Caravan PHX to Expedition Portal Rally

[flyingwil]

Anone interested in a caravan out of Phoenix to the First Annual Expedition Portal Rally?

See this Post (http://expeditionportal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=3227&postcount=124)

I am planing on leaving Phoeinx after lunch, (work until 2:00 am friday morning and want a good night's sleep before heading out.)

I am flexable and plan on leaving Mesa on the US 60 on over to the I10 then north bound on I-17 until Table Mesa Rd. I was thinking we could make some meeting spots along the way pending on where people are coming from. I had the mobil gas station near the outlet mall in mind, but it depends on where we all coming from.

__________________________________________________ ____________________
EDIT: Current Caravan List Below

To all those coming from East Phoenix and Tuscon:

We will meet at 12:15 and depart at 12:30 for the next meeting spot in Anthem. I am going to meet Jason in the Fry's Electronics Parking Lot. Fry's Electronics is located at 2300 West Baseline Road in Tempe, AZ. We will meet in their parking lot on the South East corner (closest to Denny's and I-10). Tune in to CB Channel 7. See the map Below:

http://www.tacomaterritory.com/~flyingwil/frys.bmp

Members Meeting In Tempe:

Wil (flyingwil) - White Toyota Tacoma DC
Jason (Jasonazx) - White Nissan Xterra
Jeff (jeffryscott) - Suzuki Grand Vitara



To all those coming from North Phoenix:
We will leave there and head to Anthem and meet the others there at 13:30and depart at 14:00. We will meet at the Mobil fueling station on the South West corner of Anthem Way and I-17. See map below:

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/3/web/2079000-2079999/2079781_64_full.jpg


Members Meeting In Anthem:

Wil (flyingwil) - White Toyota Tacoma DC
Jason (Jasonazx) - White Nissan Xterra
Jeff (jeffryscott) - Suzuki Grand Vitara
Aaron (daturpr) - Green Izuzu Trooper



To all those coming from The West:
Mark (Scenic WonderRunner) and Al (Alwalter) are caravaning from San Diego and will be meeting up with some members in Morristown between 13:00 and 14:00.


Members Meeting In Morristown:

Mark (Scenic WonderRunner) - Silver Toyota 4Runner
Al (Alwalter) - Toyota Tacoma Xtra-Cab
Vince (vickingvince) - Toyota Tacoma Xtra-Cab
Brian (mcvickoffroad) - White Landy Disco


You can contact them if you wish to join them!

Let me know if this all looks right!

Wil

[Ursidae69]

I'll be visiting family at I-17 and Union Hills (North Phoenix). I can meet up and leave anytime after lunch. Used to be not much north of Union Hills. Now you have houses half way to Black Canyon City! :(

[flyingwil]

There is a Mobil fueling station on the west side of I-17 and Athem Way near the outlet mall there. I believe it is the last fueling station prior to the exit. I have no Fuel Cans, so this stop is a must for me. Maybe we could set up meeting there at 13:30 and departing 14:00 (Half hour window). I was planing on taking I-17 North to Table Mesa Road to get to Friday night's camp. I think that should put us at Camp around 15:00 and 15:30 at the latest. What do you think?

Wil

[goodtimes]

I'll be rolling through PHX sometime that Friday...don't know when. I'll have to meet y'all at camp.

[flyingwil]

I'll be rolling through PHX sometime that Friday...don't know when. I'll have to meet y'all at camp.

Ahhh.. Opting to take the Chemistry Class huh?

[goodtimes]

Not sure yet. That is why I dont' know what time I'll be going through....I'm paying way too much $$$ to be there, just to blow off class every time something else comes up.

[BajaTaco]

From the other thread, Mark said...





I'm thinking of heading toward Wickenberg......then for a "Scenic" Route.....can I head up to Castle Hot Springs?......then from here is there a route up over the mtns. to get to our camp site?

Like going up through "Columbia"....and then east to our camp? I've never been back in this area......but I've always wanted to get back up there. I even considered heading out a day early to do this. I always like to see everything I can while out and about.



From the other thread, Brian said...




I was thinking of taking 60 up to Morristown and then taking North Castle Hot Springs Road. From what I gather NCHS Road will take us within 1.5 miles of camp. Then we would need to find no-name tracks the rest of the way.
another option is to take NCHS to Champie Rd then to Cow Creek Rd. This route would take us to where we would be if approching from Hwy 17 and Table Mesa Road. Either way I believe it will be no-name tracks for the last 1-2 miles but not positive.

