OAUSA Net - April 20, 2017 - 5 Minute 4WD Destinations

DaveK · Post by **DaveK** » Fri Apr 14, 2017 12:18 pm

The net this week will be a great opportunity to get some ideas for future outdoor adventures. The "5 Minute" idea is our way of getting as many participants as possible, as they each have 5 minutes for their adventure. Each will post information and pictures. Don't be shy - if you have a favorite 4WD adventure, post up with a description and pictures. Also, join us on the net.

NOTE: Outdoor Adventure will hold its first event of the year - a Meet & Greet (including Ham Radio testing.) For details click on this link: viewtopic.php?f=206&t=4036 . Hope to see you there!

DaveK · Post by **DaveK** » Fri Apr 14, 2017 6:19 pm

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

We have one new product this week, and a returning one with a performance review.

1. MICRO-POINT PINPOINT OILER PERFORMANCE REVIEW

Some weeks back, we spotlighted the Micro-Drop Pinpoint Oiler from Deutsche Optik, (viewtopic.php?f=70&t=4029#p32024.) Time was short, so we never discussed the oiler. Now, with some experience under our belt, we wanted to bring this discussion up again.

The Micro- Drop Pinpoint Oiler (http://deutscheoptik.com/Militaria-Coll ... oiler.html.) came to our attention recently as a convenient means to get precise lubrication to the hard to reach parts of your firearms. It allows the easy metering of lubricant by the depression of the plunger, as shown in the pictures below. Nice addition to your firearm cleaning kit.

: Micro Oiler-2.jpg (1017.77 KiB) Viewed 2096 times

: Micro Oiler-1.jpg (1.04 MiB) Viewed 2096 times

2. BULLSEYE TARGET CAMERA - SIGHT-IN MODEL

If you have spent any time shooting, for load testing, sighting in your firearm, or even just plinking, you know that getting a clear picture of the target becomes more difficult as the range increases. A good spotting scope really becomes a necessity, but it has its limitations. Among these limitations, or difficulties, are the heat wave distortions that always seem to be present. We usually shoot in the desert, and by the time the sun is overhead, the heat waves are really beginning to show up on the spotting scope. Walking to the 300 yard target to check out your hits is always an option, but it chews up a lot of valuable shooting time.

Bullseye Camera Systems has a terrific solution. Their Sight-In System comes in an ammo can and contains a camera which wirelessly sends a picture of your target to your Android or Apple device.

From the Bullseye website (https://www.bullseyecamera.com/bcs_ammocam.html)

The sight-in edition is ideal for shooters sighting in their firearm, target practicing or developing loads. Completely self-contained, the sight-in edition sets up in under a minute and is ready to use.

-HD Camera w/Night Vision and Infinite Focus Lens

-Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery Pack w/Fast Charger
(12+ Hour Run Time)

-Works out to 300 Yards with Clear Line of Sight.
- No Cellular or Internet Service Required.

-Secure AmmoCan Style Carrying Case
Completely Self-Contained

- Bullseye Target Manager software app for iPhone,
iPad, Android Devices, Kindle Fire/HD, Windows Vista and Windows 7, 8 and 10!

- Free Software Updates

-Fully Weatherproof

-14" x 8" x 10" - 5LBS

Also from their website:

See Your Shot!
Review Previous Shots. See each shot, or group of shots, blink each time you shoot to easily identify the shot! No more guessing!
Save and review each shot sequence to analyze your shooting sessions.
Multiple Shooters and Viewers
No Cellular/Internet Service Required
Multiple users can shoot the same target, and multiple users can view the target at the same time. Great for training and teaching.
The system generates its own WI-FI Hotspot so you do not need Internet or Cellular Service! Works anywhere, all you need is an iPhone, iPad, Kindle Fire/HD or Android Device. No monthly fees.

: Bullseye Camera.jpg (52.6 KiB) Viewed 2096 times

toms · Post by **toms** » Tue Apr 18, 2017 6:10 pm

Easter Safari - Moab UT

The Red Rock 4-Wheelers hold their annual Easter Safari for 9 days leading up to and including Easter. There are 8 or 9 trail rides each day that range in difficulty from
3 to 9. They also have a very large vendor show on Thursday and Friday of the week. The red rock terrain and the snow capped mountain are worth the visit even with out the 4-wheeling.

I spent last week at Easter Safari. I renewed my acquaintance with the 4-wheeling and with many industry friends. It take about 2 days to get your "rock legs" and you are bouncing over the rocks again. Once you go, you will go back again. Don't shy away from the Safari because of the size. This is a once a year trip for most people due to the distance (755 miles from LA). It is good to have a guide and other vehicles on the trails. Many new products are introduce during the week. There is an awesome array of personal vehicles on the street.

Enjoy these pictures in no particular order.

