemed to know who it was from earlier in the day. It took us a while to get the forward group of 5 trucks turned around but we eventually met up and made our way to the trailhead. We didn't have any issues on the way back to Dinkey Creek Rd. where we aired up and had enough time to get a group shot. We all headed back to town for some dinner. It's such a treat eating hot pizza after a cold day on the trail. On the way back to camp we passed by the smashed road sign, left by the jack knifed truck we saw earlier that morning. That night Chris pulled out another bottle of moonshine that tasted like peach cobbler. It was designated as the official campfire drink it was so good! We all sat around and told stories of the day's adventure and of future trips. It was a great end to a great trip. I'm already wondering what's in store for next year. Maybe the return of the bottomless stuckfest of years past. Here's the only real footage I got of the day. It's from the start at Rock Creek to the top of the first big hill climb. Thanks to Erin & Jared, Chris, Colin and Paul, Pedram, Don, Lutz, Antonio, Michal, and Scott (President of SCLR) for another fun snow run! [video=youtube;vvXZOBsdako] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AA Journey Posted February 3, 2014 Report Share Posted February 3, 2014 Here are the pictures taken during this awesome trip. http://antonioanguiano.smugmug.com/Hobbies/2014-NCLR-Snow-Trip AA Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DavidW Posted February 3, 2014 Report Share Posted February 3, 2014 Those pictures are incredible - such awesome terrain! I wish I could have gone :-( Michal - is that your LR4? I didn't know you got a hidden winch - looks awesome. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DavidW Posted February 3, 2014 Report Share Posted February 3, 2014 I have a question for the folks who have been to Shaver Lake a few times. Are there any easy trails that you can do during a day trip out there? I was looking at the website and it looks like there are a few "easiest" trails near the area that take 1-2 hours. I want to take a ride out there with a friend or two and do a trail and come home the same day - is that possible? I know I would not even attempt to tackle any of the other trails without a few other trucks around to help. What are the trails that you recommend for say a day trip with just my truck? I am looking for easy trails for now. Thanks! -David Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedRover Posted February 3, 2014 Report Share Posted February 3, 2014 This was a great trip and a solid effort up the trail... it's a shame it got icy so quickly when the clouds moved in. Erin & I put our photos in the Photo Stream link below: NCLR: Shaver Lake Snow Run 2014 Looking forward to next year's run -- Jared Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michal C Posted February 3, 2014 Report Share Posted February 3, 2014 Michal - is that your LR4? I didn't know you got a hidden winch - looks awesome. Hi David - this is my Disco and yep I did instal the hidden winch pain in the ... but I guess worth it. Afraid to look at my cc statement ))) see you soon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michal C Posted February 3, 2014 Report Share Posted February 3, 2014 The timing couldn't have been better for this year's snow run. After the driest year in a century we get a foot of snow the day before we arrive. The marina webcam showed rain so there was a good chance of snow on Bad Mountain. However, that meant potential muddy conditions at camp, and that's no fun in the cold. The last part of the climb towards Camp Edison was covered in snow, and it was still falling when Chris filled up at a "downtown" gas station. It had been sowing all day according to the ladies in the camp office and they couldn't believe that's why we were there. That night there was some good moonshine passed around the campfire. It continued to snow on and off that night, but the weather forecast called for a sunny day on Saturday. Not a half mile down 168, heading towards Dinkey Creek Rd., we were stopped by police and 4-5 fire trucks. A pickup towing a small boat jack knifed and slid off the road. The road wasn't too icy, but we proceeded at a safe enough pace. Once we arrived at the Rock Creek Rd. turnoff and aired down we made good time to the beginning of the Bald Mountain trail. The snow was just right, not too deep and compact enough to keep you from sliding all over the place. The first big hill climb was tackled in various ways this year. I was able to climb straight up. Chris smoked some tire, but with the use of the sand ladders, and winch he made it to the top. Colin and Paul followed up there after. After a few walks up and down that hill it was time to eat some lunch. As Polin and I were eating, a guy we dubbed Duck Dynasty, for his obvious