2014 Desert Rendezvous: Official Thread

Are you attending the 2014 Desert Rendezvous?


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    109
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Since we know we're going to the DESERT...

Let's take a moment to educate ourselves on a very important member of our SoCal desert ecosystem - the desert tortoise.

DESERT TORTOISE INFORMATION

General ecology

Desert tortoises (Gopherus agassizii) occupy a wide variety of habitats in the United States. In California, tortoises generally occur in valleys, flat areas, fans, bajadas and washes below 4,000 feet in tree yucca (Joshua tree and Mojave yucca) communities, creosote bush and saltbush scrub habitats, and in some ocotillo-creosote habitats. They occupy a wide variety of soil types, ranging from sand dunes to rocky hillsides, and from caliche caves in washes to sandy soils and desert pavements. Tortoises must have suitable soils and terrain for constructing a burrow and must have adequate annual and perennial plants in the spring and/or summer for forage.
In general, tortoises hibernate from October through February and are underground in burrows during that time. On warm, sunny days an occasional animal may be found near the mouth of its burrow in late fall or winter. In the Mojave and Colorado deserts, the prime activity period is late winter and spring, from mid to late March through May. In early spring, tortoises are out from mid-morning to mid-afternoon, during the warm part of the day. As air temperatures rise, tortoises emerge from burrows earlier and retreat earlier.

Tortoise populations have been declining in many areas for decades because of collecting, vandalism, loss of habitat, and disease. Government agencies have recognized the problems facing this species for many years. In June of 1989 the California Fish and Game Commission listed the tortoise as a threatened species under the California Endangered Species Act, 50 years after the first protective legislation. On April 2, 1990, the US Fish and Wildlife Service determined the Mojave population of the desert tortoise to be threatened (55 FR 12178). Reasons for the determination included significant population declines, loss of habitat from construction projects, and conversion of native habitat to agriculture. Livestock grazing and off-highway vehicle (OHV) activity have degraded additional habitat. Other threats include illegal collection by humans for pets or consumption, upper respiratory tract disease (URTD), predation on juvenile desert tortoises by predators, fire, and collisions with vehicles on paved and unpaved roads.

When you are hiking, camping, or having a picnic in the desert, you might see tortoises. The list of DO'S and DON'TS will increase enjoyment of the desert and at the same time protect the tortoise.

DO'S
Enjoy the tortoise at a distance with binoculars, respecting that it is a wild animal. By keeping a distance, you will reduce stress to the tortoise. When a tortoise is frightened by an approaching person, it may release the contents of its bladder. Tortoises store water in the bladder and can reabsorb it during dry seasons. The loss of water can place the tortoise under unnecessary stress or contribute to early death.
If you remain still and quiet, the tortoise may approach you and rest in your shade.
Check under your car before driving away. Often a tortoise will seek the shade of a car and be next to the wheels.
Be careful around tortoise burrows. The roof can be very thin near the opening and it is possible for you to trample the burrow, tortoise, or any nests. Do not walk on or near the burrow opening.
During summer and fall thunder showers, drive slowly on desert roads, especially the dirt and paved roads with little traffic. During rain storms, tortoises can be quite active and come to roads to drink the pooled water.
Follow the rules for the area: drive only on designated roads, camp in appropriate areas, be careful with fire, and take your trash out with you.

DON'T'S
Please do not handle the tortoises. State and Federal laws prohibit touching, handling or any type of harassment. Handling may also harm the tortoises because they may release the contents of their bladders.
Do not move close to photograph the tortoise with your camera, but instead use a telephoto lens.
Do not try to "pose" a tortoise for a picture. If you approach too closely, you might frighten or stress the tortoise.
Do not pull tortoises out of burrows or cover sites.
Do not drive off-road, unless you are in a designated open area.
Do not let your dogs run unsupervised in desert tortoise habitat.
Do not damage or remove desert vegetation or other features.
Do not release any tortoises into the desert.
Do not move tortoises from one place to another.

For more information on desert tortoise:
http://www.mojavedata.gov/deserttortoise_gov/

If you have a smartphone, you can download the free Mojave Desert Tortoise App from the iTunes store to submit your findings of this rare species and learn interesting facts as well.
 
Had a great time last year ! Count me in

This is the official 2013 DRV RSVP list.

To RSVP for the event, please VOTE in the poll (top of this thread) and POST here saying you are coming. Then one of the staff will add you to the list. If plans change and you can not attend, please let us know so someone else can have your spot.


