Explorer 1
Explorer 1
Day 3
A month before I had explored the burn zone above Big Pine and was surprised on how well the bushes and wildflowers had started recovering the area.
Deep snow had hindered my travel so this time equipped with my best "snow runner" ATV's we were off again to see if we could gain access into Coyote Flats to check out the snow depth.
We chose to start our travel off the old County Road using the steep and narrow Warren Bench trail. While quite a challenge for a full size vehicle it was a blast on an ATV.
In no time we were enjoying views to our east of the Owens Valley and the Inyo Mountains. As we neared Sugar Loaf we could see large snow fields which would normally prohibited entrance.
Near the pass our dreams came true as we encountered continuous fields of snow ranging from 1 -5 feet deep. Firm enough for our ATV's to progress with a firm push on the throttle.
Driving along I would use my best estimate where the trail lie underneath the snow and was usually rewarded with a real close estimate when the snow field ended briefly.
As we descended into Coyote Flats the snow thinned enough for us to follow (more or less) the direction of the trail toward Baker Creek.
Several deep and long drifts were encountered as we turned west to follow the trail to it end at the campsite near the spring.
After lunch we headed over toward the trail to Coyote Lake. As we came near the lake junction after following the creek I was amazed at the depth and size of the snow fields. Our upward travel was finally stalled just above the Coyote Lakes junction. It was still a winter wonder land in late May.
Now late in the afternoon we headed back and I recalled a prior adventure when I traveled over deep snow in the morning only to find it had softened enough in the afternoon to no longer support my vehicles weight. If this were true this time we would have to spend the night in Coyote Flats and then try to climb our way out early the next morning.
I climbed a nearby mountain and made cell contact with my wife letting her knew she might not see us this evening. Then off we went struggling to stay on top of the drifts in the valley where it was level, What would be do when we had to climb several hundred feet to the pass????
I was having to get a running start and hold a fully open throttle to keep on top, my friend Rudi had a small engine and finally succumbed to a stall. We were so close to the top so it was decided that we would run along side of his ATV pushing and holding a fully open throttle with the hope that the extra 2 "manpower" would be enough. One really gets to feel how out of shape they are while running alongside a ATV up hill pushing at 10,000 ft elevation. Well we did make it and enjoyed a much earned rest catching our breath at the top.
The ride down was enjoyable and once again all too soon we were back again at the Tacoma. My friend Rudi best describes the day at the end of this video of him descending a hill on Warren bench.
Day 3 in the bag, what's next? :wings:
Thanks,
Fred
Explorer 1
A month before I had explored the burn zone above Big Pine and was surprised on how well the bushes and wildflowers had started recovering the area.
Deep snow had hindered my travel so this time equipped with my best "snow runner" ATV's we were off again to see if we could gain access into Coyote Flats to check out the snow depth.
We chose to start our travel off the old County Road using the steep and narrow Warren Bench trail. While quite a challenge for a full size vehicle it was a blast on an ATV.
In no time we were enjoying views to our east of the Owens Valley and the Inyo Mountains. As we neared Sugar Loaf we could see large snow fields which would normally prohibited entrance.
Near the pass our dreams came true as we encountered continuous fields of snow ranging from 1 -5 feet deep. Firm enough for our ATV's to progress with a firm push on the throttle.
Driving along I would use my best estimate where the trail lie underneath the snow and was usually rewarded with a real close estimate when the snow field ended briefly.
As we descended into Coyote Flats the snow thinned enough for us to follow (more or less) the direction of the trail toward Baker Creek.
Several deep and long drifts were encountered as we turned west to follow the trail to it end at the campsite near the spring.
After lunch we headed over toward the trail to Coyote Lake. As we came near the lake junction after following the creek I was amazed at the depth and size of the snow fields. Our upward travel was finally stalled just above the Coyote Lakes junction. It was still a winter wonder land in late May.
Now late in the afternoon we headed back and I recalled a prior adventure when I traveled over deep snow in the morning only to find it had softened enough in the afternoon to no longer support my vehicles weight. If this were true this time we would have to spend the night in Coyote Flats and then try to climb our way out early the next morning.
I climbed a nearby mountain and made cell contact with my wife letting her knew she might not see us this evening. Then off we went struggling to stay on top of the drifts in the valley where it was level, What would be do when we had to climb several hundred feet to the pass????
I was having to get a running start and hold a fully open throttle to keep on top, my friend Rudi had a small engine and finally succumbed to a stall. We were so close to the top so it was decided that we would run along side of his ATV pushing and holding a fully open throttle with the hope that the extra 2 "manpower" would be enough. One really gets to feel how out of shape they are while running alongside a ATV up hill pushing at 10,000 ft elevation. Well we did make it and enjoyed a much earned rest catching our breath at the top.
The ride down was enjoyable and once again all too soon we were back again at the Tacoma. My friend Rudi best describes the day at the end of this video of him descending a hill on Warren bench.
Day 3 in the bag, what's next? :wings:
Thanks,
Fred
Explorer 1
