March 1999

March 20, 1999 was an extremely wet weekend. It rained off and on all day Saturday and Sunday. For those who love the mud, it was a perfect weekend at Stonyford, in the Mendocino National Forest.

Saturday started about 8:00 am with several members of the club eating breakfast in Rods motorhome, while waiting for other members and guests to arrive for a day of actives.

By 10:00 am, seven vehicles were ready to roll. However, only after receiving instructions and advice from the Park Ranger. Stonyford is a major Motorcycle O.H.V. Park. The Park Ranger wanted us to understand and beware of "them there bikers". Advice as to which trail would best suit the 4x4 group was also discussed.

The group lit out for the chosen trail with Warren leading. The first obstacle was a river crossing. All crossed without any problems. Onward and upward to the next adventure.

After the first hill climb the group stopped to let Warren scout the trail ahead. The green light was given to proceed along the ridge trail to the second hill. Wow the second hill was a doozy. Very steep. It was here that the day ended for Warren and Troyce. The PLAN for attacking the hill was to place Warren and Troyce at the top of the hill first, in case anyone else needed to be winched up the hill. However, things did not quite work out as planned. Once Troyce arrived at the top of the hill, a minor problem developed. Smoke started bellowing out from under the hood. (Not good!) This resulted in Troyce frying most all of the engine wiring. (The kids in the cruiser with Troyce thought smoke bellowing out was "Way cool!") Meanwhile, Warren with a flaky alternator arrived at the top of the hill to assist followed by Greg. At this point, the decision was made not to continue on, but for all to return to base camp. The surviving vehicles and willing members would then continue on to the snow trail.

Four vehicles proceeded on to the snow. Once we reached the snow, it was decided to stop for lunch and snow play. After lunch, the troop continued until the trail became impassable. With the trail snow blocked, the decision was unanimous to return to base camp and hot food. In the process of turning around one 4x4 became stuck and had to be winched out.

Meanwhile, back at base camp Rod and friends kept the fires burning. They cooked homemade chili under several canopies in the constant rain. (Our hat's off to these valiant hardy cooks) A lovely hot meal of homemade chili, French bread, salad and soft drinks were provided to those weather soaked souls of the trail.

Stonyford in early JUNE would be wonderful, with dry camping along the river and easy access to the snow. The snow trail provides exquisite views of the Mendocino National Forest below.

Stonyford Trail Vehicles