1. Dave
2. Trump
3. Mike
4. Mitch
5. Rocket-Scientist
6. BlkWgn
7. stm2727
8. Jeremy2013
9. David Croyle
10. Tacoma
11. RoamingRoberstons
12. shakotankei
13. Borrego60
14. barlowrs
15. alwalter
16. Guri
17. mtngote
18. woody
19. poriggity
20. TemboTusk
21. offero
22. ventura911
23. 1leg
24. BorregoWrangler
25. PhxTaco
26. taugust
27. Jr Explorer
28. BWidget
29. brentbba
30. glamisdude
31. brianblair
32. brian90744
33. chevurai
34. Baja95
35. TeamBallsOut
36. thatsalexus?
37. KTMRIDER
38. sbwrench
39. Dice
40. pray4surf
41. jjstahl3
42. FJRanger
42. raymondmom
44. Ocaa
45. ntsqd
46. MotoDave
47. Herbie
48. wc6glenn
49. VDBAZFJ
50. Blarney
51. camapper
52. Raul B
53. DragonX
54. Gear
55. steve c
56. eugenehejeeper
57. socal80
58. overlandnomads
59. Tom123
60. Brent Haywood
61. dbflesher65
62. gfiero
63. Cirrus
64. JohnGalt
65. bob91yj
66. blupaddler
67. clcoyle
68. Graybeard
69. travis.diller
70. Fordguy
71. brubar79
72. MINO
73. Ca51flatty
74. J.P.Seldom
75. analogtraveler
76. chickadee
77. John Nelson
78. Littlebill86
79. billk263
80. bmw635
81. TD64
82. Dan2722
83. Mattafact
84. xbox73
85. soc.diver
86. ethernectar
87. yodaTEQ
88.
89.
90.
91.
92.
93.
94.
95.
96.
97.
98.
99.
100.

There are 100 RSVP slots for this event at this time.

*Rules subject to change at any time without prior notification. Offer void where prohibited. Some restrictions apply. Offer not valid in IL, HI, Kenya or the District of Columbia. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead is purely coincidental. May be too intense for some. For recreational use only. No user-serviceable parts inside. Subject to change on a whim. Times approximate. Simulated pictures. Posting a reply constitutes agreement. For off-road use only. Not politically correct. As seen on TV. One size fits all. Contains a substantial amount of non-tobacco ingredients. Colors may, in time, fade. For outdoor use only. Not affiliated with Mordor or the Empire. List was current at time of printing. Not responsible for direct, indirect, incidental or consequential damages resulting from any defect, error or failure to perform. Falling rock. Deep sand. Possible carnage. Must be present to win. Your check stub is your receipt. Avoid contact with skin. Sanitized for your protection. Sign here without admitting guilt. Slightly higher east of the Mississippi. Staff and their families are not eligible. Beware of dog. Beware of kid. Limited time offer, call now to ensure prompt delay. You must be present to lose. No passes accepted for this engagement. No purchase necessary. No swag without proper RSVP. Shading within a garment may occur. Keep away from fire or flames. Approved for veterans. Check here if tax deductible. Liberals attend event at extreme risk of shattered stereotypes and fun. Some equipment shown is optional. Price does not include taxes. No Canadian coins. No Mexican coins. No Baht or Won. No solicitors. No banthas. No anchovies unless otherwise specified. First pull up, then pull down. Some of the trademarks mentioned in this product appear for identification purposes only. AAV is a registered trademark of AAV. Do not fold, spindle or mutilate. No transfers issued until the Sportsmobile comes to a complete stop. Your mileage may vary. This article does not reflect the thoughts or opinions of either myself, my company, my friends, or my dog. Don't quote me on that. Don't quote me on anything. All rights reserved. You may distribute this article freely but you may not make a profit from it. Terms are subject to change without notice. Illustrations are slightly enlarged to show detail. Do not remove this disclaimer under penalty of law. For a limited time only. This article is void where prohibited, taxed, or otherwise restricted. Use of this article in a manner not in conformance with labeling may be a violation of Federal, State, or Local Laws, Statutes, or Regulations and may or may not subject the user to maximum enforcement under these laws, statutes, or regulations. Caveat emptor. Event is provided "as is" without any warranties. Reader assumes full responsibility. Quantities are limited while supplies last. If any defects are discovered, too bad. Read at your own risk. Limit one-per-family please. No money down. No purchase necessary. Offer valid only at participating sites. Slightly higher west of the Rockies. Allow four to six weeks for delivery. Maybe. Disclaimer does not cover misuse, accident, lightning, flood, tornado, tsunami, volcanic eruption, earthquake, hurricanes and other Acts of God, neglect, damage from incorrect line voltage, improper or unauthorized tinkering, broken antenna or marred paint, missing or altered sheetmetal, electromagnetic radiation from nuclear blasts, sonic boom vibrations, customer modifications that are not covered in this list, and incidents owing to an airplane crash, ship sinking or taking on water, motor vehicle crashing, dropping off a cliff, falling rocks, leaky roof, broken glass, mud slides, fire, or projectile (which can include, but not be limited to, arrows, bullets, buckshot, BB's, shrapnel, lasers, napalm, torpedoes, emissions of X-rays, Alpha, Beta and Gamma rays, knives, stones, dung, etc.). This message approved by the Rendezvous Conspiracy. Other restrictions may apply.

This supersedes all previous notices.