I think you guys will be good to get into the area near Lake Pleasant on NCHS rd. from Morristown, but I wouldn't rely on the high route (through the Columbia area) to get through to the camp area via travel along the foothills. A friend of mine who lives near Castle Hot Springs said the last time he was over that way, the route that goes up in the hills between Tip Top and the Crown King rd. was not passable by 4wd any longer. He said at the east end near Tip Top, someone had used heavy equip. to dig a big hole across the trail, and that only quads could get by now. And he said over at the west end, I believe on the road into the Columbia mine area, that they had a locked gate. I think there are some active claims in that area. Neither of us has been out there lately to confirm the current status, but I wouldn't chance a route up through there unless you have at least an extra day in case you have to turn around and explore optional tracks.

I would bet that the route closer to the north shore of Lake Pleasant coming out of Castle Hot Springs area would probably be a more likely route. It looks like using the 2 Shoes Ranch rd. and Cow Creek rd. would get you into the vicinity.

[BajaTaco]

FYI - if there are any hot springs fans like myself, who might be considering a soak... the Castle Hot Springs is on private property, so no access :( It is situated behind a beautiful, historic resort compound. For some more info, check out a thread at soak.net (http://www.soak.net/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl?board=Arizona;action=display;num=106556472 0)

[Brian McVickers]

Thanks Baja!
So I am thinking that since there is a resort in Castle Hot Springs and if people live in the vicinity then the NCHS road should be passable.

[kcowyo]

Anyone want to caravan from Wyoming? ;)

I'll be running the White Rim Trail in Canyonlands NP on the way down Tuesday & Wednesday....

Looking forward to seeing everyone in AZ! :victory:

[datrupr]

Wil, why don't we phoenician's meet up around Carefree Highway and I-17 sometime in the afternoon. There is a Cheveron there where we can all gas up if need be and get any last minute provisions. I am going to work until around noon, and then go home and change and get my son from school and head on up, probably around 1:30 or so. And I know where the camp site is for those still wondering. I am going up this weekend to double check and try to scout the best site for my tent :camping: . It only takes me about 20 mins to get there from my house. :jumping:

[flyingwil]

Wil, why don't we phoenician's meet up around Carefree Highway and I-17 sometime in the afternoon. There is a Cheveron there where we can all gas up if need be and get any last minute provisions. I am going to work until around noon, and then go home and change and get my son from school and head on up, probably around 1:30 or so. And I know where the camp site is for those still wondering. I am going up this weekend to double check and try to scout the best site for my tent :camping: . It only takes me about 20 mins to get there from my house. :jumping:


I still think that the 2 stations near the outlet mall are closer to camp, and closer is our best option IMO. When you go there this week-end, take a look at the stations and let us know.

Also If anyone is leaving the East Valley or Central Phoenix, we can set up a meeting spot around there too.

Wil

[Ursidae69]

I still think that the 2 stations near the outlet mall are closer to camp, and closer is our best option IMO. When you go there this week-end, take a look at the stations and let us know.

Also If anyone is leaving the East Valley or Central Phoenix, we can set up a meeting spot around there too.

Wil

These are the gas stations at Anthem? That should be fine. It is really close to the trail.

[datrupr]

Sounds good to me, Anthem will work too.

[flyingwil]

I just think to top off the fluids as close to the trail head as possible is best.

But seriously take a look and see if there is a difference in price when you go to scope out the camp! Maybe cheaper might be better in this case!

[datrupr]

I will let everyone know when I go to scope it out. I don't think there is going to be much of a price difference between the two places though.

[flyingwil]

A while back a go when i used to commute from Phoenix to Precott daily there used to be an average of 4 cent difference. I know it isn't much but every penny helps! Thanks for scoping it out for us!

[Brian McVickers]

Datrupr
When are you going?

[datrupr]

Brian, I am not sure yet, but I think I am going to run up there either on Sat. or Sun. I am not sure of what time yet, but it will probably be in the early afternoon, say around 1:00 or so. I will keep you posted if you want to tag along.

[Brian McVickers]

Thanks, That would be great.
I'm at the corner of Tatum and Greenway and can be on 17 heading north pretty quickly. Sunday afternoon is out for me, but let me know if you go on Saturday.

Brian

[datrupr]

Brian, will do. I plan on changing the Intake Manifold Gasket on Saturday, but I might be able to put it off until Sunday. I will let you know.