Jeff-OAUSA · Post by **Jeff-OAUSA** » Wed Apr 19, 2017 8:24 am

The Pinyon Mountain Trail is a great day trip in Southern California, or a destination trail if coming from out of town. The trail is suitable for Fall, Winter, and Spring, with Spring being fantastic if you can time it to catch the flowers. Summer is sketchy due to the extreme heat and should generally be avoided.

The trail is generally Easy, with the exception of two Difficult sections that total about 130 yards out of the 8 mile trail. The Difficult sections amount to just 1.2% of the trail length, but can be a stopper for many vehicles and/or drivers.

Trail Map
The trail is best run from the West to the East. The first 7 miles of trail consists of dirt road that meanders through a Pinyon and Juniper forested desert while on a gentle ascent into the hills. Four wheel drive is generally not needed in this stretch, though I suppose a few soft spots could impede some two wheel drive vehicles with inexperienced drivers. In the Spring, this area displays abundant flowers, and the Juniper/Pinyon forest smell is amazing in the morning especially...Go slow and windows down to take it in.

: Trail Map - Pinyon Mountain Trail; Pinyon Mountain Trail - Squeeze and Heart Attack Hill.JPG (128.2 KiB) Viewed 1803 times

The Squeeze
The first obstacle on the route is known as The Squeeze, and is maybe 25 yards long at about the 7 mile mark. The trick here is to squeeze through a notch between two rocky hillsides, and do it while descending a rocky, off-camber ladder drop of maybe 6 feet. Going through this notch from West to East in a Jeep TJ is doable without body damage if one drives slow and carefully, and a good spotter helps. Wider vehicles like the Jeep JK are a very tight fit, but I've seen them go through without a scratch with a good driver and spotter. This is not a good trip for running wheel spacers!!. West to East is important, as trying to climb back through The Squeeze is Difficult +.

: The Squeeze in a Jeep TJ; 20140517_114812 - Copy.jpg (6.02 MiB) Viewed 1803 times

Heart Attack Hill
The second obstacle on the route is known as Heart Attack Hill, and is maybe 105 yards long at about the 7.5 mile mark. Heart Attack Hill is a long, steep (70%) downgrade over an eroded granitic surface. To start the descent, one has two options when going West to East, and that his left or right. The left approach requires the driver and vehicle to straddle a deep rut, such that the axle pumpkin can easily get to be 8 feet above the bottom of the rut. Driver caution is required to create enough friction to keep the vehicle from slipping into the rut...of course, this is all done while seeing nothing but blue sky through the windshield due to the slight approach incline. Once the vehicle breaks over the crest and begins the steep, 70% average grade, the driver encounters a 2 foot down step. Getting across the down step requires consistent forward motion as stopping the wheels from turning could easily result in an end-over-end roll. Once down the step, wheel and tire rotation is a must as the eroded granitic surface acts like ball-bearings such that a static tire will slide, resulting in loss of vehicle control (similar to driving on ice). From this point, the job is to keep the vehicle moving and pointed down the hill, which ends in a 90 degree turn to the left. The pictures shown don't do the real life experience justice.

: Heart Attack Hill - Jeep at the Breakover; Heart Attack Hill - Jeep SD4WDC.jpg (67.5 KiB) Viewed 1800 times

: Heart Attack Hill; Heart Attack Hill - Jeep on Down Grade.jpg (149.18 KiB) Viewed 1800 times

The Pinyon Mountain Trail ends about a half mile from Heart Attack Hill at Fish Creek (Sand Hooks are the best rigging for Fish Creek).

From the trail end, its about 20 miles of driving sandy dirt roads that follow canyons down towards the desert floor and finally pavement. Don't underestimate these "dry" canyons...they are subject to flash flooding and must be avoided when rain is anywhere in the area. There are long stretches where there is literally no place to get out of the way of a flash flood wave if one were to be in the wrong spot at the wrong time.

Why take this trip:
1. Beautiful scenery.
2. See a wide variety of Anza Borrego Desert terrain and vegetation.
3. Great back roads...but be prepared for The Squeeze and Heart Attack Hill. Traveling West to East, going through The Squeeze commits you to Heart Attack Hill.
4. A nice day trip from start to end with plenty of time to stop and smell the Junipers and take photos.

lrsrngr · Post by **lrsrngr** » Wed Apr 19, 2017 10:30 am

Put KK6CTT in for an online check-in please.