resemblance to the tv character got out of a Jeep. We gave him a friendly "Hi", and he immediately went off on us about blocking the trail and how he had buddies at the bottom of the hill who needed to come up. We told him we were in the same situation and that he was now completely blocking the trail. As he headed back down we and warned everyone over HAM about him. Since this was the first real snowfall of the year the trail was much busier than any previous year. Once half of our group made it up we were stuck deciding on who should go first. We let a solo guy get through and then some teens in an Xtrerra and stock Jeep. One of them was wearing tennis shoes. Not 20 yards after we started they were stopped on the trail with a punctured tire on the Jeep. The driver walks up to me and asks if I have a jack, and I point to the Hi Lift sitting on the front bumper. He removes the spare tire and goes to break the lugs on the road wheel. They are a different size and he wasn't sure if he had the right size wrench. I grab my tools and he gets to work on the tire. Thankfully his bumper was strong enough for the Hi Lift. I had him dig some snow from under the tire instead of lifting the truck more and it was back on. We continued on and quickly came to a short incline and then another long hill climb. Most of the group was at the bottom, and after some debate, it was decided we should turn around at this point. The clouds were rolling in and were very grey, the temperature was starting to drop and the trail was beginning to ice over. More traffic came from both directions which included Duck Dynasty. Colin and Paul said there was a kid who seemed to be left on the trail by his friends, walking around drunk. They let Duck Dynasty know and he seemed to know who it was from earlier in the day. It took us a while to get the forward group of 5 trucks turned around but we eventually met up and made our way to the trailhead. We didn't have any issues on the way back to Dinkey Creek Rd. where we aired up and had enough time to get a group shot. We all headed back to town for some dinner. It's such a treat eating hot pizza after a cold day on the trail. On the way back to camp we passed by the smashed road sign, left by the jack knifed truck we saw earlier that morning. That night Chris pulled out another bottle of moonshine that tasted like peach cobbler. It was designated as the official campfire drink it was so good! We all sat around and told stories of the day's adventure and of future trips. It was a great end to a great trip. I'm already wondering what's in store for next year. Maybe the return of the bottomless stuckfest of years past. Here's the only real footage I got of the day. It's from the start at Rock Creek to the top of the first big hill climb. Thanks to Erin & Jared, Chris, Colin and Paul, Pedram, Don, Lutz, Antonio, Michal, and Scott (President of SCLR) for another fun snow run! [video=youtube;vvXZOBsdako] Brenton - fantastic trip. Thanks for organizing!!!!!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DavidW Posted February 3, 2014 Report Share Posted February 3, 2014 Hi David - this is my Disco and yep I did instal the hidden winch pain in the ... but I guess worth it. Afraid to look at my cc statement ))) see you soon Your rig looks AWESOME - really glad you went with the BFGs, I love mine. How were they in the snow? I saw you had chains on the front - do you think you needed them? The winch looks great as well. I am putting my tire up on my rack as well, but man it's so heavy to get up there! :-) I just got 4 Rigid Dually lights (spot lights) for the front of my roof rack and 2 (flood pattern) for the back, now I just need to mount them and figure out the wiring. UGH! I think my next big mod is an ARB front bumper (I know you don't care for them?) and a winch. Did you install the hidden winch yourself? -David Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michal C Posted February 3, 2014 Report Share Posted February 3, 2014 Your rig looks AWESOME - really glad you went with the BFGs, I love mine. How were they in the snow? I saw you had chains on the front - do you think you needed them? The winch looks great as well. I am putting my tire up on my rack as well, but man it's so heavy to get up there! :-) I just got 4 Rigid Dually lights (spot lights) for the front of my roof rack and 2 (flood pattern) for the back, now I just need to mount them and figure out the wiring. UGH! I think my next big mod is an ARB front bumper (I know you don't care for them?) and a winch. Did you install the hidden winch yourself? -David Hi David - thanks. It's been long time coming but my Disco is finally ready. As for the tires, they were great! The only reason why I put the chains was the ice (there is no tire that will work uphill on an icy trail...). Spikes Spider produces the original LR snow traction system but I had to