[Jasonazx]

I would like to meet up and caravan to camp on friday as well. Flyingwil you have email!
Jason

[flyingwil]

I would like to meet up and caravan to camp on friday as well. Flyingwil you have email!
Jason


Jason-

There are two gas stations on the west side of I-17 on Anthem Way. On the South side there is a Mobil, and on the north side a Chevron (At the entrence to the mall). If you would like to set up a meeting spot on the East side of Phoenix, I am sure I could meet you there and lead the way on up the next meeting point. I think a good spot might be where I-10 meets the US60, on Guadalupe Road. We could meet at the Fry's Electronic's parking lot on the southwest side of the US-60 and Guadalupe Rd. I was planning on passing through there around 12:30, to make to the Anthem way meeting point at 13:30-14:00. I think there are a few more coming from TUS... so maybe we can all meet up there?

Wil

[Jasonazx]

Thanks for the reply Will. The meeting spot of I-10 and US60 sounds good. Is there anyone else traveling up from Tucson?

[GeoRoss]

I'm headed up, but don't know what time and I have some Phoenix errands to run as well. I am going to try to make it to the camp before 13:00 for some hiking and such with the fam.

Ross

[flyingwil]

Thanks for the reply Will. The meeting spot of I-10 and US60 sounds good. Is there anyone else traveling up from Tucson?

To all those coming from East Phoenix and Tuscon:

We will meet at 12:15 and depart at 12:30 for the next meeting spot in Anthem. I am going to meet Jason in the Fry's Electronics Parking Lot. Fry's Electronics is located at 2300 West Baseline Road in Tempe, AZ. We will meet in their parking lot on the South East corner (closest to Denny's and I-10). Tune in to CB Channel 7. See the map Below:

http://www.tacomaterritory.com/~flyingwil/frys.bmp

Anyone else is welcome to meet up with us at this spot to caravan on up to the next caravan meeting spot in Anthem.

~WIL


HEY Aaron-- IF you could PM me your cell phone # I can keep in touch with you as we are approaching the Deer Valley area.

[BajaTaco]

An update for those still considering coming into camp "the back way". I spoke to my friend who has a house out by Castle Hot Springs area, and he said he thinks the lake level is probably too high to get through the route via Two Shoe Ranch Rd. to Cow Creek Rd. However, he said if you want to test it out, it is not a huge amount of backtracking to Castle Creek Rd. if the road is impassable due to high water.

[Brian McVickers]

LAKE What Lake!?
I better go look at my map again!

[BajaTaco]

:lurk: :jump:

[Scenic WonderRunner]

An update for those still considering coming into camp "the back way". I spoke to my friend who has a house out by Castle Hot Springs area, and he said he thinks the lake level is probably too high to get through the route via Two Shoe Ranch Rd. to Cow Creek Rd. However, he said if you want to test it out, it is not a huge amount of backtracking to Castle Creek Rd. if the road is impassable due to high water.


Thanks for the heads up Baja!

One would think there would be more than one route. But I have no idea......never been back there. I did read on some 4x4 sites that there are some very bad washouts near Crown King (showed a pic of an upside down old black Blazer in a creek, maybe you have seen that pic)......but I think thats further north and not where we would be.

High Water?.......Hey....that's what "Got Water Crossing?" is for! :shakin:


Look what I found HERE (http://www.viatierra.com/site/content/events/2003_12_13_highlights.html)!
A story with Scott in it!


AH!......I found the Blazer.....but it's way closer to Crown King I believe.
HEY!......anybody need some spare Chevy parts>?!! :elkgrin:


WEBSITE (http://ridingarizona.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=13144&whichpage=1)

http://members.cox.net/sharksfan/tn_IM000825.JPG

[BajaTaco]

SWR, yes that is up near Crown King, which is not on the way to the camp area. HERE (http://www.jeepsonly.com/albums/Crown-King-Run-081405/P8140125.sized.jpg) is a pic of that same spot taken in August.

[Scenic WonderRunner]

BT.....

I've looked over that Blazer pic......and I just could not figure out what that guy was doing to end up like he did!

Now that I have seen your shot from another angle...........to me.....it looks obvious the Blazer was fooling around and testing his luck.

