SWAMP LAKE

[JTBOSCO]

What's going on for Swamp Lake? When is everyone heeding up. Jes you had mentioined going up on Wed. is that stil the plan. I will be available to leave the Bay Area at noon on the 17th. Let me know, Thanks
JT

[WesternXJ]

Lisa and I will probably head out Thursday morning, if I can get the Jeep fixed.
We're waiting for Frog and his better half, so they can follow us down.

We're headed out Thursday night.....

[Goatman]

I'll be going up Thursday after work, I expect to get there by 8:00 pm. The place we're camping is in the trees next to the road, and NOT in the Dinkey Creek Campground. I'll repost directions below. We'll need some firewood, so bring a little if you can, and don't forget your bathing suit because we always go for a swim in the lake.

Here are directions to where we'll camp Thursday night. From the north, go south on Hwy 99 and just as you come to Fresno take the Herndon exit, going east. Keep on Herndon all the way across town, then turn left onto Hwy 168 heading to Shaver Lake. From the south, take Hwy 99 to Kingsburg and exit on Mendocino Ave, going north. Continue north through Kingsburg and Sanger until the road dead ends at Hwy 168, then make a right towards Shaver Lake. Stay on Hwy 168, through Prather, then up a very long and steep grade until you come into the town of Shaver Lake. Make a right turn on Dinkey Creek Rd, with signs to Dinkey Creek and Wishon and Courtright Lakes. Stay on Dinkey Creek Rd until you get near the Dinkey Creek Campground, then look closely for a right turn with signs to Wishon and Courtright. This right turn can be easy to miss, especially in the dark, so if you come to the Dinkey ranger station or Dinkey Creek store, or end up in the Dinkey Creek Campground, turn around because you missed the turn. Immediately after making the right turn, you'll cross the Dinkey Creek bridge, then continue about a 1/4 mile to an intersection with a sign that says Camp Fresno. This is a three way intersection, and there are two roads that go to the left, the first road goes to Camp Fresno and the second road is marked 10S36. Turn left on 10S36 and immediately turn right into the trees, where we'll be camping. The campsite is a large area in the tress at the far side of the intersection of the hwy and road 10S36.

There are outhouses close by at the fisherman's picnic area next to Dinkey Creek, at the ranger station, and at the store. There are also showers at the store, plus food, ice and even gas. I always gas up at the station in Prather, but there is also a Texaco at the top of the steep climb, but it doesn't stay open very late. There is gas in Shaver Lake, but again, I don't know how late they stay open. I wouldn't count on the gas at Dinkey, it's very expensive but would work in an emergency. We will head to the Dinkey Creek store on Friday morning to top off any ice chests that need it, then group together at the ranger station. We'll leave for the trail from the ranger station at 8:30 am.

Richard G

[Jes]

...I'll probably head in Thursday morning.


Jes

[JC]

I work till 4:30 on thursday, and was plannng on leaving straight from work.

-Jerry

[Stoney]

i want to leave thursday night/evening!

[Frog975]

Ok here is our plans, Theresa and I got off Friday. So we will be driving down Thursday night. Kevin you and Lisa can go ahead and head down that morning. We won't be able to get out of here till around 5PM. So we'll just roll in around midnight or so, if i figure the driving time right. We'll be the late ones.

[Goatman]

We try to keep a fire going and a CB on until everyone is there, if we know who's coming in late. Every year someone gets there after midnight.......we'll keep a light on for ya! :D

Richard G

[CRASH]

Frog, I think WE"LL both be the late ones!

CRASH

[Lupine]

We'll be the late ones? :roll:

Not with the way YOU drive. :shock:

Lu

[FarmerMatt]

I think I might actually be the late one. I plan on meeting you guys at the entrance friday mourning. A few of you guys would be welcome to crash at my compound thursday night if you don't want to drive up the hill that late. Let me know.

Matt

[SeanP]

Matt, Marni and I will take you up on the offer for Thursday night. Crash, are you planning on leaving after work on thursday? Maybe we can caravan.

SeanP

[Goatman]

Matt, can you put Sean and Marni up inside the house? If they have to re-pack in the morning you guys will never make it up there by the time we leave. :wink:

Oh yeah, you'll still be on the farm so you're used to getting everyone out of the sack at o'dark:30 :lol:

Will you meet us at the ranger station or at the trailhead?

Richard G

sean,

Like I want to to travel with your overheating-blown motor-saggyass-everything-we-own-is-on-the-roof-rack rig all the way down there!

We're driving the rig in to work that day, and then leaving right at 5:00.

I'm not stopping at no farmers house, you never know what he'll do to sabotage my rig while I lay sleeping. :shock:

Jes says the margaritas will be nice and frothy for our arrival at around 10:00, so Lup and i are going all the way.

So, if you want to go all the way, roll with us!

