Hi to all,
I recently joined your group. I’m located in Southern California and enjoy the great opportunities for off-road exploration in the west.
I have been doing off-road camping and exploring for over 30 years. I have experienced motorcycles, pickups, SUV’s, Jeeps, and VW Baja Bugs and dune buggies. I find that they all can take you places and be fun.
I prefer to travel light. I use simple camping gear and try to avoid heavy vehicle mods. Extra weight degrades performance and handling off-road. The Jeep photo was taken on a five day trip. Everything fits inside, and I sleep inside on a foam mattress behind the front passenger seat. I did a two week Baja trip to Cabo and back using the same method.
I currently have a 2017 Wrangler Rubicon with a few additions: AEV 3.5 lift, skid plates, onboard air, tools, recovery gear, etc.
I will try to share some knowledge on this site.
Happy trails!
My Jeep in southeast California, 2018
I completed the 2,850 mile Continental Divide trail in 2015. I have a gpx file that works for 4-wheeled vehicles, if anyone is planning such a trip.
I included a few historic photos in case anyone is interested. Overlanding before I heard the term overlanding. Notice that tire sizes were a lot smaller back then.
Pismo Beach, 1986
We learned to manage tire pressure early.
Baja California, 1986
Learning some hard lessons in the mud. The track with the water was actually the best choice because the base had been packed down by traffic. Trying to avoid the “dangerous” water section put the vehicles in mud that appeared to be solid, but wasn’t. The best part: after the Jeep got stuck, the Ranger driver decided to show him how to do it. It was about a tie.
Holcomb Creek, Big Bear, 1987
Mojave Road, 1988
I purchased the first edition Mojave Road Guide in 1987. A dozen rigs did the trail in February, ‘88
Pinion Mountain Trail, Anza Borrego, 1989
This trail has always been a challenge
Dish Pan Springs, Big Bear, 1990
Joshua Tree, 1992
Baja California Sur, south of Mulege, 2000
Baja California Sur, nearing Cabo San Lucas, 2000
Sometimes things go wrong. The driver made a mistake, but there were no injuries. We got the car rolled back on its feet, added oil, used duct tape to hold the rear window in place, and continued to Cabo.
Baja California, Pacific coast, south of Cavatina, 2002
Death Valley, 2006
A well known crossroads.
Owens Valley, 2011
Symmes Creek
Death Valley, 2015
Lippincott Mine Road.