:archaeolo HUM!.....in 20 million years....do you think somebody will dig that thing up and say......"OH MY....what Primitive Modes of Exploration Vehicles"! ..............hehe



we don't want no stinking "PMEV"

[Hltoppr]

I feel like a pansy, but the last time I did the road from Lake Pleasant to Crown King was during the Balance Bar 24 hr. Adventure race....Mountain Biked the damn thing up and back....I have decided that I don't like that road....that road opened up the pain locker in a big way.....

-H-

[BajaTaco]

....Mountain Biked the damn thing up and back....

:Wow1: now that's insane. Are you still adventure racing?

SWR, my guess is that the bank where the trail is now established was much more off-camber than is apparent in the pic, and as he was trying to avoid the ledge, he probably slid and flopped.

[Scenic WonderRunner]

OH......I gotcha..... BT.

So help me if I'm wrong. (still learning)

If the trail was so narrow....and potentially soft being next to a creek that had obviously risen and softened the dirt.....

Would it not had been better for the Blazer to try and just GO Straight UP the steeper ledge that he fell off of?

That's what I would choose to do.....even if I had to get out and "fix" the trail a bit.

A little sweat wipes off......a little ROLL.....ruins your day.

[goodtimes]

It is difficult to say what would have been better since we don't even know what he did. But leaving the trail to avoid a obstical you don't like is just bad policy. It happens, but without seeing the situation first hand, I don't think we could safely assume that this was a situation where leaving the trail would be warranted. I'm sure the driver was not expecting to go rubber side up in the creek.....

[Scenic WonderRunner]

It is difficult to say what would have been better since we don't even know what he did. But leaving the trail to avoid a obstical you don't like is just bad policy. It happens, but without seeing the situation first hand, I don't think we could safely assume that this was a situation where leaving the trail would be warranted. I'm sure the driver was not expecting to go rubber side up in the creek.....


I agree with you about not leaving the trail.....and I don't.

In the pic though........it looks like he landed in the creek where the trail originally was...........when you follow the full line of the trail on the right hand side of the pic.

So is it bad to repair a trail......that nature has changed?

I know these questions are probably better for another TOPIC.......

But since it started here....thought I would ask.


Discussion moved here:

How Not to 4x4 Explore (http://expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=257)

[datrupr]

HEY Aaron-- IF you could PM me your cell phone # I can keep in touch with you as we are approaching the Deer Valley area.

Wil, I sent you a PM this morning with my # on it. Give me a call when you are near and perhaps we can hook up prior to Anthem, or we can just hook up there. I will be working until around noon, then I have to hustle home change, finish loading up, and then get my son from school. I hope to have all this done by about 1:30 and can be at Anthem by around 2:00. Give me a call.

[Hltoppr]

BajaT,

I haven't raced in about a year or so...had to put more time into my business and Search & Rescue (o' yeah....and the wife, too...). When you're doing a race a month, it gets really expensive, even with sponsors for equipment, plus, the training time is pretty high, about 3 hrs/day weekdays and at least one 6-12 hr. training on the weekends....

And then there are the technical skills....phew...

I'm looking forward to seeing everyone this next weekend!

-H-

[BajaTaco]

BajaT,

I haven't raced in about a year or so...had to put more time into my business and Search & Rescue (o' yeah....and the wife, too...). When you're doing a race a month, it gets really expensive, even with sponsors for equipment, plus, the training time is pretty high, about 3 hrs/day weekdays and at least one 6-12 hr. training on the weekends....

And then there are the technical skills....phew...

I'm looking forward to seeing everyone this next weekend!

-H-

Sweet! I can't wait to talk to you. I only did it once with Scott and Uwe and we had a great time. I'd definitely like to do another one sometime and it would be fun to chat about racing with you. Sounds like you are very experienced.

[jeffryscott]

Thanks for the reply Will. The meeting spot of I-10 and US60 sounds good. Is there anyone else traveling up from Tucson?


I'll be coming up from Tucson Friday, wanna try to meet up here and caravan?

Jeff

[flyingwil]

I'll be coming up from Tucson Friday, wanna try to meet up here and caravan?

Jeff

Jeff-
I will gladly meet you and Jason HERE (http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=3924&postcount=27) if you two end up caravaning up from Tuscon... IF not we can all just meet there

Let me know.

Wil

[jeffryscott]

Jeff-
I will gladly meet you and Jason HERE (http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=3924&postcount=27) if you two end up caravaning up from Tuscon... IF not we can all just meet there

Let me know.

Wil


12:15 at Fry's, sounds good. That shouldn't be a problem. Can't wait for next weekend.

