Barrett Lake August 12-13

[Bryan C.]

Rescheduled from the former Sierrafest, Barrett Lake on August 12th anb 13th. This will be the only run rescheduled. The same run requirements still aplly, except that you don't have to be a NAXJA member, and of course you must have a vehicle that meets the minimum standards.

We will run into Barrett Lake on Saturday morning, and head back out Sunday afternoon.

I hope to see some of you guys on the trail.

EDIT: adding directions, meet-up time, and location.

Directions to the trail. (These are from a guidebook I have for the area.)

Take Hwy 50 about 35 miles east of Placerville to Wrights Lake Rd (Forest Service road 4). This paved road is located between Kyburz and Strawberry. Turn north and follow the narrow, winding road uphill about 8 miles past the visitor center and Wrights lake campground. Go another mile north past Dark Lake , following signs to the Barrett Lake Jeep Trail. Road ends at a loop where the Jeep trail is well marked with a gate.

OK, so the plan is to meet at the gate at 10am on Saturday the 12th. We'll wait as long as we can before heading out to help those driving long distances that morning. From what I remember, the tow rig parking area is a mile or 2 before you hit the campground and visitor center.

[David Taylor]

If only this trail wasn't 540 miles away.

[Bryan C.]

I have a few friends interested in this run that are not NAXJA members. At this point I think it would be best to open this run to non-members. I know the minimum vehicle requirements are tough, but so is the trail. This run will not be cancelled or moved, so please come on out and enjoy yourselves and meet some new people along the way too.

[CRASH]

Barrett is a really good time. Very different than the 'Con. Make it if you can!

[Letterman]

I have a few friends interested in this run that are not NAXJA members. At this point I think it would be best to open this run to non-members. I know the minimum vehicle requirements are tough, but so is the trail. This run will not be cancelled or moved, so please come on out and enjoy yourselves and meet some new people along the way too.

NON NAXJA members!!!! :thumbdn: :thumbdn: :thumbdn:





:roflmao:

I am still trying to make this

[SharkXJ]

ARGH!!!! The wife is gone on these dates and I gotta watch the baby.

(but I am running it Labor Day :laugh2:)

Take lots of Pics......

[XJ_ranger]

wanna post the requirements?

Phil is trying to get me to drive my junk north that weekend anyhow - and wheeling instead of watching him make out with his CE girlfriend would be sweet...

[Bryan C.]

wanna post the requirements?

Phil is trying to get me to drive my junk north that weekend anyhow - and wheeling instead of watching him make out with his CE girlfriend would be sweet...

I'm too lazy to go find the post, but you should pass the min requirements, come on up! Be sure to bring your co-pilot too. :thumbup:

[XJ_ranger]

for now - Im a maybe...

taken from Rubicon in June
Typical Sierra Chapter Rubicon requirements are:
One locker or two limited slips.
-31" tires
-Spare front axle shafts if you are running 260 joints.
-Spare rear shafts if you have a Dana 35 or a 27 spline 8.25.
-tow strap
-tow points front and rear
-T-case skid.
-Appropriate gearing for tire size. For example: 31's could run stock 3.55's, 33's should have at least 4.11's, 35's should have 4.56's. Low T-case gears can make up for diff gearing deficiencies.
-Spare tie rod and drag link if you are running 33's or larger and still have stock steering.

Stuff that is nice to have:
-If you care about body damage, get some rocker skids. The 'Con LOVES to bite XJ rockers when running smaller lifts/tires.

(list adapted/stolen from CRASH)

:NAXJA: required equipment:
1. Visably charged fire extinguisher(BC or ABC)
2. First aid kit
3. Adequate spare tire, jack, and lug wrench
4. Safety belts for driver and any current passenger(belts must be worn at all times while vehicle is moving!
5. Adequate attachment points in the front and rear of the vehicle
6. Snatch strap without any metal hooks
7. Secured battery(no bungee cords!)

CB radio is highly recommended.
Also, please make sure your junk doesn't suck.

[itsHud]

I will be in the area. I would like to meet up if welcome. Please post a time and staging location. I am on 33's locked front & rear, 456's, and plenty of protection on the underside.

Thanks, Ken

[Mrburns]

ARGH!!!! The wife is gone on these dates and I gotta watch the baby.

(but I am running it Labor Day :laugh2:)

Take lots of Pics......


The baby can't go wheeling yet? ....don't they have child safety seats?

[Mrburns]

Could you list the times your leaving....etc.. I know i'm not in red, but that can be changed...

[Bryan C.]

Could you list the times your leaving....etc.. I know i'm not in red, but that can be changed...


We will be heading into the trail around 10am on Saturday the 12th. I think I will be driving up early Sat morning for this run. The plan is to camp at the lake and head back out sunday morning.

No need to be a member for this run. I have a few friends who are coming along who aren't members. Although it would be nice to see your name in red though. :cool:

[Letterman]

I am going if I can get my junk together and running good this weekend!

[Mrburns]

is there anywhere (safe) to park a truck/trailer?

[Bryan C.]

is there anywhere (safe) to park a truck/trailer?

The safest place in the area to leave a trailer is at Icehouse Resort, I remember something about $5 a day for parking. There is a spot along side the road to Barrett that has some parking available, but it isn't really protected in any way.

[Gary E]

we are in

[SeanP]

Ice house is a hike to the barrett trailhead. There is plenty of parking right there on a paved lot. I don't hear of folks getting their rigs broken into. I would leave the glove compartment open, to show their is nothing in there, lock it up, take your face plate, etc.

[Gary E]

so are you coming Sean? Do I need to loan you my tow rig? :)

[Bryan C.]

Ice house is a hike to the barrett trailhead. There is plenty of parking right there on a paved lot. I don't hear of folks getting their rigs broken into. I would leave the glove compartment open, to show their is nothing in there, lock it up, take your face plate, etc.


Thanks Sean. I have only been there the one time 2 years ago. I could use an experienced trail leader on this run. :cool:

[SeanP]

so are you coming Sean? Do I need to loan you my tow rig? :)

serious? that appears to be the final issue...lemme chack with the boss

[CRASH]

serious? that appears to be the final issue...lemme chack with the boss


Just drive your junk!

(I would if mine moved)

[David Taylor]

Is it time to bring this thread back to life ? Will it happen ?
http://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=79755&highlight=will+sean

[Bryan C.]

I think this quote needs to be reposted.
Sean,

.......

I'm offering this little prayer to a higher power:

Dear God,

I really miss my friend Sean. He is fun to wheel with, but it's been so long, I can hardly recall. Please God, let his junk hold together for a single weekend so that I can enjoy his company again.

Thank you,

CRASH (aka Andy, but you already knew that, what with that omniscient thing and all)

from this thread:http://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=5821&highlight=rubicon+report

[XJ_ranger]

ill be there, geared and locked in both ends this time...

Katie is checking to see if she can get the weekend off from scooping ice cream...

[Gary E]

serious? that appears to be the final issue...lemme chack with the boss

well I was joking but my junk did run good on the road and If you want to do all the leg work to come pick it up and what not? What the heck why not. I do owe you seems I borrowed your trailer back in the day :)

If you don't want to drop the coin on a big rig for Marni to drive around a late 80s earlly 90s f250 gasser or diesel thats been turboed will haul your junk just fine and you can just carry liability insurance and sit it behind your fence most of the time.

[Bryan C.]

Why doesn't this suprise me? This run is cursed.....I'll call today for an update on the trail.

http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/eldorado/conditions/ohv/

[CRASH]

It'll be open, my brother is a forester for SPI up that way and says everything is getting very, very dry. Should be open at the the end of the week, I'm betting.

[Bryan C.]

It'll be open, my brother is a forester for SPI up that way and says everything is getting very, very dry. Should be open at the the end of the week, I'm betting.

We're good to go! We should be one of the first groups in this year.

[CRASH]

Do yourselves a favor. When you get to the lake, take the VERY first camp area on your left, otherwise, poeple will nose in on you all weekend long. Trust me. ;)

[XJ_ranger]

Do yourselves a favor. When you get to the lake, take the VERY first camp area on your left, otherwise, poeple will nose in on you all weekend long. Trust me. ;)

so your junk still doesnt run?

lame... :D :D


Will CRASH wheel in '06?

runnin outta months there new daddy.... :D

[Gary E]

crap, I just opened my Dana Turdy and its a bag O' chewed up bolts, both ring gear and ARB bolts amazingly enough it doesn't look like teeth are chewed up or anything. Maybe I can just slap it back together :)

[CRASH]

so your junk still doesnt run?

lame... :D :D


Will CRASH wheel in '06?

runnin outta months there new daddy.... :D


Yeah, very bad. I've been wheeling my Ford diesel on 35's. I'm in roofing and bow hunting mode. My new target date is November, for 4 or 5 days in JV around Thanksgiving.........

I'm slow, but it's awesome.

[CRASH]

Get some grade 8's and a big bottle of Red Loctite!

[itsHud]

I'm looking for camping suggestions for Fri.(11th) night. Icehouse? Loon Lake? We are not familiar with the area. Which, if any is close to the trailhead for Sat. morning. Thanks in advance.

Ken

[CRASH]

Wright's Lake has a great campground, and it's right at the trailhead.

[itsHud]

Wright's Lake has a great campground, and it's right at the trailhead.

Thanks Crash! Are there any others that plan to camp Fri. night?

Ken

[SharkXJ]

Someone told me this weekend that Barrett is harder than the CON?????

[itsHud]

Also spoke to the ranger in the Pollock Pines area. It is to late to reserve camp sites for Fri. night @ Wright's Lake. There may be spots available on a first come bases. I was told that Wench Creek would be a good back up plan. That it has a lot more space available, but it is approx. 11 miles from the trailhead. (Just FYI...)

Ken

[CRASH]

Someone told me this weekend that Barrett is harder than the CON?????


No, not correct. Fordyce (at this moment) is harder than the Con. Barrett is easier. Several little challenging sections, but the toughest one has a go-around.

[SharkXJ]

No, not correct. Fordyce (at this moment) is harder than the Con. Barrett is easier. Several little challenging sections, but the toughest one has a go-around.

Thanks Crash. We are suppose to be running it on Labor Day but my concern is we have 2 rookies going. One has wheeled a Ranger but not his XJ and the other has never wheeled but has a pretty well built YJ on 35's and locked.

Thanks again....

[Slonopotam]

at the lake

Is the water cold ? Is swimming allowed ?

Andrey

[Bryan C.]

Is the water cold ? Is swimming allowed ?

Andrey

I plan on getting in one way or another to clean up once we get to camp. I'll let you know how cold it is. :shiver:

[Bryan C.]

Directions to the trail. (These are from a guidebook I have for the area.)

Take Hwy 50 about 35 miles east of Placerville to Wrights Lake Rd (Forest Service road 4). This paved road is located between Kyburz and Strawberry. Turn north and follow the narrow, winding road uphill about 8 miles past the visitor center and Wrights lake campground. Go another mile north past Dark Lake , following signs to the Barrett Lake Jeep Trail. Road ends at a loop where the Jeep trail is well marked with a gate.

OK, so the plan is to meet at the gate at 10am on Saturday the 12th. we'll wait as long as we can before heading out to help those driving long distances that morning. From what I remember, the tow rig parking area is a mile or 2 before you hit the campground and visitor center. I'll edit the first post in this thread so this info will be easy to find.

[nickangus]

I plan on getting in one way or another to clean up once we get to camp. I'll let you know how cold it is. :shiver:

buck was snow run off and we still hoped in
but only for about 10sec tops

[Bryan C.]

Pics of the trail, courtesey of Jes

The elusive SeanP in his rig, and on the trail, fully gettin' it.:cool:
http://www.fototime.com/{803332AB-07CB-4DCA-8B79-27722FE35FAD}/picture.JPG

http://www.fototime.com/{B9C62B7E-3B7A-45B8-9743-197CEE8030E8}/picture.JPG

Jes :laugh3:
http://www.fototime.com/{0574CF70-1E39-405F-B516-51E6E762C0EB}/picture.JPG

Great pic of Barrett Lake
http://www.fototime.com/{E5F3AC89-C486-43A7-822F-6C234FF0AD7A}/picture.JPG

[Gary E]

All the stuff to fix my junk should be here tomorrow, I called ENF and they say the trail opens friday morning at 8:00 :)

Oh sure Bryan leave out me on your pics from Jessies album from that run :)

[Slonopotam]

All the stuff to fix my junk should be here tomorrow

...Just like mine before the Rubicon run.
Wish you luck.

Andrey

[Jes]

Oh sure Bryan leave out me on your pics from Jessies album from that run :)

You weren't on that run.

[Slonopotam]

You weren't on that run.

That is the point. I thought I would be. The staff was in the mail.

Now you will laugh. Teralow and tera2low are in, rock rails are on.
The only part which is left out is the right axle shaft. I've put the left one in yesterday. Putting axle tube seals requires gentle kick with a mallet. Jeep on a jackstand makes the whole apartment building resonate. Now, I have an agreement with apartment manager that I can not do any work on weekdays before 18:00 and I can not do any loud work after 21:00. To complete the picture, we are attending child birth courses on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 19:00 to 21:00 and there is a meet-n-greet on Wednesday at 19:00.

I am not sure, but it looks to me that I am going on this run with left Alloy USA axle shaft and right stock one. Reminds me how I used to jump out of the house back in Russia without my boots or with only one boot on in the middle of a winter.

Andrey

[Gary E]

You weren't on that run.


Crap you are right, Mr Memory, should of noticed the 60 in Seans junk, Isn't that the same scene of him when he winched over to get past that broken sami with that scary trac bar?

You have to cut me some slack though, I mean really how many runs has SeanP been on lately :)
I suppose I am not much better :)

Glad to see you back btw, you coming up?

[XJ_ranger]

well

I spit a u-joint cap on my long side stub last sunday...

no big deal right? unlock the hubs and drive out in 2wd...

yesterday (wednsday) I took my front end apart, puled the long side out... and once again broke a d44 inner at the neckdown...
Ron, Phil and I think ive somehow managed to bend my front axle housing - 2 runs, 2 identical failures....

I will not be wheeling this weekend, because I am guarenteed to break a shaft, I have no more spares, and I dont want to be broken on the trail again like that.

Tuesday, I will pull the front axle and deliver it to a shop that specializes in this type of repair, and hopefully be able to make the next few runs that I have planned.... with my one good, unbroken shaft...


I really was excited about this run, and it will suck to miss it, but I cant afford to break anything else, especially when breakage is GOING to happen - I just dont feel right being on the trail like that.

Have a good time, and call me if anyone needs anything, Ill be in the area till monday morning and can run parts up the hill if need be....

this sucks...

I want to trade my sheetmetal for fiberglass.... :D :D

[crazy4mopar]

I heard full width axles wont make it past some kind of poles at the entrance, is this true? I'd like to go but I'm on full width axles......:helpme:

[XJ_ranger]

I heard full width axles wont make it past some kind of poles at the entrance, is this true? I'd like to go but I'm on full width axles......:helpme:


wanna have a full width run thru Barret in September? :D

[Bryan C.]

I heard full width axles wont make it past some kind of poles at the entrance, is this true? I'd like to go but I'm on full width axles......:helpme:

I seem to recall the gate is 80 inches wide, but it has a lockbox on one side. How wide are you Lee?

[Bryan C.]

I will be leaving tonight around 6. So is anyone actually going to show for this run? So far I only have one committed rig for Saturday. If you are going for sure, please speak up so we know to expect you. :)

[Gary E]

FEDEX SUCKS BIG TIME

They did not deliver because my address was spelled Nygard rather then Nygaard. :smsoap: Lazy loser driver, Nygaard is the only street in the whole zipcode that starts with an N !!!!!!!!!!! (and no that is not an exageration)

Sorry Bryan I really wanted to go, its our anniversary weekend so now I will probably have to spend $$$ instead of going jeeping :(

[Slonopotam]

Wait till he misses it for the second time :)

[Ben H]

Carrier bearings and locker woes, didnt get the parts in time to fix to go. I am out. Ran out of axle shafts too!

[Slonopotam]

So far I only have one committed rig for Saturday.

Tentatively. Looks like your talk to my wife made some effect. I Still have to run some errands.

Andrey

[Slonopotam]

1. What would be the cheapest motel close to the trail ?
2. Anybody taking a battery drill by a chance ?

[crazy4mopar]

1. What would be the cheapest motel close to the trail ?
2. Anybody taking a battery drill by a chance ?

:roflmao: :laugh:

Harrahs at South Lake Tahoe

[Slonopotam]

Thanks everybody, it's been a pleasure running the trail with you guys.

Here is a link to the small video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_nyxtLP4UuU
or
ed2k://|file|Offroad.Barrett-Lake-Aug-12-2006.avi|18375028|FB1400D881CF7929814D53564724B0F1 |/|sources,slonopotam.no-ip.org:4661|/

I think this picture captures the madness of the day the best.

http://slonopotam.no-ip.org/AJXAN/barrett/toyota_boat.jpg

One can see the rest of the pictures here (http://public.fotki.com/krasatusya/barrett_lake)
or in this folder (http://slonopotam.no-ip.org/AJXAN/barrett).

A few comments.
First of all, I think it was a great idea to meet at 10:00 AM right at the trail - no time wasted.

Newly installed teralow behaved, although tera2low gave some small problems
with shifting. The idle speed/torque teralow+3.07 was sufficient until we got higher, then I let the engine die a few times. White jeep experienced some power problems at higher altitude as well.

About the damage. My rock rails are not virgin any more, I got dents between rear wheels and the rear bumper, plastic bumper corners are all chewed up and I managed to blow away the greasing pimple on my driveshaft backing up from a parking space, which was very stupid of me.

I thought that the fact Barrett lake trail is easier than the Rubicon means that requirements are the same or more relaxed. I was wrong, Barrett lake is not for XJs on 31". Now I do not think it's a good idea to go with group where all the jeeps are much more built - you slow people down a lot.

We made quite a few stops on our way in, letting more and more rigs and horses pass us. I haven't made it to the lake, but I think it should have looked like a parking lot in front of stables. Unfortunately, I had to go back the same day, so at 15:50, about a mile to the lake, Bryan made a wise suggestion for me to turn back, which I followed.

On the way back I waited quite some time at what I believe to be the toughest obstacle on the trail - a toyota guy decided to squeeze through the hole the magnificent man and his riding machine breezed through. He did not
have a winch, so the other truck was trying to pull him out for quite some time. A few minutes later I hung on a stone and regretted not taking a hi-lift. The idea was that I did not need it since there were would be a lot of jeeps with winches around. How I planned to get back alone was a mystery to me. Anyway, just as I finally redressed for the trail and started to pull stones, a couple of Wranglers arrived and one of them pulled me off. An hour or so later a big group of hikers caught up with me. One of them, a small Chinese woman asked me to give her a ride.

I took me about 3:30 to run the trail back to the parking lot. I did not stop for beer, but I scouted a lot. No damage besides scratches on rock rails and receiver hitches on the way back.

The trip was great, but I really wished I could have made it to the lake.

Andrey

[Letterman]

You did not miss much, the lake is UGLY!


http://my.photozig.net/dlddesign/Album11/Originals/dsc_0018.jpg

We hiked a long way to try to get away from the Ugly lake, and found more UGLY flowers:

http://my.photozig.net/dlddesign/Album11/Originals/dsc_0095.jpg

Ugly Watterfalls:

http://my.photozig.net/dlddesign/Album11/Originals/dsc_0148.jpg

More photos to come . . .

[Letterman]

Bryan C. on his way out Sunday

http://my.photozig.net/dlddesign/Album11/Originals/dsc_0259.jpg

Ken (itsHud) with his dad rolling out
http://my.photozig.net/dlddesign/Album11/Originals/dsc_0247.jpg


Lunch was PB-n-Jelly on a hot dog bun?

http://my.photozig.net/dlddesign/Album11/Originals/dsc_0316.jpg

yummy!

http://my.photozig.net/dlddesign/Album11/Originals/dsc_0319.jpg

We left them (BC, itsHud, and Muknet) on sunday night at around 5 pm they were off to the Rubicon for a day or two then on to Fordyce, I had to drive home :smsoap: .