CRASH

[FarmerMatt]

I think the only one sabotaging your rig is the guy that’s been wrenching on it. Either way I'll probably meet up with you guys at the entrance to the trail. About what time were you planning on starting Richard? Keep in mind Sean that My wife is an animal freak & has a mini zoo including 4 dogs 2 cats, & 2 miniature horses. If I remember right you guys had gotten those overgrown poodles because someone was allergic to animal hair. If so this may not be the best place for you. Andy, I don't want no state sucking, no good, do nothing, tie wearing, bureaucrat on my land anyway. Your junk would probably fall apart just getting down my driveway. BTW what is this about margaritas, I thought we were drinking Franzia this trip?

[WesternXJ]

Maybe Franzia Margaritas? :shock:

[SeanP]

Good point matt. Whatchu talkin 'about, Goat? :lol:

Feckos: Looks like caravanning with you is the least-bad option. Don't worry, if my shiat isn't ready, I won't be slowing you down.

SeanP

[CRASH]

Boy, that'll make a guy feel wanted!

Least-Bad Crash

[Stoney]

we have about 5 jeeps and 1 yota leaving hopefully about 5:00 on thursday.

[Jes]

Hey, no "yota"s allowed! :lol:


Jes

[Stoney]

what ru serious. thats gay dude there will be other youtas and cjs there

[CRASH]

Punctuation and grammar are your friends!

CRASH

[Jes]

[quote:ccbb211d9b="Stoney"]what ru serious. thats gay dude there will be other youtas and cjs there[/quote:ccbb211d9b]

I am joking, but this is an "XJ" run isn't it?
And punctuation and grammar are your friends. :D

Jes

[Goatman]

[quote:db73c698b1="FarmerMatt"]I think the only one sabotaging your rig is the guy that’s been wrenching on it. Either way I'll probably meet up with you guys at the entrance to the trail. About what time were you planning on starting Richard? [/quote:db73c698b1]

The plan is to leave from the Dinkey ranger station at 8:30, which should put us at the trailhead airing down around 9:30, although we may stop when the road gets rough and air down. I'd like to get to Grouse Lake by early afternoon so we can set up camp and have plenty of time to swim, explore, and relax. Since it's likely we'll have 20+ rigs, I figure we may split up into two groups as we get down the trail, so we can get some to the lake to make sure we have the camping spots we'll need.

This trip is going to be goooood............ :lol:

BTW, we'll be on CB channel 4 if you need to raise us while coming into camp. Remember, especially if you arrive after dark, if you reach the ranger station or Dinkey store, turn around because you missed the turn.

Richard G

[CRASH]

Richard,

Are there, shall we say, "optional" spots to play some follow the leader?

Also, I can tail gun on one group if the need arises. I was hoping to give Lup her long awaited driving lessons on this trip, and tail gun might be a good spot to give her a go.

CRASH

[Goatman]

Well, not really on Swamp. There are a couple of places with optional lines but nothing exciting. It's different on Bald Mtn, though, there are some fun optional spots to play on. Bald is easier than Swamp if you stay on the main trail, but it has a few fun spots with optional obstacles. Some of it is like a granite Moab, so we can defintely play around, and we can roam around to find good stuff that's off the main trail, which you can't do on Swamp.

If we don't stay on top for too long, or if a few of us want to play while others enjoy the view for awhile, we can drop off the top to the south, which is how we'll come down, and then climb back up some optional lines. How much we can play depends on what time we leave camp Sunday morning and how anxious we are to hit the road for home.

Hey, :idea: what do you all think, how about a potluck Friday night at Grouse Lake :?:

Richard G

[CRASH]

Hmmmmmm......Mexican maybe?

I'll bring tortillas and some chicken, onions and peppers for fajitas......

Looks like Lup and I may stay till Tuesday, since she has two meetings in Shaver lake on monday and tuesday.

CRASH

[Goatman]

Wow! That's sure convenient. :lol:

You just may have to go run into Coyote Lake on Monday...and take your fishing pole. If you guys will still be there, I may hang out Sunday and go home Monday AM......we'll see.

Mexican sounds good to me.

Richard G

[CRASH]

Hmmmm.....I've heard about Coyote. I'll bring some maps of the area with me so you can point us in some interesting directions.

The fishing poles will be in attendance. I was gonna make some sushi for you all with fresh trout. Especially if Paul S. is coming! We'll do that Saturday night.

CRASH

[Jes]

Hey Andy, make your killer mexican dip and I'll bring plenty of chips and fresh salsa.
I'll be staying till Monday so maybe we can make Bald Mountain an all day thing. There's plenty of stuff up there where we can play the "Who can be more stupid?" game. :wink:


Jes

I might still end up coming down for this one. Is it really an "XJ only" run? After last year I was thinking that it might be fun doing it in my stock TJ. I just took the hard top off of it yeasterday. YEEEHAAAA!!!

[CRASH]

Not XJ only, though we're gonna poke fun at ya if you show up in the TJ!