Jeff

[flyingwil]

I have edited the First Post (http://expeditionportal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=3228&postcount=1) in this thread to reflect who's meet who and where.

Let me know if there is anyone missing! If not see you at camp! :camping:

Thanks,
Wil

[BajaTaco]

Too COOL. Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Xterra, Suzuki Grand Vitara, & Isuzu Trooper. I love it!


:victory:

This forum is great.

[datrupr]

You are right Chris, there is a very diverse group of people and thier vehicle choices here. Very cool! :luxhello:

[Scenic WonderRunner]

Wil.....

Isn't that a really fun Mexican food restaurant right across the street there from Fry's.....on your photo map?

I think I've eaten there....I remember kewl waterways and nice atmosphere.

If that's it.....too bad you guys can't meet early for some chips and dip at least!

Thanks for the mention on the first page.

Our little "back way" group is growing.

You can ad........

*awalter
*vickingvince

We will be meeting Brian "mcvickoffroad" in Morristown between 1pm and 2pm that friday.

Al and I caravaning together from San Diego.

Maybe someone can work out a 2 Meter Radio Freq. with Al ......so you guys can know if you have to come rescue us or not! :eek:

:campfire: :camping:

[flyingwil]

Wil.....

Isn't that a really fun Mexican food restaurant right across the street there from Fry's.....on your photo map?

Why, Yes there is! You sure do know your Mexican Food Joints! Make sure and check out the one in Wickenburg just behind the movie theater (by the Old Jail). It's great!



Thanks for the mention on the first page.

Our little "back way" group is growing.

You can ad........

*awalter
*vickingvince

We will be meeting Brian "mcvickoffroad" in Morristown between 1pm and 2pm that friday.

Al and I caravaning together from San Diego.

Maybe someone can work out a 2 Meter Radio Freq. with Al ......so you guys can know if you have to come rescue us or not! :eek:

:campfire: :camping:

For 2M I believe we are using 146.460, and CB ch. 7. I will update the first Post include AL and Vince. IF you want me to make a similar map, let me know where exactly you all are meet up at and I'll post it!

Wil

[Scenic WonderRunner]

I don't know the area around Morristown......

How about our "Back Way Group" meeting near.........

Hwy 60 and Castle Hot Springs Road.....on some corner with.....MEXICAN FOOD!...... :D :chowtime: :eatchicke

Maybe Brian knows a good meeting spot.

[datrupr]

Mark, the name of the restaurant is Aunt Chiladas, I know the chef there, it is part of the Pointe South Mountain Resort. The chef there used to be my Sous Chef when I was the manager of the Phantom Horse Grill and Sports bar at the resort. A great guy and great food there. You should all meet there for a beer and some chips & salsa :D

[flyingwil]

Mark-
The Mexican restaurant I was thinking of is:
Anita's Cocina
57 Valentine St
Wickenburg, AZ
(928) 684-5777

Here's the map-
http://www.tacomaterritory.com/~flyingwil/Wick.jpg

Give it a shot... Best Mexican around those parts!

Wil

[Brian McVickers]

Mark,
I may try and drive up to the Morristown area this weekend to scope it out. I know it from driving through but have not lingered long enought to "know" it.

I have the coordinates for the intersection of Hwy 60 and North Castle Hot Springs Road as:
33 51 17.74 N
112 37 19.24 W

Using Google Earth I could not make out any gas stations but I remember seeing someting the last time I was there. I would suggest that we all fill up at the last place we think we can. I will fill up in Surprize as I head out of town. Are you guys coming through Wickenberg? Maybe fill up there?

Also where is everyone coming from in the Back Road Group
You and Awater from SD via Wickenberg, where is Viking coming from?

[Ursidae69]

I'm not going to be able to caravan out to the rally now, I'll see all you guys at the campsite that afternoon after lunch. :victory:

[flyingwil]

I'm not going to be able to caravan out to the rally now, I'll see all you guys at the campsite that afternoon after lunch. :victory:

Chuck, took you off Post 1, see you at :camping: :exclaim:

Wil

[flyingwil]

Jason and Jeff-

You guys got a PM. I am just verifying that you guys are still planning on the caravan up to camp!

Aaron-
I'll give you a call when we are passing the Metro Center Mall area. Not sure if Jason and Jeff will be with me or not, Either way I'll give you a call!

Wil

[datrupr]

Will, Sounds good. Give me a call when you are near metro center and we can either hook up on the way up or at Anthem. either way, we'll get it sorted.