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  1. RangerBill

    Is Driving Over Snow-covered Highways Permitted?

    I'm talking about after Highway 4 opens. Then you can access Highland Lakes road. It's not plowed in spring, so usually has snow on it for a while. BTW, latest rumor is they're targeting opening 4 by Easter, but keep an eye on the CalTrans site.
  2. RangerBill

    Critical Gear for getting started

    Depending on how rugged the roads are and how fast you intend to drive, I recommend tie-down straps for the heavier items like your cooler, water container, and battery pack (if you have one). Trust me that seeing your Yeti cooler hovering at eye level after hitting an unexpected bump on a...
  3. RangerBill

    Is Driving Over Snow-covered Highways Permitted?

    As someone who lives in Bear Valley part time, I can tell you with 100% certainty that you are not allowed to drive past the gate or a closed sign. Even in the spring when the roads are partially clear, driving on them will get you a ticket. That goes for a lot of the forest service roads as...
  4. RangerBill

    US Border Crossing Tip

    Thanks for the tip! We were watching to wait times and they were the same at east and west when we came through, so we (stupidly) just followed the directions on my phone. It's a good lesson for next time.
  5. RangerBill

    US Border Crossing Tip

    I wanted to share a tip based on my recent border crossing coming back into the US from Mexico at Mexicali West. The online map apps, like Apple or Google Maps, always take you on the quickest route, which is usually through the SENTRI lanes. These require membership in a special program and...
  6. RangerBill

    Winch Training in Bay Area

    I did this in 2019 and learned a ton. Their driving class is excellent as well. Highly recommended.
  7. RangerBill

    US West Trip Suggestions - Between Monterey and Bodega Bay

    Definitely not dispersed camping, but HipCamp is a good resource for access to private land. I have used it a few times with generally good results. You can almost always find something, even on short notice. https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US
  8. RangerBill

    US West Doc Runner’s 4runners maiden Voyage.

    @Offroadtails, just a heads-up that when I was in the area SE of Dorrington back on 7/24 all the Sierra Pacific land was closed because of fire danger. I had mapped a route from HWY 4 through Sourgrass over to 108, but turned around after a few "area closed / no trespassing" signs. I probably...
  9. RangerBill

    HAM Radio Call Sign Check-In Thread

    As of yesterday, KN6QFH Oakland and Bear Valley, CA
  10. RangerBill

    Getting on the 395 from the Bay Area

    At the time of this post, 108 is still open, and it's a beautiful drive
  11. RangerBill

    Recent Mojave Trail updates?

    Ran it last weekend, west to east in a 4Runner TRD Pro. No issues at all.
  12. RangerBill

    Camp Photos!

    @CMFB4x4, I love it so far! For a solo traveler like me the T4 is pretty big, but I'm 6' 6" tall, so it gives me plenty of room to stand up and spread out. Morning temperatures on my trip were into the low 20s. As large as it is and with the mesh ceiling, the tent doesn't retain much heat...
  13. RangerBill

    Camp Photos!

    More Upper Green River, October 2020.
  14. RangerBill

    Wyoming and Montana

    You really can't go wrong anywhere in the mountain parts of MT or WY. I spent a couple nights camping along Grey's River Road outside of Alpine, WY and two more along the Upper Green River outside of Pinedale in October. Both were lovely. It really depends on what you're looking for. For...
  15. RangerBill

    Mojave Thanksgiving

    @Fairbro, thanks! That helps. I'll be driving a 4Runner and not towing anything, so will likely do better than 6 MPG, but I'll still plan on at least one can of fuel for safety.
  16. RangerBill

    Mojave Thanksgiving

    Great videos! Thanks for sharing. Looks like an awesome trip. I plan to make the drive next spring. I'm curious about how much fuel you used, noting that you refueled partway through. Is carrying extra fuel essential? You were towing a (very cool looking!) trailer, so of course that...
  17. RangerBill

    Basin and Range National Monument, NV

    I ran across episode 401 of Wild Nevada, which covers Basin and Range National Monument, Beaver Dam State Park, and Cathedral Gorge State Park. Now I want to get on the road again.
  18. RangerBill

    Basin and Range National Monument, NV

    @ScorpioVI, no worries at all. 99% of people hear "Great Basin" when you mention "Basin and Range." Both are spectacular.
  19. RangerBill

    Basin and Range National Monument, NV

    @ScorpioVI, nice looking rig! Great Basin National Park is beautiful. I spent a couple of days there on this trip before heading south to Basin and Range National Monument. Nevada is full of amazing overlanding opportunities to explore.
  20. RangerBill

    Windshield Pics...

    Leaving the cabin on the first day of the trip: Traffic jam in Idaho: On top of Signal Mountain, Grand Teton National Park, WY: The wall of smoke I encountered when I drove back into CA. This is on 120 between 6 and 395: