February 1999

February 12th, 6:30am, two assault teams assembled. Team one, the larger of the two groups fills the parking lot at the Suisun City McDonald's. Team two, small and nimble assembles at the Oakley McDonald's.

Our mission

Diablo 4 Wheelers Annual "Family Snow Run"

Our Agenda: A day of fun in the snow with our families, friends, guests of Diablo 4 Wheelers, which included club members and their families from Napa Valley Jeepers. In total over thirty 4x4 equipped vehicles and over eighty people were prepared for our invasion of Girlie Creek campground, located some forty miles or so miles above Placerville, CA.

As we assembled that morning a light rain was falling in the bay area. Weather and road conditions were not in our favor as the night before a large storm had drop several inches of fresh snow.

Checking road conditions at 5:00 am, the Highway Patrol closed highway 50 at Camino due to avalanches. Camino was well below our intended destination but we were determined to go as far as we could and then setup camp.

By 8:00am both assault teams were on the road and approaching Sacramento with communications between the two teams via cell phones and CB radios. A light rain was still falling but the sun was also making brief appearances, maybe the weather would change in our favor. As we approached Placerville the rain still continued, with heavy downpours occasionally. The only good news at this point was that highway 50 at Camino was open and clear, as the rain continued to fall.

Both assault teams arrived at our final gathering point, Sly Park. The weather had turned drizzly and damp with temperatures are in the high thirty's. Vehicles were scattered throughout the parking lot at Sly Park as we occupied most of the available parking. Everyone was taking the time to stretch their legs, introduced themselves and top off our gasoline tanks. Huddled together, our trail leaders Patrick Rotolo and John Allen Jr reviewed our assault plans. Is Ice House Mountain road open, how far can we get, what if the road is closed?

Our trail leaders, wise as they are, would see how far Ice House Mountain road would take us, if all else fails we could turn around and head towards a backup location, Iron Mountain. We arrive at Ice House Mountain road, which is clear of snow on our side of the road up to the Loom Lake exit. If we are to make Girlie Creek campground from here it will have to be on our own.

Everyone air's down in preparation of our powder assault to Girlie Creek. The snow level on the road ahead is about three feet of fresh powder.

Not everyone is locked up so the trail leaders and several of the larger trucks in our group will break trail. We arrive with no problems to Girlie Creek just before noon and fan out as our large group consumes all available parking.

The weather has turned to clear gray skies and an occasional light dusting of snow falls as we start the process of setting up camp. Lunch is hot dogs, chili and potluck dishes. Our children have discovered a small hill behind base camp and the sleds, saucers and assorted toys are in full deployment.

Now while most of Diablo guests and family prepare to enjoy a day of fun in the snow most of the adult men gather around Al Simoni's truck to chant, "Lift, 1,2,3, Lift 1,2,3".

Why do you ask? It seems that Al parked his truck on a rather large bounder. I am not sure if this was part of the in camp entertainment, but it was an ordeal to remove. Attempts to pull, winch and even lift the truck manually (by massive amounts of manly bodies) all failed. Eventually several high lift jack maneuvers and the assistance of many, we were able to free Al's truck.

By then it was lunchtime, the adults lined up and the children refuse to (having too much fun in the snow).

What a spread, three tables of food, snacks and deserts awaited us as we made our way through the food line.

Kicked back enjoying our lunch, the company of each and an occasional snowball fight. Lunchtime discussions of our trek into camp and the fresh powder soon turn to discussions of an afternoon run.

Now from this point I don't have much to report as I was one of those staying in camp, so I'll let the pictures do the talking. For side trip #1 the pictures follow … for side trip #2 I'll connect you to the Napa Valley Jeepers web sites. (Links no longer work L)

SIDE TRIP #1 - The magic word here is Who's got the strap

By 4:00pm base camp had been cleaned-up, both trail runs had reassembled back at base camp and we proceeded to head back to dry pavement. As you can see from the base camp and trail run pictures everyone had a great time playing in the snow and getting stuck in the snow.

Diablo 4 Wheelers would like to thank everyone who participated on our "Family Snow Run" for making it such a huge success. I would also like to thank all members of Diablo 4 Wheelers and Napa Valley Jeepers who provide photos for this article.