Sierra Fest '07 schedule and directions....Aug 5-12

[Goatman]

Here's an update on the upcoming Sierra Fest trip. We'll run Dusy-Ershim Trail during the week and the annual Swamp Lake trip on the weekend. The schedule is to run Blue Canyon on Sunday Aug 5th, then run Dusy Mon-Thurs, Aug 6-9. Fri and Sat, Aug 10-11 we'll run Swamp Lake Trail, and Sunday we'll run Bald Mtn Trail. The Dusy trip will be 3 nights camping on the trail, and the Swamp Lake trip will be one night camping on the trail. All other nights we'll be staying at base camp at Dinkey Creek (directions are posted below). Runs will leave from either base camp or the Dinkey Creek Ranger station at 8:30 am.

There will be a raffle Sat night, Aug 11, in base camp, and we'll be serving burgers and hot links for dinner. Dinner will be $6 per person. We'll also do our traditional pot luck dinner Friday night at Grouse Lake on the Swamp trip. Camping along both trails will be at beautiful lakes, so you can fish, boat or swim as well as hike around or just sit and visit. Please post up if you are coming, and how many in your group, so we know how much food to get for Sat night.

Bring some firewood if you can, we can always use it. Since the camping destinations on these trails are popular, there isn't always much wood around there, and we can use some firewood at base camp.

The best place to gas up is in Prather, which is on Hwy 168 at the bottom of the big grade. There is also a Texaco station at the top of the big grade, but it closes early, like around 8:00 pm, so it's not good to count on it unless you're early. There is gas at the Dinkey Creek store, but it's expensive, and best used only for emergencies. There are also showers at the store. For those running Dusy, you'll come back through the town of Shaver Lake where there is gas and groceries, so you can re-stock before running Swamp.

It's best to use block ice, then fill in with crushed. If you keep your ice chest closed as much as possible, and drain the water off once or twice a day, the block ice can last most of the week. The Dinkey Creek store sells ice, so you can top off if you need to.

Here are directions. Take Hwy 168 heading NE out of Fresno/Clovis, towards Shaver Lake and Huntington Lake. The new freeway through Fresno turns into Hwy 168, so you can take it off of either Hwy 180 if coming from the north or Hwy 41 if coming from the south, check your map or Mapquest so you can see your route depending on which direction you're coming from. So, heading NE on Hwy 168, follow the signs to Shaver Lake, which is roughly an hour drive from Fresno. As you are coming into the town of Shaver Lake, make a right turn onto Dinkey Creek Rd, where there will be a sign saying Wishon and Courtright Reserviors. Continue on Dinkey Creek Rd for around 12 miles, and as you are coming into Dinkey Creek, look for another sign saying Wishon and Courtright Reserviors. Make a right turn at this sign onto McKinley Grove Rd......very important! If you miss this right turn, you will drive past the ranger station and the Dinkey Creek store and end up at Dinkey Campground. After making the right turn onto McKinley Grove Rd, immediately crossing the Dinkey Creek bridge, go for about 1/4 mile and look for the Camp Fresno sign on the left. At this sign, there are two roads that go to the left, the first cuts back sharply and goes to Camp Fresno, the second is road 10S36. Turn left onto 10S36 and immediately turn right into the trees, which is our camping spot. We'll try to have someone monitoring CB channel 4 if you get close and have trouple finding us. The camping is in the trees, but there is enough open space for trailers if needed. There is an outhouse down the road a short ways, and at the ranger station, and showers at the Dinkey Creek store.

This is always a great trip, hope to see you there, and please be sure to post up if you are going so we can get a head count for the food.

[luvdaxj]

I am going to try to come up saturday the 4th due to it being a 5 hour drive for me. I'll be staying the entire week. I will have no passengers.

[SharkXJ]

Me and my buddy Aaron (DSXJ) will be coming up early Thursday morning. Leaving the bay area before 6am. From what I have read you will be coming back from Dusy on that day.

Will there be other folks at the camp ground while you are out?

Lookin forward to this trip...