;)
 
A quick reminder about our small print:

*Rules subject to change at any time without prior notification. Offer void where prohibited. Some restrictions apply. Offer not valid in IL, HI, Kenya or the District of Columbia. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead is purely coincidental. May be too intense for some. For recreational use only. No user-serviceable parts inside. Subject to change on a whim. Times approximate. Simulated pictures. Posting a reply constitutes agreement. For off-highway use only. Not politically correct. Not as seen on TV. One size fits all. Contains a substantial amount of non-tobacco ingredients. Colors may, in time, fade. For outdoor use only. List was current at time of printing. Not responsible for direct, indirect, incidental or consequential damages resulting from any defect, error or failure to perform. Falling rock. Deep sand. Possible carnage. Must be present to win. Your check stub is your receipt. Avoid contact with skin. Sanitized for your protection. Sign here without admitting guilt. Slightly higher east of the Mississippi. Staff and their families are not eligible. Beware of dog. Beware of kid. Limited time offer, call now to ensure prompt delay. You must be present to lose. No passes accepted for this engagement. No purchase necessary. No swag without proper RSVP. Shading within a garment may occur. Keep away from fire or flames. Approved for veterans. Check here if tax deductible. Liberals attend event at extreme risk of shattered stereotypes and fun. Some equipment shown is optional. Price does not include taxes. No Canadian coins. No Mexican coins. No Baht or Won. No solicitors. No banthas. No anchovies unless otherwise specified. First pull up, then pull down. Some of the trademarks mentioned in this product appear for identification purposes only. AAV is a registered trademark of AAV. Do not fold, spindle or mutilate. No transfers issued until the Sportsmobile comes to a complete stop. Your mileage may vary. This article does not reflect the thoughts or opinions of either myself, my company, my friends, or my dog. Don't quote me on that. Don't quote me on anything. All rights reserved. You may distribute this article freely but you may not make a profit from it. Terms are subject to change without notice. Illustrations are slightly enlarged to show detail. Do not remove this disclaimer under penalty of law. For a limited time only. This article is void where prohibited, taxed, or otherwise restricted. Use of this article in a manner not in conformance with labeling may be a violation of Federal, State, or Local Laws, Statutes, or Regulations and may or may not subject the user to maximum enforcement under these laws, statutes, or regulations. Caveat emptor. Event is provided "as is" without any warranties. Reader assumes full responsibility. Quantities are limited while supplies last. If any defects are discovered, too bad. Read at your own risk. Limit one-per-family please. No money down. No purchase necessary. Offer valid only at participating sites. Slightly higher west of the Rockies. Allow four to six weeks for delivery. Maybe. Not affiliated with Mordor or the Empire. Sometimes. Disclaimer does not cover misuse, accident, lightning, flood, tornado, tsunami, volcanic eruption, earthquake, hurricanes and other Acts of God, neglect, damage from incorrect line voltage, improper or unauthorized tinkering, broken antenna or marred paint, missing or altered sheetmetal, electromagnetic radiation from nuclear blasts, sonic boom vibrations, customer modifications that are not covered in this list, and incidents owing to an airplane crash, ship sinking or taking on water, motor vehicle crashing, dropping off a cliff, falling rocks, leaky roof, broken glass, mud slides, fire, or projectile (which can include, but not be limited to, arrows, bullets, buckshot, BB's, shrapnel, lasers, napalm, torpedoes, emissions of X-rays, Alpha, Beta and Gamma rays, knives, stones, dung, spitballs etc.). BS Certification may be required for acceptance at some campsites. Affiliated with a bunch of ARSES and Country Fried Mofos. This message approved by the Rendezvous Conspiracy. Other restrictions may apply.

This supersedes all previous notices.

;)
 
Adventure Trailers and Equipt Outfitters will be there with bells on! We're bringing a fully kitted Chaser trailer, JK Habitat and the Equipt 4Runner. See you there!
 
Adventure Trailers and Equipt Outfitters will be there with bells on! We're bringing a fully kitted Chaser trailer, JK Habitat and the Equipt 4Runner. See you there!

Awesome, looking forward to seeing you guys. Welcome to AAV!

:independence
 
A big thank you to our supporters!

BIG thanks to all our supporters who not only share our vision by supporting the event but who actually attend. Many of these folks will be there again this year, stop by and say hi!

Click to visit their website!

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SNOW PEAK


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TEMBO TUSK


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ADVENTURE TRAILERS


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TRIPLE AUGHT DESIGN


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URSA MINOR VEHICLES


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EQUIPT EXPEDITION OUTFITTERS


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ALLPRO

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SPORTSMOBILE

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FRONT RUNNER OUTFITTERS

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ENERGY SUSPENSION

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IRON PIG OFFROAD


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2014 OVERLAND EXPO


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URSA MINOR VEHICLES
 
Many of these folks will be there again this year, stop by and say hi!

More important than saying hi, go to their websites and buy something to say thanks for supporting the community. Even if it is just something small
 
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