Come down, it's gonna be a blast!

CRASH

[Jes]

A TJ can't make it through Swamp route.
Its' wheelbase is too short. :wink:

:lol:


Jes


EDIT: gotta learn to type better...

hey guys, sorry, work came up and i cant make it!!! Count me out. But I am ready for DUSY!!!!!!!

[CRASH]

Who are you? Guest?

[FarmerMatt]

Sounds kinda fishy to me, but I'll try anything. Coyote is a fun little trail & worth the time. Bald has some pretty interesting spots to play. Don't worry Andy I'll keep your life interesting with a few spots on bald. I'll probably be up there around 9:00 or earlier. I plan on leaving my place around 7. I can bring some cans of refried beans if that would help. My cooking skills aren't the greatest & I'm playing bachelor on this trip while the wife goes to visit grandma in Arkysaw with the boys. :wink:

Matt

[Jes]

[quote:e002383143="FarmerMatt"]I'm playing bachelor on this trip while the wife goes to visit grandma in Arkysaw with the boys. :wink:

Matt[/quote:e002383143]

Awww, I'm gonna miss your wife's colorful use of the english language! :mrgreen:


Jes

[FarmerMatt]

Now what, may I ask, is that about. Was she talking like a sailor behind my back again or was she just talking "to" the sailors again?

[scrappydak2]

sorry. That guest was me. but are all of you gonna try to make Dusy?

[Jes]

[quote:33dabd65a0="FarmerMatt"]Now what, may I ask, is that about. Was she talking like a sailor behind my back again or was she just talking "to" the sailors again?[/quote:33dabd65a0]

I think she was a little mad at the KOA people.
She may be small, but she carries a big-ass stick! :wink:

Jes

[FarmerMatt]

It's the Portuguese in her. :lol: I think we all were that night, Brent in particular.

Matt

[ChuckD]

Anyone have any pics of the site, or have details on the facilities, if there are any. I'm considering having my family stay with me Friday night.

[CRASH]

The campground at Dinkey, you mean?

I don't think it's an "improved" site, so no toilets or anything like that.....

CRASH

[FarmerMatt]

There are no facilities where you guys are camping on Thursday night. There are some down the road a bit though. Friday night will be spent half way through the trail near a natural lake with no facilities. Saturday will again be spent in the same place as Thursday night "near" facilities. HTH.

Matt

This is a pic on Bald mountain where we'll play Sunday.

[img:07c4a70c18]http://home.earthlink.net/~pigie/_uimages/BaldMtHoliwoodRock.JPG[/img:07c4a70c18]

[Goatman]

[quote:8368104501="XJCHUCK72"]Anyone have any pics of the site, or have details on the facilities, if there are any. I'm considering having my family stay with me Friday night.[/quote:8368104501]

We're not using a developed camp site, so there are no facilities, but there are outhouses about a 1/4 mile away in a picnic area, at the ranger station down the road, and at the Dinkey Store about a mile away. There are also showers at the Dinkey Store, which are also used by those in Dinkey Creek Campground, and the store has a snack bar/grill for breakdast and lunch, and ice. You could get a campsite in Dinkey Creek Campground if you want, but it would only give you a picnic table and closer restrooms.

Richard G

Here's a shot of us at the top of Bald Mtn two years ago.

[img:8368104501]http://xjzone.designermeat.com/Trails/swamp_lake/sl_ee.jpg[/img:8368104501]

[Goatman]

BTW, here's a pic of the lake where we'll be camping on Friday. If you look closely, you can see the XJ's parked in the trees across the lake......that's our camp.

Richard G

[img:ec02e64f63]http://xjzone.designermeat.com/Trails/swamp_lake/sl_r.jpg[/img:ec02e64f63]

I'll head out Thursday morning, following Keven and Lisa. :lol:

[Jes]

Looks like I'll head out Thursday morning about 9 AM which should put me up in Dinkey Creek at about 2 PM.
See you all there! 8)

Jes

[ChuckD]

How far down the trail is Grouse LK. Also would a stock XJ make it there, if it can how rough a trip would it be? Compare to Bald Mtn.

[Jes]

I think Grouse Lake is about 3 or 4 miles but it's steep with a lot of tight turns and big boulders, I wouldn't suggest taking any stock 4X4 up there. Bald mountain is fully doable in any 4X4 that has a low range in it's t-case.

Jes

[CRASH]

Dude, do you think I could make it all the way to Grouse Lake?

I have some experience, but it's mostly what SeanP taught me about web wheeling......

CRASH

[ChuckD]

Thanks, Jes. My cherokee is set up fine, my wife's is stock. I guess she'll have to stay home with the little ones. :)

[Jes]

[quote:8966b97aa9="CRASH"]Dude, do you think I could make it all the way to Grouse Lake?

[/quote:8966b97aa9]

Negative.


Jes