[Goatman]

Me and my buddy Aaron (DSXJ) will be coming up early Thursday morning. Leaving the bay area before 6am. From what I have read you will be coming back from Dusy on that day.

Will there be other folks at the camp ground while you are out?


The Dusy gang will likely be back to camp mid to late afternoon. If you'll be arriving Thurs morning you'll likely be the first ones to camp. Let's see what develops.

[Captain Ron]

Ardis and I will be there for the week, but I may not run Dusy. We should be at camp or running around in the area.

Gray and Black pop up trailer.

--ron

[bl87xj]

What is the rig recommendations/requirements for Dusy-Ershim trail.

Since I am solo with a kid, I am going to have to start hooking up on group runs, but I don't think I will be ready by then.

[Matt S.]

What is the rig recommendations/requirements for Dusy-Ershim trail.

Since I am solo with a kid, I am going to have to start hooking up on group runs, but I don't think I will be ready by then.

Good 31" tires, rocker guards, 1 locker, GREAT tow points front and rear, spare parts, and a rig that does not seem questionable before you leave your driveway. The Dusy is known for finding the weak link in your system. Not because it's grnarly hard, but because its long and batters your rig. Make sure you have spares for stuff that is prone to break, like shafts and steering.

I will be doing a "tech inspection" Monday morning before we leave base camp. I at least want to know what each rig has and does not have.

Matt

[SharkXJ]

I will be doing a "tech inspection" Monday morning before we leave base camp. I at least want to know what each rig has and does not have.

Matt

GREAT IDEA!!!!!

[XJumpmaster]

How far is this from Dublin, CA. I will be there from the 5th to the 18th. If I get some time off on the weekend, I would like to drive out!

[Starboard M]

Ill be going all week with my dad.

[Rickady]

Ok, I really want to go on some trails with you guys, I'm on vacation during all of this, just not sure if my rig is ready? I haven't had the chance to get my rock rails yet. I have a hitch in back, I could put on some tow hooks in front. I think, maybe next year I would try Dusy and Swamp after I get some rock rails and bumpers and more experince on other trails.

Do I need rock rails for every trail or would I be good on some? Right now I got 33" tires, tnt 5.5" lift, U-turn crossover steering, steering box brace, heavy duty steering shaft, lockers, d30, d44.

Sorry, for the newbie questions. I really need to get around some people with experince on trails. So, let me know which trails I could run as is. :wave: Thanks,

Rick

[Rob D]

I should be there with my 2 daughters and we're planning on being there for the whole week but will be driving up on Sunday. So we'll miss Blue Canyon. My only concern I have right now is lack of spare d30 shafts(non-disco). Since I'm open up front I think I should be able to get by w/a couple of spare u-joints. (yes-no?) If Dusy isn't a good idea, I can always enjoy Red/Coyote Lakes and my inflateable boat for a couple of days!!!:D

[Goatman]

How far is this from Dublin, CA.

It's just over an hour east of Fresno, so check how far you are from Fresno.



.....My only concern I have right now is lack of spare d30 shafts(non-disco). Since I'm open up front I think I should be able to get by w/a couple of spare u-joints. (yes-no?)

It will be up to Scrappy since he's leading Dusy, but if I was you I'd go. There is a chance you could break a shaft, but it's not likely. You could always pull the broken shaft out and three wheel it out.....carefully. There also will be others who have spare shafts, just in case. To minimize breaking a front axle joint, always climb with your tires straight ahead, and do the same if you're backing up on the trail. Nearly all broken axle joints are either climbing or backing up with the wheels turned.

Oh, I just read that you're running 35's. Do you at least have 297x axle joints? If you're running 35's with 260x joints and Spicer shafts you have a decent chance of breaking a shaft. You can buy new Spicer shafts with 760x joints from most good offroad vendors that carry driveline parts.



Ok, I really want to go on some trails with you guys, I'm on vacation during all of this, just not sure if my rig is ready? I haven't had the chance to get my rock rails yet. I have a hitch in back, I could put on some tow hooks in front. I think, maybe next year I would try Dusy and Swamp after I get some rock rails and bumpers and more experince on other trails.

