So our original plan was to head to EL Capitan state beach for a nice relaxing time on the ocean. However, long story short the campground was entirely full when the time came. So we made plans and changed our route to the desert. We headed out to our nice quiet secret Calico Mountain camp. This is always a great spot so we knew what we were in for. Also, many people cannot get to it without four wheel drive so that keeps the traffic down and makes the location even more special.
After setting up basecamp our goal was to head out on the back side of the mountain range between Coyote Dry Lake and Fort Irwin. We wanted to see if we could find a shrine devoted to Saddam Hussein. Basically we wanted to see if we could find it. I've heard about it many times, but didn't know exactly where it was or if it still existed. Supposedly its in a mine shaft or cave located on the backside of the Calico Mtns.
The flowers on the way out to Coyote Dry Lake were amazing.
We had no such luck finding the shrine, but still had a great time exploring.
Coyote Dry lake
Shot of a friends WJ
Im still trying to find the shrine with help from binoculars. Still no luck.
View from up on top of the cruiser. Cool contrast from the vehicle to the ground.
After tooling around on the flat lands we chose to run up through Tin Can Alley and make our way back to camp through some technical sections of trail. Some of the canyons i had to drop the truck in low range and actually use lockers. It was fun having to pick a line and get into some technical four wheeling. First time in a long time.
Tin Can Alley
Climbing through the Calico Mtns you really notice the different types of minerals in the hills. Notice the colors.
Some sections became tight and rocky.
Coming down through a black diamonds section from Odessa cut off.
Successfully through.
Now it was time for the WJ.
Yosh and Dixie wait patiently.
No problem. Helps to have a good spotter in the rocks.
James made it through with no problems. He made it look easy on 31's and open diffs. Not bad for his first time playing in the rocks.
It was now time to head back to camp to relax and eat lunch. After lunch we explored a few mine sites around our camp area.
They were within walking distance from our camp.
James enjoying to the view from the mine shafts.
After a bit more relaxing (we can never get enough of that!) Yosh was nice enough to start the birthday dinner! We decided on stew. It was easy and didn't take a whole lot of preparation. Not to mention it tasted incredible. We also had chicken and rice to go along with it that James brought. Yosh also brought along chocolate eclairs for desert. Talk about too much food! It was a feast!
Iron Chef Tinkerbell cutting away.
A well deserved break for Yosh with Dixie.
Dixie is just plain worn out. The filthy girl is exhausted.
That night we enjoyed a great campfire, a great dinner and great times all around. It was more than i ever could have asked for. The next morning i was surprised with a Zodi Outback Hot Shower. Wow, is Yosh telling me something? I think the present was really for her! I also received a Adventureduo coffee mug from James. What a nice guy!
Until the next trip, take care and thanks for a great 30th!!