get them directly from the manufacturer due to different tire size. I think the system is great for ice but not necessary for deep snow if you are running AT tires. I had cerrone's instal my winch. Took them a day to do it as all hidden winch trays are actually made for LR3 and thus instructions etc don't really work for LR4. Good luck with the ARB bumper!!!! Would love to see it in person . See you. Best , Michal Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Pedram Posted February 7, 2014 Report Share Posted February 7, 2014 My turn with huge pictures and some words. Meeting up near Gilroy with the first group. http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a618/PBastan/Pedrams%20world/Shaver%20Lake/IMG_20140131_103312_zpse8qojdh5.jpghttp://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a618/PBastan/Pedrams%20world/Shaver%20Lake/IMG_20140131_103714_zpsonmbnzjy.jpghttp://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a618/PBastan/Pedrams%20world/Shaver%20Lake/IMG_20140131_103722_zpsylvpiwaw.jpg Got into Madera and got fuel and some snacks. http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a618/PBastan/Pedrams%20world/Shaver%20Lake/IMG_20140131_131024_zpsolezqxvh.jpg Driving through town http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a618/PBastan/Pedrams%20world/Shaver%20Lake/IMG_20140131_133954_zps7iq1tgju.jpg Missed out on setting camp pictures but I got Saturday morning at the drivers meeting and air down area. http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a618/PBastan/Pedrams%20world/Shaver%20Lake/IMG_20140201_102056_zps24zxda08.jpghttp://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a618/PBastan/Pedrams%20world/Shaver%20Lake/IMG_20140201_102101_zpsyzjom1mh.jpghttp://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a618/PBastan/Pedrams%20world/Shaver%20Lake/IMG_20140201_102126_zps96u8pgrs.jpghttp://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a618/PBastan/Pedrams%20world/Shaver%20Lake/IMG_20140201_102132_zpsgy2hrsl6.jpghttp://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a618/PBastan/Pedrams%20world/Shaver%20Lake/IMG_20140201_102135_zps3qfma6si.jpg Fallowed Antonio's rear for the rest of the way up the trail. http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a618/PBastan/Pedrams%20world/Shaver%20Lake/IMG_20140201_103553_zpsodj5u496.jpghttp://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a618/PBastan/Pedrams%20world/Shaver%20Lake/IMG_20140201_104457_zpsp8awsqm4.jpghttp://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a618/PBastan/Pedrams%20world/Shaver%20Lake/IMG_20140201_104542_zpsf9ppa26c.jpghttp://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a618/PBastan/Pedrams%20world/Shaver%20Lake/IMG_20140201_104513_zpsfxlkebh0.jpghttp://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a618/PBastan/Pedrams%20world/Shaver%20Lake/IMG_20140201_104628_zps6z9j4xh6.jpghttp://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a618/PBastan/Pedrams%20world/Shaver%20Lake/IMG_20140201_105653_zpsovlvjg25.jpg El presidente took the lead and left Chris to his mercy. So we took pictures and laughed at his skinny tires. The crowd was getting restless and picked up axes and shovels to riot. http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a618/PBastan/Pedrams%20world/Shaver%20Lake/IMG_20140201_110251_zpsmeinm8gw.jpghttp://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a618/PBastan/Pedrams%20world/Shaver%20Lake/IMG_20140201_110254_zpsdeehejjv.jpghttp://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a618/PBastan/Pedrams%20world/Shaver%20Lake/IMG_20140201_110312_zpsal1zlkrj.jpghttp://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a618/PBastan/Pedrams%20world/Shaver%20Lake/IMG_20140201_110402_zpslodgpjq2.jpghttp://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a618/PBastan/Pedrams%20world/Shaver%20Lake/IMG_20140201_110408_zpsmqcu2q7n.jpghttp://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a618/PBastan/Pedrams%20world/Shaver%20Lake/IMG_20140201_110842_zpsaz7lwrop.jpg The first half of the ice takes it toll on some. In the very back of our club was some anxious Jeep guys. We all were in this together and talked about letting some pass if we held them up long. But waited for the right moment. http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a618/PBastan/Pedrams%20world/Shaver%20Lake/IMG_20140201_110852_zpsocrmplsk.jpghttp://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a618/PBastan/Pedrams%20world/Shaver%20Lake/IMG_20140201_110959_zpsulm9h53u.jpg The infamous DUCK dynasty. http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a618/PBastan/Pedrams%20world/Shaver%20Lake/IMG_20140205_192119_zpsejmnsuer.jpghttp://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a618/PBastan/Pedrams%20world/Shaver%20Lake/IMG_20140201_133045_zps0xifcgsg.jpghttp://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a618/PBastan/Pedrams%20world/Shaver%20Lake/IMG_20140201_152400_zpslxuqmbbv.jpg