Do I need rock rails for every trail or would I be good on some? Right now I got 33" tires, tnt 5.5" lift, U-turn crossover steering, steering box brace, heavy duty steering shaft, lockers, d30, d44.

Sorry, for the newbie questions. I really need to get around some people with experince on trails. So, let me know which trails I could run as is. :wave: Thanks,

Rick

You won't be hitting many rocks with a 5.5" lift and 33's. If you really don't want to bang up your rockers, then maybe don't go. But, if you did tag a rocker it probably wouldn't be very hard, and you're going to cover them with rock rails anyway. It looks like you're set up for these trails other than that........just do it! :)

[Bryan C.]

How far is this from Dublin, CA. I will be there from the 5th to the 18th. If I get some time off on the weekend, I would like to drive out!

3.5 to 4 hours depending on how fast you drive. Been there many times. Where in Dublin are you staying at?

I am heading into Swamp Lake with another rig for the 10th, 11th, and 12th.

[XJumpmaster]

3.5 to 4 hours depending on how fast you drive. Been there many times. Where in Dublin are you staying at?

I am heading into Swamp Lake with another rig for the 10th, 11th, and 12th.
I'm at Camp Parks for two weeks and hoping to have the 11th and 12th off.

[Bryan C.]

I'm at Camp Parks for two weeks and hoping to have the 11th and 12th off.


I live across the street from Camp Parks. Let me know when you are in town and we can go get a beer.

[XJumpmaster]

I live across the street from Camp Parks. Let me know when you are in town and we can go get a beer.
I've got to report in on the 5th. I'm leaving SLC on the 3rd or 4th and probably camp in Reno on my way. This is my first major road trip in my Heep so kinda nervous.

[Slonopotam]

I am in alone for the Dusy, Monday-Thursday.

[Rickady]

Ardis and I will be there for the week, but I may not run Dusy. We should be at camp or running around in the area.

Gray and Black pop up trailer.

--ron

That's funny, I got a gray and black pop up, too. :cheers:


Looks like the wife, kids and I will show up on Saturday (with pop up), I'd like to see where Blue Canyon is on Sunday. I don't think we will go on Dusy this year, maybe we can hang out with anyone else staying behind? Looking forward to meeting you guys.

[Ben H]

I am in for certain. I am pumped for this trip, and I cant wait to chill out with you all up there.

[Jes]

I am in for certain. I am pumped for this trip, and I cant wait to chill out with you all up there.

:cheers:

[JoesXJ]

The wife, kido and I will only be able to make it up on Sat the 11th - 12th, we'll be there for raffle/dinner and for Bald on sunday. We too will be in our pop-up. Is anyone going to be around camp on Saturday? See ya'll there!

oh, when/where do we buy raffle tickets?

[Captain Ron]

That's funny, I got a gray and black pop up, too. :cheers:


Looks like the wife, kids and I will show up on Saturday (with pop up), I'd like to see where Blue Canyon is on Sunday. I don't think we will go on Dusy this year, maybe we can hang out with anyone else staying behind? Looking forward to meeting you guys.

We'll see you there!

--ron

[SharkXJ]

Me and my buddy Aaron (DSXJ) will be coming up early Thursday morning. Leaving the bay area before 6am. From what I have read you will be coming back from Dusy on that day.

Will there be other folks at the camp ground while you are out?

Lookin forward to this trip...

Revision - We will be coming up Friday Morning. Be at camp by 8?

How long is the Swamp trail?

[XJ_ranger]

ill be there in and out...

probably at some point during the week, head back down and work a few hours... then head back up for the 2nd weekend...

[Goatman]

Revision - We will be coming up Friday Morning. Be at camp by 8?

How long is the Swamp trail?

Yes.......we'll pull out at 8:30.


Swamp Lake trail is roughly 14 miles. We'll run half of it on Fri and the rest on Sat.

[SharkXJ]

Yes.......we'll pull out at 8:30.


Swamp Lake trail is roughly 14 miles. We'll run half of it on Fri and the rest on Sat.

Thanks Rich.....

[itsHud]

We will arrive early morning on Friday.(For the Swamp run.) Sat. nights cook-out, we will have (3) mouths to feed.
Thanks, Ken

[XJumpmaster]

If I get next Sat. off, I will be there early Sat morning.

[Letterman]

I am in for the Swamp part and for the dinner and raffle on Saturday.

I have some nice $100 KC lights to put in, and am talking to David at Northridge4x4.com to get something for the raffle.

[Slonopotam]

Is it possible to post camp coordinates, just for fun ?

[Goatman]

Is it possible to post camp coordinates, just for fun ?


Sure. If somebody has them, post them up. :)

[Joe]

Sure. If somebody has them, post them up. :)


Richard,

When will you be leaving?

[kj139]

I'm out. Vacation cancelled as two others off with injuries. Maybe next year.

[Goatman]

Richard,

When will you be leaving?



Don't know for sure, but most likely between 3-4:00 pm on Thursday.

[Starboard M]

Im leaving now from the bay area. Should be there in about 5 hours or so.

[luvdaxj]

I packed my jeep up. Got in it, turned the key and no start. I didn't hear the fuel pump prime. I just drove it yesterday. i ran a jumper line from the battery to the fuel pump connector lines and the fuel pump starts. tested the relay and its fine. somewhere i have a short or bad connection :flamemad:

I'm going to try to tear into it and make the swamp lake run but things aren't looking good :tear:

[Slonopotam]

Bring some firewood

Where do you get firewood in this country ?
I guess chopping the palm under my window is out of the question.

The gas station/shops in Prather, do they work around the clock ?

Thank you,
Andrey

[Goatman]

Don't go out of your way to bring fire wood, if you can bring some, do it, but don't worry about it. I don't know how late the station is open in Prather, I've never been through there late enough to see it closed.

BTW, the Texaco station at the top of the hill is closed, for sale, so don't count on it to gas up. Fill up, top off in Prather.

[Rob D]

Just in case it's not too late already, but just in case someone is still around that's headed up there today...It looks like I'm out for the Dusy part of this trip:rattle: . I'll still be up there on Thursday for the Swamp Lake and Bald Mountain part of the trip. So, see ya'll on Thursday.

[FourbangerYJ]

BTW, the Texaco station at the top of the hill is closed, for sale, so don't count on it to gas up. Fill up, top off in Prather.

That stinks, I was planning on topping off there. ( my group is going to be in the area a few days after you guys)

I take it the 76 station in Shaver is still open. I know it's pricey but we will only need a few gallons to top off.

[Joe]

Where do you get firewood in this country ?
I guess chopping the palm under my window is out of the question.

The gas station/shops in Prather, do they work around the clock ?

Thank you,
Andrey


If it all fails Vons and some other stores carry fire wood bundles. I'll see if I can get my friend to donate some fire wood.

[Joe]

Don't know for sure, but most likely between 3-4:00 pm on Thursday.


Robert and I will probably be leaving late again, around 7pm or 8pm. See you up there.

[SharkXJ]

If it all fails Vons and some other stores carry fire wood bundles. I'll see if I can get my friend to donate some fire wood.

Went to Dear Valley a couple of weeks ago and had a bunch of firewood left over. So we brought it home and will have it for the Swamp Run. I will also bring my Chain Saw.

See you guys in a few days......

[Goatman]

Well, I'm mostly loaded up. Got the grub for dinner Sat night. As I was getting things loaded I remembered that my TRE at the pitman arm was bad, noticed it last weekend, so I had to stop and replace that. Loaded up a little firewood.

I should be there before dark Thurs evening.

[karstic]

Headed ou the door now, See you this evening.

[Letterman]

I hate My JOB!

Rig is ready, food is ready, just got to pack the jeep at lunch then work till 5, and I am on my way up!

[XJ_ranger]

leaving here sometime before 5 today...

[SharkXJ]

Jeep is mostly packed. Just need to go get some food and I am ready.

But - we can't leave until after 7. Should be there sometime around midnight.

See you folks tonight :-)

[Rob D]

All packed and ready to head out the door. See ya'll at the camp. :yelclap:

[XJ_ranger]

Leaving now!