Another year, another annual trip, the same crew.
With how well our Death Valley Expedition did back in Winter of 2015, the same group has decided to make this a tradition, only a different destination every year. Having the time period set in the dead of winter, locations can be a tad difficult to plan, considering weather conditions and road/trail closures, but with a great crew able to improvise and roll with the punches, anywhere is possible. The usual suspects from last years group will be making this trip, but with a different trip leader this time, and also a different route and location.
With California's desert almost beaten to death, but also great to explore during the winter, we decided to look more coastal and green, and decided along California's coastline would be the ticket. Having a somewhat limited time line of days off from work, the end destination couldn't be too far, and even with a decent distance, the areas between our set-off point to our destination will be filled with sights to see and places to visit. After a few meetings and conversations, we decided on having Big Sur our furthest point and fill in the gaps either on the way up, or on the way down. A few landmarks that were brought up included Caliente Hot Springs, the usual but awesome Prewitt Ridge, Morro Bay/Pismo, Hearst Castle and of course, the miles of epically beautiful coastline that follows California's western edge. A few eatery spots were brought up as well, so we'll be sampling the local foods on our route.
Considering last years DVX15 trip, the way it was planned out called for mostly travel time as Death Valley is so vast. Hitting the campsites before sunset was ideal, but every night was a different campground so time on-trail was at a maximum. This included, depending on when you woke up, a quick teardown of camp and we're Oscar Mike. This really tested your current gear efficiencies and how well you cope with time management and organization. It was definitely an eye opener for a few of us, as we began to see the pros/cons of whatever gear we were using at the time and what would suit your style better. This time, we decided to change it up and stay a few nights at any given campsite along the way. Having doing so will not only let us wake up at a leisurely time, but allow us to explore the immediate areas and do a little hiking/trail running or mingle with the locals. It's definitely a change of pace, but we're always ready for whatever comes our way.
Weather is always a factor when planning out routes and destinations, especially during the winter time. Rain, snow, winds, and low visibility can plague an adventure but at the same time, give you the experience needed for the next time you encounter such elements. We're planning on rain and soft/muddy conditions and we're looking forward to it.
We have the trucks, we have the gear, we have the capabilities.. CCX16 will be this year's trip. Greener, wetter, and just as fun.
Stay tuned for more...
With how well our Death Valley Expedition did back in Winter of 2015, the same group has decided to make this a tradition, only a different destination every year. Having the time period set in the dead of winter, locations can be a tad difficult to plan, considering weather conditions and road/trail closures, but with a great crew able to improvise and roll with the punches, anywhere is possible. The usual suspects from last years group will be making this trip, but with a different trip leader this time, and also a different route and location.
With California's desert almost beaten to death, but also great to explore during the winter, we decided to look more coastal and green, and decided along California's coastline would be the ticket. Having a somewhat limited time line of days off from work, the end destination couldn't be too far, and even with a decent distance, the areas between our set-off point to our destination will be filled with sights to see and places to visit. After a few meetings and conversations, we decided on having Big Sur our furthest point and fill in the gaps either on the way up, or on the way down. A few landmarks that were brought up included Caliente Hot Springs, the usual but awesome Prewitt Ridge, Morro Bay/Pismo, Hearst Castle and of course, the miles of epically beautiful coastline that follows California's western edge. A few eatery spots were brought up as well, so we'll be sampling the local foods on our route.
Considering last years DVX15 trip, the way it was planned out called for mostly travel time as Death Valley is so vast. Hitting the campsites before sunset was ideal, but every night was a different campground so time on-trail was at a maximum. This included, depending on when you woke up, a quick teardown of camp and we're Oscar Mike. This really tested your current gear efficiencies and how well you cope with time management and organization. It was definitely an eye opener for a few of us, as we began to see the pros/cons of whatever gear we were using at the time and what would suit your style better. This time, we decided to change it up and stay a few nights at any given campsite along the way. Having doing so will not only let us wake up at a leisurely time, but allow us to explore the immediate areas and do a little hiking/trail running or mingle with the locals. It's definitely a change of pace, but we're always ready for whatever comes our way.
Weather is always a factor when planning out routes and destinations, especially during the winter time. Rain, snow, winds, and low visibility can plague an adventure but at the same time, give you the experience needed for the next time you encounter such elements. We're planning on rain and soft/muddy conditions and we're looking forward to it.
We have the trucks, we have the gear, we have the capabilities.. CCX16 will be this year's trip. Greener, wetter, and just as fun.
Stay tuned for more...