The rest was a blur and some time later we headed back down the trails after some duck calls and tire fixing. Words were worded and laughs were made about Jeeps and Toyotas who broke down in the middle of trails that were supposed to be crossed. You would think the kids driving would be up later after partying hard last night. So heading back down the trail was just as much fun. Cut the group in half and headed back. http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a618/PBastan/Pedrams%20world/Shaver%20Lake/IMG_20140201_152426_zpswigxe9tv.jpg We meet up, aired up, now feed up and hungry for some Pizza. Got the group photo with my hood ornament. http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a618/PBastan/Pedrams%20world/Shaver%20Lake/IMG_20140201_164355_zpsaqybberc.jpghttp://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a618/PBastan/Pedrams%20world/Shaver%20Lake/IMG_20140201_164751_zpsk3trmbd7.jpg After some diaper stories and some duck calls, food in bellies, we now are at a the fire getting butts warmed and shoes melted. Pass the shine Chris. http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a618/PBastan/Pedrams%20world/Shaver%20Lake/IMG_20140201_203536_zpsmnskn0xh.jpghttp://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a618/PBastan/Pedrams%20world/Shaver%20Lake/IMG_20140201_203543_zpshaalrqma.jpghttp://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a618/PBastan/Pedrams%20world/Shaver%20Lake/IMG_20140201_203552_zpszmyk2bf0.jpg I wake up at noon and go home solo.... well Antonio and I were the last to leave. http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a618/PBastan/Pedrams%20world/Shaver%20Lake/IMG_20140202_120534_zpssilwzhlm.jpghttp://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a618/PBastan/Pedrams%20world/Shaver%20Lake/IMG_20140202_120547_zpsfw5rijyi.jpg Good bye my friend.... you will be missed http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a618/PBastan/Pedrams%20world/Shaver%20Lake/IMG_20140205_192119_zpsejmnsuer.jpghttp://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a618/PBastan/Pedrams%20world/Shaver%20Lake/20140201_104757_zpshbmjemub.jpghttp://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a618/PBastan/Pedrams%20world/Shaver%20Lake/2014013195203004_zpstqzdrg9l.jpghttp://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a618/PBastan/Pedrams%20world/Shaver%20Lake/2014020195144431_zpsb0vs6hdj.jpg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GriffSC Posted February 7, 2014 Report Share Posted February 7, 2014 That is one motley group. Too bad me and the 110 weren't there to handsome things up. so the Jeepers and Yotaphiles were testy, huh? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
El Solis Posted February 7, 2014 Report Share Posted February 7, 2014 Griff that last you would do to any group is "handsome things up", the 110...yes, you...not so much. Just one jeepers I lovingly nick named duck dynasty due to his facial hair and over all appearance. To be fair, after threatening to kill Colin and a few others he was very polite later in the day. Yota knuckles seemed ok. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedRover Posted February 7, 2014 Report Share Posted February 7, 2014 Best trip ever. -E Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedRover Posted February 7, 2014 Report Share Posted February 7, 2014 Griff that last you would do to any group is "handsome things up", the 110...yes, you...not so much. Just one jeepers I lovingly nick named duck dynasty due to his facial hair and over all appearance. To be fair, after threatening to kill Colin and a few others he was very polite later in the day. Yota knuckles seemed ok. Oh, Jared brought home some Apple Pie Moonshine yesterday from his friend... haven't tried some yet, kind of waiting for a camp fire. -E Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GriffSC Posted February 7, 2014 Report Share Posted February 7, 2014 holy shinola! threatened to kill Colin?!? wow, that's neighborly. was he one of our wonderfully empathetic and anti-entitlement millenials? could be rover envy at its worst. not I really wish I'd been there. oh, and thanks for the kind words about my appearance, doc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Pedram Posted February 7, 2014 Report Share Posted February 7, 2014 A Hollister trip seems like the place for that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LandRonB Posted February 10, 2014 Report Share Posted February 10, 2014 The timing couldn't have been better for this year's snow run. After the driest year in a century we get a foot of snow the day before we arrive.... Good write-up Brenton! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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