Whenever we get a new piece of equipment or vehicle it's always a good idea to test it out locally and get used to it before heading out on a more remote trip. For this we took our "new to us" Sportsmobile up to the local Cleveland National Forest located above Orange and Riverside counties. I wanted to get used to driving it off road and see how it would fit through switch backs and low lying tree limbs.
We started out in Corona, Ca and met up with a pair of Overlanders from the Expedition Portal. This would be a slow pace relaxing trip up the mtn, across and over to camp.
Airing down our tires as we begin Indian Truck trail. We knew we would be traveling a few hours of rough fire roads so we chose to air down. This would give us a chance to learn just how much psi we could get away with and what we could not. It would also be a good time to use the new air compressor when we had to air up on the other side.
As we took off up the trail, i was expecting to hear the cabinets rattle like crazy and get hit with a pot or pan on the way up. Neither of these ever happened. The ride was exceptionally soft and the captains chairs made for a plush ride. We were now spoiled. It rode way better than i thought it was going too.
The only thing i had to get used to is the vehicles length. It's not a Wrangler, that's for sure!
It's funny the "sand box" appears camouflaged out on the trail..
Look at the trail from above..
The higher we climbed the more pine trees we started running into. We tested out the K40 CB antenna on the roof by whacking it many times. It held solid as we knew it would.
After climbing up Indian Truck trail from the I-15, we stopped for lunch at Main Divide. Main divide divides Orange County and Riverside county at the top of the mtn range. It runs from Corona to San Diego. Today saddleback would be closed , so we proceeded down south towards Ortega Highway.
The view of the Orange County side. Yep, that's the Pacific Ocean out there. Can't really tell with all the SoCal smog. It's a shame. We could barely make out Catalina Island if we looked close.
Shot of Saddleback. Right now the gate is closed due to the previous brush fires. Due to re-open in 2009.
Locked USFS gate.
After the lunch break we headed on our way.
Shot of lake Mathews in the distance.
Great views from up top. About 4,000 at this spot (not very high). The background would be Irvine, Foothill Ranch, Lake Forest area.
Lake Elsinore behind us. Yosh and Dixie having a good time.
James and Bryan taking some alternate routes in the Grand Cherokee. There are many that lead away from the main fire road then come back. Some get really tight and have some good ruts. We chose to keep to the main road this time.
Derrick in the Toyota Tacoma flexing through a section of trail.
Another Shot of James and Bryan in the Jeep
I had to play a little too. Dixie didn't mind.
Proceeding south on Main Divide.
After a few hours of dirt, we pulled into camp. Not a very primitive location, but i didn't mind. It was our first night camping in the new rig so it was perfect to get used to it and figure everything out.
First on the agenda after putting up the Penthouse was to air up. This took forever with the quickair 3. I think i need to re-evaluate the air pressure and/or compressor and possibly go back to c02. It too way too long and the compressor shut down twice from overheating.
James having no problems whatsover with his low buck Costco compressor that ran like a champ and finish long before ours.
Second order of business was to relax and crack open a cold one.
Dixie enjoyed trying to catch the bugs and eat them. Silly dog. I think she just got done eating one in this photo.
The "sand box" setup for overnight use with Penthouse deployed.
Indoor/outdoor stoves for multi-use portable cooking.
It was time to light the barbecue, and open up some real beer.
"This ones for you Mr. go anywhere Sportsmobile truck van 4x4!"
James mouth watering Tri-tip could be smelled throughout camp and was like torture until we cut into it. It was one of the most tender pieces of beef i've ever had. The 48 hour marinade made all the difference in the world.
Enjoying good friends and just relaxing away from it all.
3 of the things i love in life. Yosh, Dixie and the SMB. Im the luckiest guy in the world. I have a beautiful girl that loves to camp and a dog that loves to roll around in the dirt.
After a nice nights rest. We woke up and Yosh made a great breakfast before packing up and heading home.
Blueberry pancakes, eggs and bacon!
After a great relaxing breakfast.. we headed home with our stomach's filled. It was a great one nighter. We can't wait till we head out on a real trip. We hope it's soon too!