BASSEY FALLS - April 1999

On April 17, three vehicles and families of the Diablo 4 Wheelers elected to attempt to attempt a passage to Bassey Falls, near Lake Tahoe in the Northern Sierra's. Our last attempt to the Falls was blocked with a great deal of snow and mechanical breakdowns.

This attempt was approximately one month later, anticipating better conditions and a reduction in the snow pack. To our dismay, upon arrival at the trail head, the trail to Bassey Falls was completely devoid of any snow.

This ended up as a half hour trip into the falls, whereas last months' attempt took us 5 hours to travel only two thirds of the trail and never reaching the Falls.

The Falls however did allow us a serene and picturesque photo setting. This is highlighted and evidenced by the large picture on the Diablo Home Page. Lunch was the order of priority for the day, at the Falls.

Not satisfied with an uneventful and rather quick trail run, a decision was made to attempt the road to Uncle Tom's Cabin off Ice House Road. The road to Uncle Tom's cabin is actually part of the traditional Rubicon Trail originating from Georgetown to Wentworth Springs. In the summer months, this road is nothing more than a dusty fire road.

In winter however, the difficulty arises due to the snow height. Arrival at the road was greeted with great delight, as it was evident that no trail had been cut in quite a while. Anxious to attempt this challenging passage, the tire pressures were lowered to 4 to 6 pounds for better traction and floatation.

Going was slow and uneventful until off camber snow banks caused us to slowly list into edges at 45 degrees. This was quite hairy at times and the pucker factor high as the tilt was towards drainage ditches by the sides. It truly is a marvel of technology to watch 4 pounds of air in tires contort the rubber in an ugly dance and manage to cling to the steel rim.

Eventually two hours into the trail we were met with a five foot bank. Rather than tempt fate, a decision was concurred amongst us to conclude this trip and turn around.

The return trip proved to be quite nasty as the newly cut snow trail which once offered traction and stable footing no longer existing. Tires now longer held their beads and losing beads in tires had become the order of the day.

Relentlessly, the junk yard York air conditioning compressor in the CJ 7 was called upon the set beads. Near the end of the trail, the compressor piston seized and ended its useful life.

We finally made it to trails' end, after much winching and high lift jacking, only to find that 33 to 35 inch tires needed LOTS of air to become streetable again. Counting 12 total tires, an attempt to use the small ARB Quick Air compressor was undertaken. The compressor in its vain attempt to air four 35 inch tires became too hot to continue. Night was approaching and temperatures drooping, this writer reached into the jeep and.