Category Archives: Outdoors

Activities, Adventures, National Parks

Yosemite – Tioga Road OPEN!

Posted on by Shawn E. Bell

It’s a good news/bad news situation.

Tioga Road at Yosemite National Park is open. That’s the good news. The bad news is that Tioga Road at Yosemite National Park is open.

Normally, snowplows take to the road right around tax time to begin clearing it. Clearing usually takes a couple of months – depending on snowpack – so the road generally opens sometime around the end of May, or as late as the middle of June. Because the snowpack is 50% lighter than usual, the road is opening early this year.

Tioga Road, a popular crossing of the Siera Nevada, is part of State Highway 120. From Wikipedia: Continue reading →

Conservation, Offroading - General, State Parks

Rep. Paul Cook Offers Alternative Plan to Twentynine Palms Base Expansion

Posted on by Shawn E. Bell

This just in!  Representative Paul Cook (R-Yucca Valley) has issued a statement regarding the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center’s planned expansion in Twentynine Palms, California:

“The training of the U.S. Marine Corps is vital to the safety of the American people, and the exercises taking place on the Twentynine Palms base enable our Marine forces to defend our nation and its allies throughout the world. However, I can’t support the expansion plan offered by the Marine Corps, which would hand them ownership of Johnson Valley. Marine Corps ownership would prevent many public-space activities, including big public off-highway events like King of the Hammers, from taking place. Offroaders and other users of Johnson Valley make huge contributions to the economic well-being of the Morongo Valley, and losing that revenue during slow economic times would be devastating.

“Protecting the Marine Corps’ budget is extremely important to me, and I believe the funds set aside for purchasing this land for the Marine Corps could be put to better use.

Continue reading →

Jeep, National Forests

21st Annual Big Bear Jeep Jamboree May 9 – 11, 2013

Posted on by Shawn E. Bell

Jeep Jamborees are off-road adventure weekends that bring together the outdoors, down-to-earth people, and their Jeep 4x4s.

Jeep Jamboree began in 1953 when Mark A. Smith, along with a small group of friends and Rotarians were looking for a way to boost the economy of Georgetown USA. 155 people showed up for the first Jamboree, which followed the Rubicon Trail, snaking it’s way across the Sierra Nevada mountains in Northern California. The next year, the manufacturer of Jeeps – Willys Motors – became involved, and the Jeep Jamboree adventure has continued ever since.

This year marks the 21st year the Big Bear Jeep Jamboree has taken place in Big Bear Lake, California.

This particular Jamboree is a “Select Jamboree”  – it includes Friday and Saturday night family style dinners (participants have the option to prepare their own meals or sample the AWESOME Big Bear restaurants for all other meals).

On Thursday, May 9th (from 5 – 7pm) MANDATORY registration will take place at the Big Bear Lake Elks Lodge (40611 Village Drive in Big Bear Lake, 909-866-6190).  Trail sign-ups will take place during registration on a first come, first served basis, so get there EARLY and register!. Remember that a vehicle check is MANDATORY PRIOR TO trail sign-ups, and there is no late registration available on Friday morning.

For further information, visit the Jeep Jamboree website HERE.

For specific information about the Big Bear Jeep Jamboree, there’s a PDF file HERE, and registration forms are HERE.

Geocaching, National Forests, National Parks, State Parks

Wilderness Land Navigation Clinic Offered By CDFW

Posted on by Shawn E. Bell

A two-day land navigation clinic is being offered by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife on May 4th & May 5th.

From the CDFW press release:

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) will be holding a two-day land navigation clinic as part of its Advanced Hunter Education Program. The overnight workshop will be held at the Camp Whitsett, east of Bakersfield in the Sequoia National Forest, on May 4 and 5.

This two-day clinic is designed to help students learn and practice basic navigation skills using a map, compass and GPS. There will be class work and lab exercises that develop the skills learned. The clinic will cover magnetic declination, the workings of a baseplate compass, map reading, how to stay oriented naturally, and taking bearings. Other topics covered include the use of magnetic bearings, map coordinate systems and GPS. All course materials and equipment will be provided.

Continue reading →

Conservation, Kayaking, National Forests, National Parks, State Parks

TROUTFEST 2013! Catch ’em, Clean ’em, Cook ’em and Eat ’em!

Posted on by Shawn E. Bell

California Department of Fish and Wildlife in central California is gearing up for TroutFest 2013.

TroutFest is an annual event that is offered free to introduce families to the sport of trout fishing.

From the press release:

“Beginner, novice and experienced anglers alike will find that this activity-filled day features something for everyone,” said CDFW Education and Outreach Director Kirsten Macintyre. “If you are looking to build your fishing skill set or find an enjoyable activity for the whole family, Trout Fest is a great place to start.”

TroutFest will be held at the following locations: Continue reading →