Holcomb Valley "Gold Fever Trail"

: The treasure map.; Gold Fever Trail Brochure Map.jpg (746.01 KiB) Viewed 1736 times

Gold Fever Trail Brochure.pdf: Self-Guided Tour.; (131.79 KiB) Downloaded 147 times

: 01. (Actual APRS track) First things first...stop in at the Big Bear Visitor Center (location 1) and work your way through it to get acquainted with the area in a controlled environment. Oh, get a map for the self-guided tour if you have not downloaded something already.; 161002, Holcomb Valley Red-Run 02.jpg (55.9 KiB) Viewed 1767 times

: 02. It helps to study the route and potential sites before the trip so that someone can share an explanation of what you are going to see on the trip. This appears to be part of a well system.; 161002, Holcomb Valley Red-Run 03.JPG (94.78 KiB) Viewed 1766 times

: 03. Sand piles like this with new generations of pine look out of place because they are man-made and the remains of the mining processes that once riddled Holcomb Valley...tailings and waste rock, Placer and hard rock mining efforts. They are all unique for their location and historical significance; ask the fly on the wall!; 161002, Holcomb Valley Red-Run 05.JPG (99.88 KiB) Viewed 1766 times

: 04. Plaques erected by the Clampers can be found in most parts with historical significance. This is just one example and part of keeping the history alive. Can you imagine times so bad miners were on the verge of starvation just one valley over, in Big Bear Valley? The discovery of gold by Billy Holcomb in what is now called Holcomb Valley was a turning point for the area. Once considered a potential site for the county seat only to lose to what is now the City of San Bernardino.; 161002, Holcomb Valley Red-Run 10.JPG (107.08 KiB) Viewed 1766 times

: 05. Some items are authentic to the area and some are staged to provide a more realistic feel for what once was. This cabin was moved to this location to represent what might have been common in this valley.; 161002, Holcomb Valley Red-Run 11.JPG (87.54 KiB) Viewed 1766 times

: 06. Places like Pygmy Cabin have been vandalized, resurrected and lost yet again in a vicious circle of trying to keep the mystique alive. Still, with that said, it is worth the jaunt out to this location without getting too invested in a long and arduous trip.; 161002, Holcomb Valley Red-Run 16.JPG (128.55 KiB) Viewed 1766 times

: 07a. Tucked away in crevices like this you will find mines once the object of some poor miner's hopes and dreams. Hard rock mining is no joke and "following the quartz" has to be a passion like no other; there is no other explanation for this kind of backbreaking work. Although working with explosives can be rewarding when you can get your hands on it!; 161002, Holcomb Valley Red-Run 17.JPG (150.61 KiB) Viewed 1766 times

: 07b. A rather "tight" space and not too deep but deep enough. Caution: Rodent droppings, do not kick up dust! Wash/sanitize your hands when done. Low ceiling, watch out for the "bump your head" hazard.; 161002, Holcomb Valley Red-Run 21.jpg (86.22 KiB) Viewed 1762 times

: 08. A view from the high ground above what was once the town of Doble and further south Baldwin Lake. The area the photo was taken from, the Baldwin Mining complex also know as the Lucky Baldwin Mine.; 161002, Holcomb Valley Red-Run 22.jpg (75.33 KiB) Viewed 1763 times

: 09. The map does not include the Doble Cemetery but it is note worthy if nothing more than a reminder of our own mortality. Not to mention wondering who now lies beneath the soil, those who tried so hard to uncover their fortunes.; 161002, Holcomb Valley Red-Run 23.jpg (320.33 KiB) Viewed 1763 times

This was a good run and one you can do in a day from the Inland Empire (Southern California). It helps to have someone who has read or studied the route so that they can interpret the sites along the way. There are quite a few tales about how the Placer gold was found in the area by Billy Holcomb and even further back the significance to the Native Americans in the area.

Hmfigueroa · Post by **Hmfigueroa** » Thu Apr 20, 2017 2:04 pm

In Mountain Center is a really nice getaway that is close but still far enough to be an actual "Getaway Weekend" located on 7S02 are the Santa Rosa Yellow Post Sites. 7S02 can be a challenging trail up and the access road to the actual sites is exceptionally technical. With steep angles, off camber turns and switchbacks leave you with a commanding view.

: IMG_0535.JPG (463.73 KiB) Viewed 1711 times

The topmost site has a great stone hearth and chimney, but fire restrictions generally restrict that use. Still it makes for a great radio site for the great radio fix.

: IMG_0029.JPG (1.2 MiB) Viewed 1710 times

Make no mistake this is a primitive campsite. You will need your own water, toilet, and trash removal a propane stove is usually needed as fire restrictions are always likely. In any case you will need your free campfire permit for any use of fire up there.

: IMG_0024.JPG (2.32 MiB) Viewed 1709 times

KK6GFF · Post by **KK6GFF** » Thu Apr 20, 2017 6:07 pm

Online checkin pls.

Thanks!
Roger

DaveK · Post by **DaveK** » Thu Apr 20, 2017 6:17 pm

ALSTROM POINT (Grand Bench) UTAH

Alstrom Point is near Lake Powell and about a two hour+ drive from Page. It is actually located on the Grand Bench and perched about a thousand feet above the lake. While the views of the Lake are spectacular, the road leading to camp are equally so. You can reach the Point from the town of Escalante, but it is the road from the north that is the most spectacular.

The horizon was clear in almost every direction and the propagation for HF radio was good.

One of the best parts of this trip was the decision to camp at Alstrom Point for two days. Bring everything you need as there are no facilities. One reminder - bring a good camera and plenty of room for the may photos you will take.

ROAD TO CAMP